C500T change to the new C2700?

[JBT]

Mcintosh c70

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAy4fX1hmwU

[beowulf]

Originally Posted by JBT

Mcintosh c70

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAy4fX1hmwU

Nice post! The C70 is another great looking piece of kit.


I don't think you could go wrong with any choice listed here. 1st world choices really.


Though there's no denying the C2700 is the king of functionality when it comes to tube amps with all it's features and now that the DAC module is replaceable it seems way more likely to retain its digital relevance over the years.


Another good video here with a C2700/C70 comparison.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by beowulf

Another good video here with a C2700/C70 comparison.

+1

[beowulf]

C500 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.05% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level, 93dB
Phono, 80dB

C2700 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,100dB
Phono, MM 82dB, MC 80dB

C70 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,100dB
Phono, MM 75dB, MC 75dB

C1100 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.005%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,107dB
Phono, MM 77dB, MC 79dB

-------------------------

The C500 is still holding its own spec wise and better in some instances, with the C2700 slightly edging out the C70 when it comes to the phono section and of course the C1100 speaks for itself as the overall winner here. Still all the units' specifications are outstanding!

According to the video I posted earlier in comparison to the C70 and C2700; it seems as if the consensus was that the C70 was more blooming, big an airy, whereas the C2700 was more dynamic, focused and modern sounding in comparison. So mostly a matter of taste and listening preferences.

If you're lucky enough to own any of these, you just can't go wrong here.

[Bob Bubeck]

Originally Posted by beowulf

C500 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

<snip>
-------------------------

The C500 is still holding its own spec wise and better in some instances, with the C70 slightly edging out the C2700 and of course the C1100 speaks for itself as the overall winner here. Still all the units' specifications are outstanding!

According to the video I posted earlier in comparison to the C70 and C2700; it seems as if the consensus was that the C70 was more blooming, big an airy, whereas the C2700 was more dynamic, focused and modern sounding in comparison. So mostly a matter of taste and listening preferences.

If you're lucky enough to own any of these, you just can't go wrong here.

Please permit a point of correction ... the C2700 has the quieter phono section and, thus, edges out the C70 by spec. The posted video review (a commentary, actually) was well-done and entertaining. Thank you very much for posting the link. However, they compared a few (undefined for the audience) "tracks" and did not compare any well-recorded classical music nor, it would seem, any high quality analog, so I tend to take their opinions as nothing more than that ... opinions. I have also experienced that the C2700 sound 'sweetens' over about 2-3 months time of use, so a comparison of two units just out of the box is somewhat suspect. YMMV.

Happy listening!

Bob
______________________
Sources: Koetsu Onyx Gold/Clearaudio Innovation Wood w/Universal Arm 9”; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record cleaner: Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic.

[beowulf]

Originally Posted by Bob Bubeck

Please permit a point of correction ... the C2700 has the quieter phono section and, thus, edges out the C70 by spec. The posted video review (a commentary, actually) was well-done and entertaining. Thank you very much for posting the link. However, they compared a few (undefined for the audience) "tracks" and did not compare any well-recorded classical music nor, it would seem, any high quality analog, so I tend to take their opinions as nothing more than that ... opinions. YMMV.

Happy listening!

Bob

Good catch, thanks for pointing that out and I edited my post to reflect that! In regards to the phono section it looks as though the C2700 has the best specs over all of the preamps I listed. Though probably splitting hairs at the specs these are all coming in at, but still ...

[Msegal]

Originally Posted by beowulf

C500 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.05% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level, 93dB
Phono, 80dB

C2700 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,100dB
Phono, MM 82dB, MC 80dB

C70 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,100dB
Phono, MM 75dB, MC 75dB

C1100 Tube Preamplifier Section Specs

Frequency Response:
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.005%

Signal To Noise Ratio:
High Level,107dB
Phono, MM 77dB, MC 79dB

-------------------------


The C500 is still holding its own spec wise and better in some instances, with the C2700 slightly edging out the C70 when it comes to the section and of course the C1100 speaks for itself as the overall winner here. Still all the units' specifications are outstanding!

According to the video I posted earlier in comparison to the C70 and C2700; it seems as if the consensus was that the C70 was more blooming, big an airy, whereas the C2700 was more dynamic, focused and modern sounding in comparison. So mostly a matter of taste and listening preferences.

If you're lucky enough to own any of these, you just can't go wrong here.

Specs is specs and music is music.

Anyone who listens to a stereo with their eyes hears nothing.

Mike S.

[beowulf]

Originally Posted by Msegal

Specs is specs and music is music.

Anyone who listens to a stereo with their eyes hears nothing.

Mike S.

You can call up Mac's engineering department and tell them no need to reach higher ... no need for a blacker background, etc.

[Macuser]

Just for comparison's sake.......it seems that going by specs alone the 20 year old C100 still holds it own; especially the phono stage
SPECIFICATIONS: Response: 10-40kHz (+0 -0.5dB). Distortion: 0.002%. Noise and
Hum: – 100dB high level, -86dB phono. Maximum Output: 8V unbalanced, 25V
balanced. Output Impedance: 50 ohms. Input Sensitivity and Impedance:
high level 0.45V (5V max) at 22k unbalanced and 44k balanced, phono MM 4.4mV
(50mV max) at 47k and 65pF, phono MC 100uv at 10 ohms. P

[W9TR]

The C100, C200, and C500 represent outstanding values in the secondary market right now.