The McIntosh C1100 preamplifier is an exciting new product. Whether it is a superior preamplifier to the McIntosh C1000C/P preamplifier is yet to be determined. The C1100's primary claim to fame is an improved signal to noise ratio of 107db. This is a nice improvement over the C1000C/P's 100dB signal to noise ratio. Beyond that the C1000C/P's total harmonic distortion (THD) is .002% compared to the C1100's THD of .005%. The C1000C/P headroom is reflected in its maximum output voltage of 25/12 Vrms balanced/unbalanced compared to the C1100 maximum output voltage of 20/10 Vrms balanced/unbalanced. Additionally, the C1000C/P's stated frequency response is +0, -0.5dB 10Hz to 40,000Hz compared to the C1100's stated frequency response of +0, -0.5 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
The C1100 is more energy efficient, operating at 75 watts, where the C1000C/P operates at 120 watts. Looking at connection features, the C1100 has a USB input for firmware updates and the C1000 does not have this feature. The C1000C/P has 3 variable balanced outputs and 3 variable unbalanced outputs, where the C1100 only provides 2 variable balanced outputs and 2 variable unbalanced outputs. The C1000C/P/T provide a processor loop, where the C1100 has no such feature. Finally, the C1000C controller provides simultaneous power and control of both the solid state C1000P and C1000T preamplifiers. The C1100 does not offer this premium level feature. Finally, there is a substantial weight difference between the preamplifiers. The C1100C and C1100T have a combined weight of 52 lbs. The C1000C and C1000P have a combined weight of 72 lbs.
It is good to see McIntosh continue to introduce new components into their product lineup. I have little doubt their engineers are hard at work trying to advance their present performance limits. They have their work clearly cut out for them as they attempt to best a flagship model like the McIntosh C1000C/P/T. Of course none of the above addresses the true statement level aesthetics and build quality the C1000 series preamplifiers exhibit over all of the other McIntosh preamplifiers.