The Mc Intosh C8 preamp fits into the range and design of the superb Mc Intosh MA 252 and Mc Intosh MA 352 integrated amplifiers. Of course, the design is the same as the legendary MC275 from 1961! When associated with a power amplifier, the Mc Intosh C8 preamp becomes the most evolved product of the manufacturer’s Hybrid range.
MC INTOSH C8 PREAMPLIFIER: FRONT PANEL
The chassis is very similar to that of the MA 252. There’s the mirror-polished stainless steel front panel. This inclined panel features two control knobs.
The left one allows to select the source as well as accessing the menu and the right one adjusts the volume.
There’s a 6.35 mm stereo headphone jack between both knobs.
The upper part features four 12AX7A vacuum tubes and the informational display. The display indicates the selected source, the volume and provides access to the menu as well as several adjustments and configurations.
MC INTOSH C8 PREAMPLIFIER: CONNECTION
The back panel provides many connections. There are two distinct phono inputs.
One is dedicated to MM cartridges or high output MC cartridges, and the other to low output MC cartridges. There are also two RCA line inputs and a single XLR line input.
The back panel includes one pair of RCA outputs, one pair of XLR outputs and one RCA SUB output.
The 10A IEC power connector allows to connect a high-quality power cable.
MC INTOSH C8 PREAMPLIFIER: TECHNOLOGY
The Mc Intosh C8 is a fully analogue preamplifier with a tube gain stage. The menu allows to adjust bass and treble if necessary. It’s possible to assign inputs and adjust the gain for each one of them.
The phono input allows you to choose a setting from 50 to 400 pF for the capacitance, and between 50, 100, 200, 400, 1,000 and 47,000 Ω for the resistance. The Sub output can be set to Mono or Stereo.
The Mc Intosh C8 preamplifier features a High Drive headphone amplification. The output of the High Drive Headphone Amplification provides plenty of power with the flexibility to utilise a wide range of headphones types including high impedance headphones. When headphones are connected, the other outputs are muted.
When Enabled, the Auto-Off feature automatically powers off the C8 approximately 30 minutes after there has been an absence of user activity or absence of an audio signal.
The Mc Intosh C8 features a remarkable DA2 Digital Audio Module in option providing every digital input there is.
MC INTOSH C8 PREAMPLIFIER: TESTING AND LISTENING
The Mc Intosh C8 provides similar sound aesthetics to the Mc Intosh MA 352 integrated amplifier.
We notice the brand’s mythical dynamics and punch with stunningly wide and rigorous lower frequencies. Contrary to the “vintage” model however, it doesn’t have its “round” and “dark” side.
On the contrary, the sound reproduction is defined, clear and without the colouration which is the reason some tube products are criticised. The Mc Intosh C8 preamplifier is somewhat neutral and above all provides outstanding timbres and stunning realism.
Midrange is one the best there is in this price range!
When associated with the Mc Intosh MC 830 Mono , the result is marvellous through its homogeneity and balance. Naturally, you can connect several power units.
Our favourite!
FranckPhono inputs: MM and MC
MM sensitivity: 4.5 mV
MM voltage gain: 55 dB
MC sensitivity: 0.45 mV
MC voltage gain: 75 dB
Phono capacitance: 50 to 400 pF
MM Phono resistance: 47,000 ohms
MC Phono resistance: 50, 100, 200, 400 and 1,000 Ω
Unbalanced line inputs: 2 x stereo RCA
Balanced line inputs: 1 x stereo XLR
Unbalanced line outputs: 1 x stereo RCA
Balanced line outputs: 1 x stereo XLR
Sub output: 1 x stereo RCA
Headphone jack: 6.33 mm stereo
Headphone output impedance: 100 to 600 Ω
Total harmonic distortion: 0.08%
Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
Gain: 15 dB
Tubes: 4 x 12AX7A
Frequency response - 0.5 dB: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Frequency response - 3 dB: 15 Hz - 100 kHz
Tone controls: Bass and Treble
Option: DA2 Digital Audio Module
Dimensions: 31.2 x 19.4 x 41.3 cm
Weight: 8.1 kg
