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Mcintosh

Mcintosh C-8 Tube Preamplifier

SKU: C-8

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Product Description

The C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier has an open chassis industrial design similar to our popular MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, and MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers. When combined with an amplifier (like the matching MC830 Amplifier), source components such as a turntable, CD player or streaming music player, and a pair of speakers, it can help deliver a lifelike audio experience in your home.

Similarly sized to our MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the C8 is powered by four 12AX7a vacuum tubes housed inside stylish protective cages. For inputs, the C8 comes with 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced analog inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs with adjustable loading to play cherished vinyl collections. All inputs can be given user-friendly names in order to simplify user control. Bass and treble tone controls help fine tune your music to your personal preferences. For outputs, it has 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced; 1 of the unbalanced outputs can be configured as a subwoofer output for use with a powered subwoofer to further enhance low frequencies.

While the C8 does not come equipped with any digital inputs, it is digital-audio-ready as our DA2 Digital Audio Module can be installed in it. Adding the DA2 is an optional dealer installed upgrade. The DA2 has 7 digital inputs: 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT (for use with our MCT500 or MCT80 SACD/CD Transport), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. The DA2 is powered by a next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Its audiophile-grade DAC is highlighted by improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. For high resolution audio playback, the USB input can support native playback of up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, and the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.

McIntosh Laboratory is a manufacturer of high-end audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers, and speakers. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh, and is based in New York, USA.

McIntosh is known for its iconic design, featuring blue backlit watt meters on its amplifiers, and its commitment to quality, with all of its products built in the USA and tested by hand before leaving the factory.

McIntosh's amplifiers, such as the MC452 and MC312, are highly regarded for their power and sound quality, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers. The company's preamplifiers, such as the C2700 and C53, are also highly regarded for their ability to deliver an extremely detailed and transparent sound.

McIntosh's receivers, such as the MX170 and MX123, are designed to provide a high-quality audio experience in a single unit, with support for a wide range of audio and video sources.

All orders are processed within 48 hours from date of order.

We offer Free Ground Shipping on all orders regardless of size.  

  • If you would like to receive your order quicker you can request Express shipping during Check-Out in the Comments section.  Additional charges will apply.
  • In-stock items are shipped from our Vancouver warehouse and will reach major Canadian cities in 5-7 business days.
  • Items not in stock will either ship from one of our manufacturer partners' warehouses or in rare cases first must be sent to Vancouver and then to you.  
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