McIntosh | C500

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Pre-Amplifiers/Processors

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C500

Tube or Solid State Preamplifier

The new McIntosh C500 Stereo Preamplifier is a no-holds-barred, fully-balanced, dual-mono design with separate power supplies. Available with solid-state or tube preamplifier modules, the C500 preamplifier marries outstanding audio performance with flexible user-programmability in a stunning two-chassis solution.

At its heart are dual R-Core transformers that anchor a massive power supply, providing the audio circuits with clean, rock-solid power enough to handle even the most demanding musical passages with ease. Three balanced inputs, four single-ended inputs and two processor loops guarantee the flexibility necessary for operation with the finest source components. Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono preamplifiers are supported in both the solid-state and tube preamplifier modules.

Product Details: Features

ADVANCED VOLUME CONTROL

The McIntosh two stage VRV (Variable Rate Volume) Control is electronic in

action. It never wears or needs cleaning, and keeps channels matched to within

an amazing 1/10th of 1dB.

CUSTOMIZABLE INPUTS

The inputs can be renamed from an internal list to match the needs of the

user. Unused inputs can be deleted from the display and level matching between

inputs is provided.

POWER SUPPLY DESIGN

Multiple stages of regulation ensure top performance unaffected by power

fluctuations. The R-Core transformer radiates no hum that could otherwise

compromise the preamplifier’s low noise floor.

Tube or Solid State
MM and MC Phono Inputs
Switched Data Output Ports
Four Power Control Outputs
Output Level Meters
Pass Thru Mode
¼” Front Panel Headphone Jack

Product Details: Specifications

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

C500P: +0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 40kHz

C500T: +0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 20kHz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

C500P: 0.002% max from 20Hz to 20kHz

C500T: 0.05% from 20Hz to 20kHz

MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT

C500P: 12V RMS Unbalanced, 25V RMS Balanced

C500T: 10V RMS Unbalanced, 20V RMS Balanced

INPUT IMPEDANCE

C500P and C500T: High Level, 22k ohms

Phono MM, 47k ohms; 50 to 750pF, in 50pF steps

Phono MC, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 or 1,000 ohms;

100pF

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

C500P and C500T: 220 ohms

SENSITIVITY

C500P: High Level, 450mV for 2.5V rated output

Phono MM, 4.5mV for 2.5V rated output

Phono MC, 0.45uV for 2.5V rated output

C500T: High Level, 450mV for 2.5V rated output

Phono MM, 4.5mV for 2.5V rated output

Phono MC, 0.45mV for 2.5V rated output

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

C500P: High Level 100dB; Phono 88dB

C500T: High Level 93dB; Phono 80dB

MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL

C500P and C500T: High Level, 5V Unbalanced,

10V Balanced Phono MM, 50mV; Phono MC, 5mV

VOLTAGE GAIN

C500P and C500T:

Phono, MC to Record Out: 60dB

Phono, MM to Record Out: 40dB

High Level to Record Out: 0dB

High Level to Main Out: 15dB

POWER REQUIREMENTS

100 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

110 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

120 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

220 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

230 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

240 Volts, 50/60Hz, 75 Watts

OVERALL DIMENSIONS (H x W x D including

knobs, connectors and feet)

C500C, C500P and C500T: 6” (15.24cm) x 17-1/2” (44.45cm) x 24”(61cm)

WEIGHT

C500C: 30.1 lbs. (13.65kg) net;

46.5 lbs. (21.09kg) in shipping carton

C500P: 25.1 lbs. (11.39kg) net;

41.5 lbs. (18.82kg) in shipping carton

C500T: 26.4 lbs. (11.97kg) net;

42.8 lbs. (19.41kg) in shipping carton.

Product Details: Resources

Manuals & Documents

McIntosh C500 Tube/Solid State Preamplifier (10932.84KB)

Product Details: Reviews and Awards

Product Details: Buying Advice

For the Consumer's Protection

In order to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, "new" McIntosh products may only be purchased over-the-counter or delivered and installed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer.

McIntosh products that are purchased over the Internet, by phone or mail order are presumed to be "used" and do not qualify for any McIntosh Warranty. McIntosh does not warrant, in any way, products that are purchased from anyone who is not an Authorized Dealer or products that have had their serial number altered or defaced.