C8 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
C8: £4,995
5 analogue inputs (1 balanced, 2 unbalanced, 2 phono)
(4) 12AX7a vacuum tubes
High Drive headphone amplifier
Optional dealer installed upgrade to DA2 Digital Audio Module available
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 (see the matching MCD85 SACD/CD Player) or streaming music player, and a pair of speakers, it can help deliver a lifelike audio experience in your home.
A pair of MC830 Amplifiers with the matching C8 Preamplifier, MCD85 SACD/CD Player, and XR100 Speakers. All units are sold separately.
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 one balanced and two unbalanced analogue inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input with adjustable loading to play cherished vinyl collections. All inputs can be given user-friendly names to simplify user control. Bass and treble tone controls help fine-tune your music to your personal preferences. For outputs, it has one balanced and two unbalanced; 1 of the unbalanced outputs can be configured as a subwoofer output for use with a powered subwoofer to enhance low frequencies further.
Example of the DA2 Digital Audio Module installed.
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. 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 one audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) 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.
The DA2 would be installed on the left side of the C8 back panel, where the blank cover plate is located. Adding the DA2 to the C8 is an optional upgrade and installation must be performed by the dealer.
For personal listening, the C8 comes with our High Drive headphone amplifier with plenty of power and flexibility to drive a wide range of headphones. Power Control ports allow for easy system power-up and shutdown by sending power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components. The user-selectable Auto Off feature will turn the C8 off after 30 minutes when there's been no user input or no audio signal has been detected. Home Theater Pass-Through allows the C8 to be seamlessly integrated into your home theatre system, and Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
Input selection, bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can be adjusted using the front panel knobs, or the included remote control; all settings, volume level, and input selection will be shown on the front panel display. The C8 sits atop a stainless steel chassis polished to a mirror finish; classic McIntosh-styled die-cast aluminium name badges are attached to each side. It has a black glass front panel with silver trim, an illuminated logo, and rotary control knobs.
C8 2-Channel Tube Preamplifier ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil):
75dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08%
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced):
900mV / 450mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level):
95dB
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):
80dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet):
55dB
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil):
0.45mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil):
75dB
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
CONNECTIVITY SPECIFICATIONS
Balanced Input:
1
Phono Input Moving Magnet:
1 (adjustable)
Digital Optical Input:
0
HDMI (ARC) Input:
0
Balanced Variable Output:
1
Headphone Output:
1/4" High Drive
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type:
Standard
Unbalanced INPUT:
2
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module:
Yes: DA2 can be installed
Digital MCT Input:
0
Digital AES/EBU Input:
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output:
0
Input Level Match:
Yes, +/- 6dB
Service Port:
1
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:
Yes
Network Connection:
No
CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS
Tone Controls:
Bass and Treble
Power Control Output:
1 Main, 2 Trigger
Tone Bypass and Input Assign:
Yes
Rear Panel Data Port:
2
RS232 Control Input:
Yes
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input:
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single:
Single
Power Consumption (On):
50 Watts
Output Meters:
No
Vacuum Tube or Solid State:
Vacuum Tube
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 Weight:
18 lbs (8.2 kg)
SHIPPING Weight:
25 lbs (11.3 kg)