C-2820 vs C-3800: How do they sound different?

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by Marcossy

End of story. I ordered the C-3800 last night. On this Saturday it will be at home. I can barely wait

Congrats! Is it here yet?

[spurv]

Just a simple question.

Accuphase Preamp, on a Mcintosh Power amp?

My history:
Had Mcintosh C48 + MC1.2KW+Cornwall III.. great combo.
Got a deal on Accuphase E-470 i could not refuse.
Playing music on the Accuphase... im totaly in love with the sound.
Sold C48. Ordering a Accuphase DC-37, that will arrive in June.
Still just using the E-470.... tested it as Preamp on Mcintosh... lovely ( I think it sounds even better than Mc's own C48...).
Now im just using the E-470, and the MC1.2KW just stands there, cold.... I wont sell them, because... I just cant :P.

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by spurv

Just a simple question.

Accuphase Preamp, on a Mcintosh Power amp?

My history:
Had Mcintosh C48 + MC1.2KW+Cornwall III.. great combo.
Got a deal on Accuphase E-470 i could not refuse.
Playing music on the Accuphase... im totaly in love with the sound.
Sold C48. Ordering a Accuphase DC-37, that will arrive in June.
Still just using the E-470.... tested it as Preamp on Mcintosh... lovely ( I think it sounds even better than Mc's own C48...).
Now im just using the E-470, and the MC1.2KW just stands there, cold.... I wont sell them, because... I just cant :P.

Are you saying that the E-470 alone sounds nicer than the combo with the the MC1.2KW? I say this because that's one Hell of an amp.

[spurv]

No no... i think the MC1.2KW's plays even better with the E-470 (as preamp) instead of their own C48 preamp . On my Cornwall, i cant say i get better sound with the MC1.2KW (vs E-470) connected on normal listening.(probably a bit more "bold" bass) The power amp in the E-470 seems to got enough power. But i havent played that loud with it, so when it comes to SPL, i probably will get even better sound with the extra "headroom" that the MC1.2KW gives me.

Accuphase got a clearity that my former C48(pre) cant match. It seems to me that Mcintosh poweramp combine with Accuphase preamp = a killer combo! .

[raidho]

Hi spurv,

MC in another "world" vs Accuphase. Is sure a personal taste: MC setup sound good but is very different vs. what Accuphase give you.

The sound of Mc is "velvet" & "mellow".....and with a pre -> C2500 can give you satisfaction.

the point is what do you want!

if the Accuphase is your target make more sense change the Mc1.2 whit a Accu amplifier!!!
C2420 - DC37 - DP410 and a great A70 is a great set.

combine the C2420 with the Mc1.2 (IMO) it's not a good idea. I dont say that so a combi have a bad sound however must make a choice!

what for speaker you will use?
edit-> Cornwall III = Tannoy? With Mc are perfect but not for a Accu set.
if I will a Accu system I search a speaker very detailed, fast and a "bit cold"analytical" (in the good sense of the word synergy with the other products!)


Mc & SonusFaber, Harbeth, Proac, B&W (and other) are a good match.

with the Accu a with Gauder/Isophon, Focal, Dynaudio, B&W? are most recommended.....

Pre-> use the 470 as pre for the Mcq.2 is not a good choice. The 2420 is a great product with price/performance well balanced.
for more if you use the DC37 definitely enough.

Well clearly, a 2820 or 3800 are stellar but also their price (in europe)
in a system the preanplifier and the source (and speakers) are the most important pieces!


good search,
greetings

[nvp]

I do not fully agree with the speaker recommendation made by Raidho above. Harbeth and Accuphase is known to be a very good combination. Tannoy and Acuuphase is also a very popular combo, e.g. the number of google finds for this combo seems to be larger than for Accuphase and B&W.

Spurv, I'll post my further thoughts on your question in your thread about Accuphase preamps. I do not want to wreck this thread which is about C-2820 and C-3800.

[raidho]

Hoi nvp,

it's a personal taste!

I like sound from Tidal speaker, very dry and cut.

Harbert is sure a good combo maar you have to love "tube" sound - the sound bloated and airy...

klopt??

Ik heb ook te Sasha (2) met Pass XA.8 : zo mooi!! but ceramics midrange are or better have a sound hard and dettailed!

Met vr.Groeten

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by spurv

No no... i think the MC1.2KW's plays even better with the E-470 (as preamp) instead of their own C48 preamp . On my Cornwall, i cant say i get better sound with the MC1.2KW (vs E-470) connected on normal listening.(probably a bit more "bold" bass) The power amp in the E-470 seems to got enough power. But i havent played that loud with it, so when it comes to SPL, i probably will get even better sound with the extra "headroom" that the MC1.2KW gives me.

Accuphase got a clearity that my former C48(pre) cant match. It seems to me that Mcintosh poweramp combine with Accuphase preamp = a killer combo! .

Ok, thanks for clearing the air on that.

[Dave_72]

Originally Posted by raidho

The 2420 is a great product with price/performance well balanced.

I agree, and that's what I'm shooting for.

[raidho]

Hi Dave72,

a question (maybe stupid)... is true that the Accuphase (for europa) have the XLR (phase) inverting vs. the other products? (in this case with the MC power amplifier?)


-> Use Accuphase with Acchuphase or event. a gear with 180inveting phase selector)



Thank you.