2. amps-preamps
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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
wrm57
1,060 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
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Cajun, I am using a Grado Statement the Reference 1 (low output), with the modded PS Audio GCPH into a Cary slp98p F-1, cary amps and Maggie 3.6r's, VPI Classic turntable.

I am also thinking new cartridge right now, maybe the A-90, or soundsmith The Voice hav ebeen regular suggestions.
dwr
113 posts
 
Macdadtexas, who did the mods on your phono pre that you are currently using?
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Parts Connexion, Underwood HiFi sells this model currently.
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