Preamp Comparison: C2300 vs C2500

[miketuason]

I never owned a C2500 only C2300 and my experience with the C2300 are excellent. Since I only have a turntable and an Oppo player I don’t have a need for a DAC. After changing the tubes on both the phonostage and the line stage the C2300 became a keeper for good. The phono stage now is so great even a lot greater than some of the stand alone phono stage that cost three to four times as much that I’ve heard. I had my C2300 for about six years now and I’m so glad I bought one, highly recommend it if you don’t need a DAC.

[PeterMusic]

Originally Posted by MainAnalog

I had a Benchmark DAC and thought it was superior to the Macintosh DAC so went for the C22. I also think D to A is more of a Benchmark engineering skill than the McIntosh skill. Regardless the phono section of the C22 was a nice upgrade from my PS Audio phono preamp. C22 to my ears is wonderful. I haven't heard a C22 to C2x00 review but would like to hear someone's long term trial opinion.

When I bought my C22, my dealer told me it was identical to the preamp section of the C2500 (or maybe it was 2600 by then?)