McIntosh C2700 Tube Preamplifier and Quad Balanced DAC - Pre-Owned
Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.
Price listed is MSRP for reference only. Visit our store to learn details. We will not discuss pricing over the phone. Click here to schedule an appointment to visit our store.This item is pre-owned and was traded in by a customer. It presents and works like new.
Standout Features:
• 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
• (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
• Supports up to DSD512 files
• Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
I'm listening to this preamp right now as I type and McIntosh has hit it out of the park with their new DA2 Digital Audio Module. I test at least a dozen different DAC's a month and this is just so *different* and gloriously musical in every better way possible. Plus the module is upgradable in the future through your local McIntosh Dealer.
General:
Following in a long line of revered McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifiers is the C2700 Tube Preamplifier. Using our well-established vacuum tube topology, the C2700 also features our advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module technology to combine cutting edge digital music capabilities with time tested vacuum tube performance.
A worthy successor to our popular DA1 Digital Audio Module, the DA2 features an expanded set of capabilities. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs including all the same connections found on the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) plus a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the C2700 to enjoy your TV’s sound through your home audio system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The TV remote can control the power and volume of the C2700 when CEC communication is enabled in both the preamplifier and the TV. Besides these new HDMI (ARC) features found in the DA2, its USB input has increased DSD playback support up to DSD512 compared to the DSD256 limit of the DA1.
"The C2700, across the board from its phono stage, to the headphone output, to the DA2, all sound phenomenal... To say the C2700 is far greater in value than the sum of its parts is a vast understatement. The C2700 is a bargain in a world full of over priced, under performing audio products." – Positive Feedback
The DA2 is powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high resolution audio. Finally, the DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high definition audio from your SACDs.
For analog music, the C2700 has 9 inputs comprised of 3 balanced connections, 4 unbalanced connections, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs for connecting a turntable or two. With a total of 16 inputs, the C2700 has a virtually infinite number of inputs to connect all your music sources. Our dual chassis design keeps the analog and digital sections separate to prevent signal corruption. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and 3 variable unbalanced plus 1 fixed unbalanced connection.
Bass and treble tone controls are included and can be adjusted in 2dB increments. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by our High Drive Headphone Amplifier which can power almost any pair of headphones; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) is included and brings an added dimension to your personal listening session when activated. Home Theater Pass Through allows the C2700 to be seamlessly integrated into your home theater system. Power Control ports let you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
The C2700 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.
All the C2700’s audio technology is packed inside the timeless McIntosh design highlighted by a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminum end caps and a polished stainless steel chassis. The 6 alluring vacuum tubes can be viewed through a glass panel located on the top of the preamplifier. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and power controllers, and speakers to complete your home audio system.
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
Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.
Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.
Included:
Unit, remote, manual, and power cord.
Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing
Reviews:
Click Here
Original and Current MSRP:
$8,500.00
Specs:
ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Channels
2
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.08%
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
16V RMS / 8V RMS
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
900mV / 450mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
0.45mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
4.5mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
100dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
80dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
82dB
Voltage Gain (High Level)
15dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
60dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
40dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
44K ohm, 22K ohm
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single
Single, two layer
Output Meters
Yes
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Vacuum Tube
(5) 12AX7a and (1) 12AT7
Power Consumption (On)
50 Watts
Dimensions:
17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Weight:
29.5 lbs.
Link to Manual:
Click Here
Recommended Cables:
McIntosh Balanced Audio Cables (XLR)
Kimber Kable - Ascent 14 Gauge Power Cord - Better
Kimber Kable - Palladian 14 Gauge Power Cord - 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 PCB’s 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.
Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.
Price listed is MSRP for reference only. Visit our store to learn details. We will not discuss pricing over the phone. Click here to schedule an appointment to visit our store.
This item is pre-owned and was traded in by a customer. It presents and works like new.
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