If you take a look at the circuit diagram of the main board of both model, they are identical. Download the SM and see for yourself. Very interesting that some say this or that is better when listen.
The circuitry needed to allow the C1000 to be used with the solid state and tube chassis simultaneously is certainly very expensive and may be the sole expense for the 8K differential....the C500 cannot be used in that manner, only one or the other. It seems kind of outlandish to pay an additional 8k to have the ability to pay another 10K!
Lapierre, I was told the phono sections were identical.....same specs and tubes I believe. Is there a sonic difference? There's an 8k price differential; did you find the line stages to sound identical?
Go over to the McIntosh forum of AudioKarma. Either do a search of the archives or post your question over there. You will get a lot of good information.
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