So, are the C1000 and C500 discontinued? Anything else? ....

Joe.......I have not heard anything that would make me believe the C1000C/P/T preamps are being discontinued. They are still on the current McIntosh Price List and still appear in their online catalog. The C1000 series preamplifier, both the two component solid state version, the two component tube version, and the three component tube and solid state version are true statement pieces for McIntosh and have sold very well for them worldwide. I will be surprised if the C1000 series preamps are discontinued and replaced by the C1100C/T preamp. It is simply not in the same league even with its improvement in signal to noise ratio. The total harmonic distortion (THD) specs are still better on the C1000C/P preamp and it also has a higher maximum output voltage capability. I know one thing, I won't be letting my C1000C/P preamplifier go, that's for sure.

With respect to the C500C/P and C500C/T preamplifiers, I suspect the new C1100C/T will be the replacement for that particular model. Of course, my comments here are speculation because I have no proof sources to the contrary.
 
Thanks Dan, I get the feeling the C500 is discontinued in favor of the C1100T, but it puzzles me that they would name it higher and price it lower.
 
Well, if you look back with the mcd+mda1000 and the mcd1100...you might have the answer :(

frank
 
Well, if you look back with the mcd+mda1000 and the mcd1100...you might have the answer :(

frank

Oh the horror. Time and technology keeps marching on. The C1100T looks like it's a winner based on its specs.
 
Oh the horror. Time and technology keeps marching on. The C1100T looks like it's a winner based on its specs.

Mine will arrive at the start of October. I will let you guy know how it compares to the C2300, C2500 when it arrives.
 
Mine will arrive at the start of October. I will let you guy know how it compares to the C2300, C2500 when it arrives.

Congratulations and thanks! Can't wait for your update.
 
Oh the horror. Time and technology keeps marching on. The C1100T looks like it's a winner based on its specs.


I tend to agree with you Joe. I believe the C1100T will prove itself to be a worthy descendent of the C500/C1000T heritage. I would go so far to speculate it will indeed sound better than the 500/1000 series. Obviously, the C1000 has and will continue to stand the test of time. It is a fantastic preamplifier with impeccable looks and is certainly built to statement product standards. Markets change and time is now for the C1100T with scaled down bling factor and sure to be incredible McIntosh quality sound. I betcha a matching MDA1100 or D1100 is right around the corner based on the ESS Sabre 9018 like the MCD1100. Word I heard was MCD1100 had to be discontinued due to supply limitation regarding the transport (Denon?), makes sense with the switching of ownership that parts sourced out of previous business relationships will run dry in time. I can see room in the McLineUp for a 1100 level DAC :)
 
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.
 
Dan,

Thank you so much for the spec comparisons. I am sure the C1100T is the next level over the C500. I am eager to hear for myself what the new McIntosh gear sounds like. I was surprised and extremely happy to see the new gear on their website. It's heartwarming that they are not standing still and obviously hard at work.

Two thumbs up for McIntosh! :scholar:
 
I wonder what's next? An update to the 1.2kws perhaps? The 452/601 sound is a winner (literally and figuratively!), would love to see it extended into the 1.2kws.

I also keep hearing rumors about an upgrade to the 2301's too. Just not sure how you can make those sound any better. Maybe add the new binding posts and leave the rest alone? Maybe a bigger meter too. Don't know...
 
I wonder what's next? An update to the 1.2kws perhaps? The 452/601 sound is a winner (literally and figuratively!), would love to see it extended into the 1.2kws.

I also keep hearing rumors about an upgrade to the 2301's too. Just not sure how you can make those sound any better. Maybe add the new binding posts and leave the rest alone? Maybe a bigger meter too. Don't know...

Mike.......All I can say is the C1000C/P feeding a pair of MC2301 amps that drive a pair of Sonus faber Amati Anniversario speakers in my studio system deliver amazing sound. There isn't a single listening session where I am not completely riveted by the performance of this gear.

I am pleased to know McIntosh continues to push the envelope in their quest to advance performance but I can't imagine the end results being much better than their current premium components deliver right now.
 
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