McIntosh C38 Solid State Analog Preamplifier

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General:
The McIntosh C38 is a wonderful solid state preamp from McIntosh from an era that is sometimes mistakenly overlooked. The C38 is a fantastic option for someone that is looking for a modern feeling preamp with the convenience of remote operation but does not care for having a built-in DAC or extra digital features cluttering the signal path.

Also worth noting is the C38 uses McIntosh's great feeling ALPS controls for volume and input switching. It makes operating them a pure joy, giving the user a nice positive, tactile feel and precision feedback when adjusting your listening levels.

One of the standouts for us is the generous amount of analog RCA inputs for components. Including the high-quality built-in phono stage, there are a total of 6 audio inputs plus 3 tape loops with monitoring capabilities. This makes it ideal for an analog enthusiast or someone who wants to hook up a lot of equipment without ever needing to resort to external switch boxes. It also offers balanced XLR inputs for superior noise rejection when paired with a compatible source component.

This unit includes its original factory remote control, owner's manual, and original shipping box, making it an exceptional find for collectors and audiophiles alike.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The manual is a printed copy. Light marks are present on the top cover and faceplate end caps. Plus some marks on the knobs. This unit received a brand new piece of glass. Overall condition is very good.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
The included remote is not the original model that was paired with this unit at the factory. It shares many of the same commands, allowing remote power on/off, mute, volume control, and limited source selection. TAPE 3, VIDEO, and SPEAKER 1/2 and some other commands are not accessible with this remote.

In additional to replacing the glass, we also cleaned the controls, and replaced the lamps.

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:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, IEC Power

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, box, manual, and power cord.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.002%
Gain: 60dB (MM), 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (MM), 105dB (line)
Output: 2.5V (Pre out), 8V (Pre out Max)

Dimensions:
Width (Front Panel)17-1/2 inches (44.5 cm)Height (Front Panel): 5-3/8 inches (13.7 cm)Depth (Behind Mounting Panel): 17 inches

Weight:
20 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1992

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.