Spoiled by McIntosh

[PHC1]

Well, I've got to admit, McIntosh is one of the most "flexible gear" builders out there. Recently I decided to go back to a purist system for a few weeks. No MS300, just the MCD/MDA for spinning the shiny discs. No remote control while using the Lamm preamp in my system. Just your basic all manual playback system consisting of Lamm amps/pre and MCD/MDA1000.

Amazing how quickly we get spoiled by McIntosh.

Even turning on this purist system requires flipping 5 different toggle/push button switches between the Lamm and McIntosh. Wait 1 minute for the amps/pre to come on and stabilize before anything happens.

No subs or active crossover. With the Lamm gear, only RCA with my preamp and my active X/O and subs were running all balanced.

No remote control. Adjusting the levels and it happens often since CDs are recorded at different levels quite often, required getting up and adjusting not one but 2 separate volume knobs and making sure they are the same so the soundstage doesn't shift left or right.

Still very enjoyable considering how great everything sounds but it is quite a bit more of up and down off the couch.

With the C500P and MDA1000, I have instant access to MS300, MCD1000, just about any other source imaginable, I can mute the system, I can adjust volume, I can turn the whole system off and on with one click.... I have full flexibility of either XLR or RCA, so I can have my crossover, my subs, I can even adjust the cartridge loading from the remote for crying out loud... I can even listen to headphones and adjust the trims so that every source sounds relatively the same level....

Yes gents, this is flexibility. It is hard going back to a "purist" system after that.

My question is, how many of you would be willing to sacrifice that kind of flexibility if there was a sonic reward? At what point do you draw the line and say "it's just not worth it". How "hard core" are you?

['cisco]

Serge....at least it's a excellent way to stay in shape...up and off the couch and back on again

I am totally spoiled with my Mc's "flexibility and remote" That's one of the reasons I don't want to hook up my vintage Marantz receivers right now. For me..... I don't believe I'm sacrificing much sonically with Mc...... it sounds so smooth, natural, and non-fatiguing

[-E-]

The MDA1K was extremely hardcore until the lightsensor went in handling the 12-v trigger from the TV on/off lightbulb.

It was hell before that point.

[JSCC]

Late August last year, I was given a chance to own an entire CELLO system comprising of the FULL Audio Suite, Audio Pallette, Performance II Amplifiers (4 pieces) and the Master Stradivari speakers (all about 12 years old BUT in MINT condition, nary a scratch). Input were A VYGER TT (with a 312 tonearm), Wadia 861se CD player and a Magnum 108 Tuner in exchange for my then full Digital McIntosh system. Of course, everything were string together with Cello strings!

Seriously, its one nice system, something I have never heard before. I was pondering on the monetary aspect but before I can even say "No/Yes" to the offer, the entire setup were gone! Snapped up by a Japanese buyer!

Regrets? Yes! Cause its something so musical that I had never experienced before. In fact, it does surpasses the system I had then. Was money the only thing in my mind (I had to add on some dollars)? Well, yes BUT the other bit was IF I was willing to give up the convenience McIntosh had presented to me on one single remote control!

At that time, I was not prepared to do so, ... but considering! Today, I would say "YES!" IF the system is so musical! Turning the volume control, pressing that play button or even lowering/lifting of the tonearm is NOT something I would consider a sacrifice IF the system is musical! After all, I can always have the equipments near to my couch and to me, its just that moment of standing up and lifting my hands/fingers for the half hour or more of musical enjoyment!

So my dear friend Serge, I would if there are amplifiers that will bring me more magical moments than McIntosh. Right now, lining up to tempt me are the Wavacs .... BUT as I am "broke" for now, it will be quite a while before I can go wild again! So, meanwhile, I am enjoying myself everyday!

In short, the answer is "Yes", I would go manual IF the system is that special!

Cheers!

[1KW]

Serge,

Having one remote that works everything is important to me, as you saw in my system. I think you should keep the C500 for all the reasons you mentioned above, plus it is only a matter of months before you get the MC 1kw's. You are going to wish you kept the C500 with your MDA/MCD/MS300. Sonically they should be simillar unless you are saying the pre amp colors the music:sorry: Oh yeah, The c500 is one of the best looking components in its class.

[1KW]

I bet Serge will not have the Lamm amps. as long as he had the MC501's in his system ! Any takers on this bet ?

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by 2uberoller

I bet Serge will not have the Lamm amps. as long as he had the MC501's in his system ! Any takers on this bet ?

I would! Knowing Serge, he would not go about acquiring a set of combo like the Lamms without serious consideration and deep thoughts!

A beer perhaps! If its me, I would not take on the bet cause I am VERY fickle! Till now .....

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Late August last year, I was given a chance to own an entire CELLO system comprising of the FULL Audio Suite, Audio Pallette, Performance II Amplifiers (4 pieces) and the Master Stradivari speakers (all about 12 years old BUT in MINT condition, nary a scratch). Input were A VYGER TT (with a 312 tonearm), Wadia 861se CD player and a Magnum 108 Tuner in exchange for my then full Digital McIntosh system. Of course, everything were string together with Cello strings!

Seriously, its one nice system, something I have never heard before. I was pondering on the monetary aspect but before I can even say "No/Yes" to the offer, the entire setup were gone! Snapped up by a Japanese buyer!

Regrets? Yes! Cause its something so musical that I had never experienced before. In fact, it does surpasses the system I had then. Was money the only thing in my mind (I had to add on some dollars)? Well, yes BUT the other bit was IF I was willing to give up the convenience McIntosh had presented to me on one single remote control!

At that time, I was not prepared to do so, ... but considering! Today, I would say "YES!" IF the system is so musical! Turning the volume control, pressing that play button or even lowering/lifting of the tonearm is NOT something I would consider a sacrifice IF the system is musical! After all, I can always have the equipments near to my couch and to me, its just that moment of standing up and lifting my hands/fingers for the half hour or more of musical enjoyment!

So my dear friend Serge, I would if there are amplifiers that will bring me more magical moments than McIntosh. Right now, lining up to tempt me are the Wavacs .... BUT as I am "broke" for now, it will be quite a while before I can go wild again! So, meanwhile, I am enjoying myself everyday!

In short, the answer is "Yes", I would go manual IF the system is that special!

Cheers!

Time moves on my friend. That Cello system very well could have been considered a reference level system by many but I wouldn't doubt for a second that their newer components are even better. Have not heard any of their recent stuff myself.

So I see I am not the only one that would give up convenience for the sake of audio nirvana.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 2uberoller

I bet Serge will not have the Lamm amps. as long as he had the MC501's in his system ! Any takers on this bet ?

That is one serious looking crow David. I wonder what it would look like all deep fried with a side of fries?

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Time moves on my friend. That Cello system very well could have been considered a reference level system by many but I wouldn't doubt for a second that their newer components are even better. Have not heard any of their recent stuff myself.

So I see I am not the only one that would give up convenience for the sake of audio nirvana.

Cello had "closed" its chapter when Mark Levinson (the man) moved on to start Red Rose Music. The brand "Cello" is now in the hands of a Canadian company who continues to custom made the same products. Not much I know thereafter.

However, other personnel in the same company had gone on to produce similar high end amplifiers, Matthew James founded Cello Audio (and in his website will honor and continue to repair/modify older Cello products) while the late Tom Colangelo founded Viola Labs, all in the image of Cello Music & Film products of yore.

Convenience is just about the few moments (less than a minute) time to operate the volume, open/close the CD tray plus hitting the play button or lifting and lowering of the tonearm to the vinyl certainly does not call for much effort. Probably the only time this IS necessary would be in the bedroom where hitting one button to shut down would convenient the closing of eyes cause waking up from the bed would certainly render one to wake up from his slumbering mode.

Indeed I would join you as one who would give up convenience for quality musical enjoyment or like you put it, audio nirvana!