McIntosh C52 Preamplifier Review from New Record Day ....

I agree. I only thought I should sell my MCD1100 because I was told that there was better and to buy this or that DAC. I miss that piece. It was great.

I was a little apprehensive about the C52 based on some people having issues with the C50. I am happy to report the DAC inside my C52 has been rock solid.
 
Joe,

Now that you have had your C52 for a while, have you noticed any firmware issues, clicks or pops or functions that occasionally wig out? I also was wondering if you are hearing any change in sound as the unit logs more hours. One owner said he compared the C52 DAC to his MCD1100 and couldn't hear a difference. It was that good! Iv'e got the itch Joe.

Thank you,

~Mike
 
Mike,

I absolutely LOVE my C52. I don't know why, but I am very happy. Is it the best preamp that I've owned? No, but I am thrilled with it. I've had no issues and performance was great upon installing it and now, with many hours is performing just like it should and the sound is very satisfying. If you are referring to Josh, here's a little trivia, that's my MCD1100 he's using :blush:. Too funny.

I said to several members how much I liked the DAC in the C52. I've had no hiccups or any issues. It's a keeper for me. The DAC in the C52 could be my, or someone else's, only DAC. I think it's that good. Would I give up a Lampizator or Lumin for it? No, but in many ways it's great. It's WAY better than I expected, honestly. I never expected to even be using it. I am a little ashamed to say that but McIntosh has a winner on their hands with the C52.

This post should help you scratch that itch. :P

If McIntosh were to ever make a fully balanced version of the C52, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Full tone controls and nice DAC, I'm there!
 
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Dang Joe!,

I was hoping you would tell me it was a piece of crap! You were sorry you ever bought it and save my money!! Now I have to put together a plan to acquire one of those beauties. :D
Yes that was what I hoped you would write... :celebrate008_2:

Thank you Joe,

P.S that was Josh and I have been dinging him too!

~Mike
 
Yes, that was my MCD1100. A little piece of me is scattered throughout the audio world.
 
It's nice you are such a sharing kinda guy!! Nothing like spreading the Audio Cheer.... :D
 
joeinid said:
Yes, that was my MCD1100. A little piece of me is scattered throughout the audio world.
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Ok. Here's my new plan. Anything that I'd like, I'll talk Joe into buying it first. Looking forward to the many pieces of Joe that I'd own in the future. [emoji38]
 
Joe...There is no doubt the C52 is an all-in-one do all pre-amp. There is no departure from the classic looks that make this category of pre-amplifer very special. Ideally suited for a streamlined high performance McIntosh system.

A lot of positive can be said by offering pre-amplification equalisation versatility. Not so easy to find alternatives that can do all of this better in such a package.
 
I cannot imagine using the internal DAC (too much has been invested and sounds very good to my ears) but C52's phono stage could come in handy for those who are on the fence getting a vinyl rig. Is phono competent or even more?
 
Steve said:
Joe...There is no doubt the C52 is an all-in-one do all pre-amp. There is no departure from the classic looks that make this category of pre-amplifer very special. Ideally suited for a streamlined high performance McIntosh system.

A lot of positive can be said by offering pre-amplification equalization versatility. Not so easy to find alternatives that can do all of this better in such a package.
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It really is Steve, I love the package, looks and sound of the C52. Other preamps in my stable were better at certain things, but the C52 is a well rounded, musically satisfying piece. :scholar:

kzhtoo said:
I cannot imagine using the internal DAC (too much has been invested and sounds very good to my ears) but C52's phono stage could come in handy for those who are on the fence getting a vinyl rig. Is phono competent or even more?
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No experience with the phono section yet, but hopefully soon. The internal DAC is outstanding.
 
Hey Joe,

(Sounds like a Jimi Hendrix song)... What is your thoughts on the new wireless control that comes with the C52? And is McIntosh still using the same boxes for the higher end units? Someone was saying smaller devices do not have the same industrial strength boxes. Does the quality of the knobs and things have the same feel as your old C2300's? I still haven't touched one yet but I am getting closer. If I were to sell my C2300, I would have just about enough saved to get the C52. Can you throw me another bone as to how it sounds, please..... :eyebrow: Do you happen to know who's DAC chip Mac is using in the C52? Not that it matters. If it sounds good who cares right?
 
Hi Mike,

The controls are typical silky smooth McIntosh. Love that.

The remote, while skinnier and narrower, fits nicely in my hand. I'd love an optional smaller one with just the basic volume and a few other functions like source. I almost always listen with the remote in hand or very close by and change volume a lot. This one feels great and I prefer it over the previous one.

I honestly don't remember what DAC chips(s) the C52 uses, but I have ZERO complaints. Works like a charm for me. I seriously wanted the new C1100 but could not or did not want to justify it, mainly for the 6 dozen tubes inside :P. I really wanted a fully balanced SS version but that will have to wait until McIntosh deems us worthy. It's ok because I do not in anyway feel the performance of the C52 lacking. Consider the C52 with my stamp of approval.
 
Thanks Joe,

I won't bug you anymore. Like the Nike commercial "Just Do It"! :woot:

~Mike
 
Mike,

It's no bother, really. You and everyone else can ask all you want. My taste in gear does not lean to the absolute truth. I love the music to move me. I love it a little sweet and full. That's what the C52 gives me. I'm starting to find and stick with the gear that I love. My C52 and MC75's are wonderful. My C52 on my Bryston 28BSST2's is outstanding too. Balance is the key for me.

It's not a trivial thing for someone to just swap preamps. I've swapped gear too often but this is a keeper.

:heart:

Mgard said:
Thanks Joe,

I won't bug you anymore. Like the Nike commercial "Just Do It"! :woot:

~Mike
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Thank you Joe for the in depth review. I am contemplating a MCT450 transport but my current DAC on my MAC6700 will not handle the SACD signal. The C2300/MC4523 in my other system has a MCD500 with it now. May move the MCD500 to the MAC6700, replace my C2300 with C52 and add the MCT450. Thanks for spending my Rx money Joe.
 
miner42 said:
Thank you Joe for the in depth review. I am contemplating a MCT450 transport but my current DAC on my MAC6700 will not handle the SACD signal. The C2300/MC4523 in my other system has a MCD500 with it now. May move the MCD500 to the MAC6700, replace my C2300 with C52 and add the MCT450. Thanks for spending my Rx money Joe.
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You are so very welcome. :D

I do love your plan though. Makes perfect sense to me.
 
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