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Help me choose one of these options

M

mg16listener

Member
Hello everyone,

I am currently running a D150, MCT450 and a MC152. All is well. My previous system had the D150/MCT450 and a tube integrated. I am think of re introducing a true analog preamp and returning the D150 to a DAC only role. My current options are:

Option 1: C47 + MCT450 + MC152
Simply choose the C47 for the preamp and use the remaining equipment as indicated. Sell D150 to friend, Benefits include introduction of MC/MM stage and the ability to use analog inputs in needed.

Option 2: C52+ MCT450 + MC152
Simply choose the C52 for the preamp and use the remaining equipment as indicated. Sell D150 to friend, Benefits include introduction of MC/MM stage and the ability to use analog inputs in needed + the tone controls

Option 3: New C22 + D150 + MCT450 + MC152
I like this option as it gets me back to a tube pre-amp. I find I miss it a bit but not 100% essential. Benefits include the very flexible MC/MM stage and a number of other nice front panel features such as the various operating modes. Does require I use the D150. Like the retro look. Blue meters not essential. Amp has them.

Option 4: C2600 + MCT450 + MC152
Very similar to Option 3 only with the ability to not need the D150.


C47 is the most economical option. Meters not mandatory.
C22 is an attractive option overall - do owners like it?

Thanks for the help
 
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Doubt you'll hear a difference considering the DAC in every option is about the same.

I'd sell the D150 and MCT450 and get a higher-end DAC and a preamp like the C2300 or C22.

Sounds like you are set on the MCT450 though and still like to use CD's? Nothing wrong with that, so I'd probably go with Option 3 giving me the option to swap out the D150 at a later date and not "waste" the DAC in the other options.
 
All are good options. Unless you value the extra aesthetics and multi-band tone controls, go with the most economical option. Sound quality differences will be hard to distinguish.
 
I like the idea of the C-22 III and the manual switches. The question is does the D 150 feed the C-22 or does the C-22 feed the D150. Feeding the D150 with the C-22 allows better use of the remote controls. The other way allows the tubes to color the over all sound. And Like I have said we each have our druthers. Personally I would be out speaker shopping and forget about the tube stuff. Who says its where the rubber meets the road. You can have all the power or feyness you want in your system but if the speakers aren't doing the job its all for naught.

Thats one option, if you have a great ear, I would want a MEN 220, and after calibrating in the two different modes . I would study the units options with PC attached and add just a few slight other options to revise the system for my different likes and dislikes. You can do this with the C-52, but keeping track of all the filter settings could be a serious challenge. Back in the 70's we use to sell 1/3 octave EQ's that had 8 memories. We would voice the systems in churches or meeting rooms etc for different types or programming or to a particular persons voice. All the sound operator had to do was engage the desired interlocking push button. Today we would do it with a remote for the home would be nice. A little less here a little more there can make all the difference in the world. how much is a little. 1 or 2 db.
 
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Thanks for the replies -

leftside - Using the MCT450 since I have a large collection of SACD. The only real option for change is selling both and getting a PS Audio Direct Steam DAC / Transport. So I think I will stick with these pieces

I have two tube integrated amps (non-Mac) and the power sections of both of those amps gave me grief despite not running them hard. Hence the move to MC152.

Like a tube line stage but a bit apprehensive due to tubes not liking me. Have some nice NOS Brimar tubes but these are 12AU7s

The C47 would meet most if not all my goals allowing me to sell the D150 to a friend and makes the most sense.

Question on D150 - I am told the volume control is digitally controlled analog and the analog volume is a resister ladder. Does anyone know if this is correct?

I guess I could keep it as is and be happy. If the C22 is becoming rare then perhaps getting one might be a good idea,


Thanks -
 
I too used to have a large collection of SACDs. But, I had them all ripped to .ISO files and then sold them on Discogs.
 
I have the ability to create the ISOs with the method most use for SACD ISO creation. At the end of the day I find I like the physical media just like those who enjoy vinyl like the physical interaction with the record. Not too into streaming nor computer audio playback although I have messed with it quite a bit.

Dealer called today and going to see C47 and C22 in the next day. Will most likely select one of these items. I do not think either is a bad choice just want to make the correct choice. Lean toward C22 before walking in the door.

Thanks -
 
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