C50 + Mc2000 = Magic!

[HiFiGuy528]

Spent some time listening to my new toy. I've compared the C50 DAC to my Cullen mod PS Audio DAC Link III. Both connected to 2010 Mac Mini music server running iTunes. I can't say that I could tell the difference between the two DACs. That is a good thing for the C50 IMO because I loved the PS Audio DAC. So this means I may sell the PS and save some space and wires.

The preamp has the modern sound and details I was seeking. Combined with the Mc2000, it is sweet baby sweet.

The headphones amp on the C50 is very good and drives my Sennheiser HD800 with ease. Is it as good or better than my Lehmann Audio headphones amp? No, but it's 95% there.

Overall, I am very very happy with the purchase. Now, if McIntosh would fix some of the little issues I would be an even happier man. I highly recommend the C50.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

Question on S/PDIF input. Does it support 24/88.1 signal? I am currently using 24/96 from Musical Fidelity V-Link.

 

[piolaxo]

This is beautiful...! I remember having seen a picture prior the C50 and it looks almost exactly from the same angle, but can't remember the preamp you had. Was it a C2300? Anyway, the C50 looks the part and togother with your MC2000, the sound must be glorious. What sources do you have?

Sal

 

[jchouston]

That picture looks beautiful.


What "little issues" do you speak of?

And what are those speakers?

 

[HiFiGuy528]

I had a C2200 with gold kit in the C50 spot. Still have the preamp, not connected.

The speakers are JMLab Mezzo Utopia. GREAT speakers! Had them for years.

 

[piolaxo]

C2200, interesting. Oh yeah, the gold C2200 with the MC2000 in gold. Nice combo, very unique! So since I do have a C2200, I'd have to ask you the differences you hear between the C50 and the C2200. Not that I wanted to change it, but having heard it for a while it's always good for comparison purposes. You probably have to listen to the C50 more (and wait for full break-in) to have a better understanding. Let us know.

Congrats again. Looks very good. I'm sure at night they stand out great.

Sal

 

[lennartj]

Mix and match

I certainly agree that the C50 has a great DAC, but unfortunately I was less impressed by the rest of the preamp when I had one on loan for a while.
My C2300 is clearly more resolving and involving both via the phono and line inputs in my setup, so i got the best out of the C50 by connecting tape out from it to a line input on my C2300 letting it control the volume to my custom built tubed class-A power amps.
Don't hesitate to warm up your gorgeous C2200 and try out connecting it in a similar fashion and please tell us what you think.
Some people (you?) actually prefer the C2200 over the C2300, even if I don't.
I bought mine when both were available and made a careful comparison before deciding, but it may well be a matter of matching and not absolute superiority.
Maybe even the preamp section of the C50 could be preferred when it is combined with different gear, who knows? :scratch2:

 

[Negotiableterms]

I think there's something special that can happen when either the pre or the amp is tubed and the other is SS. The C50/MC2000 may have some of that special magic. I know the C500/MC501-1201 combination does, as I've never been happier upgrading from the C200.