C22

• All analog design and a retro look
• (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs

 

This newest version of our C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier – the Mk V – is the direct replacement to our highly regarded C70 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, which commemorated our 70th Anniversary that took place in 2019. The new C22 Mk V is the latest McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifier to carry the cherished C22 model number. It has all the performance of the acclaimed C70 but with the hallowed C22 moniker and its signature glass and aluminum front panel design.

 

The C22 Mk V uses one 12AT7 and five 12AX7A vacuum tubes which can be seen through a glass panel located on the top of the preamp. Knobs and rocker switches operate all control functions while modern LED lights indicate input selection and volume level. The C22 Mk V has two balanced inputs, three unbalanced inputs, one Moving Coil and one Moving Magnet phono inputs, for a total of seven inputs. There are two pairs each of balanced and unbalanced output connections; the two outputs allow sending signals to two separate power amplifiers.

 

The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V represents McIntosh’s traditional heritage sound and with the added modern McIntosh technology, another masterpiece is born. – HiFi & Home Theater Audio

 

Bypassable bass and treble tone controls are located on the front panel and can be adjusted in 2dB increments via rotary knobs. Impedance and capacitance for the phono inputs can also be adjusted via separate rotary knobs. In addition to setting the listening level, the volume knob can also be used to adjust the relative volume balance between the left and right audio channels. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by our High Drive headphone amplifier and features our Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) technology. HXD improves the sound localization for headphone listening by restoring the directionality component of the sound stage that's normally only heard from loudspeakers.

 

The MC1502 Vacuum Tube Amplifier and C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V is "outstanding equipment" and "is rich with an uncommon magic and will provide precious pleasure. Moreover it will fit most loudspeakers nicely, even the most demanding ones." C22 Mk V named Winner of Reference Award. – Haute Fidélité

 

Our Power Control technology is included with four ports that can automatically turn other connected McIntosh components such as amplifiers, CD players or turntables, on and off. Data ports are also present and can control basic functions of connected McIntosh source components via the included remote control.

 

The C22 Mk V sits atop a stunning polished stainless steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminum end caps. With its retro black glass and aluminum front panel design, the C22 Mk V will fit right in with McIntosh home audio systems of any era – from the 1950s to current day.

 

 

ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS

• 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 Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  16V RMS / 8V RMS

• Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  900mV / 450mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)

  0.45mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)

  4.5mV

• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)

  100dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)

  75dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)

  75dB

• Voltage Gain (High Level)

  15dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)

  60dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)

  40dB

• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  44K ohm, 22K ohm

CONNECTIVITY

• Balanced Input

  2

• Unbalanced Input

  3

• Phono Input Moving Coil

  1 (adjustable)

• Phono Input Moving Magnet

  1 (adjustable)

• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module

  No

• Digital Coaxial Input

  0

• Digital Optical Input

  0

• Digital MCT Input

  0

• Digital USB Input

  0

• HDMI (ARC) Input

  0

• Digital AES/EBU Input

  0

• Balanced Fixed Output

  0

• Balanced Variable Output

  2

• Unbalanced Fixed Output

  0

• Unbalanced Variable Output

  2

• Headphone Output

  1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)

• Input Level Match

  No

• Home Theater PassThru

  No

• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type

  Premium gold-plated solid brass

• Service Port

  0

CONTROL

• Tone Controls

  Bass and Treble

• Tone Bypass and Input Assign

  Tone Bypass: Yes
  Input Assign: No

• RS232 Control Input

  No

• Power Control Output

  2 Main, 2 Switched

• Rear Panel Data Port

  5

• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input

  Yes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Multi-Chassis or Single

  Single, two layer

• Output Meters

  No

• Vacuum Tube or Solid State

  Vacuum Tube: (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7

• Power Consumption (On)

  50 Watts

WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)

  17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 18" (45.72cm)

• Unit Weight

  25 lbs (11.3kg)

• Shipping Weight

  41.4 lbs (18.8kg)