McIntosh C220 VS C2300 AB comparison

Visit Audiokarma Mcintosh forum. Plenty of comparisons & you can post for opinions.

audioaficionado.org is also a great site.

I believe the C2300 is $6000 MSRP & the C220 is $4000 MSRP. I have a C2200, predicessor to the C220/C2300. You get a few more features with the C2300 vs C220 - on the fly phono cartridge impdence change, meters, to name a few. The line stages of both of these pres uses 2 tubes; my C2200 usues 4 tubes. I did prefer the sound of the C2200 vs the C220/C2300. I got it for a steal, gently used for $2700. My first foray inot McIntosh and have nto looked back.

"I just listen to CD & Internet radio streaming, do I need c2300 at all?"

Uhhh...I don't know, but I'm feeling your pain!

I also have a 275 + 804S, so very similar setups, and also listen to digital only. So, do we need a preamp or a DAC with a good volume control? I dunno!!!

Lately I've been drifting towards using a good albeit simple preamp. I love tubes. Now the C220 and C2300 are too expensive for what I feel you get, especially these aren't balanced designs and have too many bells and whistles that I don't need...I guess you pay for the McIntosh nameplate.

My current short list includes a couple hot rods like Lamm LL2 and First Sound Presence, and others like Joule-Electra LA-100 or LA-150, and Aesthetix Calypso. I have not auditioned these though.

Thought I'd share my confusion and maybe add you to the list!! ;-)