PreAmp Exploration

[vintage_tube]

Having had Strads, MC2301's, a C2300, C500T, then a non-McIntosh preamp and finally back to McIntosh with the C1100, I believe you're weakness with your MC2301/Strad combo is your preamp.

Definitely, whatever you do, IMO, stick with McIntosh for that which "adds" rather than "subtracts".

The C500T twin box which I upgraded to from the C2300 w/Strads & MC2301's and have to echo what Tom (W9TR) wrote. The improved definition, detail & soundstage was quite noticeable and enjoyable. Clearly a couple rungs on the ladder above what the C2300 offered.

I did not own the C1100 with the MC2301/Strad combo as had sold the Strads, but again, echo'ing Toms' comments, the difference between the C500T and a C1100 with my other speakers was the equivalent of going from dual MC275's (which I've also owned) to the MC2301's. Extremely quiet, exquisite presentation of micro details, blacker background and again soundstage was more pronounced. I'd imagine, the difference would be identical using Strads.

The C1100 is presently the king of the McIntosh preamps and rightly deserved.

On the other hand -- what's a used C500 combo going for these days -- around $6000 to $7500 -- a few more K's will put you in absolute "current production" C1100 heaven for the next decade with no devils on your shoulder bothering you whatsoever.

You see where my recommendation is headed with this Craig?

Best Sir,

Bob

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Having had Strads, MC2301's, a C2300, C500T, then a non-McIntosh preamp and finally back to McIntosh with the C1100, I believe you're weakness with your MC2301/Strad combo is your preamp.



Definitely, whatever you do, IMO, stick with McIntosh for that which "adds" rather than "subtracts".



The C500T twin box which I upgraded to from the C2300 w/Strads & MC2301's and have to echo what Tom (W9TR) wrote. The improved definition, detail & soundstage was quite noticeable and enjoyable. Clearly a couple rungs on the ladder above what the C2300 offered.



I did not own the C1100 with the MC2301/Strad combo as had sold the Strads, but again, echo'ing Toms' comments, the difference between the C500T and a C1100 with my other speakers was the equivalent of going from dual MC275's (which I've also owned) to the MC2301's. Extremely quiet, exquisite presentation of micro details, blacker background and again soundstage was more pronounced.



The C1100 is presently the king of the McIntosh preamps and rightly deserved.



On the other hand -- what's a used C500 combo going for these days -- around $6000 to $7500 -- a few more K's will put you in absolute "current production" C1100 heaven for the next decade with no devils on your shoulder bothering you whatsoever.



You see where my recommendation is headed with this Craig?



Best Sir,



Bob

Yes Sensei! [emoji4]

[-E-]

If you are sticking Mc - go C1000.

Since you have the K01x, consider Esoteric Pre, too.

[crwilli]

Thanks for all the experience and insights guys. My biggest hold up is that the move will be a leap of faith. No doubt the two box units will be an upgrade but I can’t do an in-home audition and this will stress the house a little.

For once in this journey, I am looking for a fairly specific performance improvement - inner detail. I have heard other speakers (and heard of) that provide that but in the cases of those I have heard, they were also bright and did not have the ‘warm blanket’ comfort the Strads provide. Tough balance I guess.

Oh, the first world problems. I am going to have to stew on this decision.

[PHC1]

Wilson.

[Formerly YB-2]

Craig - any upstanding McIntosh dealer should have the C1100 in stock as a demo piece and should (notice the double 'should') let you bring it home to audition. Then you will know.

[crwilli]

This is the only issue that has me wishing I was still two hours from Binghamton.

[Formerly YB-2]

Am sure AC would ship you a C500 or C1100 for your consideration at your expense. They've always been willing to do so for me. But, that was when Frank Gow (may he RIP) was there. Not sure of their demo/return policy today.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by crwilli

For once in this journey, I am looking for a fairly specific performance improvement - inner detail. I have heard other speakers (and heard of) that provide that but in the cases of those I have heard, they were also bright and did not have the ‘warm blanket’ comfort the Strads provide. Tough balance I guess.

Oh, the first world problems. I am going to have to stew on this decision.

To my ears the Strads were always sounding their best paired with a very ballsy and neutral SS amp. Krell, Bryston and Ayre MX-R are the three amps that were best on Strads with the Krell taking the top spot that stands out in memory. A preamp upgrade, going from C2300 to whatever McIntosh preamp will simply not get you all the way there if you are looking to unlock the inner detail they are capable of. The Strads will still retain their voicing but the microdynamics/dynamic contrast comes alive with a ballsy SS amp.

[richardallred]

I upgraded from c2300 to C1100 with my strads and have been smiling ever since