McIntosh C22 Tube Preamplifier Mk V

This newest version of McIntosh’s C22 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier – the Mk V – is the direct replacement to their highly regarded C70 Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, which commemorated their 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 is normally only heard from loudspeakers.

McIntosh’s Power Control technology is included with four ports that can automatically turn other connected McIntosh components such as amplifiers, CD players or turntables, on and off. Data ports are also present and can control basic functions of connected McIntosh source components via the included remote control.

The C22 Mk V sits atop a stunning polished stainless steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh illuminated logo, control knobs, and aluminum end caps. With its retro black glass and aluminum front panel design, the C22 Mk V will fit right in with McIntosh home audio systems of any era – from the 1950s to current day.

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
• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet): 4.5mV
• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level): 100dB
• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 75dB
• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 75dB
• 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: 2
• Unbalanced Input: 3
• Phono Input Moving Coil: 1 (adjustable)
• Phono Input Moving Magnet: 1 (adjustable)
• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module: No
• Digital Coaxial Input: 0
• Digital Optical Input: 0
• Digital MCT (DIN) Input: 0
• Digital USB Input: 0
• HDMI (ARC) Input: 0
• Digital AES/EBU Input: 0
• Balanced Fixed Output: 0
• Balanced Variable Output: 2
• Unbalanced Fixed Output: 0
• Unbalanced Variable Output: 2
• Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
• Input Level Match: No
• Home Theater PassThru: No
• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Premium gold-plated solid brass
• Service Port: 0

Control

• Tone Controls: Bass and Treble
• Tone Bypass and Input Assign: Tone Bypass: Yes | Input Assign: No
• RS232 Control Input: No
• Power Control Output: 2 Main, 2 Switched
• Rear Panel Data Port: 5
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: 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
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.24cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
• Weight: 25 lbs (11.3kg)
• Shipping Weight: 41.4 lbs (18.8kg)