News: McIntosh Labs release new C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier and MC830 Solid State Amplifier
New open chassis McIntosh duo combines valve luxury, solid-state power and timeless industrial design
C8 Vacuum Tube
Preamplifier and
MC830 Solid State Amplifier: stunning looks, legendary McIntosh sound
quality
September 17th, 2020, Binghamton, NY, USA: Following in the footsteps of McIntosh’s
retro-styled MA252 and MA352 integrated amplifiers, (which themselves took
design cues from the MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier), McIntosh has launched two
more ‘open chassis’ amplifiers, the C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier (£4,295)
and MC830 Solid State Amplifier (£4,995 each).
With style cues
that nod to their 1950s and 1960s aesthetic design heritage, both the C8 and MC830
are full of modern-day technology, with a feature set that’s perfectly suited
to the modern music lover. The duo offers direct turntable connectivity, thanks
to MM and MC phono inputs, digital readiness for McIntosh’s (optional) multi-input
DA2 DAC module, plus a high-quality McIntosh headphone amplifier for late-night
and personal listening.
C8 Vacuum
Tube Preamplifier
The C8 Vacuum
Tube Preamplifier is a compact-footprint design, complementing the MC830. It is
powered by four 12AX7a valves, housed inside stylish protective cages.
The C8 is highly
flexible for the modern music lover and benefits from both balanced and
unbalanced inputs, plus Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs with
adjustable loading. Bass and treble tone controls help with different
environments around the world. The C8 also benefits from nameable inputs, plus
it’s possible to connect a powered subwoofer.
With many music
lovers already owning high-performance standalone DACs, the C8 is supplied
digital-ready: McIntosh's optional DA2 Digital Audio Module can be installed by
McIntosh dealers for a supplement, bringing seven digital inputs: two coaxial, two
optical, one USB, one proprietary MCT (for use with McIntosh's line of SACD/CD transports),
plus one audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection.
For personal and
late-night listening, the C8 is specified with McIntosh's High Drive headphone
amplifier which effortlessly drives a wide range of headphones. The C8’s Home
Theater Pass Through allows the C8 to be seamlessly integrated into home cinema
systems, plus its Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected
source components.
Input selection,
bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can all be adjusted
using the front panel knobs, or the included remote control; all settings,
volume level and input selection are shown on the front panel display.
MC830 Solid
State Amplifier
The MC830 (monoblock)
is a massively powerful solid-state amplifier that belies its compact footprint
(similar to the MA252 Integrated Amplifier). Its distinctive ‘open chassis’ design gives
unrestricted access to its fast-responding Dual Scale Watt meter, which delivers
an accurate readout of power output; the MC830’s direct-coupled output design offers
300 watts (8 Ohms).
The MC830’s
distinctive McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™ add visual appeal and keep the
MC830 running cool for optimum performance. The amp also benefits from both balanced
and unbalanced inputs, and features several proprietary McIntosh technologies. To
protect speakers and systems, the MC830’s patented Power Guard® technology
monitors the amplifier's output signal to protect against overdrive; if
necessary, the amplifier makes real-time micro adjustments to the input signal
to prevent clipping (distortion).
Another level of proprietary
protection is Sentry Monitor™: fuse-less short-circuit protection that
disengages the MC830's output stage before the current exceeds safe operating
levels; it reset automatically when operating conditions return to normal.
The MC830 also
features McIntosh's patented high-quality Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts which
are gold-plated to prevent both corrosion and ensure a top-quality signal is transferred
to the loudspeakers.
Common features
Both the C8 and MC830
include Power Control ports which allow for easy system power-up and shut down,
by sending power on/off signals to other connected McIntosh components. Both
also feature a user-selectable Auto Off feature, switching the power off after
30 minutes if either no signal or no user input has been detected.
A die-cast aluminium
name badge is affixed to each side of the chassis (on each unit) and the front,
top and rear of the chassis is polished to a mirror finish. Each unit features
a black-glass front panel with silver trim, blue Watt meter (MC830), an
illuminated logo and control knobs.
Pricing and availability
Orders
for the C8 and MC830 can be placed now with Authorised McIntosh dealers with
shipping expected to begin in October (UK); September (USA and Canada).
C8: £4,295; MC830: £4,995 (each)
McIntosh UK distributor
Fine
Sounds UK: +44(0)1592 744710; finesounds.uk
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