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c220 or C2200

I

idabao

New Member
Hi, I am a new user of MC275IV and have recently purchased a Proac 1sc which is now placed in my study room for running-in. I am puzzled to choose C220 or C2200 as the pre-amp for my new 1sc. My cd-player is Cary CP-1. Please suggest.....?? thanks a lot.
 
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I also have a MC-275 and have found that the C-2200 is a great match. In all fairness, I did not try the 220 before making a decision, but could not be happier with the result I am getting.
 
The C-2200 has a few more features like more balanced inputs/outputs, tape loop and meters but otherwise, if these additional features are not needed, you may not want to spend the extra $$.

Both are excellent but the 2200 gives you more. If you want to look at a side by side comparison, go to www.mcintoshlabs.com Click on the Products button, then Processors and you can compare.

Barry
 
I'm very happy with the C220/MC275 IV. Give them both a listen if you are able. Can't go wrong either way.
Bill
 
thanks for everybody,

In fact, I did make an audition when C220 was just arrived in a shop I am familiar with and found that C220 is inferior to C2200 in every aspects. Maybe C220 was not fully running in at that time. I am puzzled whether C220 is a good preamp or not. But for C2200, it seem out of proportionate in my system, which would be most expenive component. I live in Hong Kong. My 275 IV is about HK$ 32,000 and Cary Player HK$ 15,000, 1sc with foundation II stand about HK$ 20,000. If for C2200, it costs about HK$ 35,000 equivlant to US $ 5,000. The combination is not so balanced. Any comments if I invest most in my pre-amp.
 
I have not listened to the C220 but the C2200 did have very good synergy with the 275 when I auditioned them together for a week at my house. I use an MCD201 to drive the 275 directly with the Proac 1SC, in another room now, great sounding system. :music:
 
I'm confused why you think the C2200 is out of place in your system. If the C2200 costs HK$35000 and the MC275 costs HK$32000, they seem well matched from a cost standpoint.
 
idabao said:
thanks for everybody,

In fact, I did make an audition when C220 was just arrived in a shop I am familiar with and found that C220 is inferior to C2200 in every aspects. Maybe C220 was not fully running in at that time. I am puzzled whether C220 is a good preamp or not. But for C2200, it seem out of proportionate in my system, which would be most expenive component. I live in Hong Kong. My 275 IV is about HK$ 32,000 and Cary Player HK$ 15,000, 1sc with foundation II stand about HK$ 20,000. If for C2200, it costs about HK$ 35,000 equivlant to US $ 5,000. The combination is not so balanced. Any comments if I invest most in my pre-amp.
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I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. My power amp costs three times as much as my pre-amp and 5 times as much as my CDP. If you like the combo and it sounds great to you just go for it :thmbsp:

The old 30 / 30 / 30 division for source, amp and speakers is only a guideline. The C2200 is a GREAT pre-amp and you won't regret it :music: If you need another Hong Kong confirmation of this I'm sure Prodigal would oblige!

howiebrou
 
idabao said:
thanks for everybody,

In fact, I did make an audition when C220 was just arrived in a shop I am familiar with and found that C220 is inferior to C2200 in every aspects. Maybe C220 was not fully running in at that time. I am puzzled whether C220 is a good preamp or not. But for C2200, it seem out of proportionate in my system, which would be most expenive component. I live in Hong Kong. My 275 IV is about HK$ 32,000 and Cary Player HK$ 15,000, 1sc with foundation II stand about HK$ 20,000. If for C2200, it costs about HK$ 35,000 equivlant to US $ 5,000. The combination is not so balanced. Any comments if I invest most in my pre-amp.
Click to expand...

Comparing the C220 not run in to a broken in C2200 is probably pretty useless. Give it another try if you can. My C2200 is quite good, a big improvement over my MX134. Vocals moved right into place from being too far back and much warmer.

I have not listened to the C220. The critical C2200 feature for me is the PASSTHRU from my MX134. If you don't need this feature, give the C220 another demo. If you can still hear a difference (there should be very little difference), step up for the C2200 otherwise you'll regret it (I should have bought a MX135!)

JR
 
I had C2200 driving a 275mkIV and it was a beautiful match. I'd go without any doubt on the C2200 and it'll remain as a mile stone in your system. If you cannot afford it new, try to find something on the used market: you'll be definetly happy.
regards,
Luigi
 
Welcome to AudioKarma Luigi.There are others from your great country that love McIntosh and post here.



Chris
 
Hi Everyone,
I am using the MC275 Mk V and the C2200 with great results! I have a hard time turning it off, because it sounds so beautiful!:music:

Robert
 
I had the same decision to make and went with the C220 because I didn't need the features of the 2200 and didn't like the extra meters.
I compared the brand-new 220 to a well-broken-in 2200 with cyro'd tubes in it... and the 2200 was definitely better... more open and transparent. However, now that my 220 has broken-in and I'm getting my tubes cryo'd, I'll compare again in the next few weeks.
-C
 
carlman said:
went with the C220 because I didn't need the features of the 2200 and didn't like the extra meters.-C
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didn't like the extra meters:yikes: :screwy: :tears: :nono: :dunno:

:tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears:

:D
 
howiebrou said:
didn't like the extra meters:yikes: :screwy: :tears: :nono: :dunno:

:tears: :tears: :tears: :tears: :tears:

:D
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I wait for the comparison results...... really eager to know.....
:drool: :drool: :drool:
 
idabao said:
I wait for the comparison results...... really eager to know.....
:drool: :drool: :drool:
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What exactly are you going to compare ? :scratch2:

I think the worst thing on C220/MC275 combo is missing those blue meters, although the big deep blues on Mc's big amps are more exotic.
 
Prodigal said:
What exactly are you going to compare ? :scratch2:

I think the worst thing on C220/MC275 combo is missing those blue meters, although the big deep blues on Mc's big amps are more exotic.
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sorry for misunderstanding, I mean I wait for comparison between burn-in C220 and burn-in C2200.
 
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