McIntosh C42 Vintage Preamplifier with Phono and Remote

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General:

If you like bit of EQ in your system this might be your best option.

The C42 is a super quiet and feature loaded preamp featuring a "McIntosh Exclusive" 8-band EQ allowing you to get the most out of your speakers.

Plus the display is big and bright and easy to read from across the room.

This C42 also received a complete new factory fresh glass faceplate assembly. Sourced from McIntosh and carefully installed here in our shop.

Brand Background:

McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment experience for discriminating listeners around the world. Our iconic blue Watt output meter is globally recognized as a symbol of quality home audio. With a McIntosh home stereo system or home theater, listeners have the ability to create their own luxury audio experience – and truly live their music.

Ownership:

Single Owner

Amplifier Recommendation:

N/A

Connections:

• 9 source selections including MM phono
• Balanced input
• 3 balanced outputs (Main, Line 1, Line 2)
• Independent listen and record selection
• Dual processor loops
• Control data output for source components

General Sound:

Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean.

Cosmetic Condition:

8 - Very Slight Signs of Use https://skyfiaudio.com/pages/our-rating-scale

Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room. 

Included:

Unit, power cord, and remote.

Packing:

Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:

N/A

Dimensions:

5.375" x 17.5" x 17.5" (H x W x D)
(Includes clearance for connectors)

Weight:

25.5 lbs

Age:

1999

Reviews:

N/A

Link to Manual:

McIntosh C42 Audio Control Center

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:

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.

Specs:

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.002%

Gain: 55dB (MM), 15dB (line)

Input sensitivity: 4.5mV (MM), 450mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 86dB (MM), 97dB (line)

Output: 2.5V (Pre out), 10V (Pre out Max)