McIntosh C52 Preamplifier Review from New Record Day ....
- Thread starter joeinid
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nc42acc
New member
Ron is a really nice guy that is passionate about audio. Does great video reviews too.
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- #3
I agree, and love my C52 with a pair of MC75's.
The C52 even sounds awesome on my 28BSST2's. Awe heck, the C52 sounds great with everything like my Nord One Up Ncore amps and every other amp that I play it through.
The C52 even sounds awesome on my 28BSST2's. Awe heck, the C52 sounds great with everything like my Nord One Up Ncore amps and every other amp that I play it through.
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jdandy
New member
Joe.......Thanks for the link. That was an interesting C52 review.
I have listened to the C50 and C52 preamplifiers through the MC452 and MC601 power amplifiers. With the C52 I believe McIntosh finally dotted all the all the i's and crossed all the t's. The digital section of the preamp finally functions correctly with all resolutions without hanging up, an issue the C2500, C48 and C50 have issues with, although I believe there are firmware updates that solve the issue. The comments on the moving coil phono stage in the C52 were accurate. McIntosh has provided excellent phono stage preamps for years. I found it interesting that Ray compared the C52 moving coil phono stage to the Pass Labs XP-15 phono stage preamp. I compared the XP-15 with my C2300 preamp's moving coil phono stage and discovered the C2300 to be more musical and quieter. There was no comparison with the XP-15 against my C1000C/P moving coil phono stage. The Pass Labs XP-15 was returned to Reno HiFi. In my opinion, I believe the new McIntosh C52 solid state preamplifier with the internal DAC is a serious contender against the plethora of preamplifiers on the market. It most certainly is the most advanced single box preamp/DAC McIntosh has produced to date. It is feature rich yet those features never get in the way of the music. Were I looking to build a McIntosh system today (I already have three), the C52 preamplifier, at the remarkable price of $7000, would be at the top of my list.
I have listened to the C50 and C52 preamplifiers through the MC452 and MC601 power amplifiers. With the C52 I believe McIntosh finally dotted all the all the i's and crossed all the t's. The digital section of the preamp finally functions correctly with all resolutions without hanging up, an issue the C2500, C48 and C50 have issues with, although I believe there are firmware updates that solve the issue. The comments on the moving coil phono stage in the C52 were accurate. McIntosh has provided excellent phono stage preamps for years. I found it interesting that Ray compared the C52 moving coil phono stage to the Pass Labs XP-15 phono stage preamp. I compared the XP-15 with my C2300 preamp's moving coil phono stage and discovered the C2300 to be more musical and quieter. There was no comparison with the XP-15 against my C1000C/P moving coil phono stage. The Pass Labs XP-15 was returned to Reno HiFi. In my opinion, I believe the new McIntosh C52 solid state preamplifier with the internal DAC is a serious contender against the plethora of preamplifiers on the market. It most certainly is the most advanced single box preamp/DAC McIntosh has produced to date. It is feature rich yet those features never get in the way of the music. Were I looking to build a McIntosh system today (I already have three), the C52 preamplifier, at the remarkable price of $7000, would be at the top of my list.
- Thread Author
- #6
Dan,
Thank you so much for the additional info. Yes, I do love mine and will eventually pair the MC452 with it as another solid state alternative for my Strads and another yet to be named speaker
. The DAC in the C52 really is wonderful. That surprised the heck out of me.
Thank you so much for the additional info. Yes, I do love mine and will eventually pair the MC452 with it as another solid state alternative for my Strads and another yet to be named speaker
. The DAC in the C52 really is wonderful. That surprised the heck out of me.
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Paul
Senior Member
Oh... McIntosh .........
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Mgard
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- Sep 29, 2014
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So Joe,
If someone had a C2300 would they hear much difference upgrading to a C52 and it's internal DAC? Or would they be better off keeping their C2300 and upgrading their BDA-1 to a BDA-3? I think the person that has this C2300 needs to stay off forums such as AudioShark.
~Mike
If someone had a C2300 would they hear much difference upgrading to a C52 and it's internal DAC? Or would they be better off keeping their C2300 and upgrading their BDA-1 to a BDA-3? I think the person that has this C2300 needs to stay off forums such as AudioShark.
~Mike
- Thread Author
- #12
Hi Mike,
Hmmmm. I'd hate to have someone blow up their system on my account. My honest opinion of the new C52, to me, is a keeper. I've owned two C2300's in the past and loved them, especially with upgraded tubes. I find my C52 to be head and shoulders better than my C2300's.
Before I received the C52, I was expecting the DAC inside to be a bit of a throw-away and did not take it seriously. I was wrong. It competes extremely well against many highly regarded dacs. It's extremely quiet, does a superb job, just works, sounds wonderful and dare I say, could be my only DAC. I have not heard the BDA Bryston pieces, but as I am trying to downsize these days, I do not feel like I am giving up anything performance-wise with the preamp section nor DAC portion of my C52.
I mainly bought it for the equalizer functions but it sounds so good as is, I have not felt the need to play with the 8 bands. Just knowing that I have them seems to be enough.
The C52 paired with my MC75 reissue amps makes a killer combo. I still want the MC452 someday and that will complete the circle.
So my advice, get the C52 but please audition it if you can. Mine is not going anywhere.
Hmmmm. I'd hate to have someone blow up their system on my account. My honest opinion of the new C52, to me, is a keeper. I've owned two C2300's in the past and loved them, especially with upgraded tubes. I find my C52 to be head and shoulders better than my C2300's.
Before I received the C52, I was expecting the DAC inside to be a bit of a throw-away and did not take it seriously. I was wrong. It competes extremely well against many highly regarded dacs. It's extremely quiet, does a superb job, just works, sounds wonderful and dare I say, could be my only DAC. I have not heard the BDA Bryston pieces, but as I am trying to downsize these days, I do not feel like I am giving up anything performance-wise with the preamp section nor DAC portion of my C52.
I mainly bought it for the equalizer functions but it sounds so good as is, I have not felt the need to play with the 8 bands. Just knowing that I have them seems to be enough.
The C52 paired with my MC75 reissue amps makes a killer combo. I still want the MC452 someday and that will complete the circle.
So my advice, get the C52 but please audition it if you can. Mine is not going anywhere.
Mgard
New member
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Joe,
Thank you for your input. You have auditioned more audio gear in your home than I ever will so I value your experience. I realize that what sounds good to one person might not have the same effect on someone else. I think the C52 bug has bit so it is time to take a closer look at this beauty.
~Mike
Thank you for your input. You have auditioned more audio gear in your home than I ever will so I value your experience. I realize that what sounds good to one person might not have the same effect on someone else. I think the C52 bug has bit so it is time to take a closer look at this beauty.
~Mike
- Thread Author
- #14
Mike,
I really think that the C52 will be an even better match for the MC452/MC601's than the C2300. As good as the C2300 sounds, I feel the C52 will bring more to the table and balance out the system.
I still remain hopeful that a solid state version of the C1100 would come to market sometime in the future. Until then, I will happily enjoy my C52.
I really think that the C52 will be an even better match for the MC452/MC601's than the C2300. As good as the C2300 sounds, I feel the C52 will bring more to the table and balance out the system.
I still remain hopeful that a solid state version of the C1100 would come to market sometime in the future. Until then, I will happily enjoy my C52.
- Thread Author
- #16
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Hey Joe, congrats, Beautiful preamp. The review linked above has me thinking all week long! Since you, at one time, owned the C500, can you advise how the C52 would fare as a replacement to the C500? I own all three 500 modules C/T/P. I was curious and periodically swap out the preamp models from time to time, solid state bs tube. I love em both. I also use the 500 for phono, paired with a MT10. I am strongly considering downsizing / simplifying my system. Sell my Esoteric K01X, C500, and pick up MCT450/C52. Leftover cash will go towards MC601 fund (I own 501s). What cha think??
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- Thread Author
- #18
Sounds like a plan to me.
It has been a long time since I've had the C500, but I did love it. I honestly believe I don't give up much if anything going to the C52. I have absolutely no regrets getting the C52. It's not going anywhere.
I was seriously hoping for a solid state version of the C1100. I would have bought that in a heartbeat. A friend has the C1100 and we prefer that to my Ref 6 in his system too. That says a lot. I remain hopeful that McIntosh will surprise us with a fully balanced solid state preamp in the future and dare I say, with tone controls like my C52. I have a dream.
I would absolutely prefer the MC601's over the MC501's and think they'd be awesome with the C52. I love the idea of the MCT450 but have to be honest. I've seen a few units refuse to play some discs. I don't remember if there was a slight adjustment that was needed but if that obstacle is overcome, I'd jump on one too.
I love the DAC in the C52 and the whole package, to me, is wonderful.
I don't feel that the C52 gives up anything and I love mine. I wholeheartedly recommend the C52.
It has been a long time since I've had the C500, but I did love it. I honestly believe I don't give up much if anything going to the C52. I have absolutely no regrets getting the C52. It's not going anywhere.
I was seriously hoping for a solid state version of the C1100. I would have bought that in a heartbeat. A friend has the C1100 and we prefer that to my Ref 6 in his system too. That says a lot. I remain hopeful that McIntosh will surprise us with a fully balanced solid state preamp in the future and dare I say, with tone controls like my C52. I have a dream.
I would absolutely prefer the MC601's over the MC501's and think they'd be awesome with the C52. I love the idea of the MCT450 but have to be honest. I've seen a few units refuse to play some discs. I don't remember if there was a slight adjustment that was needed but if that obstacle is overcome, I'd jump on one too.
I love the DAC in the C52 and the whole package, to me, is wonderful.
I don't feel that the C52 gives up anything and I love mine. I wholeheartedly recommend the C52.
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The comments about the quality of the C52 internal DAC is good to hear especially after so many people had issues with previous iterations of preamps with on board DACs. Honestly, I never had any complaints about the MCD1100 when I owned it, in other words, I have liked McIntosh digital.
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