McIntosh C2300 All Tube All Analog Preamplifier

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This is the last of the all analog preamps from this line before they starting including a DAC (which no self respecting audiophile wants in a preamp :-)). 

All Tube, super musical, and full of features such as remote control, phono section, and the best parts selection available.

These are quickly becoming collector pieces and very sought after by discerning McIntosh fans.

Standout Features Include:
• Six Vacuum Tube Design
• Variable Rate Volume with Multi- Stage Precision Digitally Controlled Attenuator
• Vacuum Tube Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Preamplifiers
• Custom top cover with lighted tube view
• Custom R-Core Power Transformer

McIntosh C2300 Owners Manual

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

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - XLR Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

More from McIntosh:

The C2300 tube preamplifier delivers a new level of performance and value. Potent engineering enhancements combine with smart, user-programmable features to deliver a truly extraordinary audio preamplifier.

The two phono preamplifiers, moving coil and moving magnet, are both 12AX7A tube based. Programmable Load and Resistance is selectable by remote control so the adjust- ments can be made from the listening position.

Bass and Treble controls are also adjustable by remote control. Individual tone settings and mono/stereo may be stored in memory for each of the 8 inputs. Tone Bypass may also be assigned which completely removes the tone controls from any designated input.

The C2300 is both beautiful to look at as well as listen to. The custom top cover features a silk-screened glass window which reveals a unique, slant-mount tube array. With its classic McIntosh glass faceplate, twin blue output meters and ergonomically pleasing rotary controls, the C2300 is poised to serve as the centerpiece of any fine music system.

EIGHT PROGRAMMABLE SOURCE SELECTIONS
All eight source elections accommodate unbalanced inputs while four of the either also accommodate balanced inputs. Any of 12 standard names can be assigned to a source selection and the panel display can be customized to indicate only available sources.

SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING
Signal routing is accomplished through digitally controlled electromagnet switching devices. Precision switch contacts, isolated from environmental contamination inside inert gas-filled glass tubes, provide the most reliable, quietest and lowest distortion switching
possible.

VRV (VARIABLE RATE VOLUME) DIGIALLY CONTROLLED ATTENUATOR
The output attenuator controls volume over 214 steps of .5dB each with accuracy within .1dB. The volume vs. rotation rate varies as preamplifier gain varies and attenuation changes occur at eh zero crossings of the audio signal to prevent audible artifacts during adjustment.

Specifications:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0, -0.50dB from 20Hz to 20kHz +0
-1dB from 10Hz to 100kHz

RATED OUTPUT
Balanced: 5VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
Unbalanced: 2.5VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
250 Ohms

MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Balanced: 16VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
Unbalanced: 8VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.08% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz

SENSITIVITY
Phono, MC: 0.45mV for 2.5V
Phono, MM: 4.5mV for 2.5V
High Level: 450mV for 2.5V

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (A-Rated)
Phono: 80dB
High Level: 93dB

MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL
Phono, MC: 5mV
Phono, MM: 50mV
High Level: 5V Balanced

INPUT IMPEDANCE
Phono: MC: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000 Ohms
MM: 47k Ohms, 50 to 750pF, 50pF steps
High Level:
Balanced: 40k Ohms
Unbalanced: 20k Ohms

VOLTAGE GAIN
Phono, Moving Coil to Record Output: 60dB
Phono, Moving Magnet to Record Output: 40dB
High Level to Record Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB

OVERALL DIMENSIONS (H x W x D)
7-1/8” (18.1 cm) X 17-1/2” (44.4 cm) X 14-1/2”
(36.8 cm) including clearance for connectors.
Knob clearance in front of the mounting panel is 3⁄4” (1.9 cm)

WEIGHT
29.5 lbs (13.41 kg) net
44.9 lbs. (20.41 kg) in shipping carton

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.