McIntosh C2700 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Product Information

Following in a long line of revered McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifiers is the C2700 Tube Preamplifier. Using their well-established vacuum tube topology, the C2700 also features the advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module technology to combine cutting edge digital music capabilities with time tested vacuum tube performance.

DA2 Digital Audio Module

A worthy successor to the popular DA1 Digital Audio Module, the DA2 features an expanded set of capabilities. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs including all the same connections found on the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) plus a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)¹ connection. TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the C2700 to enjoy your TV’s sound through your home audio system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby^® and DTS^® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The C2700 remote can control the TV’s power and volume when CEC communication is enabled in both the preamplifier and the TV. Besides these new HDMI (ARC) features found in the DA2, its USB input has increased DSD playback support up to DSD512 compared to the DSD256 limit of the DA1.

Analog Flexibility

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. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and 3 variable unbalanced plus 1 fixed unbalanced connection.

Specifications

Number of Channels: 2
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08%
- +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHzFrequency Response:
- +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced):16V RMS / 8V RMS
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil): 0.45mV
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced): 900mV / 450mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet): 4.5mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level): 80dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 100dB
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): 44K ohm, 22K ohm
Balanced Input: 3
Unbalanced Input: 4
Phono Input Moving Coil: 1 (adjustable)
Phono Input Moving Magnet: 1 (adjustable)
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module: Yes: DA2
Digital Coaxial Input: 2
Digital Optical Input: 2
Digital MCT (DIN) Input: 1
Digital USB Input: 1
HDMI (ARC) Input: 1
Digital AES/EBU Input: 0
Balanced Fixed Output: 0
Balanced Variable Output: 3
Unbalanced Fixed Output: 1
Unbalanced Variable Output: 3
Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)
Input Level Match: Yes, +/- 6dB
Home Theater PassThru: Yes
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Premium gold-plated solid brass
Service Port: 1
Tone Controls: Bass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input Assign: Yes
RS232 Control Input: Yes
Power Control Output: 1 Main, 4 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Port: 6
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
General Specifications: Output Meters
Power Consumption (On): 50 Watts
Multi-Chassis or Single: Single, two layer
Vacuum Tube or Solid State: Vacuum Tube, (5) 12AX7a and (1) 12AT7
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Weight: 29.5 lbs (13.4kg)
Shipping Weight: 45 lbs (20.4kg)