I had the same question....I did goto Best Buy and demo C2500 and MC275.Has anyone compared these two preamps?
What mistake did they make with the C2500? I must have missed something...You guy's joeinid is talking about the NEW C22
Anyway I haven't listen to them side by side in my own system. But the new C22 is basically a C2300 in old close, since mac is learning by the mistakes made with the C2500
What mistake did they make with the C2500? I must have missed something...
What mistake did they make with the C2500? I must have missed something...
The C1100 no DAC, C1000 no DAC, C500 no DAC, C220 no DAC, C2200 no DAC C2300 on DAC. The C2300 is in more demand than the C2500 because it has no DAC and used they cost about the same.I have heard the 2500 against the 1000 and the 500 and I agree it sounds different, but I don't know if I would call it a mistake. And yes I would rather have a 48 or a 50, but if a 2500 is a mistake so was the 220, 2300. Remember guys all these so called tube pre-amps are Hybrids. They are all hybrids with inter stage SS buffers and output buffers insuring the best use of the tubes. I would love to hear the new C1100 with a pair of my favorite 1.2k audition amps. I bet the sound will be of tubes reaching a new plateau.
The C1100 no DAC, C1000 no DAC, C500 no DAC, C220 no DAC, C2200 no DAC C2300 on DAC. The C2300 is in more demand than the C2500 because it has no DAC and used they cost about the same.
Quiet telling that Mac used the 2300 design for the "New C22", and the new C1100 doesn't have a DAC but has USB for firmware updates, this I would worry about.
Putting a DAC in it, not providing easy to use firmware, windows only, users are having lots of issues doing the install to the point of turning them into door stops. Then what are their option for buying a 2ch preamp that mac turned into a hassle of a computer? not have their stereo, sending the unit in for repair, time and money... hey it's only two-three years old.
Mac doesn't even take them back in their upgrade program, why? because the older it gets the less it has value to anyone.
Putting a DAC in it, not providing easy to use firmware, windows only, users are having lots of issues doing the install to the point of turning them into door stops. Then what are their option for buying a 2ch preamp that mac turned into a hassle of a computer? not have their stereo, sending the unit in for repair, time and money... hey it's only two-three years old.
Mac doesn't even take them back in their upgrade program, why? because the older it gets the less it has value to anyone.
I have done two firmware updates on my C48, both the firmware and the USB audio software. I have real world experience with this.
How many have you done on McInotsh pre-amps? Please share to validate your claims.
Firstly the firmware installation is easy for any computer literate person to use.
There is actually no way of turning it into a door stop if you screw up the installation. Example, while my last update was happening I accidentally stood on my USB cable and it popped out of my computer.
I thought I was done, I thought it was a brick.
So I contacted McIntosh and they sent me the "so you've turned your pre-amp into a brick" instructions.
McIntosh have cleverly designed these pre-amps so that you can reload the default boot loader by a push of a button whilst connecting the power, there's also a method and another push button solution to reset the unit.
Most designers cheap out and don't go to these lengths McIntosh do to make sure you can never brick the unit. McIntosh don't cut corners on the products they make including their Digital audio products.
Normally a cheaply designed unit would have to have the logic chip replaced when something like that happens, and then you'd find its not available any more, but not McIntosh, as it happens, they design their digital products for longevity and reliabilty....
I feel you are being ridiculously harsh about the onboard DAC's and logic controlled analogue pre-amps. Sure, you are entitled to your opinions and I respect that, but I reckon you could lighten up a bit to be honest.
I run J-river on a 2011 Macbook Pro, I have very little issues, less issues than my Benchmark, way less....
I also run the apple TV and my Pansonic Viera Plasma though the C48, I play you tube off my computer, I stream radio stations directly or sometimes through iTunes.....it ALL works!! How about that.....
how many are moaning though, could be a rather small minority of guys at the end of the day....I haven't been on that site for a long time, I find it too snobby...Kev your a member of Audio Aficionado, go to those threads and read member after member after member having or had many problems. First it was with the units and now it's the software fix. It's a easy thread to find Firmware updates: Why so inconvenient ? with 125 negative comments. Hell Ron should be over there really as what the common thread and feeling is, is that mac has there head in a bubble and not taking care of all the issues and customer support. I ain't shitting on the total dissatisfaction diehard mac owners are feeling over this.