C2800

The McIntosh C2800 is a vacuum tube preamplifier with 16 inputs, comprising 9 analogue and 7 digital connections. Its vacuum tube circuitry uses 4 valves and is designed to reduce noise and distortion to very low levels.

Analogue connections include 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced inputs, alongside 2 phono inputs that can each be configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges. Both phono inputs provide adjustable gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB and include RIAA equalisation.

The 7 digital inputs are provided by the DA2 Digital Audio Module, which uses a Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analogue Converter. Its connections include an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)¹ input, which accepts compatible TV audio and converts Dolby® and DTS® multi-channel formats to two-channel audio.

The DA2 also provides 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT input. Coaxial and optical connections decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz. The USB input supports DSD512 and DXD 384kHz. The MCT input provides a secure, custom DSD connection for SACD playback when used with an MCT series SACD/CD Transport. The DA2 module is upgradeable and can be replaced by a future module if new digital technologies become available.

Three stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs connect the C2800 to power amplifier systems. All 3 output sets can be active simultaneously, with each able to send the signal from the selected source component to a separate audio system.

The Main output and Output 1 include adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters for bi-amping a single speaker system. The High Pass outputs can feed a vacuum tube amplifier while the Low Pass outputs feed a solid-state amplifier. The adjustable crossover allows the amplifiers to be matched to the speaker specifications and listening preferences. Output 1 also includes trim level control for balancing the volume of 2 amplifiers in a bi-amped system.

Output 2 can be configured for mono or stereo operation. It can feed a stereo system in another room, 1 mono subwoofer, or 2 separate stereo subwoofers. Only powered subwoofers will work with this preamplifier.²

The C2800 brings back the Processor Loop, which was not included on the previous few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers. This connection allows an external signal processor, such as the MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System, a dynamic range expander or another device to be inserted without placing it between the preamplifier and power amplifier system.

The Processor Loop can also be used with an analogue tape recorder, a high-end cassette deck or a 3-head reel deck. This allows recording from a source component while monitoring the recording a few seconds later.

In addition to the supplied remote control and front panel controls, the McIntosh C2800 can connect to a network for control through the McIntosh Connect app, scheduled to be available in April 2024. The app is designed for Android and Apple devices and provides control of key functions, including volume, input selection and output selection.

Selected McIntosh source components³ connected to the C2800 with a data cable can be partially controlled through the app’s Source Control feature. This includes functions such as changing tuner stations and playing a disc in a CD player. Source Control can also operate a source component connected to a secondary system through one of the C2800’s outputs.

A network connection also allows the C2800 to receive periodic firmware updates, which can add features or provide performance updates.

The front panel combines black glass, blue meters, rotary controls and an illuminated McIntosh logo. The polished stainless steel chassis is designed to complement power amplifiers, CD players, turntables and other components.

¹ The HDMI ARC input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source.

² Only powered subwoofers will work with this preamplifier.

³ Source components compatible with Source Control: MCD201, MCD205, MCD301, MCD350, MCD500, MCD550, MCD600, MCD751, MCD1000, MCD1100, MCD7009, MCD7010, MCD12000, MCT80, MCT450, MCT500, MR85, MR87, MR88, MR89, MR7084, MVP831, MVP841, MVP851, MVP861, MVP871, MVP881, MVP891, and MVP901.