Some thoughts on my new (to me) C2300

[jdandy]

Tom.......Being a McIntosh enthusiast since my first MC30 mono tube amps in 1968, I know exactly how you feel about discovering the C2300. I own one and use it with a MC452 in my living room system. In my opinion it is the perfect tube preamp in one box. Congratulations and happy listening for many years.

By the way, as a kid I watched the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, too.

[SL1800]

Great story. When I was a kid I took piano lessons in a store that sold both instruments and Hi-Fi. You guessed it they sold McIntosh and I have wanted a Mac system ever since. I too listen through a C2300.

[Timobi]

Wonderful story Tom. Brings a nice human touch to all the tech.

[Antonmb]

Very nice story Tom, thanks for sharing with us.

[leftside]

The C2300 was the first piece of audio equipment I purchased that was way beyond my means. I almost felt a little sick at spending that sort of money on a piece of audio equipment. Until I turned it on.

Since then I've negotiated hourly rate increases, bettered myself with evening classes and weekend studying, and obtained much better contracts. All so I could purchase more audio quality audio gear? Not quite, as there have been other reasons, but it's certainly played a factor.

[AirSwo054]

I am glad you are enjoying your C2300, Tom. I just started to plan out my system this past Winter. The C2300 was actually on my list as the first piece to get.

Haha, I really had to resist myself from buying this exact C2300. Who knows, I might end up getting one later anyway. But I am glad my loss is your gain! I hope you enjoy many years of listening bliss with this fine piece of equipment.

[Tom R.]

Thank you, everyone, for your kind responses. Listening to music is a wonderful solitary experience, but it's also great fun when it's communal, for sure.

Peter--You are right, the MC275 would be just my style, but I'd assumed it wasn't powerful enough for B&Ws. Perhaps it should go back in the running.

Dan--It was your writings on McIntosh that helped me make my decision. Thank you. (Perhaps there should be an "I Saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan" club!)

Bob-- the amp will have to be later this year--eagle-eyed wife and all!

leftside--Thank you for sharing. No doubt, there is something extra special about owning this nice gear when you've had to strive, and save, and wait, and strive some more for it.

Dan and Bob, and anyone else who would like to chime in, I'd be grateful for your suggestions on re-tubing the C2300. Craig included two Gold Lions. What might I do with those, for starters?

Thanks,
Tom R.

[crwilli]

Tom, The GoldLions are installed in the left and right output stage - each with dampeners on them. The extra tubes are the barely used OEM tubes. Craig

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Tom R.

Thank you, everyone, for your kind responses. Listening to music is a wonderful solitary experience, but it's also great fun when it's communal, for sure.

Peter--You are right, the MC275 would be just my style, but I'd assumed it wasn't powerful enough for B&Ws. Perhaps it should go back in the running.

Dan--It was your writings on McIntosh that helped me make my decision. Thank you. (Perhaps there should be an "I Saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan" club!)

Bob-- the amp will have to be later this year--eagle-eyed wife and all!

leftside--Thank you for sharing. No doubt, there is something extra special about owning this nice gear when you've had to strive, and save, and wait, and strive some more for it.

Dan and Bob, and anyone else who would like to chime in, I'd be grateful for your suggestions on re-tubing the C2300. Craig included two Gold Lions. What might I do with those, for starters?

Thanks,
Tom R.

Nice story I think your first inclination for a solid state amp. is the correct one. Not that a tube amp. is bad but the solid state amp. paired with the C2300 will give you the best of both worlds.

[Timobi]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Nice story I think your first inclination for a solid state amp. is the correct one. Not that a tube amp. is bad but the solid state amp. paired with the C2300 will give you the best of both worlds.

+1.

I love my combo of the C1100 and MC601s. Nice little marriage.