McIntosh C22 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

[@enowilson]

One of the most beautiful components ever. A classic.

[@Zp00kie]

My grail preamp!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

awesome, they kept the old look

[@timkneer9880]

Love it!

[@cctc788]

Just discover your channel it's definitely one of the best out there. I am new to this world and would to your advice on whether McIntosh C22 would be a good pair to my JBL L100. I use it mainly for vinyl listening. Maybe CD in the future, not sure yet.

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Adrianctc, we're glad to have you on board - welcome! The C22 is a fine preamp, classic analog. What power amp are you planning to use?

[@cctc788]

@@GramophoneMDThank you, pretty stoke ib learning more about this hobby. I am planning to pair it with the MC462. I am also considering getting a MA7200 or 9500 to make my life easier. Now sure if I need all that power for the L100 but I was worry about all the upgrade down the road. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers!

[@AD-fj8ue]

Comparing the C22 with the C8 in terme of pure sound quality. Is there a delta from your point of view? Thanks Andi

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Andi, both products have the classic McIntosh sound of "warm yet detailed". The C 22 is more money, and sounds a bit better in our view, but also has more flexibility; example, 2 balanced inputs and 3 RCA, vs one balanced and 2 RCA in the C8. I don't think you would be disappointed by the C8 though

[@ainbailey6522]

Hi! This amp is absolutely stunning. I’m thinking of upgrading from a Rotel RC-1572 MKII to the C22 MKV. Running it into Genelec 8340 monitors. Of course I’ll try and demo the unit, but curious as to your thoughts on the potential pairing. Thanks.

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Ain, thanks for your question. We aren't doing business with Genelec, so we can't be as specific as we'd like, but after scanning a review of your active monitors one would think this is a fine pairing, The C 22 is a really nice sounding preamp, so as long as it has the inputs and outputs you need in your system, we say go for it. If we can be of help with specific questions, please reach out to us: [e-mail]

[@RBFR01]

Thinking of buying a professional pre amp for my pc overall audio quality and these McIntosh amps are really nice.

[@GramophoneMD]

Thank you RB, yes - McIntosh has always been especially good at preamps, and the C22 sounds really good

[@tms372]

Super nice, but if I can't lift it ???

[@GramophoneMD]

Preamps ain't too bad.

[@JohnMoog-ug6bk]

For someone who doesn’t need the 2800’s functionality, does this sound as good just as a linestage?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hi John, if you don't need the flexibility of the 2800, this is a fine sounding preamp. If you live near Maryland, we are happy to arrange a demo for you: [e-mail]

[@edwardhaynes8857]

Why no balance control?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hi Edward, C 22's volume knob is dual-function . Push the volume knob in, and you can adjust the relative volume balance between the L and R audio channels. About 4 econds after the volume / balance control is no longer being rotated to adjust the balance, the knob. defaults back to being a standard volume control. Let us know if we can help further: [e-mail]

[@demetrij7120]

can I demo this at home from the Gaithersburg store?

[@GramophoneMD]

I have one in Columbia at the moment.

[@Jazzman217]

Newbie question. Is this compatible with a pair of Mcintosh MC75 Amplifier?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hi Richard, yes - newbie questions are always welcome! A good preamp is compatible with any good quality power amp. The combo you proposed is a good match

[@Novilicious]

Anyone here compare McIntosh to PrimaLuna preamps and Amps. Looks aside, wondering if anyone has tried both?

[@GramophoneMD]

Carry both. Like both. Different styles and sounds for different people. Mac is closer to neutral but with a touch of darkness. Prima Luna is heavily warm, and very pleasant but sometimes at the cost of detail and speed.

[@Novilicious]

@@GramophoneMD thanks!!

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

Hows the headphone amp on it? I'm a headphone guy and would like to use this to hook my turntable and dac. Thanks

[@GramophoneMD]

I wouldn't put it on the level of higher end discrete headphones of course, but it is certainly not bad. Can serve most headphones fairly well.

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

2 of the tubes are the mm and mc Phono stage

[@GramophoneMD]

Thank you AudioHeaven for your comment

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

@@GramophoneMD i just picked one up and 2 mc275. Opening and setting them up this weekend. Should be good fun.

[@russellewandowski843]

How much?

[@ronfrievalt3672]

$6500

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

No tape inputs or monitor? No way.

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello User - true, fewer preamps and integrated amps these days include a tape loop that allows monitoring. This is only because there are fewer tape devotees these days. Please reach out to us if we can help in your search for the right preamp for you: [e-mail]

[@billdang3953]

I have more of an issue with the lack of a tape head input like on a lot of classic tube pre-amps.

[@dennishill290]

🍺👍...!

[@HeatDeap]

No remote!!! No way

[@GramophoneMD]

Good morning Heat, that's a great sounding preamp, but there may be a misunderstanding here. The C22 comes with a remote control, you can see a photo of it here:skybygramophone.com/products/mcintosh-c22-2-channel-vacuum-tube-preamplifier-mk-v?_pos=1&_sid=ed5ab4ea5&_ss=r

[@leftistelf]

that’s 4 minutes of history, inputs and looks, but nothing about sound…

[@GramophoneMD]

Attempting to comment on "sound" is just too subjective, you got to hear it for yourself. The more I do this the more I realize just how subtle these differences are, and often it really is more about having the appropriate features or aesthetic for the customer's needs. Put all these products in a given price bracket next to each other and listen with a blindfold on and almost none of us could say what was what. But when you buy something like a Mac product you can rest assured that the sound quality is there in terms of clarity, low noise, and ample power. If I was to try to use words to describe the Mac sound especially mac tubes it would be ever so slightly dark and forgiving. Take that with a grain of salt.