Best Next Steps

[Amadave]

I have always been a big music lover. About 4 years ago, I bought what I considered my first high end system. It was a demo system of Classe equipment (amp CA-2200, preamp CP-500 and disc player CDP-102) with B&W 683 speakers. Two years ago, I bought a Rega RP3 turntable. I always felt the speakers were the weakest link so about a year ago I purchased a pair of McIntosh XR100 speakers along with Nordost Heimdall 2 speaker cables. Last week, I purchased the McIntosh MC452 amp.

Because there are so many members here with many years of experience in high end audio, I am looking for suggestions for the next steps in building my system around the amp and speakers as my core. Currently, I am still utilizing the Classe preamp, disc player and the Rega turntable. In addition to the current sources, I would like add equipment to play high res files. If I can find music on vinyl, it is my preference. My budget for the upgrade over the next couple of years would be approximately $15,000 to $20,000. I am a little challenged on my ability to demo equipment as there is only one dealer in Amarillo.
However, I do frequently visit Dallas and Houston

Thanks in advance for your help.

[2fastdriving]

Hi Amadave, welcome to AA! My advice is to get a c2300 or c2500 preamp, because there's a lot of great synergy between McIntosh tube pre's and solid state power amps. The c2300/mc452 combination is a very proven one, because lots of people here have owned and loved them (including myself at one point). I definitely miss my McIntosh gear.

You should also look at the new D150 for your digital needs (if you get the c2500 it already has a DAC, but I am sure the D150 will be better).

[antipop]

You have a nice budget to work with and you have several ways to explore.

Regarding the gear, if you enjoy vinyl, you can easily upgrade to the next level (new table, arm, cart,...), get a good phonostage and an RCM.

On the digital side, you can get a DAC with DSD capabilities, add a computer or a streamer. You can keep your current CD player as a pure transport. The Classé doesn't have a digital input option so you cannot use as a DAC.

You can also look into getting a nice and clean power into the system. A P10 would surely help you get the best out of your equipment. I've had a lot of success with a P5 myself.

Last but certainly not least, add some treatment to the room if you can afford it (easier if it is a dedicated one).

Once you have a better idea on which part you want to focus, we will be able to direct toward the good gear

PS: don't forget to have fun, the journey is a very nice one.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Hi Amadave, welcome to AA! My advice is to get a c2300 or c2500 preamp, because there's a lot of great synergy between McIntosh tube pre's and solid state power amps. The c2300/mc452 combination is a very proven one, because lots of people here have owned and loved them (including myself at one point). I definitely miss my McIntosh gear. You should also look at the new D150 for your digital needs (if you get the c2500 it already has a DAC, but I am sure the D150 will be better).

Thanks for your suggestion. I can see by looking at the member's equipment, the C2300 is a very popular choice to mate with my amp. If I go this way, it looks like I will be looking to the used market as the C2300 is no longer in production. There may be some other improvements, but it appears the C2500 is very similar, but adds a DAC. I am generally inclined to look at a separate DAC so I will need to keep my eye for a good deal on the preamp. Based on your recommendation, can I assume you believe upgrading the preamp should be my next move as opposed to upgrading my sources?

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by antipop

You have a nice budget to work with and you have several ways to explore. Regarding the gear, if you enjoy vinyl, you can easily upgrade to the next level (new table, arm, cart,...), get a good phonostage and an RCM. On the digital side, you can get a DAC with DSD capabilities, add a computer or a streamer. You can keep your current CD player as a pure transport. The Classé doesn't have a digital input option so you cannot use as a DAC. You can also look into getting a nice and clean power into the system. A P10 would surely help you get the best out of your equipment. I've had a lot of success with a P5 myself. Last but certainly not least, add some treatment to the room if you can afford it (easier if it is a dedicated one). Once you have a better idea on which part you want to focus, we will be able to direct toward the good gear PS: don't forget to have fun, the journey is a very nice one.

Thank you for your suggestions. I omitted in my original post that I have on order the Shunyata PS8 Power Distributor, Venom Defender and the Venom HC power cord. I want to dip my toe into the power area to see what I think about the improvement before adding additional items. I would be interested In your thoughts on whether, based on my current set up, I should focus first on my sources or the preamp. Also, do you feel a separate phonostage is preferable to the ones included in some preamps? Many on this site speak highly of the phonostages included in the McIntosh preamps. Thanks again for your input.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by Amadave

Thank you for your suggestions. I omitted in my original post that I have on order the Shunyata PS8 Power Distributor, Venom Defender and the Venom HC power cord. I want to dip my toe into the power area to see what I think about the improvement before adding additional items. I would be interested In your thoughts on whether, based on my current set up, I should focus first on my sources or the preamp. Also, do you feel a separate phonostage is preferable to the ones included in some preamps? Many on this site speak highly of the phonostages included in the McIntosh preamps. Thanks again for your input.

I would tend to focus on the source first and then go down the chain in your case. I don't know the preamp you have but I don't believe it is the limiting factor right now.

I would look into a new table first in your case. It is quite impressive the gain you can achieve on the analog side but going up the scale.

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by Amadave

......If I go this way, it looks like I will be looking to the used market as the C2300 is no longer in production..... ?

.. The C2300 is definitely still available... .. just checked the McIntosh website...it is still being listed. AudioClassics, would be an excellent alternative should you want to get a demo.....

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by Haurock

.. The C2300 is definitely still available... .. just checked the McIntosh website...it is still being listed. AudioClassics, would be an excellent alternative should you want to get a demo.....

I may have gotten bad information, but my local dealer indicated the C2300 was no longer in production and he wasn't sure they would be able to order it. If it is still available, that would be great. Just out of curiosity, do you know why so many are pro C2300 versus the C2500?

[crwilli]

I would look to your listening environment. Can you create a dedicated room which you can treat as needed? If not, at least do what you can in the room you are in to optimize it. You have a solid foundation and I would offer completing your room as much as you can will give you the biggest step forward.

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Amadave

I may have gotten bad information, but my local dealer indicated the C2300 was no longer in production and he wasn't sure they would be able to order it. If it is still available, that would be great. Just out of curiosity, do you know why so many are pro C2300 versus the C2500?

Very simply stated although not technically correct, a C2500 is a C2300 with a built in DAC. Some like that, others like me prefer to be able to buy a separate DAC and pre. The C2300 is available in as good as new condition. Go to audioclassics.com and contact them for more information. Very reputable dealer of Mc equipment located about 7 miles from the McIntosh factory. They stand 100% behind all of their sales - new or used.