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Upgrade from C49 to C53 worth the money?

kingstoneage

kingstoneage

Active Member
Hi folks,
first of all i hope you all doing well so far!
My question is: is a upgrade from a C49 preamp to a C53 pre worth the price?
I use a MC312 amp on my Wilson Audio Sabrinas. On my C49 the DA–1 is installed. The C53 comes with the DA–2 module installed. Would be a C2700 the better alternative? Is a transistor amp and preamp tube a good match? Or should i stay straight transistor?
What would you say?FCEF45F0-7CA8-4147-B06B-FD949802AFB0.jpeg
 
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From posts in this forum it would seem that many are about issues with 20-40 year old units that need now expected service and restoration.

I might guess the next group would be modern tube units, so the question from me would be" How good is your local service agency?" it would appear that in Germany it leaves much to be desired.

For that reason I would think that SS would be a wiser choice.

From a view from the other side of the cash register, I personally would not dare to promise a miracle sonic improvement, much too great of a chance to look foolish if any gain would be marginal.
 
As c_dk alluded to, sticking with all solid state is most likely your best route unless you're easily able to compare & distinguish any sonic differences between it and modern tube units in your system. I moved on from tubes 30 years ago and have never looked back. Unless you value meters, 8 band equalization, and the latest gizmo DAC, I'd stick with your stellar C49 and save a good chunk of money.
 
Thanks a lot for the first replies! ........i guess if i do an upgrade i will go with a C2700, because it is different to my current C49.......or i hold the C49 which is doing its work very good.
It is a pity that the upgrade from DA–1 to DA–2 is such an act :thumbsdown:
 
mark506 said:
Would connecting my MCD 301 to a C49 with a DAC2 thru optical or coax improve sound quality?
Click to expand...
Connect it both ways - via RCAs (as it is now) and Coax (or Toslink). Then, you can switch back and forth between the analog and digital inputs on the C49 to decide if you prefer the DAC in the C49 over the MCD301 or vice-versa.
 
I would do it just for the graphic tone controls alone. But then maybe you can make a deal on a MQ 112 and save money while keeping your C-49. But you have the DA1 digital input module and that needs to be replaced by a DA2 which costs more money. So As long as you can get a C-53 for less money than buying a DA 2 and MQ 112 thats what I would do. You might find a pristine C-53 pre-owned now that the C-55 is coming to market and save money that way, too. Just don't be in a rush.
 
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