C2600....

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by kubla36

I don’t use a TT. Will those tubes burn out at some point and need to be replaced (I assume the heater is running at least)? I recall a discussion in another thread talking about needing working tubes in place, or it could impact sq.

You need to have operational tubes in the phono slots even though you may not use a TT.

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

[Stranger]

How good is this preamplifier compared to previous models?

[saru]

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

[Robc33]

Good stuff! The monos will be a huge improvement. Many years of enjoyment ahead.

[Timobi]

Congrats! I loved the c2600 when I had it. Was a bit warmer than the c47 I had.

Enjoy!

[John Jordan]

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.

[saru]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

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.

It's interesting that you say that, because when I went to listen to the C2600 in the showroom, my dealer was switching back and forth between the C2600 and the D150, which we reasoned was a "close-enough" approximation for my 6700 from a solid-state/tube perspective. The differences between the C2600 and the D150 were very stark, with the C2600 sound being much sharper and life-like; I would not have guessed that they have the same DAC from that experience.

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.

[SAPHANA]

Originally Posted by saru

It's interesting that you say that, because when I went to listen to the C2600 in the showroom, my dealer was switching back and forth between the C2600 and the D150, which we reasoned was a "close-enough" approximation for my 6700 from a solid-state/tube perspective. The differences between the C2600 and the D150 were very stark, with the C2600 sound being much sharper and life-like; I would not have guessed that they have the same DAC from that experience.

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.

I would always do a "reset to factory defaults" operation after receiving an used unit, just to avoid possible trim settings.

[saru]

That's an excellent idea, I should do that tonight. Thanks!

[John Jordan]

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.