Swapped my D100 for a C2500

[Mlfan]

Originally Posted by AM123

. Lol. Try a c2500.

Hifi hobby is all about one's system preferences as well as personal taste for good sound. I am glad you have the newer model and happen to be the best sounding to you is just fine and congrat.... I have the older but sounds right to my taste. It is nothing wrong doing on our own choices for sure.

You surely missed Dan's point in his words. I think Dan and I never said that the newer model isn't worth for investment nor simply asking new potential buyers which to choose. To someone the mc2500 is a step up model for better sounding and being convenience as one box for all, however it does not mean the new feature or so called improved sound would ever please us at all time, and nothing wrong to stay with our beloved model in which it happen to be our right gear. So your words for backing up or met resistance isn't really necessarily. We all enjoy our own choices. It is all about personal preferences. Cheers !

[Mlfan]

For those of us who has not been upgrading to mc2500 is most likely due to the onboard DAC. I have a stand alone more pricey D/A which I have been really enjoying at the moment. I believe that was the point Dan has expressed himself at the very first.

Had the mc2500 without the built in DAC, I would have been thinking for an upgrade. I kinda like the top glass window that closes to the front for easy viewing to the tubes regardless it sounds better or not.

[jdandy]

Pat.......Thanks. It is human nature to believe your newest purchase is better, sounds better, performs better, or whatever than a previous product. The whole concept is fostered and promoted by manufacturers to promote sales. I can't blame anyone for thinking their new C2500 is the best. I would not own one due to the internal DAC, but that doesn't mean new owners of the C2500 aren't overjoyed with their purchase. I have never tried to reduce anyone's enthusiasm for their gear. I am happy when other audio enthusiasts are happy with their systems, but I still have no problem offering my personal opinions on audio components. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one.

[Mlfan]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Pat.......Thanks. It is human nature to believe your newest purchase is better, sounds better, performs better, or whatever than a previous product. The whole concept is fostered and promoted by manufacturers to promote sales. I can't blame anyone for thinking their new C2500 is the best. I would not own one due to the internal DAC, but that doesn't mean new owners of the C2500 aren't overjoyed with their purchase. I have never tried to reduce anyone's enthusiasm for their gear. I am happy when other audio enthusiasts are happy with their systems, but I still have no problem offering my personal opinions on audio components. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one.

Dan,

I agreed and that is what I meant. Not to mention you are currently the flagship c1000 owner, then the new mc2500 may not benefit you much in term of sonic while other new owners of this step up model no doubt is the best choice and worthwhile to own.

[dcanlas]

I am a happy owner of the new C2500! It is a definite upgrade to C2300 and with its MM/MC input and DAC capability, it's a bargain for $6500.

[Mlfan]

It is true that the mc2500 is a bargain and good upgrade. It offers additional feature and conveniences or somehow sonic improvement over those earlier models. I am happy to hear 2500 owners are enjoying their new purchase. So am I with the earlier model without the Dac that cost less but sounds great to me too.

[Rick U]

I didn't buy the 2500 for the dac. I bought because I needed a good preamp that has synergy with my system. I fully intend to buy a better separate dac someday. The idea that the 2500 has one built-in that can get me by till then provides a good upgrade path and a good value. The 2500 sounds better than the D100 (as a pre) because of it's whole package. All that matters is it improved my overall system a few notch's and when I'm ready for a truley great dac, I'll get one. Right now the dac I want is really expensive. I'm hoping more competition in the dac market will bring out more products and lower prices. Until then, I'll enjoy the upgrade. I don't get why this turns into a 2300 vs 2500 thing. If I had a 2300 I would not upgrade just for the dac alone. If someone has a 2300 wouldn't they necessarily already have a dac? All I'm saying is the 2500 with the built-in dac sounds better than I expected.

[junker]

[AM123]

Originally Posted by jdandy

AM123.......You missed my point.

You already know where I stand on preamps with internal DAC's. I like what I own just fine.

I know. I am just teasing.

[AM123]

For all people looking at the C2500. When you look at the front of the unit, you have no idea there is a dac in there. It is not labelled. Which I think was a great move by Mcintosh.

The DAC is contained in a separate area shielded from the analog section.

Through the screen you can turn off the dac inputs and you would have zero idea that there is a dac in there.

All I listen to is the analog portion of the unit 95% of the time. It is great and just as others mentioned, the DAC in the C2500 beats others I have owned (Rega DAC). Although I would like to put it head to head with the DAC in the MCD1100. Anyone able to do that?

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/Assets/I..._Front_Top.jpg