C22 2-Channel Preamplifier Mk V

Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems

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.

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.

Specifications

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
• Moving Magnet : 4.5mV
• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) : 100dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (Phono) :

• Moving Coil : 75db
• Moving Magnet : 75db
• Voltage Gain (High Level) : 15dB
• Voltage Gain (Phono)
• Moving Coil : 60dB
• Moving Magnet : 40dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) : 44K ohm, 22K ohm

Connectivity :

• Balanced Input : 2
• Unbalanced Input 3

Phono Input :

• 1 Moving Coil (adjustable)
• 1 Moving Magnet (adjustable)
• Balanced Variable Output : 2
• Unbalanced Variable Output : 2
• Headphone Output : 1/4″ High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type : Premium gold-plated solid brass

Control :

• Tone Controls : Bass and Treble
• Tone Bypass and Input Assign
• Tone Bypass: Yes
• Input Assign: No
• Power Control Outputs : 2 Main, 2 Switched
• Rear Panel Data Ports : 5
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs : 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)