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Thread: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
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November 22, 2013, 04:30 AM #1Super Moderator
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McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Has anyone compared these two preamps for sound quality? I am curious which one you think sounds better. I like the tone control functions of the C50 which is a little different than the ones on the C2500.
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November 22, 2013, 10:46 AM #2Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Joe, I've listened to the C2300 vs. the C50. I think the biggest difference between the C2300 and the C2500 is the built in DAC on the C2500. Also, when I auditioned them the C50 wasn't capable of playing 24/192 files. Both preamps were connected to MC601's and the source was an MCD500.
The C2300 had that nice tube sound. Rich, full sounding music that is associated with tubes. Very nice airy highs and good bass along with a sweet midrange. The MC601's delivered the speed and punch and the C2300 gave the music life. The C50 didn't quite have the openness but the bass was definitely tighter and more impactful. Surprisingly, the two didn't sound that much different.
I went into this thinking that I would easily pick the C2300 over the C50, being a tube guy, but after listening to both of them I wasn't so sure. I really liked the C50 and everything it brought to the table in terms of connectivity and useful functions. I really like the looks of the C50 with the EQ knobs on the front of the unit. If I remember correctly the C2300 has EQ functionality as well but you need access the remote to get to them. I wish I could have heard the C50 with tube amps. I think that would be a good combo. Like I said earlier the C50 didn't have the ability to play hi-res files but I believe that is fixed now. I also see that the C2500 has a built in DAC which brings the two units even closer to one another.
I almost hate to say it, but if I was buying one of these today I would go with the C50.Doug
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November 22, 2013, 12:10 PM #3Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Wow!
Thank you Doug. I really appreciate your detailed description. I am not sure what I will do but I will probably give one a try.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
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November 22, 2013, 01:12 PM #4Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Doug has a good point however I seen numerous ppl trade their C50 to C2300 but not a single C2300 owner did.
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November 22, 2013, 01:19 PM #5Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Paul that's a very good point. I wonder though how many of those sales were due to the C50 Hi-Res file issue. I think McIntosh PO'd many customers with the, what seemed like, broken promises of a firmware update. How many ditched their C50's for C2300's and an outboard DAC? It would be interesting if there was a way to know.
Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh
Doug has a good point however I seen numerous ppl trade their C50 to C2300 but not a single C2300 owner did.Doug
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November 22, 2013, 01:25 PM #6Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
I think the C2500 might be worth a try. Argh! More research.
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NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 22, 2013, 01:48 PM #7Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
I compared the C-2300 to the C-2500 last June. Using an analog source, I found that I liked the C-2500 sound better. It seemed to be more relaxed and airy. Plus you get a reasonable DAC and phono stage built in.
Originally Posted by joeinid
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November 22, 2013, 02:59 PM #8Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Thanks Jock!
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November 23, 2013, 02:23 AM #9Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Joe,
Love my c50...but would like to hear the c2500 too. My c50 was upgraded to the latest firmware with out any issue. It now plays hi Rez 36/192k via USB. The EQ feature is an helpful tweek at times. Let me know which direction you choose.working progress
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November 23, 2013, 02:34 AM #10Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Hi Ron,
I have some major system changes coming. Stay tuned.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 23, 2013, 02:37 AM #11Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Is your new avatar any hint Joe?
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November 23, 2013, 02:38 AM #12Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
No. But I'd love to hear them. Originally Posted by NorthStar
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 23, 2013, 02:39 AM #13Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Joe... You might going to missed the EQ knobs on C2500. However what about this ? Do you want to miss this on C50 ???
Paul
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November 23, 2013, 02:47 AM #14Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
That is a beautiful photo Paul. I like it. I may have to give the C2500 a spin.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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November 23, 2013, 02:50 AM #15Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
Who are they, JBL horns? Originally Posted by joeinid
~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
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November 23, 2013, 02:51 AM #16Senior Member
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
That is a very nice looking top! Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh
Joe... You might going to missed the EQ knobs on C2500. However what about this ? Do you want to miss this on C50 ???
~ Bob ~
"And it Stoned me to my Soul" • Van Morrison
Click ♪ Audiophile Audition
Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)
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November 23, 2013, 09:40 AM #17Super Moderator
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Re: McIntosh C50 vs C2500 ? ....
jbl m2 Originally Posted by northstar
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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