Another MC275 or upgrade C2300

[Ricpan]

Getting the upgrade bug. Running bi-amped JBL 4345s four way speakers with MC275VI upper and MC2500 Lower. High frez. sensitivity for the 4345s is rated at 98db. Have a C2300 preamp. Thinking on getting a second MC275VI and run mono to the high frez. ( mid, upper and ultra high frez.) drivers of each speaker or upgrade the pre to a C500 or C1000. What do you guys think?

[W9TR]

@ 98 dB efficiency I'm guessing your MC 275 is loafing along. Adding another might not make a big difference.

I've owned the C2300, C500T, and C1100. The C500T is a significant upgrade to the C 2300. It is quieter and very dynamic. The phono preamp is also much better.

Tom

[Ricpan]

Thanks Tom I'm I think you may be right.

[Formerly YB-2]

In my system, a single MC275V provided better sound than a pair running as monoblocks. However, what did sound better was a pair of the reissue MC75 monoblocks. Think having a single pair of output tubes per channel in the P-P configuration provides the best sonics. YMMV.

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by Ricpan

Getting the upgrade bug. ............or upgrade the pre to a C500 or C1000. What do you guys think?

As others have stated, in your case, upgrading to a 2 box McIntosh preamp would reap the greatest benefit.

Best Sir,

Bob

[tweet]

My experience is similar to Glenn's. I purchased new Tannoy Canterbury GR's (96 db sensitivity) last year and had planned to go with MC275 VI's. I had a pair for about a month but my dealer suggested that I try the latest MC75's. Fascinating that he would recommend amps that cost less. Anyway, I returned the MC275s and now have MC75s. In my setup, the MC75s sound more dynamic with a better grip on the big 15" drivers than the MC275s. They can drive the Canterbury's to extreme levels with no loss of detail or hint of strain. They have a beautiful midrange that can melt you in your chair. Paired with Canterbury's, they can make Melody Gardot, grand piano's and full blown instrumentals magically appear in my room. That said, I still prefer my MC601s. Canterbury GR's are capable of astonishing dynamics and the MC601s delivers that and more with no loss of the magic. Low level listening with the Canterbury/MC601 combo is sublime. After several listening sessions and much thought, I plan to swap my beloved C2300 for the C1100C/T and keep the MC601s. It's the most thrilling, life-like and best overall sound I've ever had in my home but the C1100 seems to be on another level. The only way to find out is to get one in my room. The preamp upgrade may provide the most benefit on your big JBL 4345s as well.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I've owned the C2300, C500T, and C1100. The C500T is a significant upgrade to the C 2300. It is quieter and very dynamic. The phono preamp is also much better.

I agree with Tom and Bob. I also have owned C2300, C500T, C500P, and now C1100. The C500 is a significant leap over the C2300. The 2300 is a great preamp but when I swapped it for the C500T it was obviously superior.


Jason

[John Jordan]

Another vote for the MC 75's here! I have considered replacing the MC 275 on the lows for another pair of MC 75's. My dealer feels (concurring with others here) a two box pre amp would be a better improvement. Either the C1100 or a used 500T. At some point, I need to take a ride and have a listen to both against my C2500.

Tom (W9TR) and Jason (j3brow) you mention a significant difference going from the 2300 to the 500T. Was there also a significant difference between 500T and 1100?

Thanks!

[PMCH]

Terry, I preferred the MC601's to mono MC275. I replaced my C2300 with a C1100 and also thought it was a real upgrade.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

Tom (W9TR) and Jason (j3brow) you mention a significant difference going from the 2300 to the 500T. Was there also a significant difference between 500T and 1100?

Thanks!

John,

It was a year between systems for me when the C500 went out and the C1100 came in along with a complete re-build. Almost impossible for me to quantify the improvement of the C1100 over the C500T.


Jason