The McIntosh C2700 is the kind of preamplifier that earns every square inch of rack space it occupies — six vacuum tubes glowing through a top glass panel, the iconic backlit black fascia, and those blue output meters doing exactly what they've always done: making every listening session feel like a proper occasion. Sonically it's unmistakably McIntosh: a rich, authoritative midrange where voices feel present and textured, bass that stays controlled and grounded without ever going soft, and a musical ease that keeps hours from feeling like hours. The DA2 module brings an honest high-resolution DAC into the equation — coaxial and optical up to 24-bit/192kHz, USB to DSD512, even HDMI ARC for the TV — not as a concession to modernity, but as a genuinely capable front-end. Both phono inputs (MM and MC, adjustable) are excellent. This is a full-featured reference preamp wearing a heritage badge it actually earned.
Production
2019-2024
Condition
9.5/10
Serial No.
AHM2640
Orig. MSRP
$8,500
Factory Specs
Number of Channels 2
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08%
Frequency Response +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Maximum Output Voltage (Balanced / Unbalanced) 16V RMS / 8V RMS
Input Sensitivity – High Level Balanced 900mV
Input Sensitivity – High Level Unbalanced 450mV
Input Sensitivity – Moving Coil Phono 0.45mV
Input Sensitivity – Moving Magnet Phono 4.5mV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level) 100dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Coil) 80dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) 82dB
Voltage Gain (High Level) 15dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil) 60dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet) 40dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) 44kΩ / 22kΩ
Power Consumption 50W
Vacuum Tubes (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7
Balanced XLR Inputs 3
Unbalanced RCA Inputs 4
Moving Coil Phono Input 1 (adjustable loading)
Moving Magnet Phono Input 1 (adjustable loading)
Digital Coaxial Inputs 2
Digital Optical (TosLink) Inputs 2
MCT (DIN) Input 1
USB-B Input 1
HDMI ARC Input 1
Total Inputs 16 (9 analog + 7 digital)
DA2 DAC Quad Balanced 8-channel 32-bit
Maximum PCM Resolution (Coaxial / Optical) 24-bit / 192kHz
Maximum DSD (USB) DSD512
Balanced Variable Outputs 3
Unbalanced Variable Outputs 3
Unbalanced Fixed Output 1
Headphone Output 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Tone Controls Bass and Treble, adjustable in 2dB increments
Home Theater PassThru Yes
RS232 Control Input Yes
Power Control Outputs 1 Main + 4 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Ports 6
IR Sensor Input Yes
Dimensions 17.5" × 7.625" × 18" (W × H × D)
Weight 29.5 lbs
Shipping Weight 45 lbs
Documentation
McIntosh C2700 Owner's Manual
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
Following in a long line of revered McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifiers is the C2700 Tube Preamplifier. Using our well-established vacuum tube topology, the C2700 also features our advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module technology to combine cutting edge digital music capabilities with time tested vacuum tube performance.
The DA2 is powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high resolution audio. The DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high definition audio from your SACDs.
For analog music, the C2700 has 9 inputs comprised of 3 balanced connections, 4 unbalanced connections, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs for connecting a turntable or two. With a total of 16 inputs, the C2700 has a virtually infinite number of inputs to connect all your music sources. Our dual chassis design keeps the analog and digital sections separate to prevent signal corruption.
Shipping
To ensure safe arrival, we often use private couriers. These are transporters in Sprinter Vans or pulling covered trailers often moving art and antiques across the country. Absolutely the safest way to ship short of you picking it up yourself. This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $300, 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.
10196363772125
