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c220 vs c2300 - gilding the Lily ?

jblnut

jblnut

Don't Overthink It
I'm at a crossroads and I need some advice from the McExperts. I am seriously considering selling my C220 and my outboard phono pre and just going with a C2300. I would love to hear from C2300 owners (especially those that have heard or owned the C220 too) about differences, similarities, etc. I'm also curious to hear about the phono section (especially moving coil) of the C2300.

My dealer has a sweet demo 2300 that he's ready to move and I'm seriously considering it.

Good move, or would the money be better spend on a better outboard phono preamp ?

Thanks!

jblnut
 
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I made this move a few months back. I LOVE my C2300. The C220 is a fantastic pre.....but the C2300 is just another level. :thmbsp:

The C2300 is just a better sounding unit all around. If you can afford it, do it. You won't look back.
 
The C2300 has a marvelous phono stage that would be tough to better for >$1500. Plus the fact that you can adjust many functions with the remote from your listening seat. This replaced a C2200 - a classic Mc pre.
 
I've never owned a C220, but have owned a C2300 and highly recommend it. The MC stage is top shelf - much better than my Sutherland PH-1S. It is a hybrid SS and tube design for lowest noise. You also get 'on the fly' cartridge loading. The bass and treble controls can be operated from your listening position, which is really handy for uneven recordings or compilation albums.

Pull the trigger, put in some new Gold Lions, and never look back.

Tom
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I did a lot more research and decided that my cartridge is too low of an output to be a good match for the C2300's MC section. I am pursuing a high-end outboard phono preamp (the Pass Labs Xono) instead. I still may upgrade my C220 for a C2300 at some future point, because - well it looks so damn cool with those meters :-).

For now though, I cannot find any real fault with the C220 and I love the sound.

Thanks again for all the replies !

jblnut
 
C2300 plus a step up trans will take care of your low output cartridge - how low? I use a Lyra Delos with mine - 0.6 mV

The C2300 is a real upgrade from the C220.
 
Not even close :-). I'm using the Denon DL-S1 which is 0.15mv and needs a 40 ohm impedance. I tried a SUT but it wasn't a great match, and the "correct" one from Denon is $1k. Rather than get locked in there, I figured the Xonon is a better long-term investment.

I know the 2300 is an upgrade and someday I'll make that leap. But it doesn't solve my immediate problem as the MC section doesn't have enough gain, nor enough flexibility in the loading.

I really like the DL-S1 even with my meager temp setup - it should really shine with the Xono.

jblnut
 
Long time ago :-) Putting in the Psvane's was a *huge* move. Dropped the noise floor dramatically.I did like the sound of the stock tubes (to be fair), but they had too much noise for me.

jblnut
 
C2300 upgrade

jblnut said:
I'm at a crossroads and I need some advice from the McExperts. I am seriously considering selling my C220 and my outboard phono pre and just going with a C2300. I would love to hear from C2300 owners (especially those that have heard or owned the C220 too) about differences, similarities, etc. I'm also curious to hear about the phono section (especially moving coil) of the C2300.

My dealer has a sweet demo 2300 that he's ready to move and I'm seriously considering it.

Good move, or would the money be better spend on a better outboard phono preamp ?

Thanks!

jblnut
Click to expand...




I've had one of these Mac's for some time. It's a lot of bang for the buck.:thmbsp: I've also tweaked the be-geezuz out of it to make it even better!:music: Go for it! You'll love it.:tresbon:
 
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Any Denon low output MC will work fine with C2300, C48, C50, C500 or C1000 MC input. No step up needed.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Two things you need for a low output moving coil cartridge to work, first additional gain over moving magnet + 40dB, which is usually +20dB over moving magnet, or +60dB total.. This is the gain that McIntosh MC phono sections add.
Second the cartridge will need to appropriate loading which needs to be in a range required by the cartridge. McIntosh MC loading runs from 25 to 1000 ohms in logical steps. The highest signal to noise ratio will be needed with the high gain, 60db low output MC circuitry and McIntosh is very quiet.
In the case of the low output Denons they usually state cartridge impedance as one number, recommended load as another and a test chart of the cartridges actual frequency response. Take note of the loading used on the chart as it may be another value.
You do have a superb cartridge and they do not get much better at any price. McIntosh preamps also have the ability to set volume offsets by source so you can even out playback volumes of your various sources.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Thanks Ron,

I did get the Pass Xono and it is superb with the DL-S1. I hope to do the 2300 upgrade next year if things work out. I love the input volume leveling with the C220 and use it all the time.

Jblnut
 
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