mowntnbkr Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 I had sold my BBX a few months back. Now I am ready to start playing vinyl again. What is everyones opinion between the two. I loved my BBX, I just sold it because it wasn't being used and to be honest it didn't have remote capability. I also will be using it to play CD's on my Marantz SA 8001 and occasional PPV movies/events. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 I like the BBX but have never heard it head-to-head with the 2200. Since you loved your BBX, why not go with the new version that includes a remote? I heard it at RPlace's house and it sounded great. I also like the new looks, the improved build quality and the new tube compliment that eliminates that pesky 6DJ8. Check out Mark's website if you haven't seen it already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenderbender Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Also depends on the amp you want to drive.....no problem with tube amps, but the minimum input impedance for the BBX is 36K ohms...that eliminates several SS amps...for example almost all of the new Mcintosh Poweramps are 10K OHM's unbalanced input inpedance...So if you want JM with say a mac SS amp you'd need to get a Peach with it's (super LO Z mode) and a separate phono preamp. That being said My newly redone BBX I>II is on the UPS truck and on the way to me now........really sweet with vinyl.... so I say get ye to the merry ole Mac dealer and hear the C2200 and see if it's worth double the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowntnbkr Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 It will be used in conjuction with my VRD's, which I almost sold a while back for a MC275, glad I didn't. Unfortunately there are no Mac dealers anywhere near me, but I have listened to one hooked up to a MC275 with Jubilees and Tannoy System 15 II DMT's. It was impressive to say the least. Right now I am using a highly modified EAD ovation, only problem in no phono stage. I put alot into my TT to just have it collecting dust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 With VRDs it's a no-brainer. BBX all the way. That's the combo I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenderbender Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 It will be used in conjuction with my VRD's, which I almost sold a while back for a MC275, glad I didn't. Unfortunately there are no Mac dealers anywhere near me, but I have listened to one hooked up to a MC275 with Jubilees and Tannoy System 15 II DMT's. It was impressive to say the least. Right now I am using a highly modified EAD ovation, only problem in no phono stage. I put alot into my TT to just have it collecting dust Sounds like your in the same boat as me.... finally pulled the plug on the BBX and have been on the fence about the VRDs........from every report that I have heard the combo for vinyl is amazing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nu2toobs Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 With VRDs it's a no-brainer. BBX all the way. That's the combo I use. Times two, except I have the stereo VRD. Excellent combo! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPower Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Well, at 5Grrr vs. 2Grrr, the Mac would have to be a lot better to justify the jump in cost. And you already know how the JM works with Craig's amps. Speaking of the VDRs, probably the weak spots in all (nu2toobs, fenderbender, and mowntnbkr) your systems. How could a basically homemade amp compete with real amps like Mcintosh and the likes? [^o)] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPower Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 Now that I have convinced you guys that those VDRs are crap... Anybody consider selling theirs at a good blow out price. [6] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowntnbkr Posted November 19, 2008 Author Share Posted November 19, 2008 Speaking of the VDRs, probably the weak spots in all (nu2toobs, fenderbender, and mowntnbkr) your systems.How could a basically homemade amp compete with real amps like Mcintosh and the likes? LOL, that is what my MIT educated, NASA employed/retired EE buddy said.....until we hooked them up to his test equipment and then gave them a listen. BTW, he has a complete MAC setup, which I have to say is pretty incredible, his comment was that they are without reproach. He was equally impressed with my old BBX. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wpines Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I've owned both. The C2200 offers far more features and flexibility than the BBX. It's not really a good comparison. I prefer the C2200 by a considerable margin, both sonically and for it's versatility and features. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I had the origonal BB and had to satisfy a decades old passion for owning a CJ tube component. Phono stage on BB is a great match for my system. Have not heard MC equipment in about 7-10 years. MC is no slouch but I would consider the BBX with Cream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I've owned both. The C2200 offers far more features and flexibility than the BBX. It's not really a good comparison. I prefer the C2200 by a considerable margin, both sonically and for it's versatility and features. Did you have vinyl in either system? I don't see any in your sig. That's where the BBX excels IMO. What's the retail price of a C2200? I assume considersably more expensive than a BBX? I've had a C22, C18 and MX110 in my system and the BBX was a significant improvement over them all. Never had a 2200 though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wpines Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I had vinyl in both systems. VPI Scout with a Dynavector 20XH. I prefered the C2200 for vinyl and digital sonics. The bass and treble controls, balance controls, remote, balanced and unbalanced in&out puts, build quality and resale value are icing on the cake. I did not pay retail. I bought this unit as a B stock unit with a scuff mark on it. The used market (outside of this forum) will recognize, demand, and pay a premium for the C2200 well into the future, much like the C22, C18 and MX110's that you,ve previously owned. The BBX will not fare as well in the used market going forward, so if you were to factor in the annual depreciation cost and resale value in 5 years, they'll cost about the same. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 The BBX will not fare as well in the used market going forward, so if you were to factor in the annual depreciation cost and resale value in 5 years, they'll cost about the same. That assumes one plans to sell. You're right. Mac gear holds its value better than our VRDs and BBXs. I've actually made a bit of money buying and selling a few pieces. No Mac I have owned thus far topped my current gear sonically (IMO of course) so I'll stick with my current setup. At least we're both happy with what we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nu2toobs Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I agree completely, I'm after the sound I like. Resell means nothing, untill you've heard each preamp. That's why these forums are a great tool. You can listen to others that have owned and listened to each piece of gear, and go from there. I've owned both and prefer The BBX with my system. Of course that's just my opinion, trust it or not. The BBX will not fare as well in the used market going forward, so if you were to factor in the annual depreciation cost and resale value in 5 years, they'll cost about the same. That assumes one plans to sell. You're right. Mac gear holds its value better than our VRDs and BBXs. I've actually made a bit of money buying and selling a few pieces. No Mac I have owned thus far topped my current gear sonically (IMO of course) so I'll stick with my current setup. At least we're both happy with what we have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshnich Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 I am with Gary on this. I have also had a c-22 and a MX 110 in my system, as well a few different Mcintosh power amps. My current set up with the BBX and the Pcats - for the music I like and to my ear - beats combo I have had in the past. I really really really wanted to love the Mcintosh systems as they are what I lusted after before I had the dough to buy them, but that simply was not the case. Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenderbender Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Actually this topic came up several times and in one of is past incarnations I took the time and ran the numbers from a be it small sampling, of the past ten BBX resales and the past tenC2200 resales taken from sources such as Agon, ebay, Klipschforum, .....I did not include Mcintosh dealers because the prices were inflated and JM doesn't have any dealers. The results were very similar, in that modern Mcintosh lost 28% of its value, while JM products only lost 31%.......so percentage of new purchase was very very close.... Now if you want to talk about added value...Mcintosh warranties are non-transferable......I've sent gear to Mcintosh and while they don't rape you, service can be pricy and take a while.......On the other hand I just sent a second hand 3 year old JM BBX that I bought off to Mark D who upgraded it to the newer BBX II circuitry, tested all tubes, gave it a thorough check-up ....all for the whopping price of $70 !!!!! I've never spent a penny with JM and for $70 dollars I just got a upgrade to the new model and a factory refurb!!!! Lets see Mcintosh do that!!! Thats add's a lot of value to a product!!! Now don't get me wrong ...I have owned and loved plenty of Mac gear in my life...It is fine gear that i built like a tank...and if the mood strikes I wouldn't mind owning a C2200/mc402........but don't let the numbers fool you.....go with what you like your system to sound like...there is plenty of added Value in dealing with a "reputable/established" Boutique like JM.......now if Mark decides to pack it up and move to Tahiti tomorrow were all screwed and Mcintosh would be the better choice resale wise [][][][] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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