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New Preamp For MC225

audiomaniac

audiomaniac

Active Member
OK, I'm thinking about a new preamp for my MC225. I'm currently using a MX110, but don't really need a tuner anymore. A phono stage is a requirement as is a headphone jack. Plus a remote would be very nice. So, my budget is more in line with the C220 but I undertsand that the C2200 might have a more robust sound(???). My listening room is pretty small and I use high efficiency single driver speakers. Would the C220 be a good match? Seems like a C2200 would be overkill, not to mention the extra $$$. I have also considered the MA2275, but I just can't part with my MC225. What to do? :scratch2:
 
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I've used my C2200 with single and dual MC225s with wonderful results but I've not had the pleasure of playing with a C220.

I can tell you that the noise floor will drop substantially with the Cxxxx series over the MX-110. Also, you'll be getting better tracking between the channels due to the higher (and newer) control systems.

As for whether there's an appreciable sonic difference between the C220 and C2200, I can't say, though, without having heard the C220. The C2200 meets all my needs for a quiet preamp, though. My biggest litmus test is whether I get tired of listening to it and want to turn it off: This isn't the case with the C2200.

I like the C2200 mainly for the extra configuration capabilities as I tend to run different setups of amp and speaker. With the C2200, I can accomodate up to 3 of these at one time and they can use the Mac PC4 switched outlets so I can kick in the MC225 from the remote control on the C2200.

Go with either C220 or C2200 depending on the other things beyond just the sonics - and your budget, of course.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

David
 
Greetings. Lots of posts on C220 vs C2200. I had the exact same decision to make as you about a year ago. I hauled my speakers, CD player, cables, and MC275 up to AudioClassics and spent three hours doing honest blind A/B tests between the 220 & 2200. I really only needed three minutes.

My ears, my system -- but I went there hoping to save the money!

Either would be great with the 225. The difference in used prices is only about $600 on Audiogon. I think you get my drift!

By the way, ain't the 225 sublime? :thmbsp:
 
My needs are pretty simple....Turntable, CD player and a Squeeze Box. I tend to lean towards the more basic C220, but the C2200 is tough to beat!
 
Then you're good to go with the C220. I've used a very similar source compliment myself. The new things in the C2200 are what you can do on the output side if you've got multiple amp/speakers and rotate them occasionally.

Cheers,

David
 
Hi David-

I've been pouring over threads here comparing the C220 and the C2200. Seems like the C220 is very well liked and if both are listened to in comparison, usually the C2200 gets the nod. It's hard to know to what degree one would be better than the other as the comments are fairly general in nature and not too specific. Kind of like the big brother and little brother? Both 100% Mac!:thmbsp:

John
 
C220 or C2200

I just went through the upgrade process and had a chance to compare the C45, the C220 and the C2200. Everytime the C2200 was put in line it took all of about 30 seconds to recognize that on a variety of levels it was the superior piece. This is not to be cavalier about the difference in price, but the difference in sound quality was remarkable. The C2200 provided far better imaging and a much more three dimensional sonic field. All the units were good, but the C2200 was more fun to listen to. Even the store owner, who had never done a side-by-side comparison of the three units, seemed to be genuinely impressed.

Personally, I have enjoyed having the C2200 and I see it is the kind of piece that you can have in your system for a very very long time. This comes after having my previous McIntosh setup for about 12 years before making this upgrade.

Good luck with your choice.
 
Could you elaborate more on the differences and similarities, or was more of a night and day kind of thing? My listening levels are low to moderate. Would you be able to the differences at those levels?
 
audiomaniac said:
Hi David-

I've been pouring over threads here comparing the C220 and the C2200. Seems like the C220 is very well liked and if both are listened to in comparison, usually the C2200 gets the nod. It's hard to know to what degree one would be better than the other as the comments are fairly general in nature and not too specific. Kind of like the big brother and little brother? Both 100% Mac!:thmbsp:

John
Click to expand...

Yes on the big/little brother thing. But remember that I've not actually _heard_ a C220 and I'll admit to being partial to the C2200, too. What I was trying to convey was that there's more to it than just sonics and the flexible I/O of the C2200 does have its advantages.

Either way it is still a step up from the MX-110 but not as much as other 40+ year old 60s vintage tube preamps.

Cheers,

David
 
Further elaberation

audiomaniac said:
Could you elaborate more on the differences and similarities, or was more of a night and day kind of thing? My listening levels are low to moderate. Would you be able to the differences at those levels?
Click to expand...

After I wrote my impressions I thought, this is such a big purchase you should do a side-by-side comparison rather than take anyone's word for it. As for whether the difference is night and day, I thought at moderate to loud (not freakishly loud) listening levels the difference was significant. The music was more exciting, more musical. And again, the sound was much more three dimensional. I get that sense even now after months with the piece -- it still is exciting to listen to. (By the way, the amplifier we used was the MC402 w/ B&W 802d speakers.)

I hope that helps, and again good luck.
 
I very much appreciate your comments. Unfortunately, the local dealer only has a C220. But I'll listen to it taking everyone's comments into consideration. I appreciate the help. It's great talking Mac with everyone!:thmbsp:
 
If he gives you a good deal on the C220 take it!
I have a C220 and pair it with the 225......the sound is just sublime!:thmbsp:
 
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