2. amps-preamps
  3. 1280685205

Suggest upgrade from c2300 phono stage

I am currently using a McIntosh c2300 with phono stage. I am using a VPI Aries 3 with flywheel motor/ring clamp/center weight and 10.5i arm. The current cart is a Lyra Argo i.
I am in the process of choosing among 3 new cart upgrades...Lyra Titan, Dynavector XV-1s, and ortofon A90.
I am looking for a tubed phono stage to mate with one of the above 3 carts. I want a crazy low noise floor and a tighter lower end and not a "fat tube" sound.
Where do I go from the Mac? I will do +/- $12k on phono stage.
Any suggestions on above carts and mating pre amps are welcomed.
Will use c2300 as pre with mc501s running JM Lab Alto Utopias.

Pepe

New Orleans...proud to call it home
cajunpepe

Showing 5 responses by ontjesr

ontjesr
157 posts
 
I'd recommend going to the C500C/C500T in lieu of the C2300. Did that myself and never looking back. The C500 combo is down right quiet & had an awesome MC stage. Additionally, it is 99% of the soon to be discontinued 1000 series.

BOb
ontjesr
157 posts
 
I'll add the phono stages in the C500 and 1000 series are identical and when comparing these two pre's with the C2300 on that aspect, the MC/MM within the C2300 is not even of same design/configuration.
Big upgrade from C2300 to C500/1000 series.

Bob
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Completely different in design and actual components. The fully balanced C500 & 1000 pre's have left & right MC modules whereas the MC circuitry in the non-balanced C2300 is incorporated on the main component board.

Bob
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Here's a couple links showing inside photos of the C2200 & C2300.

http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/315-mcintosh-c2200-c2300-nudies.html

Here's a link showing inside photos of the C500/1000 boxes. Post #27 has the photos of the two units uncovered:

http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/2042-why-not-c500-instead-c1000-3.html

Quite a difference between the single box pre's and the dual box pre's & the MC circuitry too boot.

Bob
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Just to be informative -- the two shinny modules towards the rear in post #27 of the C500/1000 pictures -- those are the left/right MC modules which are non-existant in the C2200/2300's.

Bob
More to discover