Phono Preamp
 

Don't get me wrong as I really enjoy my system as is. I was just curious if I would gain anything by adding a phono preamp into the mix. I have the C2600 tube preamp and it has from what I have heard a good phono input. I use the MC inputs for my setup. Considering the C2600, is it a tube phone preamp? If I added the MP100 would that enhance my setup. I would use one of the other inputs with balanced cables from the MP100. I tried to read the specs but they make very little sense to me. I know that Mc makes the MP1100 tube phono preamp but that is a very expensive unit. I could also be bored and just need a new project to work through. :confused-29:

I don’t have the C2600 but I do have the C2300 and I use the MC tube phonostage of the 2300 and I must say it is darn pretty good in fact it sounds better the than some of the separate phono stage that cost twice as much specially now that I rolled the MC tubes with the Telefunken smooth plate. I’m am sure the C2600 is just as good if not better.

Thanks Mike. I am probably going to do nothing. I wish I had access to borrow a phono preamp but nothing is close to me without driving 2 hours.

Through my research and purchases expect to spend in excess of $2000 to better your current onboard setup. Great improvement by replacing the Mc branded tubes with a $200 outlay (for a pair).

I have never thought about getting an external phono pre to use with my C2300. If you want to experiment, you could always roll different tubes into your MC stage and see what you prefer as already mentioned.

I bid on a used MP100 that was on ebay. It just ended and sold for $2,160. I quit biding days ago as it got above what I considered a good deal for a used unit. Absolutely ridiculous since the retail is $2,000 for a new unit. There are several online retailers that have them in stock and this is something that they can ship. Most McIntosh equipment must be delivered by the dealer or picked up at the dealers store.

Try a Zestos Andros phono stage some time....it is... the best phono stage I've ever heard. And, I own good one.

I have a C2300 withh Telefunken ribbed plates in the MC phono section. Really upped the phono game so much I sold my Chinook SE. I now have a PS Audio Stellar phono stage. Very pleased with the performance. Will be keeping it.

PS Audio allows an in-home 30 day trial period. If not happy with the unit you can return for full refund. Plus, if you have any extra gear collecting dust you may be able to get some trade in value towards the phono stage. Details on their web site.

Fbgbill....I can't speak to the comparison of the MP100 vs. one of the C2XXX on-board phono stages, whether it would or would not be an upgrade. But I can tell you that I love my MP100 that I bought a few months ago. I would agree you should not pay more than retail; I suspect some eBay sellers are taking advantage of the current availability and lead time of McIntosh and probably other products as well. My MP100 is sounding better and better as it breaks in. I am using a C40 preamp which does not have an MC input, so the MP100 was a perfect solution for me. Oh and did I mention I love it? I just finished up a session with it, and it sounds sweet, sweet, sweet.

I bought mine as part of my TT upgrade, the main part of which is a VPI Prime signature Rosewood, with an Ortofon Cadenza Black MC Cartridge.

In case you haven't seen my post, here is the link to it. I discuss the MP100 as part of my TT review.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=49978

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Thanks Pete. Your VPI is one gorgeous TT. I can get the MP100 for retail plus some shipping from several sources. No clue why someone would pay over retail for a used unit that will have no warranty. I am still undecided if I will try one. At lease I could sell it for over retail if I did not like the results!!!!!!