With an industrial design very similar to that of the legendary MC275 stereo power amplifier, with which it perfectly complements, the C8 is a tube stereo preamplifier that takes advantage of McIntosh 's unique heritage to offer the highest level of signal processing options to full-size music reproduction enthusiasts.
It includes a total of four vacuum tubes (all 12AXA) that can be viewed through a glass panel at the top of the unit. In addition, there are five analogue inputs, one balanced, two unbalanced and two phono inputs for turntables equipped with moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridges, as well as two sets of outputs with RCA and XLR connectors.
The C8's connectivity can optionally be expanded into the digital realm by inserting McIntosh's unique DA2 module, which combines six digital inputs (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) with an ARC (Audio Return Channel) compatible HDMI input for easy enjoyment of TV programmes using a single digital connection. In addition, the DA2's DAC functionality supports DSD512 (22.4 MHz) recordings, thanks to the use of an audiophile-grade 8-channel D/A conversion chip with 32-bit technology, configured in Quad Balanced mode to maximise dynamic range and minimise distortion.
In addition, McIntosh 's unique MCT input allows for a secure DSD connection to any of the brand's CD/SACD transport mechanics and optimises the sound quality of SACDs. The C8 also incorporates a headphone jack powered by McIntosh 's unique High Drive amplifier, ensuring full compatibility with all types of headphones.
Features:
- Very high performance stereo tube preamplifier.
- Vacuum valves used: 12AX7A (4).
- One hundred per cent analogue circuit topology.
- Executed with top quality components.
- Separate phono inputs for turntables equipped with MM and MC capsules.
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analogue inputs and outputs.
- High Drive headphone amplifier exclusive to McIntosh.
- Optional possibility of integrating the DA2 digital module.
- Frequency response 15-100,000 Hz, +0 dB, -3 dB.
- Line inputs sensitivity/impedance: 900 mV/44 kOhm (XLR).
- Phono input sensitivity: 4.5 mV on MM and 0.45 mV on MC.
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 95 dB Line, 80 dB/MM Phono and 75 dB/MC Phono.
- Dimensions: 312x194x413 mm (W x H x D).
- Weight: 8.2 kg.
