{"product_id":"mcintosh-c220-tube-preamplifier-fiber-optic-lighting","title":"McIntosh C220 Tube Preamplifier - All Analog w\/ Fiber Optic Lighting","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe C220 is an all-analog tube preamplifier without pesky DACs to become outdated.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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dedicated tube phono section with two 12AX7As is also superb, with no need to go external.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIncluded will be its remote, manual, and original McIntosh box.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Cosmetic Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe included manuals are printed copies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMcIntosh Performance Features Include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Electromagentic Input Switching with Level Trim Adjustment and Title Reassignment\u003cbr\u003eDigital 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Precision Tracking Volume Control\u003cbr\u003eVolume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage Preci- sion Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with a track- ing accuracy of 0.1dB.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Low Distortion\u003cbr\u003eDistortion levels of all types are less than 0.08%. Music is amplified with total transparency and accuracy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Phono Tube Saver\u003cbr\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSkyFi Technical Notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe current tubes loaded into this preamp are JJ 12AX7, a strong used set from our stock.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBrand Background:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMcIntosh 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eOwnership:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Owner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eConnections:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRCA, XLR, IEC Power\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeneral Sound:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCosmetic Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7\/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/pages\/our-rating-scale\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWorking Condition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorking perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnit, remote, box, manual and power cord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePacking:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOriginal Manufacturers Packing\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecs:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrequency Response\u003cbr\u003e+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003cbr\u003e0.08% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMain Output\u003cbr\u003e2.5V for rated input\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Voltage Output\u003cbr\u003e8V RMS Unbalanced\u003cbr\u003e16V RMS Balanced \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSensitivity (for rated output)\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level, 450mV unbalanced, 900mV balanced\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 4.5mV\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSignal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level, 90dB below rated output\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 80dB below 10mV input\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInput Impedance\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level, 22K ohms\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 47K ohms; 65pF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Input Signal\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level, 5V Unbalanced, 10V Balanced\u003cbr\u003ePhono, 50mV (@ 1,000Hz)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOutput Impedance\u003cbr\u003e250 ohms\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVoltage Gain\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level to Tape Output: 0dB \u003cbr\u003eHigh Level to Main Output: 15dB \u003cbr\u003ePhono to Main Output: 55dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeadphone Output Impedance\u003cbr\u003e16 ohms to 250 ohms\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTube Complement\u003cbr\u003ePhono Circuitry: 2 - 12AX7A\u003cbr\u003eHigh Level Circuitry: 2 - 12AX7A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePower Requirements\u003cbr\u003e120 Volts, 50\/60Hz at 75 watts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidth is 17-1\/2 inches (44.45cm)\u003cbr\u003eHeight is 6 inches (15.24cm) including feet\u003cbr\u003eDepth is 18 inches (45.72cm) including the Front Panel, Knobs and Cables\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e21 lbs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eApproximate Age:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2006\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLink to Manual:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.berners.ch\/McIntosh\/Downloads\/C220_own.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Cables:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-hero-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-silver-streak-interconnects-pair-rca-ultraplate-or-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - RCA Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - New Speciality Series Tonearm Cable, New - SkyFi Audio\" href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-tak-cu-phono-cable-with-wbt-connectors\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Phono Interconnects\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-hero-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/collections\/our-kimber-kable-collection\/products\/kimber-kable-summit-series-silver-streak-analog-interconnects-pair-balanced-xlr-connectors-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-pk14-pk-14-ascent-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Better\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/kimber-kable-ascent-series-pk10-pk-10-power-cord-brand-new\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eKimber Kable - Power Cords\u003c\/a\u003e - Best\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTesting Process:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"McIntosh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67855760654590,"sku":"108138","price":5490.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0003\/3275\/9084\/files\/mcintosh-c220-tube-preamplifier-all-analog-w-fiber-optic-lighting-125.jpg?v=1793097860","url":"https:\/\/skyfiaudio.com\/products\/mcintosh-c220-tube-preamplifier-fiber-optic-lighting","provider":"SkyFi Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}