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CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110 (Read 6185 times)
beowulf
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CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
08/23/13 at 01:44:44
 
Hi All, I was just wondering your thoughts on pairing up a McIntosh MX110 (Tube Preamp/Tuner) with the CSP3?  Also. could I use the MX110 for only the tuner function while using the CSP3 as the real Preamp?

Finally does anybody know if the CSP3 can be ordered with 4-6 inputs instead of headphone jacks?  Since I already have the Taboo MkII and it already has headphone jacks (not to mention that I don't listen to headphones at all) I have no interest in any headphone jacks for the CSP3 whatsoever and would rather just have enough inputs for all of my stuff.

I was thinking this as my setup:

Preamp/Amp:

1. Decware - CSP3 Preamp
2. Decware - Taboo MkII Amp

Sources:

3. Decware - ZP3 Phonostage
4. McIntosh - MX110 Tuner
5. Rega - RP6 TT
6. Rega - DAC

So I need at least 4 Inputs ... I thought about the switchbox, but would prefer to go straight to the preamp if possible.

Thanks!
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Lon
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Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #1 - 08/23/13 at 03:48:29
 
Hans, I don't think it's possible to have four inputs. Of course Steve is the final answer here, but I've never seen it offered or on a production model and looking at the amp I don't see that it could be done.

I have two CSP2+ to use my four sources. (Two inputs on the Torii Mk III).
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HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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beowulf
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Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #2 - 08/23/13 at 08:11:44
 
Quote:
Lon said,
Hans, I don't think it's possible to have four inputs. Of course Steve is the final answer here, but I've never seen it offered or on a production model and looking at the amp I don't see that it could be done.

I have two CSP2+ to use my four sources. (Two inputs on the Torii Mk III).


I was afraid that would be the answer ... I like your idea of 2 CSP's, but that is way out of my price range.  So I guess the least expensive route would be a CSP# and Zen Switch Box.  Sorry if this is a dumb question, but if combining a CSP# with a ZSB, would I need caps on the ZSB or is that only if you get the ZSB with a volume control?

I see this as a hole in Decware's lineup ... I wonder if it's ever crossed Steve's mind that there are people who want a preamp that can accomodate their sources and don't care about headphone use?

I would want a Preamp with a rotary switch that can accomodate at least 4 - 6 sources, balance controls (or dual volumes) and a sub.  With that type of Preamp available, you could order any amp with/without inputs or volume controls ... Is that too much to ask with all the other stellar stuff he has to offer? Huh
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Lon
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Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #3 - 08/23/13 at 11:08:02
 
Don't know about caps.

Well, there is the Ultra. Smiley Too costly though, I know. I think the real reason we don't see such an item is that he hasn't found a way to have the spectacular sonics yet with multiple inputs. In time. . . in time, as Decware grows. . . .
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HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Steve Deckert
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Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #4 - 08/23/13 at 18:11:47
 



This would get you 4 inputs, a trim control for each channel which can be used to control balance, and a master volume control.  The dot centered between the two vol controls on the ZSB would be a third knob for the rotary selector switch.  I forgot to draw it.

Our 1/2 meter DSG interconnect is ideal for connecting the two units together.


That said, yes, I've been thinking about it for years.   I have several designs but it really boils down to having to create a new chassis that fits in a standard audio rack and somehow get it to match the rest of our gear.  I'll eventually figure it out and then we'll have a full function preamp in the line.  Perhaps next year or the year after.

Steve
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Lon
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"Love without
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Posts: 23587
Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #5 - 08/23/13 at 20:23:55
 
Wow. That's cool Steve. A great way to get and control four inputs.
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HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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beowulf
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Re: CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110
Reply #6 - 08/25/13 at 05:42:54
 
Thanks Steve, this is the most cost effective way to do it with all Decware gear for sure, but how would it compete in sound against the CSP2+ or CSP3?  The way everybody raves about the CSP2+ ... that's the big question! Wink
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