2. amps-preamps
  3. 167017-155254

I get it now

I have been slowly doing smallish upgrades to my audio system and seeing modest results but today I hooked up my new (to me) McIntosh C2500 preamp and I get it now. I finally see what a premium component can do to the sound. This change was even bigger than my initial upgrade to Forte IIIs as my speakers.  Human voices are more real than anything I’ve heard before. It’s truly a night and day difference. Even my extremely non audiophile wife immediately noticed the change.  
Alright, enough writing. I’m off to listen to music until I can’t keep my eyes open! 
varchard

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I'm a Mac guy, aren't they grand. I almost named a child Mac. Just kidding. His REAL name is Marantz Infinity JBL Josiah McToosh III.

I have a C2500 I love it..  NOW buy two great Tellies or RCA for the main tubes leave the rest.. Change those two.. AND really enjoy your 2500.
100.00 tube (valve) investment is a real eye opener..

I run a C20 in bypass sometimes.. A/B the old with the new.. Nothing alike at  ALL. I run small planars and ribbons.. The DAC.. little quirky though.. There are better DACs but the actual 2500.. Wonderful..

Enjoy ..
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
OP everything is new and fun, BUT the fact of the matter is that C2500 is a great all around preamp. A good phono stage (not a super duper phono stage) with options for MC loading and dual TT/Carts/Tonearms.

Variable "Loudness" AND tone control. Say what you will, NO tone control
I’m looking REAL hard to see what they offer, IF they don’t have it..

I mean if I want a passive preamp, I’LL MAKE IT..

If I want a line stage preamp. I’d probably build it too.. Other than real pretty what else is there.. Ins and Outs and hooking the two together without crosstalk..

You should hear that C2500 with a Cary V12r all dolled up running planar monitors. DSP MB columns and a servo bass system.. I don’t care what you use for a source. it’s pure heaven. THAT 2500 is the real jewel in the mix...

BTW it likes a good PC I use a simple silver clad weave, light not to heavy, about 1 meter long.. It works out to # 14. Mine was 49.00.. but you can spend what you want... The one I use sell everywhere for 29-350.00. There is that much difference in who makes the VERY same PC.. Not one thing different.. Except the cost..

Don’t forget the two main tubes if they are stock.. get rid of them.. Anything is better.. The phono section, good valves make a BIG difference too... Lets make that 4 matched valves.. RCAs or Tellies.. GOOD ones.. don’t cheap out, spend 1-150 for the 4 or 6 valves.. Well worth it.. DON’T get hoodwinked with 2-300 a pair valves either..

That's right HAT on the floor, it;s time to DANCE.. As I walk around the hat to the beat of the music and my faithful K-9 folliws me.. I stop.. and I slowly back

Regards
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