#131
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Maybe in 50 years -- who knows, but I sure wouldn't worry the least bit over it. I've have 60's era McIntosh gear which had the original 12v tubes & in 2018 do not need replacing. Not bad. Best Sir, Bob
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Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Shunyata Everest 8000 w/Omega XC Power Cable. Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:3M Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. Last edited by vintage_tube; 02-13-2018 at 01:58 AM. |
#132
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How good is this preamplifier compared to previous models?
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#133
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Well, I've taken the first step into the wonderful world of McIntosh separates... I'm now the proud owner of an open-box, barely-used C2600 tube preamp Much thanks to my Magnolia dealer for not only negotiating a great deal on this unit, but also for allowing me to call dibs on their floor demo MC601 pair when they are replaced with the MC611. Also a big thanks to my fellow AA denizens, whose many glowing reviews of Mc gear certainly had a swaying influence in my decision to upgrade!
Currently burning in the initial 100 hours on the tubes. Since I don't have the monos yet, I'm actually running the output signal from the C2600 to the amp stage of my MAC6700 (which will be going up for sale in the near future to help fund the MC601 purchase). So, I know that I'm not enjoying the full performance potential of the tube-pre just yet, but even with this stopgap configuration, I can discern some improved sound quality. And this is just with the C2600 DAC via USB input... I haven't yet introduced my Gumby to the new toy |
#134
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Good stuff! The monos will be a huge improvement. Many years of enjoyment ahead.
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VAC Master Line stage on Stillpoint Ultra SS VAC Signature 200iq monos on Stillpoint Ultra SS, MX-150 Parasound JC-1s (3), A-21 Kharma dB11-s Mains, Cremona M (center) Grand Pianos (rears) JL Audio Gotham G213 V1(1) F-112V1(1) F-112V2(1) Clearaudio Innovation Wood, Benz Micro Gullwing SLR Dynavector XX2 MK2 Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Audio Research Ref 2se phono Lumin X1 Lumin S1 Oppo-205 AudioQuest Hurricane HC, Tornado HC(2), and Thunder HC, Diamond RJ/E PS Audio P-10(2) AC-3, AC-5, AC-10 PCs. (6) dedicated 20 amp circuits, (6)Furutech outlets. (1) GDX-DR-NCF, (2) GDX-D Gold, (3) GDX-D Rhodium AZ Absolute Copper, and Clear Day Audio solid silver Bal ICs. WW Gold Eclipse 7 speaker cables. Rob |
#135
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Congrats! I loved the c2600 when I had it. Was a bit warmer than the c47 I had.
Enjoy! |
#136
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Luke-
Best wishes with your new pre-amp and soon to arrive mono blocks. It's nice when the upgrades are spaced apart. Easier to pinpoint the various improvements of each component. It's my understanding the 2600 and D 150 have the same DAC. Please share your thoughts between it and the Gumby once all is up and running.
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AKA J2Ordan McIntosh/Legacy/VPI/Bricasti/DIYCable |
#137
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For some reason, using the C2600's USB input resulted in output that was far quieter than it should be. So, I went ahead and got the Gumby into the system via balanced interconnects this afternoon... much better! I'll have to go through the manual to see if some setting enabled by the previous user may have caused the system to go so quiet when under the USB input. |
#138
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#139
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That's an excellent idea, I should do that tonight. Thanks!
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#140
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Luke-
Those "stark" differences you mentioned were most probably solid state vs tube more so than DAC to DAC. I had a similar reaction when auditioning the C 2500 and then comparing it to Mc's closest solid state pre amp of the time (I think a C48). As Saphana mentioned, check those trim controls. The outputs should not be so night and day. Enjoy the sounds.
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AKA J2Ordan McIntosh/Legacy/VPI/Bricasti/DIYCable |
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