2024 is going to be a huge year for our friends in Binghamton. Becoming the most successful brand in high-end audio took a lot of work and risk over the past 75 years — not to mention some huge expenditures on the marketing and retail experience fronts. The launch in 2023 of the House of Sound in New York City was a massive endeavour after the closure of the WoM Townhouse during the COVID pandemic; and something that McIntosh pulled off in record time and under the cloak of secrecy.
To celebrate its 75th Anniversary, McIntosh has already introduced the new MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amp and used it rather successfully at CES 2024 for the launch of the Sonus faber Suprema Loudspeaker System.
To keep the ball rolling, McIntosh has followed up the release of the MC2.1KW with two new preamps: The C55 and C2800. The C55 is built on a solid-state platform while the C2800 incorporates a vacuum tube design.
C55 Solid State Preamplifier
The C55 Preamplifier inherits the legacy of its multi-award-winning predecessor, the C53. With precision engineering and craftsmanship, the C55 features an 8-band analog equalizer to fine-tune music with precision, creating a personalized audio experience – and the equalizer can be bypassed if desired.
C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
The C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier embodies a fusion of audio passion and engineering precision, crafted to delight even the most discerning audiophiles.
At its core, the C2800 incorporates McIntosh-designed vacuum tube circuitry. As a result, the C2800 reduces noise and distortion to minuscule levels.
The C2800 offers a tailored audio experience to optimize performance to each user’s individual preferences. Electronic bass and treble circuitry allow for volume level adjustments of low and high frequencies in precise 1dB steps. In addition, the C2800 remembers tone control circuitry bypass settings for each input.
Shared Features
Each preamplifier provides 16 audio inputs (9 analog and 7 digital) that enable them to be the central hub of any audio system. The C55 and C2800 can accommodate abundant source options including turntables (via adjustable phono inputs) along with audiophile-grade DAC technology for enhanced digital-to-analog audio conversion.
Three sets of stereo-balanced and unbalanced outputs provide the C55 and C2800 with additional flexibility for connecting to power amplifiers. Their innovative design allows for bi-amping configurations and personalized audio experiences tailored to each listener’s preferences.
As a bonus, the C55 and C2800 both include Processor Loop, something not available on the last few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers, which makes its return. This allows for easy integration of external processors, such as the McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer.
In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, users can have the option to connect the C55 and C2800 to their home network using the control options provided by the McIntosh Connect app (Android/iOS). The Connect app allows users to conveniently control key functions, receive firmware updates, and enhance the listening experience.
Tip: The McIntosh Connect App is scheduled to be available in April 2024.
Additional Shared Features
- Headphone Amplifier: The C55 and C2800 both incorporate a High Drive Headphone Amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology.
- Home Theater PassThrough: This provides an easy way to integrate the C55 or C2800 into a home theater system.
- Roon: The C55 and C2800 have received the Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs.
- Power Control: This feature allows users to easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off from the C55 or C2800.
- Data Ports: Built-in Data Ports allow users to send remote control commands to connected source components
- Electromagnetic Input Switching: This provides reliable, noiseless, and distortion-free switching between connected sources.
- Level Trim Adjustment: This allows the user to match analog input signal levels to prevent abrupt changes in volume levels when switching between analog sources.
- Attenuator System: This provides a precision-balanced, digitally controlled attenuator system for accurate volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
- Power Supply: Fully regulated power supplies and a special R-core power transformer are provided for stable, noise-free operation.
- Eco-friendly Power Management System: These features will automatically turn off the C55 or C2800 after 30 minutes of inactivity. If desired, a user can disable this feature for convenience.
Price & Availability
Both preamps are available for $9,000 USD each via authorized McIntosh local and online dealers.
- McIntosh C55 Solid State Preamplifier – $9,000
- McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier – $9,000
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SG
March 14, 2024 at 5:44 pm
Same shit. Different day. Stupid money..
ORT
March 15, 2024 at 2:34 am
Such eloquence. Yes. You obviously have a wonderful economy with words, SG. I look forward to your next (typed) syllable with great eagerness.
If I had the wherewithal then I would have my druthers and own one of these. Some manufacturers are steeped in historical significance whilst others are merely saturated in hysterical insignificance.
McIntosh is firmly in the first group. Yorx is perhaps the apex of the second. Might I suggest you aspire to Yorx? I may never own anything McIntosh but the grapes I can reach are not those of wrath and are never so sour as to turn me.
ORT