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McIntosh C8 Valve 2-Channel Preamplifier

SKU 77205
Original price £4,995.00 - Original price £4,995.00
Original price
£4,995.00
£4,995.00 - £4,995.00
Current price £4,995.00
Availability:
In stock

In Store Item Only

Whilst this line is only available in store, we do have a massive range available for delivery. Speak to one of our home audio industry expert advisors now.

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  • In Store Item Only

    Available at our Nottingham Store

  • Hassle-Free Returns Within 30 Days

    Hassle-Free Returns Within 30 Days

  • 1 Year Warranty

    1 Year Warranty for Peaceful Ownership

Aesthetic Harmony and Sonic Brilliance

The McIntosh C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, featuring an open-chassis industrial design reminiscent of its acclaimed counterparts like the MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers, emerges as a visual and auditory masterpiece. Paired with an amplifier such as the MC830 and complemented by source components like a turntable or CD player (consider the matching MCD85 SACD/CD Player), the C8 crafts a lifelike audio experience within the confines of your home.

Tube-Powered Elegance

Mirroring the size of the MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the C8 is powered by four 12AX7a vacuum tubes housed within protective cages, a nod to McIntosh's iconic MC275. With one balanced and two unbalanced analog inputs, along with Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs boasting adjustable loading for cherished vinyl collections, the C8 ensures versatility and audiophile-grade performance. All inputs are customizable with user-friendly names for streamlined control, while bass and treble tone controls allow precise music fine-tuning.

Configurable Outputs and Subwoofer Enhancement

On the output front, the C8 offers one balanced and two unbalanced outputs, with one of the unbalanced outputs configurable as a subwoofer output. This flexibility, paired with its tonal control features, provides an enriching audio experience tailored to individual preferences.

Digital-Audio-Ready with DA2 Digital Audio Module

While the C8 doesn't feature digital inputs, it is digital-audio-ready with the option for a dealer-installed upgrade: the DA2 Digital Audio Module. With 7 digital inputs, including USB, coaxial, optical, MCT (for use with MCT500 or MCT80 SACD/CD Transport), and HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC), the DA2 enhances the C8's digital capabilities. The next-generation Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC within the DA2 supports high-resolution audio playback, delivering improved dynamic range and reduced total harmonic distortion.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier and Smart Features

For personal listening pleasure, the C8 integrates a High Drive headphone amplifier, exhibiting ample power and flexibility to drive a wide array of headphones. Power Control ports facilitate convenient system power-up and shutdown, while the user-selectable Auto Off feature turns the C8 off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Home Theater Pass Through seamlessly integrates the C8 into home theater systems, and Data Ports enable remote control commands to connected source components.

Intuitive Control and McIntosh Aesthetic

The front panel features intuitive controls, including input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance, and input offset adjustments, all manageable via front panel knobs or the included remote control. The display showcases volume level, input selection, and settings. The C8's stainless steel chassis, polished to a mirror finish, boasts classic McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminum name badges and a black glass front panel with silver trim, illuminated logo, and rotary control knobs.

Explore the McIntosh C8 at Your Local Dealer

Discover the sonic excellence and aesthetic sophistication of the McIntosh C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier by reaching out to your local dealer. Experience a blend of timeless design and cutting-edge technology that defines McIntosh's commitment to audio perfection.
  • Visual and Auditory Masterpiece: McIntosh C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, with an open-chassis design, is a compact visual and auditory marvel.
  • Tube-Powered Elegance: Powered by four 12AX7a tubes, mirroring MA252 in size, featuring balanced/unbalanced analog inputs, and customizable Moving Coil/Moving Magnet phono inputs.
  • Configurable Outputs with Subwoofer Option: Provides flexible balanced/unbalanced outputs and a configurable unbalanced output for seamless subwoofer integration.
  • Digital-Audio-Ready with DA2 Module: Optionally upgradable with DA2 Digital Audio Module, offering 7 digital inputs, Quad Balanced 32-bit DAC, and support for high-res audio playback.
  • High Drive Headphone Amp: Integrated powerful headphone amplifier for personalized listening with various headphones.
  • Smart Features: Power Control ports, Auto Off feature, Home Theater Pass Through, and Data Ports for remote control commands.
  • Intuitive Controls and Aesthetic Appeal: Front panel controls for input selection, tone adjustments, and balance, with a stainless steel chassis, polished finish, and classic McIntosh design elements.
  • Explore at Local Dealer: Encourages a visit to local dealers for a firsthand experience of McIntosh C8's blend of design and technology.

FeatureDetails
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 Input2
Digital Optical Input2
Digital MCT Input1
Digital USB Input1
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
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)12-9/32" (31.2cm) x 7-5/8" (19.4cm) x 16-1/4" (41.3cm)
Unit Weight18 lbs (8.2 kg)
Shipping Weight25 lbs (11.3 kg)

  • McIntosh C8 Valve 2-Channel Preamplifier
  • Remote Control
  • AAA Batteries
  • User Manual

Delivery is made by common carrier next working day. Delivery is FREE for orders in-stock and over £100 or £9.99 for orders less than £100 or special delivery items.

Statutory Cancellation Right

You have the statutory right to cancel your order for any reason within 14 days beginning with the day you receive the item (please see clause 2 of our Conditions of Sale for the full instructions on cancellation and further information on your right of cancellation). We only accept cancellations via phone - 0115 975 8613, email - sales@superfi.co.uk or post - Superfi Returns, DB House, Rani Drive, Nottingham, NG5 1RF, United Kingdom.

Our Voluntary Returns Policy

As well as your statutory cancellation rights described above, you can return most products within 30 days of receipt of the products if the products are complete and are in an unused and undamaged condition. We only accept returns via phone - 0115 975 8613 or post - Superfi Returns, DB House, Rani Drive, Nottingham, NG5 1RF, United Kingdom.

Please note that this returns policy doesn't affect your statutory rights and therefore doesn't affect your right of cancellation as described above.

Please note that you must return each item in the same condition in which you received it. This means that new items must be returned new, unused and complete (including all accessories). Refunds for returned items that are not received in this condition, may be reduced.

Need Help?

Call us on 0115 975 8613

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