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Suggest upgrade from c2300 phono stage

I am currently using a McIntosh c2300 with phono stage. I am using a VPI Aries 3 with flywheel motor/ring clamp/center weight and 10.5i arm. The current cart is a Lyra Argo i.
I am in the process of choosing among 3 new cart upgrades...Lyra Titan, Dynavector XV-1s, and ortofon A90.
I am looking for a tubed phono stage to mate with one of the above 3 carts. I want a crazy low noise floor and a tighter lower end and not a "fat tube" sound.
Where do I go from the Mac? I will do +/- $12k on phono stage.
Any suggestions on above carts and mating pre amps are welcomed.
Will use c2300 as pre with mc501s running JM Lab Alto Utopias.

Pepe

New Orleans...proud to call it home
cajunpepe
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Modded Jolida phono stage, Manley, EAR 324, Tom Evans Groove (choices, choices, choices).

I really liked the modded Jolida, and the Tom Evans models are really special.

I have not hear, but have heard great things about the Marchand phono pre's.

I tried many, mostly tubed, and ended up with a Parts Connexion (they are sold through Underwood HiFi)Modified PS Audio GCPH, and I absolutely love it. It's a great piece of gear.
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Here's a couple links showing inside photos of the C2200 & C2300.

http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/315-mcintosh-c2200-c2300-nudies.html

Here's a link showing inside photos of the C500/1000 boxes. Post #27 has the photos of the two units uncovered:

http://audioaficionado.org/mcintosh-audio/2042-why-not-c500-instead-c1000-3.html

Quite a difference between the single box pre's and the dual box pre's & the MC circuitry too boot.

Bob
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Just to be informative -- the two shinny modules towards the rear in post #27 of the C500/1000 pictures -- those are the left/right MC modules which are non-existant in the C2200/2300's.

Bob
wrm57
1,050 posts
 
Hi Bob,

Your third post above slipped in ahead of me. You're right, the phono stages of the C2300 and C500/1000 look very different.

Post #19 in this link provides the irrefutable ocular proof:

Phono section on the C500 vs...

Bill
cajunpepe OP
255 posts
 
Bob & Macdadtexas,

What cartridges are you using? I currently really like my Lyra, but I want to take it up a notch. I would not be surprised to see the Titan get a facelift like the lower end carts recently got with the new cantilever design. I am seeing great threads on the new Ortofon A-90 and am intrigued by it--so it is on the short list. Do either of you have experience with these?
I will read up on the Mac c500 phono stage as well. How does it stack up with the ARC Ref 2 phono? Or the new Boulder 1008?

Pepe
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