C2300 and C1000P phono stages

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

When Dan or whoelse will come, let me know, I live 10 mn from Jérôme...

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

And tonight we've got Bourgogne Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru AND Bordeaux Pavillon Blanc (2nd wine from Château Margaux!) both from 2004....and Bordeaux Château La Lagune 2001 ending with french Cheeses.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by gregswaim

Hi Dan.
The phono stages in those preamps are very limited in more ways than one. You have fewer choices for pickups as the there are no options for different loads. A serious vinyl person does not want to settle for only ONE setting for MM or MC pickups
A dedicated phono stage with it's own power supply, variable load selections, quality of construction, are only a few reasons for a separate phono stage.
And you're correct regarding a good vinyl playback going beyond only a LP12/tonearm/pickup -a really good dedicated phono stage is also needed.

Greg.......I beg to differ with you. The phono stage in the the C1000P/T, as well as the C500P/T, and the C2300 are far from "very limited". In fact, both the MM and MC phono stages outperform many respected external phono preamps, and offer some unique features unavailable in many, including the new EAR model that I believe you have an interest in.

You are incorrect with regard to loading options for MM and MC cartridges. The C1000, C500, and C2300 have adjustment capablilties for the MM capacitance load values from 50 pf to 750 pf in 50 pf increments at 47 k ohms. The MC resistance load values are adjustable from 50 ohms to 1000 ohms in six increments at 100 pf. What is even more unique is the three preamps allow all of these adjustments to be made using the remote control while seated in your favorite listening spot. This feature alone is highly desirable, since your are able to make immediate comparisons of a cartridge's sound from the sweet spot as you remotely select different loading values while listening.

I can appreciate your enthusiasm for the equipment necessary for superior vinyl playback, and understand having a differing opinion. There are many fine external phono preamps available from any number of manufacturers, some being absolute state of the art. I am simply suggesting that you not be so quick to dismiss as inferior the very fine MM and MC phono stages in the C1000P/T, which you don't seem to know much about. McIntosh did their homework.

[KMC45]

I've found great flexibility, and ease of use, with the phono stage in the C1000.