McIntosh C22 Mk V 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

Vacuum tube preamplifier with seven analog inputs, adjustable MC/MM phono stages, and High Drive headphone output

The McIntosh C22 Mk V brings one of the company’s most enduring preamplifier designs into a modern two-channel system while retaining the classic black-glass-and-aluminum appearance associated with the C22 name. Its all-analog signal path uses five 12AX7A and one 12AT7 vacuum tubes, visible through a glass panel in the top of the polished stainless steel chassis.

Seven analog inputs provide considerable flexibility for both line-level and vinyl sources. Two balanced and three unbalanced line inputs are joined by dedicated Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs, with adjustable impedance and capacitance for accommodating a wide range of cartridges. Two pairs each of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs can feed separate power amplifiers.

Classic Controls, Modern Functionality

The C22 Mk V maintains the tactile control layout of its predecessors with front-panel rotary knobs and rocker switches. Bypassable bass and treble controls provide adjustment in 2 dB increments, while the volume control can also adjust left-to-right channel balance. LEDs indicate the selected input and volume level without disturbing the preamplifier’s traditional appearance.

A front-panel 1/4" headphone output is driven by McIntosh’s High Drive headphone amplifier and includes Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology. HXD blends a controlled portion of each channel into the opposite ear to restore some of the spatial presentation normally produced by loudspeakers.

System Integration

Four Power Control connections can automatically switch compatible McIntosh components on and off with the C22 Mk V. Five rear-panel Data Ports allow the included remote control to operate basic functions on connected McIntosh source components, while a rear-panel IR sensor input provides additional installation flexibility.

The C22 Mk V combines these contemporary conveniences with unmistakable McIntosh construction, including a polished stainless steel chassis, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps, and the retro-style glass and aluminum front panel that has defined generations of C22 preamplifiers.

Specifications

Number of Channels: 2

Maximum Output Voltage (Balanced / Unbalanced): 16 V RMS / 8 V RMS

High-Level Sensitivity (Balanced / Unbalanced): 900 mV / 450 mV

Phono Sensitivity (MC, MM): 0.45 mV, 4.5 mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level, MC, MM): 100 dB, 75 dB, 75 dB

Voltage Gain (High Level, MC, MM): 15 dB, 60 dB, 40 dB

Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 44 kohms / 22 kohms

Balanced Inputs: 2

Unbalanced Inputs: 3

Phono Inputs: 1 Moving Coil (adjustable); 1 Moving Magnet (adjustable)

Balanced Variable Outputs: 2

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 2

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD)

Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Premium gold-plated solid brass

Tone Controls: Bass and treble

Tone Bypass: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 2 main, 2 switched

Rear-Panel Data Ports: 5

Rear-Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes

Chassis: Single, two layer

Vacuum Tubes: 5 x 12AX7A, 1 x 12AT7

Power Consumption: 50 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 6" × 17.5" × 18" (152.4 × 444.5 × 457.2 mm)

Weight: 25 lb. (11.3 kg)