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C2300 opportunity

ajward549

ajward549

Super Member
Good evening everyone

I have the opportunity to pick up a C2300 from a local estate sale. The estate of a music professor is being auctioned off, and includes this piece in addition to the remainder of their stereo, and a substantial classical lp collection.

I currently have a MC2105 with a C24 and really love it. Both were restored and sold by Tom of mcintoshaudio. I use a SUT for LOMC carts and have an external DAC connected to a Mac mini with all of my digital music and streaming services. My analog source is a Thorens 124.

So questions:
1. Would the C2300 pair well with the MC2105?

2. Are there any significant issues with this pre that would make it one to avoid?

3. I know we aren't really supposed to talk $ and ¢ here, but if anyone would like to PM me I would appreciate it. There is a "buy it now" option but the total is more than I want to spend. It may be reasonable, but if I could get at a better deal I would prefer.

I don't expect to get this thing for a steal. Really. There was a nice VPI available with a Graham arm and Koetsu cart available too that the auctioneer didn't know the value of. I emailed them and told them what the cart was so they wouldn't under sell. I want the auctioneer and the family to get the best value out of the sale too, but I don't wan to over pay or make a purchase that doesn't make sense with my other equipment!

Thanks!
Andrew
 
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1) Yes
2) No
3 Use the Sold/Expired tab on hifishark.

If I were you and the price was right, I'd snag that unit - not having to worry with shipping is a big plus.
 
snag it , but it may lead to an amp upgrade. to get the most out of it. it will eat the c 24 for breakfast and ask for seconds.
 
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Ha! I could go for the amp they are selling too (MC402) but I don't have the space or the need for that much wattage! If I "ever" change up my amp it will be to explore tubes :)

I'm tempted to pay the "buy it now" price, but think I'll ride out the time until Friday evening and keep bidding. I am looking at the pics right now during my lunch break and the glass face is going to need some work. I hope it's all cosmetic...
 
you do have the need for that wattage : Headroom. trust me I have a 452 I don't crank it nearly as high as it can go, because that thing can get WAY too loud for my ears, but the fact the amp is completely not stressing out under the load and has plenty of room for peaks, you quickly realize a high wattage amp affects the sound greatly even when not cranked. It took me owning a high powered amp ( I have had two) to understand why "yes that much power has benefits that you can get without cranking it. go for it and sell the old set to help finance the cost, it will be worth it. started with a c28 and a 2105, now I'm up to a c50 and a MC452 with XR200 speakers, I do not miss the old macs, except for multiple tape outputs.
 
My back hurts just thinking about having to muscle the 402 into place! Fortunately, I know it won't fit in the built-in cabinet where my hifi is!

I will continue to work toward the C2300. I agree with Geoff, I like that it is purely analog. I like having an external DAC, but I primarily play analog be it vinyl or FM through my MR71.

Those of you who have used a C2300, do you enjoy the MC phono input?
 
I love my C2300 and I have been using the built-in phono stage for my MC cart (Lyra Delos) and love the sounds specially ow that I rolled the MC tubes with the smooth plate Telefunken. It’s an excellent preamp worth every penny.35E7CBA3-0575-42FC-AE40-5F2CDDBB7F6F.png
 
miketuason said:
I love my C2300 and I have been using the built-in phono stage for my MC cart (Lyra Delos) and love the sounds specially ow that I rolled the MC tubes with the smooth plate Telefunken. It’s an excellent preamp worth every penny.View attachment 2173004
Click to expand...
Could I ask you a huge favor? Would you care to measure the width of the chassis behind the faceplate for me? I have tried to look this up but cannot find the exact dimension.

Thanks!!
Andrew
 
texer said:
As a fellow td-124 user, I’m curious what arm and cart you have been happy with? Thanks -
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I bought my 124 w/o an arm. Another member suggested a STAX UA7 as a starting point that was inexpensive and I am still using it. I have to say, I really like it! The cueing mechanism works great, it’s easy to set tracking force and can accommodate my heavier Denon 103s that have been modified with paradox pulse bodies. It takes a standard SME headshell so changing carts is a snap now that I have premounted them all. I don’t really intend to change it any time soon.
 
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