I will venture that you want a rich, full, lush, sound from your system. Although some may argue I would venture that the McIntosh sound, whilst full and dynamic leans to the warmer side of the spectrum. (I do own a Mc amp) Countering this is your TT /Cart set up, which is highly detailed and airy, but nevertheless, will deliver the entire audible in a very balanced, let's say neutral but not a subdued manner. I am not sure how the 2300 phono stage handles the signal however. That was just discussed in these forums as well. Since you seem to want the "Big Tone" I would recommend Jena Labs speaker cables. The warmish Cardas golden reference ICs between the amp and pre, and then, slightly conversely, some HomeGrown Silver Lace which are purely silver, as your phono cables out of the RCA box to the preamp (I own a VPI with the Dyna 20X HO).
These are not really cheap cables especially dependendent on the number of wires in the Jena braid, it can be a downright expensive proposition. Given the expense of the components however, it is a reasonable suggestion.
It is what I use and I am stickin with it.
These are not really cheap cables especially dependendent on the number of wires in the Jena braid, it can be a downright expensive proposition. Given the expense of the components however, it is a reasonable suggestion.
It is what I use and I am stickin with it.