Conrad Johnson vs. McIntosh Tube Gear

I think the main difference is the C2300 has phono inputs (both mm & mc) and the C2200 does not; at a considerably higher price. The Mac dealer told me that the C2200 is now discontinued but there are still some out there available so I'll go with one of those (spinning records is not for me).

Try a tube/ss combo and get the best of both worlds... I've had great success matching tube preamps with McIntosh SS amps. For example I use an Audible Illusions Mod3a preamp with a MC402 amp, I also use a CJ premier 14 with the MC352 amp. You get all the warmth of the tube preamp and all the power & quickness of the ss amp.

I'm also a fan of the Quicksilver gear having owned the line stage pre, the Silver 90's and the Silver 60 (amps). The preamp is good, but you can do allot better.

Good luck and enjoy.

Db2sub1, take a look at the comments by Gmartan at this link, FWIW.

C2200/C2300

Brianmgrarcom, thank you for the link. I read it and have decided to put my C2200 plans on hold. I think it best to do this in a stepwise fashion and go with a tube preamp first paired with my Quicksilver Triodes. I want a remote control preamp and will investigate the C2300. If that's not warm enough, I next intend to buy a pair vintage '60s tube amps since I don't think any of the modern ones have the sonic signature that I am seeking. New stuff all seems to be striving for accuracy at the expense of beauty. The difference between solid state and tube is virtually nonexistant. Does anyone know how old Mac tube amps sound? Warm full-bodied midrange?? Mrtennis is quite impressed with Conrad Johnson's MV125 and we seem to be on the same wavelength but I don't think those CJ 125s are easily found and looking for one of those could take a very long time.

Just received a reply from the owner/designer of Quicksilver Audio and he recommends pairing the Quicksilver Triode amps with and an Audible Illusions preamp for an ultra smooth warm midrange. Has anyone heard this combination? Anyone familiar with Audible Illusions preamps?