Phono preamp

[miner]

You are right JBROW. My listening time has been too little since the addition. I too was told the C1100 has Mc’s best phono stage. Maybe I should upgrade my Cadenza Black, but I am too “cheap”.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by miner

You are right JBROW. My listening time has been too little since the addition. I too was told the C1100 has Mc’s best phono stage. Maybe I should upgrade my Cadenza Black, but I am too “cheap”.

Kevin....if you are currently running the Cadenza Black, I'd say you are anything but "cheap".

[IllinoisCheesehead]

I'd like to piggyback on this thread a bit if I may. I have a C2700 tube pre on order, planning to use both MM and MC inputs in a dual turntable setup. Does anyone have any thoughts on how the internal phono pre's are on the C2700 compared with the MP100 and/or MP1100?

[miner]

^ Vintage Pete can address the MP100 experience. I had a C2300 and the phonostage in it was superb. I tried phonostage in the 2 - $3000 range and I am not so sure it bettered the internal stage, but the PS Audio Stellar did add a blacker background. I asked a person at McIntosh about adding the MP100 to my C2300 and they stated no improvement whatsoever. I then asked about the MP1000 and was told if it were their choice they would just upgrade the C2300 to the C1100 pre, which I did. The money spent on a MP1000 would be better served upgrading the preamp. They did say the C1100 had McIntosh’s best phono stage in it.

[FreddieFerric]

I tend to think the phono stages in all of Mc's preamps are pretty much the same tech and are all very, very good sounding.

[W9TR]

OP,
Here’s a thought for you. While your MX 130 is viewed as one of the most under appreciated McIntosh units, it is now between 20 and 30 years old and will be needing some service in the near future to sound its best.

Why not consider a more modern McIntosh preamp with a really good phono section?
Lots to choose from in tubed and solid state versions. McIntosh has made great strides in audio performance since the MX 130 was introduced.

The C 2700 and C49 both have outstanding MC and MM phono sections that will be competitive with stand alone units in the same price class. And you get a very good DAC and flexible preamp in the bargain.

To put a point on it, while you’ve gotten some very good suggestions for standalone preamps, there isn’t much point on going standalone as the MX 130 will then be the weak link in your system.

[Wpjs]

I went ahead and picked up a second hand MP1100 for 5k (excellent condition)
IMO- it’s outstanding.
I am 100% vinyl. So I didn’t need a full on pre-amp.
I take my Linn turntable to the MP1100 right into my MA5300 out to a pair of Harbeths.
A modest system for my modest NYC apartment- it’s just enough for the space.
I may add a second TT for dedicated mono playback.
Occasionally I will use the MA5300 for blu-ray playback via optical.
I don’t doubt the C1100 is just as awesome or better, but I don’t need it.
(At least not yet)

[Fbgbill]

I bought my MP1100 new as I could not find one used at the time. $5000 seems like a great deal. I really enjoy mine. I am looking to upgrade my TT now.

[miner]

W9TR gives sound advice. I would consider upgrading your current MX130

[prepress]

Originally Posted by miner

The current phono stage I am using is the PS Audio Stellar phono stage. For the money spent it is seriously good, and extremely quiet. Plus, PS Audio has a trade in program to help with the final cost. The settings are very versatile plus also has a custom settings for MC cartridges. Allows connection for two turntables. This bettered the phono stage on my C2300, which is very good.

I have a C2300 also, and asked McIntosh about the MP100 versus my 2300's built-in phono section. Their reply was the MP100 is a "slight improvement in sound quality and functionality." There's more flexibility, clearly.