well, I have a C47 and somehow found a C2500 for $2699 from a dealer...

[McGuyDLF]

Any input as to a comparison between the two. At that price, I couldn't pass it up as I've been wanting to go tube preamp, SS amp (I have an MC402). And I can sell the C47 for probably more than I spend on the C2500! Am I going to be thrilled? And yes, people whine about the DAC in the 2500 but I'm a vinyl guy, so I don't give two shiiiiiiiiits about the DAC honestly.

[KaliKid2013]

Originally Posted by McGuyDLF

Any input as to a comparison between the two. At that price, I couldn't pass it up as I've been wanting to go tube preamp, SS amp (I have an MC402). And I can sell the C47 for probably more than I spend on the C2500! Am I going to be thrilled? And yes, people whine about the DAC in the 2500 but I'm a vinyl guy, so I don't give two shiiiiiiiiits about the DAC honestly.

Since you don't care about the digital stage, then you should be very happy. I had one for a few months and I sold it to get the C500T.

Other than the digital stage not working properly, I loved it. No doubt you will too... it will be excellent with your 402.

[John Jordan]

DLF-

I ran a 2500 for about four years and quite liked it. Traded it about 10 months ago for an 1100. There were some teething problems with the USB section of the DAC locking up initially but the 1.03 update cleared that up. The coax and toslink connections were always reliable. Although you mostly spin vinyl, down the road should you decide to explore digital plugging in a laptop is no problem. The DAC is quite decent and might improve the sound of your 861 as well..

Being familiar with the both, to my ears, I far prefer the tube sound of the 2500. Moving from a solid state to tube pre-amp was a one of the most noticeable improvements made to my system. It should be a good match to your 402. Any chance your dealer will give you an in home trial of the 2500 or you can bring your 47 to the shop for a comparison?

[stereo_5]

Congratulations on the C2500. You got a great deal. I have had mine for a little over 2 years and I am loving mine and I am sure you will love yours too. I have mine partnered with the MC 302 amp and MR88 tuner.

[Ilisten]

Congrats on the C2500
I was running a C47 with my 452 before I found a C2300. You will see how lean the C47 sounded once you make the change.

Tube pre-amp and SS amp is the way to go... !

[For The Love of Music]

I agree, the C2500 is a work horse - you got a good deal all day long, enjoy in health!

[McGuyDLF]

I cannot wait!!!!! Everyone keeps telling me I stole this sucker. He wanted $2799 but I then learned it didn't have a manual (yes, I like the physical manuals for resale purposes and I'm OCD on that stuff) or a remote. So I asked for $100 off. Top rail had a ding in it as well. Called McIntosh - new HR085 remote $80, new top rail $20 - worked out perfectly! Should have it late next week - unfortunately the dealer is one of those businesses that are open on Saturday but closed Monday...sob...

[Maks]

You'll enjoy it! Good to know the top rail is only $20, my C2300 has the slightest ding and it's been on my list of things to eventually replace. Was this at SAE?

[McGuyDLF]

No but I love Saturday Audio - Andy is the best. This was from HiFi Sound in Minneapolis - I almost decided to drive the 6 hours to pick it up but I didn't have the time to go and I wanted it ASAP!!!!!!!!

[W9TR]

I have been dealing with Hi-Fi Sound for over 20 years. They are top shelf all the way. Congrats!