Comments on Mctinosh C500T Preamp

Thanks to those who responded. Your comments are a big help in making my decision whether to buy this unit or not.

I went from a BAT VK-31SE to the C500T. Sonically, this is an excellent pre-amp. However, it is a very complex machine that does not offer a plug-in-and-play experience. Additionally, I also had problems with one of the umbilical cords that connects the two chasis (replaced at a cost of $120). Since those initial headaches, I have been very much enjoying my three years with the C500T. And it adds an absolutely stunning visual to your system!

Frepec went from C46 to C500T.

One of several things that stand out in C500T is the soundstage and low noise floor. In my previous audio room, I was able to achieve a great soundstage where instruments had depth in a not so great small room. With a low noise floor you can here more of the music, especially on solo recordings.

While very pleased with the C500T; I did opt to roll the tubes with a much more expensive tube to increase the micro details; and switched out fuses. This combination of changes led to more details, wider soundstage and more depth.

Hope that helps.

I was surprised how much better it was than my MX119 or direct from my MCD500. I did not tell my wife that I had put it I place and she asked what did you do, things sound so much better.