Help Me Decide What To Upgrade Next

[Audiophilehi]

I'm on to my next upgrade so please help me decide which would be the best selection.

From McIntosh c2500 to c1100
McIntosh MC452 to MC611
From PS Audio PPP to P15

[2fastdriving]

if you have a crappy power situation, do that first. If not, the next place to go is the preamp. Usually a preamp is a better upgrade than a power amp, unless you are severely underpowered or poorly matched for your speakers. With an MC452, you're not.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

if you have a crappy power situation, do that first. If not, the next place to go is the preamp. Usually a preamp is a better upgrade than a power amp, unless you are severely underpowered or poorly matched for your speakers. With an MC452, you're not.

Hi Marc....Living in Staten Island, N.Y. with plenty of neighbors I would have to say my power situation is challenging. Back when I purchased the PS Audio PPP their was a very noticeable improvement. Then when I added better power cables there was improvement still. I just recently added the Furutech Flux-50 NCF cable from my PPP to the power cable to the receptacle. I must say this was a major improvement. I’m sure there’s still room for improvements in my power delivery.

I do agree with you that a preamp upgrade will have a noticeable improvement. Reading some online reviews of the benefits confirms it.

Again I will agree that I am not underpowered or have a poor match with my speakers. This might not be the best option. I do love my MC452. It’s a great amp but I do miss having monoblocks.

Please keep the comments and votes coming.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

Hi Marc....Living in Staten Island, N.Y. with plenty of neighbors I would have to say my power situation is challenging. Back when I purchased the PS Audio PPP their was a very noticeable improvement. Then when I added better power cables there was improvement still. I just recently added the Furutech Flux-50 NCF cable from my PPP to the power cable to the receptacle. I must say this was a major improvement. I’m sure there’s still room for improvements in my power delivery.

I do agree with you that a preamp upgrade will have a noticeable improvement. Reading some online reviews of the benefits confirms it.

Again I will agree that I am not underpowered or have a poor match with my speakers. This might not be the best option. I do love my MC452. It’s a great amp but I do miss having monoblocks.

Please keep the comments and votes coming.

I didn't care much about power until I discovered just how bad mine was. In my case, I have 14ga wire and a terrible power drop when a load is applied. When my system is powered up, the input voltage reads 111vac. When powered off, I have 120vac.

A P10 totally transformed my system because prior to that, my gear was running off 111 volts!

[JMD]

I'm with Marc, P15 then c1100 with power amps last if at all.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by JMD

I'm with Marc, P15 then c1100 with power amps last if at all.

Thanks Jack....I'm starting to lean a bit.

[Levitator]

I went from the c2500 to c1100 and from a 452 to 1.2’s so similar to what you are looking at (although the 1.2’s were quite different to 600’s) - as I can’t comment on your power situation my advice would be to prioritise the pre amp. The c1100 is a great unit and will make a noticeable difference to your system from my experience! Good luck!!

[Masterlu]

Paul... it all starts at the wall.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by Levitator

I went from the c2500 to c1100 and from a 452 to 1.2’s so similar to what you are looking at (although the 1.2’s were quite different to 600’s) - as I can’t comment on your power situation my advice would be to prioritise the pre amp. The c1100 is a great unit and will make a noticeable difference to your system from my experience! Good luck!!

Thanks Levitator.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Paul... it all starts at the wall.

I do agree Ivan. The Flux-50 NCF has been a revelation. No matter which direction I go first the PS Audio P-15 or P20 will be in my system.