C50 or C2700

[mat.1]

Do you think C50 is good enough comparing with C2700 for line level only.
I will be using external DAC.
Because I have a good deal on C50, and there is no stock for C2700 right now in my place.

[miketuason]

Is your external DAC better then the one in the C2700?

[mat.1]

I don’t know .
I am using chord Hugo TT2 for DAC

[IM3CPO]

Hmmm... Thats a tough call. I have a C50 and a C2600 and also use an external DAC. For me personally, the C2600 sounds better. The easiest way for me to describe the difference is the C2600 takes off a little harshness on the higher frequency range (especially at high listening levels) when compared to the C50. So if the C2700 is within your price range I would say its worth paying for. If its a stretch, then going the route of the C50 is going to get you within 95% of the C2700 (also note I have never heard a C2700, so I am basing this off assumption compared to the C2600).

[mat.1]

Thanks,
I can get the c50 almost half the price of the c2700.
The price is very tempting to go to C50 , make me confuse .

[Bob Bubeck]

The C2500 sounds better (more musical) than the C50 and a C2700 is decidedly improved over either. It takes a few months of 'burn in' for the C2700 to hit its stride, but when it does the sound is remarkable for a one chassis preamp in that price range. If you can be patient and swing the extra bucks, the C2700 is worth it. YMMV.

Happy listening.

Bob
_____________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9”; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic.

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by mat.1

Thanks,
I can get the c50 almost half the price of the c2700.
The price is very tempting to go to C50 , make me confuse .

Sounds like you consider the C50 a compromise to the C2700. I am not sure but I would always take the tube preamp. You could probably get most of your money back out of the C50 when you finally get what you really want but it will be a hassle. My “general “ rule is the cheapest path is getting what you want from the start.

Good luck.

[jayvis1]

I'm not a tube fanatic, so the easy decision would be the C50 for me. I've never been able to distinguish much difference in sound quality between tube and solid state McIntosh preamps.