McIntosh C8 Tube Preamplifier
Today McIntosh announced their all-new C8 tube preamplifier. The C8 is the first McIntosh Preamplifier to feature the classically-angled polished stainless steel chassis seen on the MA252, MA352, and MC275 amplifiers.
The C8 uses a quartet of 12AX7a vacuum tubes to power its preamplification stage which brings tubes' signature harmonic texture and sense of life to the sound.
The new C8 tube preamplifier has both MM and MC phono stages for use with both high and low output phono cartridges. In addition to the two phono inputs, the C8 has two unbalanced analog inputs and one set of balanced inputs.
The new C8 has one set of balanced outputs, one set of unbalanced (RCA) outputs and dual subwoofer outputs. The balanced output are an ideal connection for the new McIntosh MC830 monoblock amplifiers which were also announced today.
The C8 also has the option of a DA2 Digital Audio Module. You may order the DA2 at the time of purchase, or add it later. The DA2 fits on the rear panel.
The DA2 features:
- Seven inputs:
- 2 Optical
- 2 Coax
- 1 USB
- 1 MCT,
- 1 HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Supports up to DSD512, DXD 384
- Audiophile-grade 32-bit DAC
The HDMI ARC input is especially useful because you can now have your HDMI ARC equipped TV send audio to your McIntosh C8. This is ideal for those with multiple media devices directly plugged into their TV. ARC provides two-way communication between your McIntosh DA2-equipped stereo and your TV, giving you volume control and lip-sync functionality as well as stereo conversion of Dolby and DTS multichannel formats.
The new McIntosh C8 tube preamplifier dimensions are 12 9/32" x 7 5/8
" x 16 1/4", and it weighs 18 lbs.
The C8 is shipping in September and Pearl Audio Video has one on order!