New Member: McIntosh Gear and General Questions

[ejr1953]

For The Love of Music,

Welcome to the world of high-end audio and the AA forums. I am fairly new to AA and find the people who post are very helpful.

I too have a C2500/MC452 driving Focals, a great combination. When I was auditioning the Focal Sopra's, I found lots of other very good amps were just a bit too "bright" sounding with that tweeter, love the way the McIntosh amp pairs with these speakers.

It seemed to me that DAC technology was changing rapidly, so nearly three years ago I took the plunge and bought a PS Audio DirectStream DAC, which uses an FPGA chip instead of an "off the shelf" DAC chipset, so about twice a year they publish firmware updates that improve the performance of the DAC. I couldn't be happier with that DAC.

I'm a bit "smitten" with MQA, so I sprung for a Mytek Brooklyn DAC for streaming MQA from my Windows10 Pro machine, with the Tidal app installed. I bought a music server/streamer years ago, and like DACs that technology seems to be advancing quickly, so if I had to do it over again, I would stick with the Windows10 machine and Roon (which I've subscribed to).

As for improvements I've done for the C2500, replaced the stock tubes with a set up Genalex Gold Lions and the differences, while subtle, to me sound real, and worth the investment.

You've got a great system there! Enjoy!

[For The Love of Music]

Thanks for reading and responding with comments.

I'm with you, it seemed to me the Mac gear reduced the brightness over other reputable brands.

So are Sopra's connected to the 452?

Leaning on MasterLu's Direct Stream offering in lieu of what I'm doing now.

In the end, I really just want to stream, not really interested in CDs and Vinyl as I thought I would be.



It's almost like we set up a page for people that have the same gear, focused more on tweaks.

[Questortapes74]

For The Love Of Music, congratulations on your system and the many hours of enjoyment that lie ahead. Enjoy...

[ejr1953]

Originally Posted by For The Love of Music

Thanks for reading and responding with comments.

I'm with you, it seemed to me the Mac gear reduced the brightness over other reputable brands.

So are Sopra's connected to the 452?

Leaning on MasterLu's Direct Stream offering in lieu of what I'm doing now.

In the end, I really just want to stream, not really interested in CDs and Vinyl as I thought I would be.



It's almost like we set up a page for people that have the same gear, focused more on tweaks.

Yes, my MC452 drives the Sopra's. When I'm really playing music loud, the meters dance around the 4.5 watt mark. I used to have a MAC6700 and as soon as I upgraded to separates, the improvement in the soundstage was significand and immediate. The 6700 never seemed to sound "restrained", but the MC452 (to me) just sounds significantly better.

I have an "all digital" source system. I stream Tidal on a Windows10 Pro machine, USB into the DAC, with Roon installed as well. I just upgraded to the PS Audio DirectStream transport, mated with their DirectStream DAC is probably the best I can do for CD & SACD. I also have a Mytek Brooklyn DAC for streaming and decoding MQA.

I bought the DirectStream DAC shortly after it was introduced. Being that it is designed around an FPGA chip and not an off-the-shelf DAC chipset, they are able to change/improve the performance of the DAC by offering firmware updates. I have probably applied four of them since purchasing the DAC, each one an improvement. I highly recommend PS Audio.

[For The Love of Music]

Good deal and like to hear things kicked up.

Just ordered the Direct Stream, should be here Friday, excited to hear the upgrade difference, they also said MQA firmware release mid-July, see where that goes.

Take care, and thank you!

[W9TR]

Theres a point, where diminishing returns quickly come into play with this and want to be smart before making purchases.

Enjoy the DAC in your preamp for now. A lot is happening with DAC's right now. They are dramatically increasing in performance as the prices drop. Time is your friend.
Tom

[For The Love of Music]

Reflecting on post Thanksgiving, I am a believer in being thankful for the ability to help others, my family and finally myself.

Going back to an earlier point in the year from where I am today, I am close to a position of leveling off other then some cable upgrades then we will see what happens late next year.

While all the attributes it takes to create a killer system is super important, in the end, music for me is why I am on this path.

I am thankful for AA, its members and the sonic signature I enjoy from a result of engaging.

I wish everyone the best of Holidays and the times ahead!

Check out the progress.

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[Rojet2015]

Sophisticated

[krustycat]

Beautiful with professional and lovely touch.

[Questortapes74]

Very nice progress!