Best Next Steps

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by Amadave

I may have gotten bad information, but my local dealer indicated the C2300 was no longer in production and he wasn't sure they would be able to order it. If it is still available, that would be great. Just out of curiosity, do you know why so many are pro C2300 versus the C2500?

it is still being featured on the McIntosh website and AudioClassics does indicate 'new' in store product. A quick call to AudioClassics will confirm the availability of the C2300.

As to your query, I think those who favor the C2300 over the C2500 is because of the volatility of DAC technology. The DAC portion in your C2500 will very quickly become superseded by new and better performing DAC technology. So there are many who don't want a Preamp with DAC. They'd rather keep their preamp and change DACs as that technology evolves. Also, the C2300 has an excellent phono stage. With McIntosh's new D100 and D150, you may have the option of keeping the heart of your system, amp and preamp, and simply upgrading the DAC.

The C2300 has had exceptional reviews here on AA by many who have owned it, or still own it.

I don't think you would be worse off with either the C2300 or C2500, it would be more a matter of preference.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I would look to your listening environment. Can you create a dedicated room which you can treat as needed? If not, at least do what you can in the room you are in to optimize it. You have a solid foundation and I would offer completing your room as much as you can will give you the biggest step forward.

The room is essentially a dedicated room. It is my equivalent to a man cave. There are golf clubs and bookshelves in there, but it is setup to be my listening room. I will claim a great deal of ignorance in regard to room treatments. Can you point me to a resource to learn more? Would room treatments be superior to adding a MEN220 or do I need both?

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Amadave

The room is essentially a dedicated room. It is my equivalent to a man cave. There are golf clubs and bookshelves in there, but it is setup to be my listening room. I will claim a great deal of ignorance in regard to room treatments. Can you point me to a resource to learn more? Would room treatments be superior to adding a MEN220 or do I need both?

Check out GIK. Lots of info on their site and then contact them. They will provide specific advice on how to proceed. Work that first, then consider the MEN220. It has been a godsend for me but is not always needed as witnessed by many on this site.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by Haurock

it is still being featured on the McIntosh website and AudioClassics does indicate 'new' in store product. A quick call to AudioClassics will confirm the availability of the C2300. As to your query, I think those who favor the C2300 over the C2500 is because of the volatility of DAC technology. The DAC portion in your C2500 will very quickly become superseded by new and better performing DAC technology. So there are many who don't want a Preamp with DAC. They'd rather keep their preamp and change DACs as that technology evolves. Also, the C2300 has an excellent phono stage. With McIntosh's new D100 and D150, you may have the option of keeping the heart of your system, amp and preamp, and simply upgrading the DAC. The C2300 has had exceptional reviews here on AA by many who have owned it, or still own it. I don't think you would be worse off with either the C2300 or C2500, it would be more a matter of preference.

Last week, I contacted Audio Classics about a preamp. Their first recommendation was the C50. I inquired further about tube preamps and they came back with the C2500. In fairness to them, I did indicate I would likely be looking at used so this may have influenced them away from the C2300 they have listed on their site. If I understand you correctly, if I ended up with the C2500 and still wanted to run a separate DAC it shouldn't be a problem. I just may be paying a little for a feature I would not be utilizing. The used C2500 was a fair amount less than the C2300.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Amadave

Last week, I contacted Audio Classics about a preamp. Their first recommendation was the C50. I inquired further about tube preamps and they came back with the C2500. In fairness to them, I did indicate I would likely be looking at used so this may have influenced them away from the C2300 they have listed on their site. If I understand you correctly, if I ended up with the C2500 and still wanted to run a separate DAC it shouldn't be a problem. I just may be paying a little for a feature I would not be utilizing. The used C2500 was a fair amount less than the C2300.

That makes no sense. Why would the 2500 be less? It's newer and has more features.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

That makes no sense. Why would the 2500 be less? It's newer and has more features.

The C2500 was used and I believe the C2300 was new or like new.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by antipop

I would tend to focus on the source first and then go down the chain in your case. I don't know the preamp you have but I don't believe it is the limiting factor right now. I would look into a new table first in your case. It is quite impressive the gain you can achieve on the analog side but going up the scale.

How far up the ladder do you think I would need to go to see a significant improvement in performance? I currently have the Rega RP3 w / Elys 2 cartridge. Would going to RP6 do it or should I be looking toward the RP8 or RP10? I only use these models as reference, but I am open to other brands as well. As I move up the ladder, I would guess I would be moving into MC. What is the advantage of MC over MM? If I move to MC, I would to find a new phonostage as my current only supports MM. Thanks again for your help.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by crwilli

Check out GIK. Lots of info on their site and then contact them. They will provide specific advice on how to proceed. Work that first, then consider the MEN220. It has been a godsend for me but is not always needed as witnessed by many on this site.

+1

As good as the MEN220 is (or any other), it just can't solve many of the room issues like first reflection for example. Room treatment starts with passive treatment. Active treatment is only for specific issues that would be too expensive to solve passively.

I'm using GIK products and I've been very happy. You can contact Glenn here and he's very helpful to get you through all the steps.

[antipop]

Originally Posted by Amadave

How far up the ladder do you think I would need to go to see a significant improvement in performance? I currently have the Rega RP3 w / Elys 2 cartridge. Would going to RP6 do it or should I be looking toward the RP8 or RP10? I only use these models as reference, but I am open to other brands as well. As I move up the ladder, I would guess I would be moving into MC. What is the advantage of MC over MM? If I move to MC, I would to find a new phonostage as my current only supports MM. Thanks again for your help.

Sky is the limit here.

I believe you'll be happy with a VPI Classic or an Avid Volvere SP with an SME V tonearm. You'll get dividend each time you go up the scale so it all depends on how much you're willing to spend.

You can stay with a MM cart at first like an Ortofon 2M Black but you'll get the most once you enter the MC domain. (more details, better soundstage ...). However, keep in mind that a high-end MM will be better than a cheap MC.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by antipop

Sky is the limit here. I believe you'll be happy with a VPI Classic or an Avid Volvere SP with an SME V tonearm. You'll get dividend each time you go up the scale so it all depends on how much you're willing to spend. You can stay with a MM cart at first like an Ortofon 2M Black but you'll get the most once you enter the MC domain. (more details, better soundstage ...). However, keep in mind that a high-end MM will be better than a cheap MC.

I'll give models you mention a look.