C2200 Vs C2300

[Shane]

I can see your point, although I did point out four differences. The C2300 has remote control of bass and treble, a moving coil phono input, solid milled connectors on the rear apron, and meters set far left and right. The C2200 doesn't have these features, with the exception of the meters, although they are installed closer to the center of the face plate. I am positive there are many more differences, but my only exposure to the C2300 has been through the web. That is why I did not, nor can I comment on the sonic differences. I haven't had the pleasure of an A/B comparison. I have no doubt I would be impressed with the C2300. I was simply commenting on how impressed I am with the C2200. In my opinion, you made a great choice. Whether it is the right choice, only you will be able to answer that.

By the way, welcome to AK, and the McIntosh forum.

If you are happy with your c2200, don't change. there is no reason to.

If I did not think sonically the c2300 was an improvement, the added features would not be worth it.

enjoy your c2200. cheers

 

[jmprest]

Thanks, I have to admit that by the time I got to the end of the post I'd forgotten the all highlighted differences mentioned. To answer the question as to why I purchased the c2200 over the c2300; was, one I didn't need the higher end phono section and secondly rarely use tone controls. I have attempted to keep all the equipment somewhat on the same level, trying not to compromise on neutrality, I liked the new forward dimension both units offered, my take was different than Shane’s, I think the Mid’s and uppers were more pronounced\ clear on the c2200, granted this could be the result of John DeVore's crossover. I guess in the end I couldn’t justify the extra 2k. I previously had the c41. On a side note the TT is an Empire 598II Troubador, Very cool looking TT and ok sound.
Cheers

 

[jdandy]

Looking at the photos of the C2300 I noticed the top cover looks like it is removable without having to remove the entire chassis cover. That's a nice feature for servicing or swapping tubes. The C2200 does not have this.

 

[Awoujol]

Looking at the photos of the C2300 I noticed the top cover looks like it is removable without having to remove the entire chassis cover. That's a nice feature for servicing or swapping tubes. The C2200 does not have this.

Indeed, 100% correct.:yes:

 

[etk1]

Good question Pete.

I have not really been trying to compare, however I believe the c2300 is better sounding and more musical.

There is something special, when done correctly that a tube based pre amp will always have over its SS counterpart. To me it starts with a big soundstage and a top to bottom transparency and smoothness that makes music sound easier to listen to. It leaves some tonal meat on the bones as each note starts and stops. Lots of tube pre's can be bright in the upper mids and hence don't sound that great. The c2300 seems to be spot on with its tonal balance.

SS either starts and stops too quickly, leaving it lean sounding or like the C46 in some frequencies notes starting and stopping seem to overlap, giving an impression of a slight mechanical sound. It does not breath as easy as a great tube pre.

The C-46 is very very good and a lot better than the C2200, however in my book the C2300 is quite a bit better again, and this is discounting the great MC phono stage the c2300 has.

enjoy

Hi Shane,
Sorry I didn´t understand.
The C2300 is "quite a bit better" than ? the 2200 or c46?

Thanks

 

[Shane]

Hi Shane,
Sorry I didn´t understand.
The C2300 is "quite a bit better" than ? the 2200 or c46?

Thanks

I was answering Pete's question re c46 and c2300, hence the references between SS and tube.
IMO the C2300 is better than both. The C46 is better than the c2200.

hope that clarifies. as always, try to hear in your system as musical preferences may be different like lmprest.

 

[SIGNHERE]

Any help on where to set the "mmlevel" on my C2300? Seems the 250-350 range works best with my Rega Blue MM cart. What am I adjusting here?

 

[vintage_tube]

Any help on where to set the "mmlevel" on my C2300? Seems the 250-350 range works best with my Rega Blue MM cart. What am I adjusting here?

The Rega Elys (is that the one you have -- blue??) is an MM cartridge and your adjusting the capacitive loading choices (50pF to 750pF in 50pF steps w/the C2300) & by doing so, you are adjusting the high-frequency response to your liking. There is no set capacitance loading for your Rega MM -- go by ear.:yes:

 

[SIGNHERE]

Thank you tube! Seems like 50 is "dull" and 750 is "shrill".....Do most/some mm carts have recommended settings? What is normal? By the way, how are those 2301's working out? I wish they could drive these Salons, but these 501's barley keep up!

Billy

 

[vintage_tube]

Thank you tube! Seems like 50 is "dull" and 750 is "shrill".....Do most/some mm carts have recommended settings? What is normal? By the way, how are those 2301's working out? I wish they could drive these Salons, but these 501's barley keep up! Billy

Hey Billy -- Yes, some MM's have a recommended specific range or setting. Ortofon for instance, recommends capacitance load: 150-300pF for some of their MM's and others they recommend 200-600pf. The pF range is all over the place as you can see.

Those Salons & 501's should be a very good match.

The MC2301's are outrageous -- presently enjoying listening to the MFSL Beatles box set, white album on the MT10. I've never heard it this good -- may start with album 1 and go thru all 14. Thanks for asking.:thmbsp:

 

[W9TR]

It better be good!

I just traded in my C2200 for a C2300 using the Mcintosh amp trade in program. I made the move for the MC phono, armchair variable loading and remote tone controls. I also made the move looking for better performance, and, based on some of the buzz on the board here - all I can say is....

"It better be good!" (Just kidding.) Can't wait to get the 2300.

If I find I no longer need my AcousTech MC phono preamp and can sell it - this will be a smokin' deal.

Now, if I can get the CFO to approve a move to the 2301's......

 

[vintage_tube]

I just traded in my C2200 for a C2300 using the Mcintosh amp trade in program. I made the move for the MC phono, armchair variable loading and remote tone controls. I also made the move looking for better performance, and, based on some of the buzz on the board here - all I can say is.... "It better be good!" (Just kidding.) Can't wait to get the 2300.

Now, if I can get the CFO to approve a move to the 2301's......

Don't you just hate bean counters??

Since you had experience w/the C2200, pLease post your impressions of the C2300.

 

[gmartan]

Not removable

Looking at the photos of the C2300 I noticed the top cover looks like it is removable without having to remove the entire chassis cover. That's a nice feature for servicing or swapping tubes. The C2200 does not have this.

You still need to remove the entire top to get at the tubes but it's not hard. I did have both the C2200 and C2300 in the house at the same time and I can state that the C2300 is much more transparent, at least with the stock tubes. Even the headphone output is worlds better.

Having said that, the above experience was with an MC402 driving Martin Logan Summits. Synergy was just awful with truncated highs and lack of any air, just not musical. I have replaced the MC402 with a Classe C-2200 and the sound is magical. I kept the C2300 because it is a great sounding pre-amp. Period. I have not used the phono inputs or rolled tubes since the Classe amp was installed but plan to shortly.

 

[ron-c]

What cables are you using? Balanced or unbalanced?

thanks,
Ron-C

 

[Daytripper]

I guess I like awful truncated highs

Oh I have been using use AQ panther balanced IC's lately figured Ron C may just know something I don't

Robert

 

[ron-c]

Yes, many have commented on the synergy between the big amps like the MC402 and the ML speakers. Makes one wonder what is different in this instance.

thanks,
Ron-C

 

[gmartan]

Cables

What cables are you using? Balanced or unbalanced?

thanks,
Ron-C

With the MC402 I tried both. Unbalanced was far better. Now I am using balanced but plan to try unbalanced later this week.

 

[Shane]

I just traded in my C2200 for a C2300 using the Mcintosh amp trade in program. I made the move for the MC phono, armchair variable loading and remote tone controls. I also made the move looking for better performance, and, based on some of the buzz on the board here - all I can say is....

"It better be good!" (Just kidding.) Can't wait to get the 2300.

If I find I no longer need my AcousTech MC phono preamp and can sell it - this will be a smokin' deal.

Now, if I can get the CFO to approve a move to the 2301's......

Congrat's, I am sure you will like the upgrade. On the fly is very good as well.

me, I am still waiting on the c2300 to come back after fixing the MC static feedback issue. Nice to see that Mac acknowledged the known problem and have an easy fix for it.

You should just sell your Acoustech now

the c2300 phono is quite a bit better.

 

[dneumann]

Ron - What is the "MC static feedback issue" that Shane references? I have noticed a lot of static when I play records as well through the MC phono stage. What is the fix?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Shane]

Ron - What is the "MC static feedback issue" that Shane references? I have noticed a lot of static when I play records as well through the MC phono stage. What is the fix?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave

see attached service bulletin that went out in early April direct from the man Chuck. Interesting that the Aussie importer was too lazy to advise C2300owners of the service bulletin and the fix.
You wil need to return it to the shop if it is the same issue.

The static popping sound seems to only effect when you use MC loading 100ohm's or over. Quite scary seeing your woofers almost popping out of the speakers as it gets louder as the volume goes up.

Is this the same issue you are having??

cheers Shane