McIntosh C32 Vintage Analog Preamplifier with Phono

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The C32 is a full featured preamp with just about every function you could want for a complete system.

If you have vintage speakers or want to get a bit more out of your modern speakers, than you will likely appreciate the front mounted 5-band EQ built into this preamp.

This super clean example received a light service at our shop and is now working and sounding wonderful.

Faceplate is as clean as we've seen, while the top shows some light scratches. No rust anywhere indicates it was well cared for.

The built-in phono section lets you connect your turntable without the need for additional gear.

The C32 was produced in the mid 1980's and originally sold for $1,649. That's $4,500+ in today's dollars with inflation.

Wood cabinet also available if you want to make this a vintage set. Just choose the drop-down option in this listing.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Ascent Series Hero Analog Interconnects (PAIR) - RCA Ultraplate or WBT Connectors

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

Please see the linked manual below or our photos for full specifications:

McIntosh C32 Vintage Analog Preamplifier - Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.