McIntosh C2800 Tube Preamplifier for 2-Channel Hi-Fi

Tube Sound for Music Lovers

The McIntosh C2800 employs four tubes: three 12AX7A and one 12AT7. The circuitry is designed for low noise and distortion levels, targeting listeners seeking high-quality, detailed 2-channel reproduction with classic tube technology.

16 Inputs for Analog and Digital Sources

With a total of 16 inputs, the C2800 can be flexibly integrated into existing Hi-Fi systems. There are 9 analog and 7 digital inputs available, including balanced XLR inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, phono connections, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, MCT, and HDMI ARC.

Phono Section for MC and MM Cartridges

The two phono inputs can each be configured for Moving-Coil or Moving-Magnet cartridges.

HDMI ARC for TV Sound via the Stereo System

The HDMI ARC input is designed for compatible televisions and reproduces TV sound through the 2-channel Hi-Fi system. Multichannel formats from Dolby and DTS are converted to two channels for stereo playback.

Flexible Outputs for Power Amplifiers, Bi-Amping and Subwoofers

The McIntosh C2800 offers three variable balanced and three variable unbalanced stereo outputs. The outputs can be active simultaneously, allowing for the connection of multiple power amplifiers or separate audio systems.

Bi-Amping with High-Pass and Low-Pass Filters

Main Output and Output 1 feature adjustable filters for bi-amping. This allows high and low frequencies to be separately routed to suitable amplifiers, for example, a tube power amplifier for the high-pass and a transistor power amplifier for the low-pass.

Processor Loop for Sound Processors and Tape Monitoring

The Processor Loop allows the connection of external signal processors, equalizers, room correction systems, or analog recording devices. This is practical when additional devices need to be integrated without placing them directly between the preamplifier and power amplifier.

Headphone Connection with HXD

The integrated High-Drive headphone amplifier features a 6.35 mm jack and HXD technology. HXD is designed to make the spatial perception more natural when listening with headphones.

Network Control, Smart Home Integration, and Operation

Via the network connection, the McIntosh C2800 can be controlled with the McIntosh Connect App. Volume, inputs, and outputs can be operated through it; firmware updates are also possible over the network. Directly on the device, separate controls for input selection and volume, as well as buttons for standby, mute, tone control, and Output 1/2 are available. Additionally, the included HR085 infrared remote control enables convenient operation of important functions such as volume, mute, input selection, and trim settings from the listening position.

Roon Tested, Control4 and Crestron Home

The C2800 is Roon Tested. Additionally, it holds certifications for Control4 and Crestron Home.

Home Theater PassThru for Home Theater Systems

Home Theater PassThru allows integration into a multichannel home theater system. This way, the C2800 can be used in a system that aims to cover both high-quality stereo playback and home theater functions.

Placement in the Room and Distance from the Wall

The McIntosh C2800 should stand upright on its four feet. For ventilation, at least 7.6 cm of clear space is provided above, as well as in front, behind, and on the sides; the feet should not be removed to allow air to circulate under the device. Direct sunlight and aggressive cleaners should be avoided.

Design in Classic McIntosh Style

The black glass front panel, blue output level meters, rotary knobs, illuminated logo, and polished stainless steel chassis embody the typical McIntosh aesthetic. The tubes are visible through a glass window on the top of the device.

Technical Specifications

General

• Product type: 2-channel tube preamplifier
• Product type: Vacuum Tube Preamplifier / Tube Preamplifier
• Channels: 2
• Tube complement: 3 × 12AX7A, 1 × 12AT7
• Dimensions: 44.45 × 19.4 × 41.9 cm
• Weight: 12.5 kg
• Shipping weight: 19.7 kg
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0 / -0.5 dB
• Extended frequency response: 15 Hz to 100 kHz, +0 / -3 dB

Audio

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08 %
• Maximum output level balanced / unbalanced: 16 V RMS / 8 V RMS
• Sensitivity High Level balanced / unbalanced: 900 mV / 450 mV
• Sensitivity Phono Moving Coil: 0.45 mV
• Sensitivity Phono Moving Magnet: 4.5 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio High Level: 100 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio Moving Coil: 75 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio Moving Magnet: 75 dB
• Voltage gain High Level: 15 dB
• Voltage gain Moving Coil: 40 / 46 / 52 / 58 / 64 dB, selectable
• Voltage gain Moving Magnet: 40 / 46 / 52 / 58 / 64 dB, selectable
• Input impedance balanced / unbalanced: 44 kOhm / 22 kOhm

Analog Inputs

• Balanced inputs: 3
• Unbalanced inputs: 4
• Phono Moving Coil: up to 2, adjustable
• Phono Moving Magnet: up to 2, adjustable

Digital Inputs

• Digital coaxial: 2
• Digital optical: 2
• Digital MCT: 1
• Digital USB: 1
• HDMI ARC: 1
• AES/EBU: 0
• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module: yes, DA2

Outputs

• Balanced variable outputs: 3
• Unbalanced variable outputs: 3
• Balanced fixed outputs: 0
• Unbalanced fixed outputs: 0
• Headphone output: 6.3 mm High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director HXD

Connections and Control

• Unbalanced analog connections: Premium, gold-plated solid brass
• Tone control: Bass and Treble
• Tone Bypass: yes
• Input Assign: yes
• Power Control Output: 1 Main, 4 Triggers
• Data Ports Rear: 6
• IR Sensor Input Rear: yes
• RS232 Control Input: yes
• Service Port: 1
• Network connection: 1
• Home Theater PassThru: yes
• Input Level Match: yes, ±6 dB

Power and Design

• Construction: Single, two layer
• Output level meters: yes
• Power consumption in operation: 75 W
• Standby power consumption: under 0.5 W
• Mains voltage: 100 / 110 / 120 / 220 / 230 / 240 V, 50/60 Hz

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Scope of delivery

• McIntosh C2800
• Remote control
• Power cable
• Documentation

• Anleitung
• Datenblatt
• Broschüre