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Preamplifiers — McIntosh C8

Description, images, technical data and specifications

McIntosh C8
Image source — © McIntosh

It has a built-in universal phono corrector for pickup heads with a movable magnet and a movable coil, a headphone amplifier, and also provides the ability to install an optional DA2 digital module. The circuit is traditionally based on four 12AX7 triple triodes hidden in branded protective cages.

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Specifications

  • Model name

    C8

  • Analog inputs (balanced)

    1

  • Analog inputs (single-ended)

    2

  • Analog outputs (balanced)

    1

  • Analog outputs (single-ended)

    N/A

  • Gain (dBu)

    80

  • Input sensitivity (mV)

    900 (XLR) + 450 (RCA)

  • Output voltage (V)

    N/A

  • Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    44 000

  • Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    22 000

  • Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)

    16

  • Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)

    8

  • Volume control range (dBu)

    N/A

  • Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)

    15

  • Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)

    100 000

  • Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)

    95

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)

    0.08

  • Dimensions (mm)

    312 x 194 x 413

  • Weight (kg)

    8.2

  • Official link

More components

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  • C2700

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    In addition to the digital-to-analog converter (and the McIntosh C2700 has a very good one - proprietary Quad Balanced technology, ready to work with signals up to DSD512 and DXD 384 kHz), there is also a Dolby and DTS spatial sound decoder with stereo conversion. Thus, the device will work perfectly with movie sound, easily integrate into a home cinema (there is a Home Theater Pass-Through mode), and also interface with TV via HDMI ARC.

  • C49

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    The device has 2 XLR, 3 RCA inputs, a phono corrector module (MM/MS), a pair of coaxial, a pair of optical connectors and a USB interface. There is also an on-board MCT connector for communication with McIntosh transports. The digital-to-analog converter of the model uses chips in Quad Balanced mode and accepts signals up to PCM 32/384 and DSD256.

  • C55

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    The McIntosh C55 preamp takes the best out of the C53 model, while taking the sound quality to a whole new level. The device is equipped with an 8-band analog equalizer to fine tune the music and create a personalized sound.

  • C22 MK V

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    There is no built-in DAC and wireless modules, but there is traditionally an excellent phono corrector for heads with a movable magnet and a movable coil (MM/MS), which allows you to adjust the capacitance and resistance values for different pickups. The device is built on one 12AT7 lamp and five 12AX7A lamps, which can be observed by looking at the device from above – all the vacuum elements are placed on the top panel.

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