C-47 vs. C2600

[rjryan]

I purchased a C-47 a year ago, and have been very happy with it. Has anyone been able to A/B and C47 and the C2600? I am curious as to how much of an upgrade this would be.

Thanks in advance!

Ry

[Sea music]

I had the C47 for 6 months and then traded for the C2600. I actually did not do an a/b on them because no one had one when they came out. I did do an a/b with a loner C22 to see
if I liked the tube sound. I liked it enough to trade in the C47 and get the C2600 figuring
that it was at least as good as playing the C22 thru my C47 Dac to do the test. It was and
I am glad I switched. The C2600 just has more lifelike presence in that middle sweet spot
that most of my music has, jazz, vocals etc. I find that I just enjoy it more than the C47.
I was happy with the C47 and still would be if I had not switched. It is not a huge difference but for me in hindsight I am very glad I did it. I have it paired with the mc301's and mct450
Transport. I will tell you the first day with the C22 I was happy that I wasn't going to have to spend any more money. By the third day I was negotiating the trade in for a C2600. I do not think 30 minutes in a stereo store is enough to experience the full difference in the two
preamps. Hopefully you have a local store that will let you demo over a long weekend with
your equipment.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by Sea music

I had the C47 for 6 months and then traded for the C2600. I actually did not do an a/b on them because no one had one when they came out. I did do an a/b with a loner C22 to see
if I liked the tube sound. I liked it enough to trade in the C47 and get the C2600 figuring
that it was at least as good as playing the C22 thru my C47 Dac to do the test. It was and
I am glad I switched. The C2600 just has more lifelike presence in that middle sweet spot
that most of my music has, jazz, vocals etc. I find that I just enjoy it more than the C47.
I was happy with the C47 and still would be if I had not switched. It is not a huge difference but for me in hindsight I am very glad I did it. I have it paired with the mc301's and mct450
Transport. I will tell you the first day with the C22 I was happy that I wasn't going to have to spend any more money. By the third day I was negotiating the trade in for a C2600. I do not think 30 minutes in a stereo store is enough to experience the full difference in the two
preamps. Hopefully you have a local store that will let you demo over a long weekend with
your equipment.

This in incredibly helpful! Thank you!
Fortunately, we have a top notch shop here that has a generous audition policy. I think it might be worth a listen to see about trading up. Largely, I really love my system, but it can be a tad on the analytical side depending on the material. I love the transparent sound of my C47, but can't help but wonder if the 2600 wouldn't add the warmth to my system that I'm looking for. As long as the 2600 is as transparent as the C47, I'm not sure how I can lose....except for the obvious drain in the bank account

[Sea music]

Let us know how the demo goes. I think you will be very happy with the transparency.
I think there is some trickle down technology from the C1100 and not just Tube Vs. SS
Good Luck and bring your wallet!!
Paul

[rjryan]

Will do, Paul! It may be a little bit, since my dealer doesn't have one on the floor at present. I'll get the ball rolling, though.
Thanks again!

Ryan

[80B]

While not exactly the change you are contemplating, my system had an MX136 driving MC501s in the front. My understanding is that the MX136 had much in common with the C46, with the addition of the multi-channel and video capability. A couple months ago, we added the C2500 (and replaced the MX136 with an MX151) to drive the 501s driving the front speakers. As I've written on another thread, the improvement in terms of soundstage, presence and accuracy are very satisfying.

[JWJW]

I have c2600 now and love it. Zero issues and sounds incredible.

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by 80B

While not exactly the change you are contemplating, my system had an MX136 driving MC501s in the front. My understanding is that the MX136 had much in common with the C46, with the addition of the multi-channel and video capability. A couple months ago, we added the C2500 (and replaced the MX136 with an MX151) to drive the 501s driving the front speakers. As I've written on another thread, the improvement in terms of soundstage, presence and accuracy are very satisfying.

That sounds like a fantastic solution. Right now, I'm running a hybrid system in that I have a Marantz 8802 doing home theater duty, with my C47 running dedicate 2 channel, or passthrough when the theater is running. My thinking is that the 2600 is an excellent piece to keep for some time, since I'm primarily a vinyl guy for music. I'm also contemplating a speaker upgrade to round everything out. SF Olympica III, actually. Oh...this rabbit hole just never ends, ha!

[rjryan]

Originally Posted by JWJW

I have c2600 now and love it. Zero issues and sounds incredible.

Thanks for the reply! Good to know that most folks are happy with the C2600.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by rjryan

That sounds like a fantastic solution. Right now, I'm running a hybrid system in that I have a Marantz 8802 doing home theater duty, with my C47 running dedicate 2 channel, or passthrough when the theater is running. My thinking is that the 2600 is an excellent piece to keep for some time, since I'm primarily a vinyl guy for music. I'm also contemplating a speaker upgrade to round everything out. SF Olympica III, actually. Oh...this rabbit hole just never ends, ha!

Rabbit holes have a bottom...