McIntosh C2700 Pre-amplifier
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.
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 TV remote can control the power and volume of the C2700 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.
The DA2 is powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high resolution audio. Finally, the DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of the MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high definition audio from your SACDs.
For analogue 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 vast number of inputs to connect all your music sources. The McIntosh dual chassis design keeps the analogue and digital sections separate to prevent signal corruption. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and 3 variable unbalanced plus 1 fixed unbalanced connection.
Bass and treble tone controls are included and can be adjusted in 2dB increments. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by our High Drive Headphone Amplifier which can power almost any pair of headphones; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) is included and brings an added dimension to your personal listening session when activated. Home Theatre Pass Through allows the C2700 to be seamlessly integrated into your home theatre system. Power Control ports let you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
All the C2700’s audio technology is packed inside the timeless McIntosh design highlighted by a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminium end caps and a polished stainless steel chassis. The 6 alluring vacuum tubes can be viewed through a glass panel located on the top of the preamplifier. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, power controllers, and speakers to complete your home audio system.
ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Vacuum Tube or Solid State: Vacuum Tube, (5) 12AX7a and (1) 12AT7
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): 80dB
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
CONNECTIVITY
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 Theatre PassThru: Yes
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Premium gold-plated solid brass
Service Port: 1
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Unit Weight: 29.5 lbs (13.4kg)
Shipping Weight: 45 lbs (20.4kg)