PreAmp Exploration

[crwilli]

Now that I have my new room largely sorted out, I am starting to consider upgrading my PreAmp with the goal of extracting more inner detail than my C2300 with Goldlions provides.

I have considered a SS pre from other manufacturers and potential tube rolling in my C2300 but have been steered back to stay in the McLineup to maintain synergy and move to one of their 2-box units.

I have no problem with that which brings me to:

— Who can share experiences with the move from a C2300 to either a C1100 or a C500(T or P)?

With my goal of more detail, I am leaning towards a C500P as it is SS AND cheaper than a C1100.

All inputs are welcomed!

Thanks,

Craig

By the way, I ONLY use ONE input on my PreAmp from my Esoteric SACD/DAC. No Tuner, No TT, Nadda.

[W9TR]

I own both the C2300 and C1100 and traded in the C500T on the C1100. I've never directly compared the C 2300 to the C 1100 though.

I don't have any experience with the C 500P

C 2300 to C 500T - I noticed quieter background and sweeter midrange especially on the phono side. The C 500T also sounded more dynamic to me. Inner detail close with a slight edge to the C 500T.

C 500T to C 1100. Immediate and not subtle drop in background noise. This preamp is dead quiet. Very dynamic with loads of inner detail - more than the C 500T. This preamp does not sound like a tube preamp at all - but still has awesome midrange. Totally grain free.

Not exactly the comparison you were looking for, but close.

Also the C 1100 firmware is much nicer - flexible input naming, etc.

Given that the price of C 500's is dropping with time you should be able to find a great deal. But if you have the coin, the C 1100 is a keeper.

Tom

[PMCH]

Craig, I moved from the C2300 to the C1100. I thought it was worth the upgrade. The C1100 is fully balanced and the C2300 is not, perhaps that helps. The C1100 is dead quite and more musical for me.

[jayvis]

As far as extracting more detail from your sources goes, I think you'd be better off exploring different speakers than preamps.

[leftside]

With McIntosh MC2301's the logical next step would be the C1100.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by jayvis

As far as extracting more detail from your sources goes, I think you'd be better off exploring different speakers than preamps.

I suppose that is a valid idea but Its not going to happen.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Now that I have my new room largely sorted out, I am starting to consider upgrading my PreAmp with the goal of extracting more inner detail than my C2300 with Goldlions provides.

I have considered a SS pre from other manufacturers and potential tube rolling in my C2300 but have been steered back to stay in the McLineup to maintain synergy and move to one of their 2-box units.

I have no problem with that which brings me to:

— Who can share experiences with the move from a C2300 to either a C1100 or a C500(T or P)?

With my goal of more detail, I am leaning towards a C500P as it is SS AND cheaper than a C1100.




All inputs are welcomed!

Thanks,

Craig

By the way, I ONLY use ONE input on my PreAmp from my Esoteric SACD/DAC. No Tuner, No TT, Nadda.

Craig

Try and find a mint C1000 P (you have tube amps and they might sound better with the 1000P which is quieter than the 1000T but the 1000T looks better), these are fantastic pre amps and should be priced, right now. I would call the store near the Mcintosh Factory (I did'nt want to mention the name and upset Ivan but it has the word "classics" in its name )

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I suppose that is a valid idea but Its not going to happen.

You’re a smart man!

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jayvis

As far as extracting more detail from your sources goes, I think you'd be better off exploring different speakers than preamps.

His Strads. are fantastic sounding , keep them

[Family Progtitioner]

I didn't have the c2300, but did upgrade from the c2500 to the c500T. It was a big upgrade for me, at least. Soundstaging really became pinpoint.