Opinions on the Mcintosh C500T?

Great to here Mitch.

Yes the noise factor is dead quite on my C500T as well. The dynamics are stunning even at low levels listening to Dave Weckl drum patterns late last night. I have to agree on the piano observation...sounds real with longer decay and depth.

Try spinning Dire Straits On Every Street...airy spacious sound stage, details, transparency, depth, breathy. Really incredible recording...and this is coming from my two-way with smallish soundstage.

Congrats again on the C1000.

Got my TT ready for action now. I ordered a milty zap gun for static and its in so I look forward to testing this phono stage this weekend.

beerdraft

Just so you all know...... The main difference between the McIntosh C1000 and C500 Pre Amp comes into play if you purchase "all" three C1000 components, namely the Solid State and Tube units. The C1000 Controller has lavish circuitry so one can "toggle" between the Solid State and Tube units on the fly. If you only purchase the SS or Tube unit you gain virtually nothing in performance over the lesser priced but as equally amazing sounding C500 Pre Amp. The C500 was designed to be used as a two piece Pre Amp whereas the C1000 was truly designed as a three piece setup. I just wish McIntosh would have included the same 3D Glass front panel on the C500 as on the C1000, to me that really finishes the Fabulous Look of this Pre Amp. But that is Matketing at its best or should I say worst. :-) I hope this answers your most of your questions. Sincerely. Dr. Edwin A. Owen.

My biggest problem with the C500T wasn't that it was not a very capable pre. I enjoyed it very much but am a bit flustered that I spend all that money on a pre and they send it to me with tubes that are worthless. I couldn't even play phono with my stock tubes they were so noisy. Then I start on the tube roll marathon to find out that it was hard to find a tube that not only sounded great but wouldn't mess up timing and detail. I eventually found some that did but man it was just not what I expected looking back. I've moved on now to the BAT REX pre and it has multiple tubes and no need for rolling at all. It's perfect. They do make a optional tube pkg but its not an upgrade and should only be used if there is some sort of synergy problem.