C22 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V
C22 mk V: £8495
All analogue design and a retro look
(5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs
This newest version of our C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier – the Mk V – is the direct replacement to our highly regarded C70 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, which commemorated our 70th Anniversary that took place in 2019. The new C22 Mk V is the latest McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifier to carry the cherished C22 model number. It has all the performance of the acclaimed C70 but with the hallowed C22 moniker and its signature glass and aluminium front panel design.
The C22 Mk V uses one 12AT7 and five 12AX7A vacuum tubes, which can be seen through a glass panel located at the top of the preamp. Knobs and rocker switches operate all control functions, while modern LED lights indicate input selection and volume level. The C22 Mk V has two balanced inputs, three unbalanced inputs, one Moving Coil and one Moving Magnet phono input, for a total of seven inputs. There are two pairs of balanced and unbalanced output connections; the two outputs allow signals to be sent to two separate power amplifiers.
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V represent McIntosh’s traditional heritage sound and with the added modern McIntosh technology, another masterpiece is born. – HiFi & Home Theater Audio
Bypassable bass and treble tone controls are located on the front panel and can be adjusted in 2dB increments via rotary knobs. Impedance and capacitance for the phono inputs can also be adjusted via separate rotary knobs. In addition to setting the listening level, the volume knob can also be used to adjust the relative volume balance between the left and right audio channels. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by our High Drive headphone amplifier and features our Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology. HXD improves the sound localisation for headphone listening by restoring the directionality component of the sound stage that's normally only heard from loudspeakers.
The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V is "outstanding equipment" and "is rich with an uncommon magic and will provide precious pleasure. Moreover, it will fit most loudspeakers nicely, even the most demanding ones." C22 Mk V named Winner of Reference Award. - Haute Fidélité
Our Power Control technology includes four ports that automatically turn other connected McIntosh components, such as amplifiers, CD players or turntables, on and off. Data ports can also control the essential functions of connected McIntosh source components via the included remote control.
The C22 Mk V sits atop a stunning polished stainless steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminium end caps. With its retro black glass and aluminium front panel design, the C22 Mk V will fit right in with McIntosh home audio systems of any era – from the 1950s to the current day.
C22 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil):
60dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced):
900mV / 450mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level):
100dB
Voltage Gain (High Level):
15dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced):
44K ohm, 22K ohm
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Number of Channels:
2
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced):
16V RMS / 8V RMS
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet):
4.5mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet):
75dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet):
40dB
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil):
0.45mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil):
75dB
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
CONNECTIVITY SPECIFICATIONS
Balanced Input:
2
Phono Input Moving Magnet:
1 (adjustable)
Digital Optical Input:
0
HDMI (ARC) Input:
0
Balanced Variable Output:
2
Headphone Output:
1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type:
Premium gold-plated solid brass
Unbalanced INPUT:
3
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module:
No
Digital MCT Input:
0
Digital AES/EBU Input:
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output:
0
Input Level Match:
No
Service Port:
0
Phono Input Moving Coil:
1 (adjustable)
Digital Coaxial Input:
0
Digital USB Input:
0
BALANCED FIXED OUTPUT:
0
UNBALANCED VARIABLE OUTPUT:
2
Home Theater PassThru:
No
Network Connection:
No
CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS
Tone Controls:
Bass and Treble
Power Control Output:
2 Main, 2 Switched
Tone Bypass and Input Assign:
Tone Bypass: Yes
Input Assign: No
Rear Panel Data Port:
5
RS232 Control Input:
No
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input:
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single:
Single, two-layer
Power Consumption (On):
50 Watts
Output Meters:
No
Vacuum Tube or Solid State:
Vacuum Tube
(5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7
Weights & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Unit Weight:
25 lbs (11.3kg)
SHIPPING Weight:
41.4 lbs (18.8kg)