McIntosh C2800 Review: A Symphony of Sound with Vacuum Tube and Digital Excellence
Earned the prestigious Outstanding Product badge from Hi-Fi News.
The McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier has proven to be one of a kind. Weaving together digital excellence with the classic warmth provided by 4 vacuum tubes (also known as valves), the two-channel system provides a balanced reproduction of artistry and clarity.
As showcased by Hi-Fi News Magazine’s Andrew Everard, “You cannot overlook the sweet and liquid flow." Revisiting the expertly crafted preamp review provides a window into the C2800’s heralded status as a catalyst for high-fidelity sound.
The McIntosh C2800 is built for performance with distinguished vacuum tube circuitry. Put to the test, Hi-Fi expert Everard notes that, “The sound is definitely warm and rich, but there’s no shortage of drive and resolution.” The preamp houses (3) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes, along with a dedicated subwoofer output, processor loop, and 16 inputs to support all of your auditory needs within a single system.
The C2800's four vacuum tubes, or valves, are visible through a glass panel located on the top of the unit.
The power of this preamp is undeniable but crystal-clear tonality never gets lost in the noise as noted by Everard: “Even when used with a power amp known for its speed and drive – it’s hard not to overlook the sweetness and liquid flow this preamp brings to the music.”
The C2800 marks the return of the coveted McIntosh processor loop, allowing users to insert an external signal processor, dynamic range expanders, or other high-end audio devices without having to interrupt the flow between your power amplifier and preamp. This flexibility is essential for audiophile equipment, providing a seamless experience across genres. Perhaps it’s encapsulated best by Everard: “Think valves (vacuum tubes) only do lush bass and stripped-back jazz recordings? It’s time to reconsider.”
Users will enjoy tuning the C2800 to their liking, as the one of the best preamplifier features is the ability to connect to the McIntosh Connect app while in use, “The [McIntosh Connect] app, newly released for both Android and iOS devices, proves a very smooth and flexible way to set up and operate the C2800. It will find the device using Bluetooth, let you set the network connection… and then allow you to configure, select or bypass inputs and outputs, set bass and treble controls, enable over-the-air software upgrades, and then adjust volume and balance while the product is in use.
This isn’t your typical vacuum tube preamplifier, the C2800 transports listeners into an innovative audio experience. As said by audiophile review expert Everard while listening to Coldplay, “The preamp’s rich but open presentation was just the thing for the title track from the Prospekt’s March edition of "Viva La Vida," with its multiple layers, huge dynamics and punchy rhythms accented by a tight string section. All that was missing was the light show and the confetti cannons.”
We’re proud to share that the C2800 has earned the prestigious Outstanding Product badge from Hi-Fi News through its unmatched sound quality and character. Put plainly by Everard, the C2800 is, “an exceptional valve (vacuum tube) preamp with excellent performance, all the inputs almost anyone could ever want, and no sign of valve quirkiness to frighten the horses.”
(Excerpts taken from the original review by Andrew Everard / Hi-Fi News / September 2024)
