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Is there anyone here who would NOT choose the C1100 given the opportunity?

joeinid

joeinid

Well-Known Member
It is not my intention to drive you guys crazy, but to pick your collective brain a little. If I am, I apologize :)

Given the opportunity, would you choose the C1100 or still look for a different McIntosh preamp to pair with the MC1.25KW amps. I know the C1100 is a stellar performer from friends who own it.

My stereo is on 10-15 hours a day and almost all weekend. Even though there are plenty of tubes in the C1100, I feel maintenance would not be too much trouble. I don't need a phono stage right now, but maybe in the future, so the phono tubes would be wasting away.

If the C52 had the new replaceable DAC module, I would have already ordered it and waited to see what comes next from McIntosh.
 
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Are we talking new only, or also used preamps here ? I am seeing a lot of deals now on 500's and 1000's, not to mention the old standby 2200/2300's.

jblnut
 
I love the quietness of the C1100 vs the older style preamps and would be willing to pay a little more for the updated unit.

jblnut said:
Are we talking new only, or also used preamps here ? I am seeing a lot of deals now on 500's and 1000's, not to mention the old standby 2200/2300's.

jblnut
Click to expand...
 
The D1100 has even better noise and distortion specs and is less than half the price. Solid state, has a DAC already, fully balanced, dual mono, one box. Only downside is no analog for the future.

Now if you have the DAC already, C1100 all the way.
 
The D1100 is actually looking better all the time.

I have a PS Audio Directstream dac now and like it, but I have a desire to experiment. I do not like dacs direct to amps and need a preamp in the chain. I love what a preamp does to the sound. I am sure I'll love the D1100, but don't know how it will perform on its own. I need to try it. I could always add the C1100 :biggrin:

So are the XLR outputs on the D1100 fully balanced? That's great.

Dr Tone said:
The D1100 has even better noise and distortion specs and is less than half the price. Solid state, has a DAC already, fully balanced, dual mono, one box. Only downside is no analog for the future.

Now if you have the DAC already, C1100 all the way.
Click to expand...
 
Damn, wish I hadn't gone on the site and read the specs..........now I want one!!
So they say this.....
"The C1100 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to match the level of performance achieved in any of our Quad Balanced amplifiers."
 
:music: Tell me about it. Looks like a beauty.

XL_C1100C_and_C1100T_Angle_Left.jpg


XL_C1100T_Back.jpg

kevzep said:
Damn, wish I hadn't gone on the site and read the specs..........now I want one!!
So they say this.....
"The C1100 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to match the level of performance achieved in any of our Quad Balanced amplifiers."
Click to expand...
 
I recognize your trouble choosing. .

D1100 has my vote i thought it was fabulous with IDS-25 speakers and MC600s. A sound that still haunts me. DAC direct connect to amp is how my main system is set up , My Pre is a Lyngdorf Integrated doing Room Perfect correction of digital then sent to DAC then Mcintosh MC1000 amps to XR290. Thinking of letting Lyngdorf just do final analog to amps


I recently moved the C39 feeding MC2500 to my XRT20 bedroom system. Great improvement going all Mcintosh over the Yamaha equipment. The C39 tone controls and loudness colors music too much, sounded poor until I went flat. I find more pure the signal better it sounds. Considering moving my best DAC to bedroom system and try bypassing C39 versus feeding it analog. I am going to try both ways and bridge in the other MC2500.

Right now I am on a fence of upgrade main system DAC to a Schitt Yggy or D1100 or just go MX151 and move Lyngdorf and existing DAC to replace C39 in bedroom so both systems have Room Perfect. C39 is great but a little lush. Good Digital still gives best live sound to my ears especially when coupled with Room Perfect.

I am sure somewhere an all analog would bowl me over in the right set up. I just don’t have a perfect listening room or where with all to build one. I like music in multifunctional spaces. I feel it is something to be shared.
 
IME, separates are unnecessary for reasons that are probably best left unsaid. Thankfully, McIntosh has a more practical solution for those who don't want that ;). Keep in mind that the D1100 is not updatable.
 
The C1100 is highly over rated and priced.Actually I just do not have the $. A lucky lottery ticket and I will make my dealer have a great day.Cheers
 
Hold onto your shorts for this one, 2nd system has a C100, 4th has the C1000, 1 and 3 I couldn't see enough. It is a testament to the C100 having it in his second main room with all the gear he has to choose from.

 
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