The McIntosh C28 is one of the quintessential solid-state preamps of the 1970s—smooth, warm, and unmistakably Mac from the first twist of a knob. Known for its rich midrange, effortless musical flow, and that classic glass-and-aluminum swagger, the C28 remains a favorite for anyone who wants vintage charm without sacrificing everyday usability. This unit has been fully serviced, giving it fresh life where it counts, and features brand-new front glass, restoring that iconic McIntosh glow to showroom beauty.
Musical, reliable, and visually stunning, this C28 is everything people love about vintage McIntosh—now tuned up, refreshed, and ready for decades more listening pleasure.
- Production
- 1970-78
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 26X09
- Orig. MSRP
- $649
- Restoration
- Replaced the 4 power supply electrolytic caps
- Cleaned and verified all pots and switches
- Changed out all bad lights
- Repainted top chassis cover
- New OEM top cover decal
- New OEM top and bottom front bezels
- New OEM glass faceplate
- Factory Specs
Type Solid-state stereo preamplifier
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Gain 62dB (MM), 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity 2.5mV (mic), 2mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 78dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output 250mV (line), 2.5V (Pre out)
Semiconductors 26 x transistors, 4 x diodes, 2 x bridge rectifiers
Fits Cabinet L12, L11, L52, L62
Dimensions 16"W x 5.43"H x 15"D
Weight 25 lbs.
- Documentation
McIntosh C28 Owner's Manual
McIntosh C28 Brochure
- The History of McIntosh
- Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The McIntosh C28 is a high quality stereo pre-amplifier. Each channel of the C28 consists of four parts, a low level amplifier, high level amplifier, active filters and headphone amplifier. Common regulated power supplies furnish power to both channels.
- Packing
- Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $200, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 9225274654941
The McIntosh C28 is one of the quintessential solid-state preamps of the 1970s—smooth, warm, and unmistakably Mac from the first twist of a knob. Known for its rich midrange, effortless musical flow, and that classic glass-and-aluminum swagger, the C28 remains a favorite for anyone who wants vintage charm without sacrificing everyday usability. This unit has been fully serviced, giving it fresh life where it counts, and features brand-new front glass, restoring that iconic McIntosh glow to showroom beauty.
Musical, reliable, and visually stunning, this C28 is everything people love about vintage McIntosh—now tuned up, refreshed, and ready for decades more listening pleasure.
Production
1970-78
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
26X09
Orig. MSRP
$649
Restoration
- Replaced the 4 power supply electrolytic caps
- Cleaned and verified all pots and switches
- Changed out all bad lights
- Repainted top chassis cover
- New OEM top cover decal
- New OEM top and bottom front bezels
- New OEM glass faceplate
Factory Specs
Type Solid-state stereo preamplifier
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion 0.1%
Gain 62dB (MM), 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity 2.5mV (mic), 2mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio 78dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Output 250mV (line), 2.5V (Pre out)
Semiconductors 26 x transistors, 4 x diodes, 2 x bridge rectifiers
Fits Cabinet L12, L11, L52, L62
Dimensions 16"W x 5.43"H x 15"D
Weight 25 lbs.
Documentation
McIntosh C28 Owner's Manual
McIntosh C28 Brochure
The History of McIntosh
Founded in 1949, McIntosh is known for offering distinguished home audio systems that deliver the ultimate experience in music and film. Offering products for two-channel stereo sound systems and multi-channel home theaters with surround sound, McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home audio entertainment...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The McIntosh C28 is a high quality stereo pre-amplifier. Each channel of the C28 consists of four parts, a low level amplifier, high level amplifier, active filters and headphone amplifier. Common regulated power supplies furnish power to both channels.
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. We use our InstaPak machine and white open cell foam to build a custom enclosure for your piece that ensures that it's stable and secure. If it is particularly fragile or heavy, we typically opt for private courier delivery. Depending on where you are in the country, that may cost a bit extra.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $200, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
9225274654941