McIntosh C2300 In System

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

REPRINT - Oct.2008

Beautiful music comes from this preamp, with a three dimensional sound stage that is solid, wide, and deep. The entire audio spectrum is almost organic...

So, the C2300 looks like it will turn out to be a sterling performer in every way, with features to spoil you rotten, and make you lazy... I am impressed with this preamp. What's not to love... This is one spectacular preamp. I think I made the correct move purchasing the C2300.

Still enjoying mine. Hard to believe this review from Dan was written 10 years ago

[Stranger]

Originally Posted by jdandy

REPRINT - Oct.2008

Well, the C42 I bought for the studio system turned into a 38% profit yesterday. I used it in the McIntosh trade-up program, and brought home a brand new C2300 preamp. I moved the C2200 down into the studio system where the C42 had been, and now the C2300 is sitting on the top of my main system rack.

Yesterday I left the stock McIntosh tubes in place, and listened all day, and late into the night. Very smooth, articulate, open sound. This morning I pulled out the line stage 12AX7 tubes, and installed two smooth plate Telefunken 12AX7 tubes in their place. I have been listening to the C2300 since 9:00 AM, and there is no doubt to my ears, the Telefunken tubes are an improvement over the McIntosh issue. The bottom definition is tighter, the mid range is smooth as velvet, and the top end is without comparison, so clean, clear, airy, and life like. A triangle sound hung in the air so crystal clear I felt I could mute it by touching it. Beautiful music comes from this preamp, with a three dimensional sound stage that is solid, wide, and deep. The entire audio spectrum is almost organic. It is so life like, with warmth and breath. It speaks not only to your ears, but also to your soul. I have always loved this about McIntosh equipment. It seems to have a heart beat, and a pulse. It seems to have a life of its own. This is what endears McIntosh to the hearts and minds of owners, and listeners. It is griping and tender at the same time.

I'll have to spend some serious time with the C2300 after it has fully broken in before I can do the proverbial C2200 verses C2300 comparison. At this time, the C2300 seems a tiny bit more open. If this trend continues, it will be the top dog in this house. Time will tell. The build quality is improved over the C2200, with a much better cabinet, solid aluminum side panels, locking connectors for the male ends of balanced XLR cables, and beautiful solid RCA input connectors that are very impressive. The remote control offers some cool functions, too. Not only can you adjust bass, treble and balance with the remote, you can also adjust cartridge loading by remote control for both MM and MC cartridges. You can also adjust audio taper for each input, and turn the LED lighting on or off for the meters from the remote. That is a great feature.

So, the C2300 looks like it will turn out to be a sterling performer in every way, with features to spoil you rotten, and make you lazy. Despite its many functions, the C2300 is very user friendly, and simple to operate. I am impressed with this preamp. What's not to love. It's all there, including that glass window that lets you look at the tubes, with LED tube lighting to make them glow green. The tube lighting can be turned off, but I like the effect when it is on. You can see the two Telefunken tubes I installed on the right, glowing slightly different than the McIntosh tubes due to grid plate differences. This is one spectacular preamp. I think I made the correct move purchasing the C2300.

what tubes would you recommend to me that has c2300 + 2 x mc275?
grateful

[1KW]

gold lion

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Still enjoying mine. Hard to believe this review from Dan was written 10 years ago

David.......Time certainly flies by. That particular C2300 was replaced by a McIntosh C1000C/T tube preamplifier. Then the C1000C/T was sold and I purchased a new C2300 for the living room system. That should tell you just how much I love the C2300. I still have my second one in the living room system, and I still have great respect for its performance. It is an excellent tube preamplifier that I am unlikely to ever part with.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Stranger

what tubes would you recommend to me that has c2300 + 2 x mc275?
grateful

Stranger.......David is right, Gold Lion 12AX7 gold pin tubes for the C2300, and for your MC275's use Gold Lion gold pin 12AX7, 12AT7, and Gold Lion KT88 tubes.

[Stranger]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Stranger.......David is right, Gold Lion 12AX7 gold pin tubes for the C2300, and for your MC275's use Gold Lion gold pin 12AX7, 12AT7, and Gold Lion KT88 tubes.

I have just ordered the following,


8 p. Genalex - Gold Lion KT88 Power Vacuum


12 p. Genalex - Gold Lion B759 / ECC83 / 12AX7


8 p. 12AT7 / ECC81 Mullard

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by Stranger

I have just ordered the following,


8 p. Genalex - Gold Lion KT88 Power Vacuum


12 p. Genalex - Gold Lion B759 / ECC83 / 12AX7


8 p. 12AT7 / ECC81 Mullard

That's great -- you'll love them -- too bad you're not a subscriber -- as a service to AA members, AA has a GL & Tung Sol, & EH tube dealer and offers the lowest prices on the net. He sells GL's only on AA.

He's in the marketplace -- accessible to subscribers only.

Best Sir,

Bob

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Stranger

I have just ordered the following,


8 p. Genalex - Gold Lion KT88 Power Vacuum


12 p. Genalex - Gold Lion B759 / ECC83 / 12AX7


8 p. 12AT7 / ECC81 Mullard

Stranger.......You really should become a Subscriber today. Vintage Tube is our Audio Aficionado tube seller and could have, and may still be able to save you a bunch of cash.

I am assuming you purchased the eight Gold Lion KT88's at $59.98 each. I am also assuming you purchased the twelve Gold Lion 12AX7's at $44.95 each. Had you purchased those same tubes from our tube vendor Vintage Tube you would have saved $374.00. That could pay the $25.00 annual AA Subscription dues to become a Subscriber and you would still have $349.00 change in your bank account, and your new tubes.

If it's not too late to cancel your tube order with whoever you purchased them from, do it. Then become a Subscriber to Audio Aficionado here: http://www.audioaficionado.org/payments.php , then go to the AA Marketplace (Accessories) or send Vintage Tube a Private Message for some big savings. He is an official AA sponsor and deserves our support.

[miner]

Stranger - the price to play here is a great deal.

[mati1979]

I have had c220, c2300,c2500 and again return to c2300.
c2300 the most analogous sound of the three for my ears