Forums - CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110

Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register

05/01/25 at 18:43:00

Most recent 50 posts

Forums › AUDIO FORUMS › General Discussion and Support

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›

Pages: 1

CSP3 with Vintage McIntosh MX110 (Read 6720 times)

beowulf

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1449

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!

IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 25750	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).
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,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;Stack EQ; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

beowulf

Seasoned Member

Posts: 1449

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

IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 25750	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. 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. . . .
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,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;Stack EQ; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

Steve Deckert

Administrator

If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 6397

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

IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 25750	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.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,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;Stack EQ; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

beowulf Seasoned Member Posts: 1449	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!
Back to top	IP Logged

Pages: 1

Forums › AUDIO FORUMS › General Discussion and Support

‹ Previous topic | Next topic ›