Upgrade time! New preamp on the way!

[audioguy3107]

Uh oh......upgrade time! Put in a trade for a NOS McIntosh C 2300, so saying goodbye to the ol' C220 and waiting for the 2300 to arrive. Can't wait!
Special thanks to Dan for some good advice on preamps as well. Looking forward to breaking it in!

[Still-One]

Congratulations. A very nice pre-amp.

[2fastdriving]

Congratulations! Are you planning to change out the tubes?

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Congratulations! Are you planning to change out the tubes?

Most likely, I was thinking of asking Audio Classics to just go ahead and change them out for some Gold Lions or something else (surprise me!!), but they recommended getting a feel for how it sounds before doing that. Once I get it broken in, then I'll probably order a couple of sets and play with it. I already have a pair of Gold Lions from my C 220, so I may check some different ones and compare. One thing I'm going to try NOT to do is compare the built in MC phono stage with my Manley Chinook. I would think the Manley would be better no question, but I know the MC in the 2300 has a great reputation. Wonder if anyone has compared it to their outboard phono stage? Ha! I guess at some point you have to settle down, stop fiddling, and listen to some tunes, right?

- Buck

[prepress]

Originally Posted by audioguy3107

Most likely, I was thinking of asking Audio Classics to just go ahead and change them out for some Gold Lions or something else (surprise me!!), but they recommended getting a feel for how it sounds before doing that. Once I get it broken in, then I'll probably order a couple of sets and play with it. I already have a pair of Gold Lions from my C 220, so I may check some different ones and compare. One thing I'm going to try NOT to do is compare the built in MC phono stage with my Manley Chinook. I would think the Manley would be better no question, but I know the MC in the 2300 has a great reputation. Wonder if anyone has compared it to their outboard phono stage? Ha! I guess at some point you have to settle down, stop fiddling, and listen to some tunes, right?

- Buck

Say, don't I know you from another forum?

Seriously, the C2300 is indeed a step or two up from the C220 by most accounts. I have one (yes, the solid-state guy) and while I haven't extensive experience with the phono stage, I will say it's at least as good as my Aragon 47k with upgraded power supply so far, a $750 package from 1994. For that reason and to reduce clutter, the Aragon has been removed from the system. I have wondered whether the Parasound JC 3+ would be an improvement, but until I start playing more vinyl the 2300's MM stage is plenty, and good enough.

Be warned, though. The 2300's ground terminal is pretty hefty, and the spades on my older TT don't fit. I had to put one lug from each channel into the terminal's hole. That's working.

[2fastdriving]

No, never stop fiddling

Yeah the phono stage is really good in the 2300, but I haven't compared to something like the Chinook.

It's a good idea to try the stock tubes before starting the fiddling. I like psvanes personally.

[jdandy]

Buck.......You're in for a real treat. You are going to love the McIntosh C2300 preamplifier. Congratulations on a wise move and a perfect choice.

I think it is a wise idea to spend some time with the stock tubes if you are curious. Basically, the Made in China 12AX7's are mediocre with a higher noise level but sound decent until you move to some quality tubes. Just tell Audio Classics to put two Gold Lion gold pin 12AX7's in the line stage. If you want to use the moving coil phono stage at some time in the future, install the two Gold Lions you own. My stock tubes were replaced before I ever energize my C2300.

I am really happy for you because I already know what a fabulous preamp you are about to receive. Happy listening.

[Marmarosa]

Dan,

Between this c2300 and the c2500, Wich one it's a better option for me, considering I don´t care about digital inputs?

I´m planning match one of these two preamps with a mc 275´amp.

Are differences in the phono section ?

Thank´s in advance

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Marmarosa

Dan,

Between this c2300 and the c2500, Wich one it's a better option for me, considering I don´t care about digital inputs?

I´m planning match one of these two preamps with a mc 275´amp.

Are differences in the phono section ?

Thank´s in advance

Jose.......I have a personal bias against DAC's being built into preamplifiers. That is the difference between the C2300 (no DAC) and the C2500 (with DAC). If you have no interest in digital inputs I would encourage you to consider the C2300 with your MC275. I have run this combination and it is exceptional. I am a big fan of the McIntosh C2300 preamplifier. Mine is driving MC601's and sounds fabulous.

[Marmarosa]

Dan,

Thank´s for you quick and really helpful answer.

By the way, how have you connected me with Santander ?