McIntosh: Headphone Amp options C2500 | MHA100 | MXA70

[Golucid]

I have the McIntosh C2500, MHA100, MXA70. If you had a choice, what would you believe performs best as a headphone amp?

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I have the McIntosh C2500, MHA100, MXA70. If you had a choice, what would you believe performs best as a headphone amp?

I have the C2300, the predecessor to the C2500. I don't use the headphone jack all that much, but it does a good job with my Sennheiser HD650's. I'd imagine the C2500 is similar if not the same.

I only heard the MHA100 once for a short time, with different headphones (I can't recall what they were) and unknown material - it sounded great.

I'd think the MHA100 would have the best sound since it's primary function is after all a headphone amp. It has the autoformers and several impedance settings to match your headphones. Plus, it has gobs of power to drive nearly any cans.

My opinion....If you listen to headphones occasionally, like I do, and your C2500 drives your cans and sounds good, save your cash. If you listen to them routinely and critically, maybe the MHA100 is worth the added expense.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

My opinion....If you listen to headphones occasionally, like I do, and your C2500 drives your cans and sounds good, save your cash. If you listen to them routinely and critically, maybe the MHA100 is worth the added expense.

I have all three units and I need to pick one. I have too much stuff now.

I decided I don't want to use the C2500 for my second system. I want another C1000 setup.

The C2500 is a gorgeous piece and by far larger. Sometimes when I travel around, I'll take the MHA plus my McIntosh headphones with me. A tad heavy but nice to bring a McIntosh around with you.

[nalthien]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I decided I don't want to use the C2500 for my second system. I want another C1000 setup.

Not that I can fault someone for going flagship over the C2500; but, I'm curious as to what you found lacking in the C2500? I'm looking to pick up a C2500 or C2300 (trying to decide if I can deal with an integrated DAC) so I'm always looking for opinions!

As far as your initial question: it sounds like the C2500 isn't really an option for you headphones-wise. And you're getting great utility from the MHA100 if you're willing to travel with it. I doubt you're going to get *better* performance from the MXA70 than you're getting from the MHA100--so I'd stick with that!

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I have all three units and I need to pick one.

Plus 6 MC2301's!? When I die, I want to come back to this world as you or Ivan!

Seriously though, I'd sit and give them all a good listen one night and let your ears decide. You might even find one amp sounds better with one particular pair of headphones while the rest sound similar or the same. In any case, it should be a fun exercise and an excuse to listen to some music.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by nalthien

I'm curious as to what you found lacking in the C2500?

I found zero flaws with the C2500. The decision to move to the C1000 was largely influenced by Dan and Ivan. These references pieces offer a whole new level of listening and come at a price. Even so, the C2500 is IMHO a pleasure to listen too. I never had a complaint!

[nalthien]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I found no with the C2500. The decision to move to the C1000 was largely influenced by Dan and Ivan. These references pieces offer a whole new level of listening and come at a price. Even so, the C2500 is IMHO flawless. I never had a complaint!

Makes sense. I'd love to get a C1000 setup; but, it's just way out of my budget space! I've heard nothing but good things about the C2300; I've heard bits and pieces of people having minor issues with the C2500; hence, my curiosity.

[Golucid]

Originally Posted by nalthien

Makes sense. I'd love to get a C1000 setup; but, it's just way out of my budget space! I've heard nothing but good things about the C2300; I've heard bits and pieces of people having minor issues with the C2500; hence, my curiosity.

I've not had an issue in the time that I used the C2500, 1 year. Maybe I got lucky!

[nalthien]

Originally Posted by Golucid

I've not had an issue in the time that I used the C2500, 1 year. Maybe I got lucky!

Eh, I doubt it; I'm sure far more people haven't had problems than those who have.

Let us know where you end up on the headphone choice--I really think the MHA100 is worth keeping given your travel use.

[4N6]

Love my MHA100. Better headphone amp than my C2300, in sound quality and ability to drive more types of headphones.