mcintosh c-2300 vs mcintosh c500 phono section

I do not have first hand knowledge but have read that both phono stages sound the same. The audible difference happens when you step up to the 1000T

The phono stages in the C500 & 1000 are identical to each other, whereas the C2300 phono stage resides on the motherboard & in the case of the MC stage, does not have an independant MC module.

Having owned both the C2300 & C500 combo, there is a significant difference between the fully balanced units and the C2300.

More info here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1280685205&read&keyw&zzc500

Bob

I think you got it wrong.... the C2300 & C500 have the same phono stage.

I stand by what I know which in this regard is fact.

Bob

Bob, My bad...I concur, your right & I'm wrong 100%!

Ontjesr, how would you characterize the sonic differences between the phono stages of the C2300 and C500t? How much of the difference do you think is a result of running the amp/preamp link truly balanced? In other words, can you compare single-ended to single-ended? I'm also curious about making this upgrade into my MC501. Presently, I prefer the RCAs from the C2300 but, as you say, it's not fully balanced so any advantage is compromised. Thanks.