McIntosh C22 mkV Tube Analog Preamp Impressions

[PHC1]

"The McIntosh C22 mkV has just been released, and we share our initial impressions. This preamp replaces the C70, which was made in limited quantities to celebrate McIntosh's 70th Anniversary."

https://youtu.be/zRiJacf12AM

[SAM992]

If I were half smart with my money, I'd have gotten this instead of the C1100 for double the cost... this is a good pre-amp and for the price, a great one!

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

If I were half smart with my money, I'd have gotten this instead of the C1100 for double the cost... this is a good pre-amp and for the price, a great one!

Sam, you are at the stage of the hobby where every amp and preamp is the one you'd like to own. This condition typically lasts a decade or longer, sometimes it never goes away... I wish you strength my friend!

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Sam, you are at the stage of the hobby where every amp and preamp is the one you'd like to own. This condition typically lasts a decade or longer, sometimes it never goes away... I wish you strength my friend!

thankfully uncertain times keeps my wallet at bay for now..

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by SAM992

thankfully uncertain times keeps my wallet at bay for now..

Over the decades, I have owned just about every amp, preamp and speaker.... "In my own private Idaho"...

Passion, Desire and Imagination is the spice of life, the driving force that keeps us going.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by SAM992

If I were half smart with my money, I'd have gotten this instead of the C1100 for double the cost... this is a good pre-amp and for the price, a great one!

Sam992, I'd keep my C1100 if I were you. It's Mac's reference pre. They can't make a better one. A reference gear from Mac means something. It probably has 30,000.00 of technology in it if it had to be developed from scratch. It will be competitive with anything on the market because it is the reference.

Best

Charles

p.s. Be happy. You got the best.

[Logan Nolag]

I really like the new C22 and I was seriously considering getting one before I got my C2700. If McIntosh made a stand alone DAC with the capabilities of the DA2 I would have probably gotten the C22 instead since I really like the fact that it is all analog.

[kevtn8]

Originally Posted by Logan Nolag

I really like the new C22 and I was seriously considering getting one before I got my C2700. If McIntosh made a stand alone DAC with the capabilities of the DA2 I would have probably gotten the C22 instead since I really like the fact that it is all analog.

The new C22 is basically the C70 anniversary preamp which I had before I sold it for the C2700. To my ears it's not close, the C2700 is a much more refined preamp than the C70. The implementation of their Da2 on modules which can be upgraded is ingenious idea. The C2700 is also the only Mcintosh preamp ( besides the C1100) to use the their top of line balanced optical / digital volume attenuator. For me it's a home run from Mac and together with the MC75s making beautiful music that one can listen to all day long.

[SAM992]

Originally Posted by Charles

Sam992, I'd keep my C1100 if I were you. It's Mac's reference pre. They can't make a better one. A reference gear from Mac means something. It probably has 30,000.00 of technology in it if it had to be developed from scratch. It will be competitive with anything on the market because it is the reference.

Best

Charles

p.s. Be happy. You got the best.

Yes, I know, thanks... it's that dang Accuphase C-3900 that distracted me, but that's twice the price.. so I'm just gonna be happy with what I have (For now)..

[Logan Nolag]

Originally Posted by kevtn8

The new C22 is basically the C70 anniversary preamp which I had before I sold it for the C2700. To my ears it's not close, the C2700 is a much more refined preamp than the C70. The implementation of their Da2 on modules which can be upgraded is ingenious idea. The C2700 is also the only Mcintosh preamp ( besides the C1100) to use the their top of line balanced optical / digital volume attenuator. For me it's a home run from Mac and together with the MC75s making beautiful music that one can listen to all day long.

Wow didn't realize that. I love my C2700 glad to know it's basically flagship.