The McIntosh C28 is the kind of preamp that makes you understand why the early-1970s faithful never looked back. First-generation solid-state out of Binghamton, it carries that characteristically warm, textured McIntosh midrange — generous bass, an authoritative sense of scale, and a phono stage that treats a moving-magnet cartridge with genuine care and body. The top end is ever so slightly rounded, which some will call a limitation and others will call exactly the right seasoning for a late-night vinyl session. Classic green-lit glass fascia, Panloc mounting, built with the density of test equipment — it oozes that era. Pair it with an MC2505 or MC2105 and you've assembled the quintessential early-70s American hi-fi system, one that audiophiles still seek out and restore with real reverence.
Production
1970-1978
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
AS2462
Orig. MSRP
$649
Restoration
- Replaced all bulbs with LED
- Cleaned and lubricated all controls
- Unit is functioning at factory spec
- Thoroughly detailed
Factory Specs
Type Solid-state stereo preamplifier
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz (+0/-0.5dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.1% at rated output level, 20Hz to 20kHz
Input Sensitivity & Impedance (Aux / Tuner / Tape 1 / Tape 2) 250mV @ 250,000 ohms
Input Sensitivity & Impedance (Phono 1 & 2) 2mV @ 47,000 ohms (1kHz)
Input Sensitivity & Impedance (Microphone) 2.5mV @ 500,000 ohms
Input Sensitivity & Impedance (Tape Head) 2mV @ 500,000 ohms (500Hz)
Hum & Noise (Aux / Tuner / Tape) 90dB below rated output
Hum & Noise (Phono 1, Phono 2, Tape Head) 78dB below 10mV input; equivalent to <1.2µV at the input terminals
Main Output Level 2.5V with rated input; <100 ohms source impedance; minimum 47,000 ohm load
Tape Output Level 250mV with rated input; <150 ohms source impedance; minimum 47,000 ohm load
Headphone / Line Output 0.75V into 8 ohms, or 2.5V into 600 ohm line; 0.2 ohm source impedance; level control provided
Center Channel Output 1.25V with rated input to both channels; minimum 47,000 ohm load; level control provided
Voltage Gain — Aux / Tuner / Tape to Main Output 20dB
Voltage Gain — Phono to Main Output (1kHz) 62dB
Voltage Gain — Microphone to Main Output 60dB
Voltage Gain — Tape Head to Main Output (500Hz) 64dB
Bass Control +20dB to -20dB at 20Hz; 11-position rotary switch; separate per channel
Treble Control +18dB to -18dB at 20kHz; 11-position rotary switch; separate per channel
Low Frequency Trim (top panel) Up to +6dB boost below 100Hz, per channel
Compensation Switch 3-position: Flat / Loudness / Presence. Loudness boosts low frequencies at low levels; Presence boosts mids ~4dB. Compensation reduces as volume increases.
LF Filter (Rumble) 12dB/octave rolloff below 50Hz; -18dB at 20Hz
HF Filter (Scratch) 12dB/octave rolloff above 7kHz; -18dB at 20kHz
Transistor Complement 26 silicon-planar transistors, 4 silicon diodes, 2 silicon bridge rectifiers
Power Requirement 120V, 50/60Hz, 45W
Dimensions 16" W × 5-7/16" H × 13" D (chassis including Panloc shelf and rear connectors)
Weight 25 lb (11.34 kg) net
Finish Anodized gold and black front panel; gold/teal backlit nomenclature; black chassis
Mounting McIntosh Panloc (professional rack/cabinet slide-out system); optional wood case available separately
Documentation
McIntosh C28 Owner's Manual
McIntosh C28 Service Manual
McIntosh C28 Schematics
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 main parts: low level amplifier, high level amplifier, active filters and headphone amplifier. Common regulated power supplies furnish power to both channels. Performance Limits are the maximum deviation from perfection permitted for a McIntosh instrument. We promise you that your C 28 must be capable of performance at or exceeding these limits or you get your money back. McIntosh is the only manufacturer that makes this guarantee.
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 $250, 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.
9679548252381
