C1100 owners- paired with Tubes or SS?

[VicsVinyls]

Originally Posted by Azbiker

I have my C1100 paired with two 1.2KW's.

I listened extensively to the c1100 paired with them, the 601's, and the 2301's. Personally, and I emphasize personally, I preferred the 1.2KW's.

All beautiful amps.
Do you have an opinion on how it sounded b/w the SS and the Tubes?
What made you go with the 1.2KW's over the 601's?
I know its hard to put into words but any input would be great.

[VicsVinyls]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Since you asked, I had a C1100 paired with tube amps -- MC2301's. If I wasn't inflicted with upgradeitis, it would still be in the rack. It's a fabulous preamplifier --

I no longer own the C1100 and the marketplace will yield info about the amps.

Best Sir,

Bob

Thanks for the input.
Can't wait to see what your new preamp is.
Im not sure what your inferring about the market place but I will take a look.
Maybe certain amps are always for sale and some aren't?

[PMCH]

I found that I preferred the MC601's over 2 MC275's when I had them but only by the slightest margin. If I didn't compare them at exactly the same time, I would have been happy with either. I am still trying to decide if I want to purchase and compare the MC2301's vs my MC601's.

[VicsVinyls]

Originally Posted by W9TR

The C1100 doesn't sound very much like a tube preamp to me. It's just scary quiet, dynamic, and very clean.

I think it will pair equally well with SS or tube amps.

I think you have to be careful when pairing tube amps with speakers - not all those matches are made in heaven. The MC 2301 can drive pretty much anything though.

Several years ago I did a review of the then current McIntosh tube amps on this forum.

http://www.audioaficionado.org/showt...522#post282522

Having owned the MC 275V, MC 2301, and 601; the 2301 and 601 are very similar, with the 275V sounding very different from them.

Enjoy the journey!

Tom

Thanks for the link! Great info. The MC 275's are trying to seduce me but I just have this voice in the back of my mind that is telling me just go all the way and skip the upgrade phase. Right now I am leaning toward the 601's or the 2301's. Need to get my ears to work.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by VicsVinyls

Im not sure what your inferring about the market place but I will take a look.

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Best Sir,

Bob

[John Jordan]

Vic-

If you are considering the MC275, I strongly encourage you to listen to the MC 75 mono blocks.

[VicsVinyls]

Originally Posted by PMCH

I found that I preferred the MC601's over 2 MC275's when I had them but only by the slightest margin. If I didn't compare them at exactly the same time, I would have been happy with either. I am still trying to decide if I want to purchase and compare the MC2301's vs my MC601's.

Ha. This would be a big help to me too! Do it.

[VicsVinyls]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

Vic-

If you are considering the MC275, I strongly encourage you to listen to the MC 75 mono blocks.

Thanks for the input.
If I go that route I was planning on two MC275's on mono.
I figure I could use the power.

[briweed]

You might as well buy the MC2301's for sale in the marketplace if you are looking at the MC275's (dual mono). Not much more money and a whole lot better...

B

[crwilli]

I have had MC275VI amps run in Mono and now the 2301s on my Strads and there is more of everything with the big boys. Better dynamics, air and separation.

But I have to disagree with Briweed, even at used prices (~$15,000) they are significantly more expensive than two used MC275VI (~$8500).