Need Advice

[Family Progtitioner]

I went from using my Anthem D2 for HT and 2 channel to a C2500 with HT bypass. It really did make a nice difference for 2 channel.

I was also thinking of simplifying at one point and getting an MX151 but my dealer, who would have gained monetarily from me buying the MX151, said to keep the C2500 and anthem combo.

[cyisone01]

My only real concern is the tube issue and this is why I was considering the C50. To be honest it still scares me! It is not uncommon for the tv to be running a good eight ours a day on the weekends.

For those who have set up their system this way what did you notice the most sound wise? Also what would be the deference between to 2300, 2500 and C50?

[2fastdriving]

It only costs around 80 bucks for Gold Lion replacement tubes. If you spend 80 bucks on tubes every 4 years or so, it's not gonna kill you. It's DEFINITELY worth it. The c2300/MC452/802D2 combination is really good.

I personally think the 2300 or 2500 will sound better than the c50. I have not heard the 2500, but many people say it's better than the 2300. If that's true, you can't go wrong with either of those.

[jrsystems]

I have been running a hybrid system for years with a C2200. Passthru is the way to go. I recently replaced my MX134 with a cheap but quite decent Sherbourne PT-7030. I needed HDMI and everything works great. The Sherbourne sounds good. The MX134 and my old MC206 have been relegated to the bedroom and are a wonderful second system.

I would keep the Denon for your surrounds and passthru the mains to a C2300 or C2500. Use the 12v trigger to the passthru input on the new Mc preamp to power it on. Run the triggers from your 2 ch pre to your main amp and from the Denon to your surround amps. This way you can turn on just the Mc pre when listening to 2 ch, and power on the Denon and surround amps for TV. A perfect hybrid setup.

Good luck!

[cyisone01]

Originally Posted by jrsystems

I have been running a hybrid system for years with a C2200. Passthru is the way to go. I recently replaced my MX134 with a cheap but quite decent Sherbourne PT-7030. I needed HDMI and everything works great. The Sherbourne sounds good. The MX134 and my old MC206 have been relegated to the bedroom and are a wonderful second system. I would keep the Denon for your surrounds and passthru the mains to a C2300 or C2500. Use the 12v trigger to the passthru input on the new Mc preamp to power it on. Run the triggers from your 2 ch pre to your main amp and from the Denon to your surround amps. This way you can turn on just the Mc pre when listening to 2 ch, and power on the Denon and surround amps for TV. A perfect hybrid setup. Good luck!

How have the tubes held up for you? Also did you see a huge change in sound?

[jrsystems]

I bought Mullard tubes years ago and they are still running fine.

The C2200 is vastly superior to the pre-pro alone. When I originally went from the MX134 by itself to the C2200, the difference was significant. The soundstage moved noticeably forward and got much bigger. That's the one thing that really stood out from the upgrade.

[cyisone01]

Originally Posted by jrsystems

I bought Mullard tubes years ago and they are still running fine. The C2200 is vastly superior to the pre-pro alone. When I originally went from the MX134 by itself to the C2200, the difference was significant. The soundstage moved noticeably forward and got much bigger. That's the one thing that really stood out from the upgrade.

I am getting very excited. Now the choice between the three pre-amps. Any pros or cons with each?

[CTBob]

Why not wait to the end of the year and see what Mac replaces the 121 and 151 with? Seems it is time for their upgrade or replacement.

[sgbroimp]

Originally Posted by CTBob

Why not wait to the end of the year and see what Mac replaces the 121 and 151 with? Seems it is time for their upgrade or replacement.

And what would you expect these upgrades to do or have that the present units do not?

[thughes]

And what would you expect these upgrades to do or have that the present units do not

... 4K pass through, HDMI 2.0 to name two.