McIntosh C38 Solid State Preamp - Full Featured Including Phono Stage - With Remote

Free Shipping on *ALL* Electronics (Excluding Speakers, Contiguous 48 US States Only)

Hailing from the 1990's, this full featured preamp features a timeless McIntosh design and was recently refreshed by our professional technical staff.

It received a brand new glass faceplate, and a handful of internal components (IC Chips) to meet the original McIntosh specifications.

Best of all it has phono inputs and balanced outputs for the best possible connection to your amp.

McIntosh C38 Owner's Manual

McIntosh C38 Sales Brochure

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

More from McIntosh:
The C38, Remote Controlled, System Control Center is a perfect example of a simple, yet elegant instrument which will allow you to enjoy outstanding music reproduction together with a wide range of convenient operating functions. The C38 has a built-in capability of controlling two separate listening areas. The LISTEN signals are defined as Area A which is usually the main area where all the sound equipment is located. The RECORD signals are available at a pair of outputs marked B, and can be used for a remote area with its own dedicated power amplifier and pair of speakers.

Data ports are provided for seven audio remote controlled accessories. This feature allows you to control a compatible unit by transmitting with its hand held remote controller direct to a C38 sensor. A data port is also provided to control the optional Mcintosh MVS-3 Video Selector for switching video signals in addition to audio signals. Another data port connects to the optional Mcintosh HC-1 Home Controller to allow control of accessories or appliances.

The convenience of C38 remote control operation is enhanced by its capability of directly interfacing with the Mcintosh CR10 Remote Control System. The CR10 can add an additional four remote areas of control.

There are eight pairs of high level inputs to accommodate all the traditional program sources as well as the most recent new sources. A pair of low level inputs is also provided that will accept signals from a moving magnet phono cartridge in a record player. Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all inputs and operating functions for the most reliable and distortion free switching available.

Separate RECORD and LISTEN circuits allow recording from one source while listening to another. A continuously variable Active Loudness Control allows loudness compensation to be selected for any setting of the volume control. The Loudness Control circuit elements are removed from the circuit path when the control is in the flat or fully counterclockwise position.

Bass and Treble tone controls provide 12dB of boost or cut. At the center "Flat Response" or detent position of the tone controls, all tone control circuit elements are removed from the signal path.

Two Signal Processor loops are provided. One is for Listen signals and one is for Record signals. Power supply voltage regulator circuits maintain stable operation even though the AC power line may vary. Double shielding of the power transformer completely isolates it from the audio circuits. This eliminates the need for a clumsy outboard power transformer used by some less sophisticated designs.

Front panel pushbuttons control two switched outputs as well as two pairs of speakers when an optional SCR3 switching relay is added.

The Mcintosh C38 "Classic Glass" front panel has all control, switch and pushbutton nomenclature illuminated.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.