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C500P initial impression

Serge.......How is that C500P sounding tonight? I am interested in this preamp. I read the owner's manual online today. I was surprised to see it can be switched between 5 volt and 12 volt triggers.
 
KMC45 said:
That's one of the reasons I probably won't make the move, i'd have to start another tower and space is an issue in the room. The corner is probably going to get a REL Stentor III pretty soon and that's not exactly a small item.
Click to expand...

You will find that the REL Stentor will be a welcome addition to the system. Adds a nice level of weight and depth to the music
 
jdandy said:
Serge.......How is that C500P sounding tonight? I am interested in this preamp. I read the owner's manual online today. I was surprised to see it can be switched between 5 volt and 12 volt triggers.
Click to expand...

It's starting to open up with about 18 hrs on it so far. I am starting to notice subtle improvements over the MDA1000. :scratch2: Sounds great! :music:

I'll be gone about a week and will continue the burn in when I come back.
 
KMC45 said:
Speaking of a Graham Phantom II, it's mounted to my new SME 20. I'm getting a slight urge, very slight, to add the C1000T for use with the TT. But, with my C1000P I don't know that i'll bother.

I might be settled with the TT business for awhile now, to many other things could be had for the price of the next upgrade, a SME 30.
Click to expand...

Very nice! The SME 20 was the first "high end" table I heard after various VPI's. I would say it is still one of my favorites after hearing a few more. It will be interesting to compare it to the Raven and SG tables. I have the sound deeply engraved in my mind. It's funny how I remember specific details of sound of different systems although I don't think I have a musical ear per say. :scratch2:
 
KMC45 said:
That's one of the reasons I probably won't make the move, i'd have to start another tower and space is an issue in the room. The corner is probably going to get a REL Stentor III pretty soon and that's not exactly a small item.
Click to expand...

The REL Stentor III was my favorite sub until I experienced the JL subs. The JL subs pull off the most incredible disappearing act if set up properly. I am still amazed every time I listen to my pair. Seriously good stuff. Audition them if you get a chance and compare.
 
PHC1 said:
It's starting to open up with about 18 hrs on it so far. I am starting to notice subtle improvements over the MDA1000. :scratch2: Sounds great! :music:
Click to expand...

Are you bypassing the MDA1000 when hearing the improvement or running through the MDA1000 first?

Novice question alert: is the C500 fully balanced? I too have been on the factory site and been told that just because it has balanced inputs/outputs it isn't necessarily "fully Balanced". Also, do you have much tone control through the controller or is it just bass and treble (or none at all)?

:scratch2: :scratch2:
 
2112 said:
Are you bypassing the MDA1000 when hearing the improvement or running through the MDA1000 first?

Novice question alert: is the C500 fully balanced? I too have been on the factory site and been told that just because it has balanced inputs/outputs it isn't necessarily "fully Balanced". Also, do you have much tone control through the controller or is it just bass and treble (or none at all)?

:scratch2: :scratch2:
Click to expand...

True balanced preamp. I am bypassing the MDA1000 built in preamp but not the MDA1000 DAC section. No tone controls, this is a "serious" preamp. :D
 
KMC45 said:
I own the C1000/1000P, and i've heard the C500/C500P. I don't think one will really miss anything, besides a little flexibility which most of us don't use, if they were to get the C500.

In fact, i'd suggest that anyone wanting to have a great two channel rig buy the MCD500/C500/MC501's and call it a day.:yes:

Thank me later.
Click to expand...

Like I mentioned before, I was offered a C1000 trio for the retail price of C500, I passed on it, got a great deal on the C500 instead and will invest the money into a better analog front end.
 
KMC45 said:
Speaking of a Graham Phantom II, it's mounted to my new SME 20. I'm getting a slight urge, very slight, to add the C1000T for use with the TT. But, with my C1000P I don't know that i'll bother.

I might be settled with the TT business for awhile now, to many other things could be had for the price of the next upgrade, a SME 30.
Click to expand...

Great set-up. Quite a few changes since the last time I saw it in person. I am VERY glad to see that you've gone all out with room treatment. Are those three 6" bass traps I see behind the system?

I guess your initial experiences with vinyl were positive since you went all out with the SME ... nice!

Alberto
 
forzaroma said:
Great set-up. Quite a few changes since the last time I saw it in person. I am VERY glad to see that you've gone all out with room treatment. Are those three 6" bass traps I see behind the system?

I guess your initial experiences with vinyl were positive since you went all out with the SME ... nice!

Alberto
Click to expand...

Did I miss the pics of the fully treated room?

I would love to see them.

That is my next goal... a treated room.

Thanks,

Stephen
 
KMC45 said:
I don't leave pictures up long, so look quick. There are of the same at the first reflection points, and pass that area a bit. At the back of the room is the same, all GIK products. More might be added, and perhaps some diffusion stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pics. From the accelerated education I've been getting on room acoustics, I believe that your room is too small for diffusers (as is mine.) Diffusers need quite a bit of space between them and your ears for the sound to "come back together", if you are too close you are going to get frequency anomalies. At least that's what I've read; but it makes sense.

Alberto
 
KMC45 said:
Alberto,

I think you are right buddy.

Of more concern at the moment is whether to dump the MDA1000 so i'll have room to add the C1000T. I can't tell the difference between the MCD500 and the MDA1000 when playing a CD, but i'd only use the C1000T for vinyl. The world economy is falling apart and my concerns are with McIntosh products, it's good to know my priorities are in the right place.:D
Click to expand...


Glad to know it's not just me...
 
KMC45 said:
Alberto,

I think you are right buddy.

Of more concern at the moment is whether to dump the MDA1000 so i'll have room to add the C1000T. I can't tell the difference between the MCD500 and the MDA1000 when playing a CD, but i'd only use the C1000T for vinyl. The world economy is falling apart and my concerns are with McIntosh products, it's good to know my priorities are in the right place.:D
Click to expand...

I just tuned in, when did this recession start? :headscrat
 
So if I understand all of this correctly, unless I was going to go back into vinyl or R to R tapes, the C-500t would not provide any significant advantage over the C-2200 I currently run, since my digital components are through the MDA-1000?
 
PHC1 said:
Very nice! The SME 20 was the first "high end" table I heard after various VPI's. I would say it is still one of my favorites after hearing a few more. It will be interesting to compare it to the Raven and SG tables. I have the sound deeply engraved in my mind. It's funny how I remember specific details of sound of different systems although I don't think I have a musical ear per say. :scratch2:
Click to expand...

Serge,

Have you checked out the new SME 30/12 :naughty:

howie
 
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