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~ That's Epic.

Designing solutions that connect families and enrich your home.

McIntosh  |  SKU: C8

McIntosh C8

$4,000.00

Specifications

ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS

  • Number of Channels2
  • Total Harmonic Distortion0.08%
  • Frequency Response+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
    +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
  • Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)16V RMS / 8V RMS
  • Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)900mV / 450mV
  • Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)0.45mV
  • Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)4.5mV
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)95dB
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)75dB
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)80dB
  • Voltage Gain (High Level)15dB
  • Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)75dB
  • Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)55dB
  • Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)44K ohm, 22K ohm

CONNECTIVITY

  • Balanced Input1
  • Unbalanced Input2
  • Phono Input Moving Coil1 (adjustable)
  • Phono Input Moving Magnet1 (adjustable)
  • Upgradeable Digital Audio ModuleYes: DA2 can be installed
  • Digital Coaxial Input0
  • Digital Optical Input0
  • Digital MCT (DIN) Input0
  • Digital USB Input0
  • HDMI (ARC) Input0
  • Digital AES/EBU Input0
  • Balanced Fixed Output0
  • Balanced Variable Output1
  • Unbalanced Fixed Output0
  • Unbalanced Variable Output2
  • Headphone Output1/4" High Drive
  • Input Level MatchYes, +/- 6dB
  • Home Theater PassThruYes
  • Unbalanced Analog Connector TypeStandard
  • Service Port1

CONTROL

  • Tone ControlsBass and Treble
  • Tone Bypass and Input AssignYes
  • RS232 Control InputYes
  • Power Control Output1 Main, 2 Trigger
  • Rear Panel Data Port2
  • Rear Panel IR Sensor InputYes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Multi-Chassis or SingleSingle
  • Output MetersNo
  • Vacuum Tube or Solid StateVacuum Tube
  • Power Consumption (On)50 Watts

WEIGHT & DIMENSIONS

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)12-9/32" (31.2cm) x 7-5/8" (19.4cm) x 16-1/4" (41.3cm)
  • Weight18 lbs (8.2 kg)

~ That's Epic.

Designing solutions that connect families and enrich your home.

Description

The McIntosh  C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier features an open-chassis industrial design reminiscent of McIntosh iconic MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and the MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers. When paired with an amplifier (such as the matching MC830 Amplifier), source components like a turntable, CD player, or streaming device, and a pair of speakers, the C8 can help deliver an immersive and lifelike audio experience in your home.

With dimensions similar to McIntosh  MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the C8 is powered by four 12AX7a vacuum tubes, elegantly housed in protective cages. The preamplifier offers 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced analog inputs, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading, perfect for enjoying your treasured vinyl collection. To enhance user experience, all inputs can be customized with user-friendly names for easier control. The C8 also features bass and treble tone controls, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your personal preference. For outputs, it offers 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced connections, one of which can be configured as a subwoofer output to connect to a powered subwoofer for added low-frequency enhancement.

While the C8 does not come with digital inputs out of the box, it is ready to integrate digital audio via the optional McIntosh  DA2 Digital Audio Module, which can be installed through an authorized dealer upgrade. The DA2 adds 7 digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT (for use with McIntosh ' MCT500 or MCT80 SACD/CD Transports), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input. Powered by a next-generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), the DA2 offers improved dynamic range and reduced harmonic distortion. It supports high-resolution audio with USB playback up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs can decode audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.

For personal listening, the C8 includes a High Drive headphone amplifier, providing ample power and flexibility to drive a wide range of headphones. Power Control ports allow for easy system management, sending power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh  components. The user-selectable Auto Off feature will automatically power down the C8 after 30 minutes of inactivity or if no audio signal is detected. The Home Theater Pass Through feature ensures seamless integration into your home theater system, and Data Ports allow remote control signals to be sent to connected source components.

Input selection, tone adjustments, balance, and other settings can be easily controlled via the front panel knobs or the included remote control, with all settings, volume levels, and input choices displayed on the front panel. The C8’s stylish design features a stainless steel chassis with a polished mirror finish, die-cast aluminum name badges on each side, a black glass front panel with silver trim, an illuminated logo, and classic rotary control knobs for a sophisticated and timeless look.

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