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Old 08-07-2022, 01:33 AM
LewL LewL is offline
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Default C2700 vs C12000

I am about to take delivery of a C2700. It will be connected to a pair of MC3500 Mk2s and fed by an Esoteric N-01XD. I’ll be using the Esoteric DAC and not the built in DAC2 on the C2700. Vinyl will be another source. I have a Technics SL1500C which will likely be upgraded soon. My question is whether it would be a noticeable jump in sound quality if I moved from the C2700 to the C12000? I have heard great reviews on both the C2700 and the C12000. My issue is cabinet space. The C12000 would fit, but then it would likely not have room to install an Esoteric G1X external clock down the road if I wanted one.
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Old 08-07-2022, 06:39 AM
Tony007 Tony007 is offline
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I have this combo too. With the 3500’s and space constraints I suggest to forget the clock and get the C12000. The preamp is the heart of the system. The 2700 is an amazing preamp but the jump up to the C12000 is rather substantial in every way.

Hope this helps,
Tony
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Old 08-07-2022, 10:34 AM
Bob Bubeck Bob Bubeck is offline
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The C12000 is the better piece, however switching from a C2700 to a C12000 entails the loss of tone controls, which are nearly indispensable if one is going to listen to a wide range of recordings. The tone control circuit in the C2700 is a really good one in terms of transparency and a lack unintended colorations. Suggest that you think carefully about how your system will be used overall.

Either way, happy listening!

Bob
__________________________________________________ _______________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9” and Professional Power 24V; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes with Acoustic Diodes Headphones: McIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent SBL2 XLR GEN 6 balanced and SSC8 GEN 6 speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic RCM; L’Art du Son CD treatment.
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Old 08-07-2022, 11:03 AM
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Cohibaman Cohibaman is offline
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Default C2700 vs C12000

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Bubeck View Post
The C12000 is the better piece, however switching from a C2700 to a C12000 entails the loss of tone controls, which are nearly indispensable if one is going to listen to a wide range of recordings. The tone control circuit in the C2700 is a really good one in terms of transparency and a lack unintended colorations. Suggest that you think carefully about how your system will be used overall.

Either way, happy listening!

Bob
__________________________________________________ _______________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9” and Professional Power 24V; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes with Acoustic Diodes Headphones: McIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent SBL2 XLR GEN 6 balanced and SSC8 GEN 6 speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic RCM; L’Art du Son CD treatment.


That’s a very good point if you utilize the tone controls. I have the C2300 and always have them set to flat. Your mileage may vary.
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Old 08-07-2022, 11:45 AM
LewL LewL is offline
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Thanks. The loss of tone controls in theory might be an issue. I don’t have them on my current system, so it am not sure if I would use them. But it would be nice to have them.

It looks like 4 of the 6 tubes in the C2700 are used for the phono stage. (2 for MM and 2 for MC). So that means only 2 would be used for streaming and 4 for phono. But the C120000 uses several more for the for the output. Are more tubes necessarily better?
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Old 08-07-2022, 02:11 PM
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Maks Maks is offline
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Since you've got the C2700 en route I would just enjoy that. I'm not saying this C12000 is or isn't "better" but personally I've gotten out of the upgrade game and I'm perfectly happy with my C2300. Give the C2700 a couple years, maybe then consider other options. Another member here recently said he stuck with his C1100 over the C12000 so perhaps that's another option to consider. If I was in your shoes I'd up the 1500C to a 1200G with a nice MC cart and enjoy the tunes!
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Old 08-07-2022, 03:41 PM
Bob Bubeck Bob Bubeck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maks View Post
<snip> If I was in your shoes I'd up the 1500C to a 1200G with a nice MC cart and enjoy the tunes!
And, how about a really good record cleaning machine?

Bob
__________________________________________________ ___________
Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9” and Professional Power 24V; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: McIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes with Acoustic Diodes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent SBL2 XLR GEN 6 balanced and SSC8 GEN 6 speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic RCM; L’Art du Son CD treatment.
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