Curious about the MP1100

[MCenthusiast]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Thats what I was told as well...I do wish there was a rumble filter on the C1100 but that is probably difficult to have inside a true preamp.

With the performance of C1100 phono stage, I wouldn't consider adding the MP1100 unless I needed the additional functional capabilities or multiple tonearm support. Although I think they have similar sonic signatures and are both hybrid and dual mono, it's worth mentioning that they do use different circuits and have modestly different specs. In addition, the C1100 has 3 tubes in the signal chain for each channel versus 2 in the MP1100.

[briweed]

Originally Posted by j3brow

I will be very interested to hear your thoughts on esoteric E-02 Vs on board phono C1100.

Wish esoteric would offer the phono one black, I have a major hang up mixing silver with my McIntosh gear.

I’m very happy with the sound of the c1100 phono with my MT10 and stock cart. But have always entertained idea of a dedicated phonostage having previously owning zesto Andros PS1 and esoteric e-03 ....... ultimately I preferred the phono in my C500T/P at the time.

I recently directly asked McIntosh for advice re: perceived sound quality C1100 phono vs MP1100. I don’t need all the awesome feature set the MP1100 brings (multiple TT inputs; special filters, curves, analog to digital conversion etc).

I was told the MP1100, sonically speaking, is a c1100 with the features, for what that is worth.

I own both the C1100 as well as the E-02 and have directly compared the two extensively. The E-02 is in a different league sonically. More detailed, more lively, just downright better IMHO. I also tried the E-02 against a loaner MP1100 in my system and found the E-02 to be better in the same ways as well. The MP1100 is similar but more detailed than the C1100's MC phono section.

The E-02 shines as a top-notch phono stage with either balanced or unbalanced cables to your preamp of choice. There are differences in sound between the two, so I would recommend trying both options to see what you like better.

As always, this is just my opinion.

B

[Timobi]

Good Summary!
Wish Esoteric made black components!