Downsize from C2200/MC275 to integrated SS
As I am getting older, I am thinking of reducing the number of audio components in my living room. Tape recorder has gone down to the basement time capsule, my flagship Technics cassette player will soon follow.
Cable clutter is getting difficult to handle due to space restrictions, and frequent lumbago’s.
Looking to replace my McIntosh C2200 preamp, MC275 power amp and an excellent European phono stage with an integrated amp.
I am extremely satisfied with my current setup, I am just tired of scrambling behind furniture to connect cables every time cleaning is required.
The loudspeakers are Coincident Technology 93db sensitivity.
Should I expect equivalent sound quality if I jump to something like an Esoteric or Accuphase?
Or European jobs like NAGRA or Burmester?
And would a Class A unit match my tube sound better than AB?
@pzero5 Not really. I was using Harbeth 40.3XDs which had a sensitivity of 85-86db if I remember correctly. My room is 18’x36’x8’ and they played as full and loud as I wanted. For shits and giggles I upgraded to an Accuphase C-2900 pre-amp and A-80 power amp, but it was overkill and I would have been absolutely content with the E-800. It is an amazing piece. And never underestimate the simplicity of a one box solution. |
I too have downsized my system due to several factors including poor room setting and getting older and wanting something smaller. Due to the living room configuration, I am forced to be seated a mere 6’ from the speakers. My original system was a McIntosh MC252 amp and C2500 preamp, with Revel F208 speakers. The system had a lovely full-bodied sound to it, but I could not get the pieces to perform as they should in that open floor plan room. I traded the pieces in for a McIntosh MSA5500 integrated amp, Paradigm Founders 80 speakers, and picked up an Innuos Pulse streamer. The new system sounds pretty good, but not of the caliber of the old one, missing that tube sound. But I was aware of the trade off going in. I also wanted to have the dac in the amp capable of providing resolution up to DSD. While I was at it, I updated my old Linksys 1900 AC wireless router to a TP-Deco 6E Pro mesh system. This gives me the ability to plug in an ethernet cable to the Pulse since it doesn’t have wireless. Overall, I’m happy with the outcome. And while I was at it, I updated my power and USB cords. I hope this will be my last time rebuilding, but one never knows with this hobby! |
I suppose many of us are actively looking at downsizing options or will soon do so. You have a fine system in place, and like all of us, you want your change to have as few compromises as possible. You are lucky that your current speakers are relatively sensitive. This allows you more options that are likely to give you the satisfaction of your current system, or come very close. The first option, mentioned by many, is to investigate a Mac SS integrated amp with an autoformer output stage. You will have the familiar Mac house sound, but loose a little of the lushness you probably enjoy from your tube based system. 2nd option would be Class A Luxman integrated amp. This will likely get you very close to the sound of your current system, and includes an excellent phono stage which may allow you to remove another box from your system. 3rd option may be an Accuphase integrated amp. I only know what I have read, but I think it would worth your time to investigate. 4th option would be a Tube Integrated amp; either a Leben 600 series or Aurorusound HFSA 1. BOTH would work well with your speakers, and provide the tube sound that you enjoy with your current system. However the system would not play as loud as you may be used to. If it were me, I would choose either a Luxman or Leben integrated and be set for the next 10-20yrs. |
I wanted to build my system and do all the upsizing while I am working, so, when I retire I will not be inclined to spend a lot of money on my stereo system. To that end, I went with single components and an audiophile rack. The Audiophile rack can go a long way in solving your space issues. My rack is an Adona Altair double rack and has six columns with herbies giant gliders so I can slide the whole rack out for cleaning on my wood floor. On the Adona Altair Rack i have two McIntosh MC275 V in monoblock with a McIntosh c2300 preamp with separate D150 DAC, MCT500, MT10, Volumio Rivo+ Streamer plus a 13.5 inch OLED screen. I have been building this system since 2013, and last year I upgraded to the Adona Altair rack and upgraded my speakers to Wilson W/P 8, and this year finally upgraded my digital streaming front end, all my speaker cables, all interconnects, power cables, conditioner, & wall duplex. As you can tell I took my time and bought almost everything used. Personally, I have listened to a lot of stereos, and if you like the sound of McIntosh MC275 with McIntosh tube preamp, you will be hard pressed to find something better. With the excellent Rivo+ streamer which also holds all my ripped CDs and SACDs, I find the old McIntosh D150 DAC wonderful. Remember, just because it is new technology or a new model does not mean it will sound better. Personally, I could not go back to SS and I believe a good sounding DAC, no matter how old, as long as it is still in spec, will always be a good sounding DAC. I am not sure where you are on "streaming", but, that is where I found the most satisfaction putting my money. Qobuz and a great streamer using your existing DAC, preamp, amp will open up a whole new world for you and really sounds fantastic. |
