McIntosh C2800 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier (Each)
R 199 990,00
Price history
We’ve only just started tracking this one.
Tracked since 11 Oct 2026.
1
Checkout always completes on E-piphany’s own store — your card and address go straight to them.
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>The C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier is a masterpiece of audio passion and engineering precision. Crafted for discerning audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike, performance has been woven into the very fabric of this audio treasure. The C2800 has proudly earned the McIntosh name.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>At the heart of the C2800 lies methodically designed vacuum tube circuitry. Leveraging the latest designs to all but eliminate noise and distortion, the C2800 reduces them to minuscule levels. Its four vacuum tubes, or valves, deliver a listening experience that transcends expectations.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0806/9500/1374/files/c2800-top-close-up-background.webp?v=1747817799" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>INPUTS IN ABUNDANCE</strong></p>
<p>With its 9 analog and 7 digital inputs (16 total inputs), the C2800 will become the nucleus 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 phono cartridges to connect your<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/turntables">turntable(s)</a>. Both phono inputs feature adjustable Gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB as well as RIAA equalization.</p>
<p><span>Our DA2 Digital Audio Module houses the 7 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 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)</span><sup>1</sup><span> input that will give your TV sound new life when played through your home stereo system. Multi-channel audio formats from Dolby</span><sup>®</sup><span> and DTS</span><sup>®</sup><span> will be expertly converted to two-channel audio for an enthralling listening experience.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0806/9500/1374/files/c2800-back-background.webp?v=1747817853" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>The DA2 has 6 other digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 MCT. The coax 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. And to get the best sound quality from the high definition audio on your SACD collection, the MCT input offers a secure, custom DSD connection when paired with our <a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/cd-players">MCT series of SACD/CD Transports</a>. The entire DA2 module is upgradeable and could be replaced by a future module should new digital technologies become available.</span></p>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p><strong>INNOVATIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONALIZED LISTENING</strong></p>
<p>Offering advanced connection flexibility, there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs to connect the C2800 to your<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers">power amplifier(s)</a>. All sets of outputs can be active simultaneously, and each can send the audio signal from the source component to 3 separate audio systems.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0806/9500/1374/files/preamp-outputs_c6b51c56-ba7d-46d1-a5db-fea096b6dd5e.webp?v=1747817907" alt=""></p>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>Bi-amping a single<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/speakers">speaker</a> system can be accomplished using the Main output and Output 1 and their built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this configuration, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. Then the adjustable crossover would let you optimize the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences. Output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>Additionally, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo to allow it to send audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to 2 separate stereo subwoofers.<sup>2</sup></p>
<p>RETURN OF THE PROCESSOR LOOP</p>
<p>The C2800 features the return of the Processor Loop, something not available on the last few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers. The Processor Loop allows you to insert an external signal processor (such as our<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/room-correction/MQ112">MQ112 Environmental Equalizer</a> or<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/room-correction/MEN220">MEN220 Room Correction System</a>), dynamic range expanders, or other devices without having to place it between the preamplifier and power amplifier(s). This is usually more convenient and can allow for better performance.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0806/9500/1374/files/preamp-processor-loop.jpg?v=1747817952" alt=""></p>
<p><span>The Processor Loop is also the perfect place to connect an analog tape recorder, a high-end cassette deck, or a 3-head reel deck that allows you to record from a source component and hear the recording just seconds later so you can monitor your recordings.</span></p>
<p><strong>NETWORK CONNECTED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES</strong></p>
<p>In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 can be connected to your network which will unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app. Designed for both<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mcintoshlabs.connect" target="_blank">Android</a><span> </span>and<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mcintosh-connect/id6451832793" target="_blank">Apple</a><span> </span>devices, the Connect app can be used to control key functions of the C2800 including Volume control as well as Input and Output selection.</p>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>Select McIntosh source components<sup>3</sup><span> </span>that have a data cable connected to the C2800 will be partially controllable via the app's Source Control feature. With Source Control, users will be able to control many of the source unit's functions from the app, such as changing radio stations on a<span> </span><a href="https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/tuners">tuner</a>, or playing a disc in a CD Player. Source Control will bring added convenience to setups that have a secondary system connected to one of the C2800's outputs, such as an outdoor system where you will no longer be forced to go inside to control its basic functionality.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="display-table">
<div class="table-cell w50 vertical-middle to-load-b delay-1 noPad loaded">
<p>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 updates. Watch our McIntosh Connect App: Setup and How to Use video to get acquainted with the app.</p>
<p><strong>Specifications</strong></p>
<h4 data-start="152" data-end="168" class=""><strong data-start="157" data-end="168">General</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="169" data-end="243">
<li data-start="169" data-end="198" class="">
<p data-start="171" data-end="198" class=""><strong data-start="171" data-end="193">Number of Channels</strong>: 2</p>
</li>
<li data-start="199" data-end="243" class="">
<p data-start="201" data-end="243" class=""><strong data-start="201" data-end="236">Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)</strong>: 0.08%</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="245" data-end="248" class="">
<h4 data-start="250" data-end="277" class=""><strong data-start="255" data-end="277">Frequency Response</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="278" data-end="348">
<li data-start="278" data-end="313" class="">
<p data-start="280" data-end="313" class=""><strong data-start="280" data-end="298">20 Hz – 20 kHz</strong>: +0, -0.5 dB</p>
</li>
<li data-start="314" data-end="348" class="">
<p data-start="316" data-end="348" class=""><strong data-start="316" data-end="335">15 Hz – 100 kHz</strong>: +0, -3 dB</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="350" data-end="353" class="">
<h4 data-start="355" data-end="376" class=""><strong data-start="360" data-end="376">Output Level</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="377" data-end="465">
<li data-start="377" data-end="465" class="">
<p data-start="379" data-end="408" class=""><strong data-start="379" data-end="405">Maximum Output Voltage</strong>:</p>
<ul data-start="411" data-end="465">
<li data-start="411" data-end="436" class="">
<p data-start="413" data-end="436" class=""><strong data-start="413" data-end="425">Balanced</strong>: 16V RMS</p>
</li>
<li data-start="439" data-end="465" class="">
<p data-start="441" data-end="465" class=""><strong data-start="441" data-end="455">Unbalanced</strong>: 8V RMS</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="467" data-end="470" class="">
<h4 data-start="472" data-end="498" class=""><strong data-start="477" data-end="498">Input Sensitivity</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="499" data-end="675">
<li data-start="499" data-end="581" class="">
<p data-start="501" data-end="525" class=""><strong data-start="501" data-end="522">High Level Inputs</strong>:</p>
<ul data-start="528" data-end="581">
<li data-start="528" data-end="552" class="">
<p data-start="530" data-end="552" class=""><strong data-start="530" data-end="542">Balanced</strong>: 900 mV</p>
</li>
<li data-start="555" data-end="581" class="">
<p data-start="557" data-end="581" class=""><strong data-start="557" data-end="571">Unbalanced</strong>: 450 mV</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="582" data-end="675" class="">
<p data-start="584" data-end="602" class=""><strong data-start="584" data-end="599">Phono Input</strong>:</p>
<ul data-start="605" data-end="675">
<li data-start="605" data-end="638" class="">
<p data-start="607" data-end="638" class=""><strong data-start="607" data-end="627">Moving Coil (MC)</strong>: 0.45 mV</p>
</li>
<li data-start="641" data-end="675" class="">
<p data-start="643" data-end="675" class=""><strong data-start="643" data-end="665">Moving Magnet (MM)</strong>: 4.5 mV</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="677" data-end="680" class="">
<h4 data-start="682" data-end="712" class=""><strong data-start="687" data-end="712">Signal to Noise Ratio</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="713" data-end="787">
<li data-start="713" data-end="739" class="">
<p data-start="715" data-end="739" class=""><strong data-start="715" data-end="729">High Level</strong>: 100 dB</p>
</li>
<li data-start="740" data-end="763" class="">
<p data-start="742" data-end="763" class=""><strong data-start="742" data-end="754">Phono MC</strong>: 75 dB</p>
</li>
<li data-start="764" data-end="787" class="">
<p data-start="766" data-end="787" class=""><strong data-start="766" data-end="778">Phono MM</strong>: 75 dB</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="789" data-end="792" class="">
<h4 data-start="794" data-end="815" class=""><strong data-start="799" data-end="815">Voltage Gain</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="816" data-end="914">
<li data-start="816" data-end="841" class="">
<p data-start="818" data-end="841" class=""><strong data-start="818" data-end="832">High Level</strong>: 15 dB</p>
</li>
<li data-start="842" data-end="914" class="">
<p data-start="844" data-end="914" class=""><strong data-start="844" data-end="861">Phono (MC/MM)</strong>: Selectable – 40 dB, 46 dB, 52 dB, 58 dB, or 64 dB</p>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="916" data-end="919" class="">
<h4 data-start="921" data-end="945" class=""><strong data-start="926" data-end="945">Input Impedance</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="946" data-end="995">
<li data-start="946" data-end="969" class="">
<p data-start="948" data-end="969" class=""><strong data-start="948" data-end="960">Balanced</strong>: 44 kΩ</p>
</li>
<li data-start="970" data-end="995" class="">
<p data-start="972" data-end="995" class=""><strong data-start="972" data-end="986">Unbalanced</strong>: 22 kΩ</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
FROM OUR TOWN SHOPPERS
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to put this one on the record. Bought it? Tell your fellow shoppers what you reckon — it takes a minute, with a real name behind it.