McIntosh C220 Tube Preamplifier - All Analog w/ Fiber Optic Lighting

Free Shipping (Contiguous U.S. Only)

General:
The C220 is an all-analog tube preamplifier without pesky DACs to become outdated. It uses a total of  four 12AX7A Vacuum tubes. Originally launched in 2006 it was so popular that it remained in production for 10 years, through 2016.

We are fans of the green illuminated tubes glowing visibly from the top panel, along with the super-crisp font display. Musically, it was a joy to listen to when paired with either a solid-state or tube amplifier in our listening bay.

The dedicated tube phono section with two 12AX7As is also superb, with no need to go external.

McIntosh units from this era also utilized coveted fiber-optic lighting. Compared to the other lighting methods used in McIntosh equipment, the fiber-optic system offers the most even illumination, creating a consistent, uniform glow across the entire front panel that many enthusiasts consider the most attractive.

Another great feature is its plethora of single-ended and balanced inputs: six RCA options with a tape loop, plus a phono input, along with two XLR inputs and one XLR output. This type of connectivity is often less common on modern preamplifiers.

Included will be its remote, manual, and original McIntosh box.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The remote controls for this series develop stickiness over time due to the deterioration of the rubberized material that was used. This remote does is not sticky yet but may become sticky in the future.

The included manuals are printed copies.

McIntosh Performance Features Include:
• Electromagentic Input Switching with Level Trim Adjustment and Title Reassignment
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. All eight Inputs on the C220 can be matched in level, so that there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between the different Inputs. There is also a Record Monitor function for checking the progress of a recording. Any of the eight Inputs can have their Input Title reassigned to match the sources in the system.

• Precision Tracking Volume Control
Volume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage Preci- sion Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with a track- ing accuracy of 0.1dB.

• Low Distortion
Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.08%. Music is amplified with total transparency and accuracy.

• Phono Tube Saver
When the Phono Input is selected to be Off in the Setup Mode, the power going to the Tubes performing the Phono Amplification is removed, thus extending the life of those two tubes.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
The current tubes loaded into this preamp are JJ 12AX7, a strong used set from our stock.

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.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, remote, box, manual and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion
0.08% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Main Output
2.5V for rated input

Maximum Voltage Output
8V RMS Unbalanced
16V RMS Balanced

Sensitivity (for rated output)
High Level, 450mV unbalanced, 900mV balanced
Phono, 4.5mV

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
High Level, 90dB below rated output
Phono, 80dB below 10mV input

Input Impedance
High Level, 22K ohms
Phono, 47K ohms; 65pF

Maximum Input Signal
High Level, 5V Unbalanced, 10V Balanced
Phono, 50mV (@ 1,000Hz)

Output Impedance
250 ohms

Voltage Gain
High Level to Tape Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
Phono to Main Output: 55dB

Headphone Output Impedance
16 ohms to 250 ohms

Tube Complement
Phono Circuitry: 2 - 12AX7A
High Level Circuitry: 2 - 12AX7A

Power Requirements
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 watts

Dimensions:
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 6 inches (15.24cm) including feet
Depth is 18 inches (45.72cm) including the Front Panel, Knobs and Cables

Weight:
21 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2006

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
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 1 KHz 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 1 KHz 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.