Boasting an industrial design very similar to and perfectly complementing the legendary MC275 stereo power amplifier, the C8 is a tube stereo preamplifier that takes advantage of McIntosh 's unique heritage to offer high-end signal processing options. maximum level for life-size music reproduction enthusiasts.
It includes a total of four vacuum valves (all 12AXA) that can be seen through a glass panel located in the upper area of the device. To this must be added five analog inputs distributed in one balanced, two unbalanced and two phono for turntables equipped with moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) capsules, 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 exclusive DA2 module, which combines six digital inputs (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) with one HDMI-compatible ARC (Air Return Channel). Audio) to facilitate the enjoyment of television programs using a single digital connection. On the other hand, the DA2's DAC functionality is compatible with 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 to maximize dynamic range and minimize distortion.
Likewise, McIntosh 's exclusive MCT input allows for a secure DSD connection with any of the brand's CD/SACD transport mechanisms and optimizes the sound quality of SACDs. The C8 also features a headphone jack powered by a McIntosh exclusive High Drive amplifier ensuring full compatibility with all types of headphones.
Characteristics:
- Very high-performance tube stereo preamplifier.
- Vacuum valves used: 12AX7A (4).
- One hundred percent analog circuit topology.
- Executed with components of the highest quality.
- Separate phono inputs for turntables equipped with MM and MC cartridges.
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog inputs and outputs.
- McIntosh Exclusive High Drive Headphone Amplifier.
- Optional possibility of integrating the DA2 digital module.
- Frequency response of 15-100,000 Hz, +0 dB, -3 dB.
- Line input sensitivity/impedance: 900 mV/44 kohms (XLR).
- Phono input sensitivity: 4.5 mV in MM and 0.45 mV in MC.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB Line, 80 dB/Phone MM and 75 dB/Phone MC.
- Dimensions: 312x194x413 mm (WxHxD).
- Weight: 8.2 kg.
