McIntosh C2800 AC Tube Preamplifier

The C2800 AC tube preamplifier is a masterpiece of passion for audio and engineering precision. Developed for demanding audiophile listeners and music enthusiasts alike, this device is characterized by the idea of performance. The C2800 AC proudly bears the McIntosh name.

At the heart of the C2800 AC lies carefully designed tube circuit technology. Using the latest designs to almost completely eliminate noise and distortion, the C2800 AC reduces these to minimal levels. Its four tubes deliver a listening experience that exceeds expectations.

ENTRANCES ABUNDANT

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

The DA2 Digital Audio Module houses the 7 digital inputs and is powered by an audiophile quad balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DA2 offers a variety of inputs, including an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 input that will breathe new life into your TV's sound when played through your home stereo system. Multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are masterfully converted into two-channel audio to deliver an immersive listening experience.

The DA2 has 6 additional digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT. The coaxial and optical inputs decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback, 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 upgradable and could be replaced with a future module should new digital technologies become available.

INNOVATIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONAL HEARING

With advanced connection flexibility, there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs to connect the C2800 AC to your power amplifier. All sets of outputs can be active simultaneously, and each can send the audio signal from the source device to 3 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 could be connected to a solid state amplifier. Then the adjustable crossover would allow you to optimize the performance of your amplifiers to suit the specifications of your speakers and your listening preferences. Output 1 offers level adjustment, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume-balanced when bi-amping.

Additionally, 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 2 separate stereo subwoofers.

RETURN OF THE PROCESSOR LOOP

The C2800 AC features the return of the processor loop, something not available on previous generations of McIntosh preamps. The Processor Loop allows you to loop in an external signal processor (such as the MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System), dynamic range extenders, or other devices without having to place them between the preamplifier and power amplifier. This is typically more convenient and can provide better performance. The Processor Loop is also the perfect place to connect an analog tape recorder, high-quality cassette deck or 3-head tape recorder, allowing you to record from a source component and hear the recording just seconds later, allowing you to monitor your recordings can.

NETWORKED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES

In addition to using the included remote control or front panel controls, the C2800 AC can be connected to your network, unlocking control options through our free Connect app (due for availability 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 and output selection.

Select McIntosh source components connected to the C2800 AC with a data cable can be partially controlled via 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 provide additional 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 may add new features or provide important performance updates.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Electronic bass and treble controls allow for low and high frequency adjustments in precise 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.
  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 equalizing the levels of analog inputs to avoid abrupt changes in volume.
• Precisely balanced, digitally controlled attenuation system for precise volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
  Fully regulated power supplies and a dedicated R-core power transformer for stable, noise-free operation.
• Environmentally friendly power management system that turns off the device after 30 minutes of inactivity (can be disabled).

Elevate your listening journey

All of this cutting-edge audio technology is housed in the iconic McIntosh design – a black glass front panel decorated with blue blades, knobs and an illuminated logo. The polished stainless steel casing 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
• Rated output
  
  • 2.5V unbalanced
  • 5V balanced (main output)
  • 450mV (Fixed output)
• Maximum voltage output
  
  • 8V RMS unbalanced
  • 16V RMS balanced
• Sensitivity (for nominal output)
  
  • High level
  • 450mV unbalanced
  • 900mV balanced
  • Phono MM, 4.5mV
  • Phono MC, 0.45mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)
  
  • High level - 100dB
    (Below rated output)
  • MM Phono - 75dB
    (Below 5mV input)
  • MC Phono - 75dB
    (Below 0.5mV input)
• Input impedance
  
  • High level
  • 22K Ohm unbalanced
  • 44k ohms balanced
  • Phono 1, 2 (MM and MC): 25, 50,
    100, 200, 400, 1k or 47k Ohm 50
    up to 400pF in 50pF steps
• Maximum input signal
  
  • High level
  • 5V unbalanced
  • 10V balanced
  • Phono MM, 80mV
  • Phono MC, 8mV
• Voltage gain
  
  • 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 ohms balanced
• Headphone load impedance: 100 ohms to 600 ohms
• Digital input sample rates
  
  • Coaxial: PCM -16Bit, 24Bit -
    44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • Optical: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit -
    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 configuration: 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, less than
  0.5 watts
• Overall dimensions (W x H x D) in mm: 444 x 194 x 419
• Weight: 12.5kg