McIntosh C2800 AC Tube Preamplifier

The C2800 AC tube preamplifier is a masterpiece of audio passion and engineering precision. Designed for discerning audiophiles and music lovers alike, this unit is defined by its focus on performance. The C2800 AC proudly bears the McIntosh name.

At the heart of the C2800 AC lies meticulously engineered tube circuitry. Utilizing the latest designs to virtually eliminate noise and distortion, the C2800 AC reduces these to minimal levels. Its four tubes deliver a listening experience that exceeds expectations.

ENTRANCES OVERLOAD

With its 9 analog and 7 digital inputs (16 inputs in total), the C2800 AC becomes the heart of your home audio system. It features 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced analog inputs, plus 2 phono inputs that can be configured for either moving coil or moving magnet cartridges to connect your turntable. Both phono inputs offer adjustable gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB, as well as RIAA equalization.

The DA2 Digital Audio Module houses the seven digital inputs and is powered by an audiophile-grade quad-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DA2 offers a variety of inputs, including an HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 input dedicated solely to audio, which breathes new life into your TV's sound when played through your home stereo system. Multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are expertly converted to two-channel audio for an immersive listening experience.

The DA2 features six additional digital inputs: two coaxial, two optical, one USB, and one MCT. The coaxial and optical inputs decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high-resolution audio, while the USB input supports DSD512 and DXD 384kHz. To get the best sound quality from the high-definition audio of your SACD collection, the MCT input provides a secure, dedicated DSD connection when paired with our MCT series of SACD/CD transports. The entire DA2 module is upgradeable and could be replaced by a future module should new digital technologies become available.

INNOVATIVE EXITS FOR PERSONAL LISTENING

With advanced connectivity options, the C2800 AC offers three stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to your power amplifier. All sets of outputs can be active simultaneously, and each can send the audio signal from the source device to three separate audio systems.

Bi-amping a single speaker system can be achieved by using the main output and output 1 with their built-in adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters. In this configuration, the high-pass outputs could be connected to a tube amplifier, and the low-pass outputs to a solid-state amplifier. The adjustable crossover would then allow you to optimize the power output of your amplifiers to the specifications of your speakers and your listening preferences. Output 1 provides level matching, allowing you to balance the volume levels of two different amplifiers when bi-amping.

Furthermore, output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo to send the audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to two separate stereo subwoofers.

RETURN OF THE PROCESSOR LOOP

The C2800 AC features the return of the processor loop, a feature absent from previous generations of McIntosh preamplifiers. The processor loop allows you to insert an external signal processor (such as the MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System), dynamic range extender, or other devices without having to place them between the preamplifier and power amplifier. This is generally more convenient and can result in improved performance. The processor loop is also the perfect place to connect an analog tape recorder, a high-quality cassette deck, or a 3-head reel-to-reel tape recorder, allowing you to record from a source component and hear the recording just seconds later, enabling you to monitor your recordings.

NETWORKS FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES

In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 AC can be connected to your network, unlocking control options through our free Connect app (expected to be available from April 2024). Designed for Android and Apple devices, the Connect app can be used to control key functions of the C2800 AC, including volume control and input/output selection.

Select McIntosh source components connected to the C2800 AC via a data cable can be partially controlled using the app's Source Control function. Source Control allows users to control many functions of the source unit from the app, such as changing radio stations on a tuner or playing a CD in a CD player. Source Control will offer added convenience for setups that have a secondary system connected to one of the C2800's outputs, such as an outdoor system, eliminating the need to go inside to control its basic functionality.

When connected to your network, the C2800 will also be able to receive periodic firmware updates. These firmware releases can add new features or provide important performance improvements.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FEATURES

• Electronic bass and treble controls allow for precise adjustments of low and high frequencies in 1dB increments. The C2800 remembers your tone control bypass setting for each input.
• A high-drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology brings an additional dimension to headphone listening.
• Home Theater PassThru for seamless integration into your home theater system.
  Has received the Roon Tested award from Roon Labs.
• Power Control allows you to easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off.
  Data ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
• Electromagnetic input switching for reliable, noiseless and distortion-free switching.
• Level trim adjustment for matching the levels of analog inputs to avoid abrupt changes in volume.
• Precisely balanced, digitally controlled damping system for accurate volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
  Fully regulated power supplies and a special R-core mains transformer for stable, noise-free operation.
• Energy management system that turns off the device after 30 minutes of inactivity (can be disabled).

EARTH YOUR LISTENING JOURNEY

All this cutting-edge audio technology is housed in the iconic McIntosh design – a black glass front panel adorned with blue blades, rotary knobs, and an illuminated logo. The polished stainless steel chassis adds a touch of elegance, making it the perfect companion for amplifiers, CD players, turntables, and more.

TECHNICAL DATA

• Frequency response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.08% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Nominal output
  
  • 2.5V unbalanced
  • 5V symmetrical (main output)
  • 450mV (Fixed output)
• Maximum voltage output
  
  • 8V RMS unbalanced
  • 16V RMS symmetrical
• Sensitivity (for nominal output)
  
  • High level
  • 450mV unbalanced
  • 900mV symmetrical
  • Phono MM, 4.5mV
  • Phono MC, 0.45mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)
  
  • High level - 100dB
    (Below nominal output)
  • MM Phono - 75dB
    (Input below 5mV)
  • MC Phono - 75dB
    (Input below 0.5mV)
• Input impedance
  
  • High level
  • 22K Ohm unbalanced
  • 44k Ohm symmetrical
  • Phono 1, 2 (MM and MC): 25, 50,
    100, 200, 400, 1k or 47k Ohm 50
    up to 400pF in 50pF increments
• Maximum input signal
  
  • High level
  • 5V unbalanced
  • 10V symmetrical
  • Phono MM, 80mV
  • Phono MC, 8mV
• Voltage amplification
  
  • High level to fixed output: 0dB
  • High level to main output: 15dB
  • Phono 1, 2 (MM and MC)
  • Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB,
    58dB or 64dB
• Output impedance
  
  • 100 ohms unbalanced
  • 200 Ohm symmetrical
• Headphone load impedance: 100 ohms to 600 ohms
• Digital input sampling rates
  
  • Coaxial: PCM - 16-bit, 24-bit -
    44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • Optical: PCM - 16-bit, 24-bit -
    44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • USB: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit, 32Bit -
    44.1kHz to 384kHz
  • MCT: PCM, SACD, -16Bit, 24Bit -
    44.1kHz to 192kHz / DXD -
    DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz DSD,DSD64, DSD128, DSD256,
    DSD512
  • HDMI: PCM 24bit, 44.1kHz -
    192kHz
  • DTS, Dolby Digital
• Tube complement: 4 tubes: 3-12AX7A and 1-12AT7
• Current control and trigger output: 12V DC, 25mA
• Power supply: AC voltages: 100, 110, 120, 220,
  230, 240 volts, 50/60Hz at 75
  Watt. Standby power consumption, less than
  0.5 watts
• Overall dimensions (W x H x D) in mm: 444 x 194 x 419
• Weight: 12.5 kg