Moving up from the C2500 - opinions?

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Try to get a home demo and report back your comparison findings.

Yep will do - that’s the plan at least...

[jbaudio68]

I had Ref 5SE with 2301s. Sounded great but had significant probs when trying to add subs so ended up replacing with 2500 then c500p which has been a really nice combo. Stay Ref or stay MC on pre/amp components I say. Been interested in c1100 but have other priorities at the moment.

[4music]

I have MC1201, B&W 800 D2 paired with NAT Magnetic pre-amp. Very satisfied how it all works together.

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by jbaudio68

I had Ref 5SE with 2301s. Sounded great but had significant probs when trying to add subs so ended up replacing with 2500 then c500p which has been a really nice combo. Stay Ref or stay MC on pre/amp components I say. Been interested in c1100 but have other priorities at the moment.

From what I’ve read the Mac and Ref would probably be my best options - I’ve only thrown the Ref in there as a number of people have been really impressed by this combo. I’m hoping however that the Mac wins in the sense that I’ll keep the green machine consistent...

Thanks for the comments

[robd2]

Something to think about. Here in the states, the Luxman 900 is not much more expensive than the c1100. The Luxman is a step above most preamps.

[Levitator]

I’m not sure my dealer has this option but will check - thanks for the thoughts...

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Hi guys

I’m contemplating a move up from my C2500 pre-amp which feeds into my two MC 1.2Kw power amps. I don’t use the DAC in the C2500 as my K-01x is vastly superior...

My speakers are the new B&W800 D3’s which I absolutely love! I’m feeling that my pre-amp is probably the weakest link in the chain so the obvious next step is the C1100. I’ve also read that others have had success using a Ref 5 or 6 pre amp with McIntosh power amps but the preference would probably be to stick with the green machine (ala McIntosh).

I’m interested in hearing from others that may have moved up the McIntosh pre amp chain (or even gone from a C2500 to C1100) and what sort of a difference they’ve experienced...

Thanks!

I moved from a C2300 to C500T to C1100. Each move represented a significant upgrade in quality. The C1100 made the biggest improvement of all. It’s incredibly quiet and the soundstage is very deep and wide.

[Levitator]

Thanks for the post - out of interest is there a preferred approach to setting up the two units (ie side by side or stacked)? Most of the pictures seem to show stacked on top of each other but space could be an enemy for me...

[Lockheed Martin]

With C1100 you will get: bigger sound stage, a lot of details, more natural sound, more focus on vocals.

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by Lockheed Martin

With C1100 you will get: bigger sound stage, a lot of details, more natural sound, more focus on vocals.

All the good stuff! Certainly plenty of positive support for the C1100...

Thanks