McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Four-tube analog circuitry, 16 analog and digital inputs, configurable phono stages, and an upgradeable DA2 DAC module

The McIntosh C2800 is a two-channel vacuum tube preamplifier built around three 12AX7A tubes and one 12AT7, with extensive analog and digital connectivity for a complete high-end music system. Nine analog inputs include balanced and unbalanced line-level connections plus two independently configurable phono inputs, while the included DA2 Digital Audio Module adds seven digital inputs and high-resolution playback up to DSD512.

Both phono inputs can be configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges, allowing the C2800 to accommodate two turntables or tonearms without requiring an external phonostage. Gain is adjustable from 40 dB to 64 dB in 6 dB steps, while cartridge loading can be tailored over a wide range of resistance and capacitance settings.

The DA2 Digital Audio Module uses a Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC and provides two coaxial, two optical, USB, MCT, and HDMI ARC inputs. Coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while USB supports DSD512 and DXD up to 384 kHz. The MCT connection provides a secure digital path for high-resolution SACD audio from compatible McIntosh transports, and the complete DA2 module can be replaced should McIntosh introduce a future digital module.

Three sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs give the C2800 considerable flexibility in more complex systems. The Main output and Output 1 include adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters for bi-amping, with level trim available on Output 1 to match amplifiers of different gain. Output 2 can operate in stereo or mono and can be used for a second audio system or powered subwoofer connection.

Features

Vacuum Tube Preamplification

The C2800 uses three 12AX7A tubes and one 12AT7 in its analog circuitry, with the tubes visible through a glass panel in the top of the chassis.

Two Configurable Phono Inputs

Both phono inputs can be independently configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges. Gain is selectable at 40, 46, 52, 58, or 64 dB, allowing the C2800 to work with a wide range of cartridge outputs.

Upgradeable DA2 Digital Audio Module

The included DA2 module incorporates a Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC and provides seven digital inputs. Its modular construction allows the complete digital section to be replaced if a compatible future McIntosh module becomes available.

HDMI ARC

An HDMI Audio Return Channel input allows compatible televisions to feed audio directly into the C2800. Multichannel Dolby and DTS audio can be converted to two-channel playback for use through the stereo system.

Flexible Output Configuration

Three stereo sets of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs can operate simultaneously. Adjustable high-pass and low-pass filtering on the Main output and Output 1 supports bi-amplified systems, while Output 2 can be configured for stereo or mono operation.

Processor Loop

An analog Processor Loop provides Send and Return connections for inserting an external equalizer, room-correction processor, tape deck, or other signal-processing component into the system.

Bass and Treble Controls

Electronic bass and treble controls provide adjustment in 1 dB steps and can be bypassed independently for each input.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel headphone output incorporates McIntosh High Drive circuitry and Headphone Crossfeed Director technology for dedicated headphone listening.

Network Control

A network connection allows operation of key functions through the McIntosh Connect app, including volume and input and output selection. Network connectivity also allows the C2800 to receive firmware updates.

Home Theater PassThru

Home Theater PassThru allows the C2800 to be incorporated into a multichannel system while retaining a dedicated two-channel signal path for music playback.

What’s Included

• McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
• Remote control
• AC power cord
• DA2 Digital Audio Module

Specifications

Type: Vacuum tube stereo preamplifier

Channels: 2

Vacuum Tubes: 3 × 12AX7A, 1 × 12AT7

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.5 dB; 15 Hz–100 kHz, +0/–3 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08%, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Rated Output: 5 V balanced; 2.5 V unbalanced; 450 mV fixed

Maximum Output: 16 V RMS balanced; 8 V RMS unbalanced

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 900 mV balanced; 450 mV unbalanced

Phono Input Sensitivity: 0.45 mV Moving Coil; 4.5 mV Moving Magnet

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB, A-weighted

Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 75 dB Moving Coil; 75 dB Moving Magnet, A-weighted

High-Level Voltage Gain: 15 dB

Phono Gain: Selectable 40, 46, 52, 58, or 64 dB

Input Impedance: 44 kΩ balanced; 22 kΩ unbalanced

Phono Loading: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1k, or 47k ohms; 50–400 pF in 50 pF steps

Balanced Inputs: 3

Unbalanced Inputs: 4

Phono Inputs: 2, each configurable for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet

Digital Audio Module: DA2, upgradeable

Digital Coaxial Inputs: 2

Digital Optical Inputs: 2

USB Input: 1

MCT Input: 1

HDMI ARC Input: 1

Coaxial and Optical Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192 kHz

USB Resolution: Up to DSD512 and DXD 384 kHz

Balanced Variable Outputs: 3 stereo sets

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 3 stereo sets

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director

Input Level Matching: ±6 dB

Tone Controls: Bass and treble

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

Processor Loop: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1 main, 4 trigger

Data Ports: 6

RS232 Control: Yes

Network Connection: 1

Output Meters: Yes

Power Consumption: 75 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7.625" × 17.5" × 16.5" (19.4 × 44.45 × 41.9 cm)

Weight: 28 lb. (12.5 kg)