C2700

2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
(5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
Supports up to DSD512 files
Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed

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3 Year Limited Warranty

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C2700

2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

3 Year Limited Warranty

Print this page

COMPARE

Ask an Expert

Add to WishlistRemove From Wishlist

FIND A DEALER

Following in a long line of revered McIntosh vacuum tube preamplifiers is the C2700 Tube Preamplifier. Using our well-established vacuum tube topology, the C2700 also features our advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module technology to combine cutting edge digital music capabilities with time tested vacuum tube performance.

A worthy successor to our popular DA1 Digital Audio Module, the DA2 features an expanded set of capabilities. The DA2 offers 7 digital inputs including all the same connections found on the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 MCT) plus a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)¹ connection. TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output can be connected to the C2700 to enjoy your TV’s sound through your home audio system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby^® and DTS^® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback. The TV remote can control the power and volume of the C2700 when CEC communication is enabled in both the preamplifier and the TV. Besides these new HDMI (ARC) features found in the DA2, its USB input has increased DSD playback support up to DSD512 compared to the DSD256 limit of the DA1.

"The C2700, across the board from its phono stage, to the headphone output, to the DA2, all sound phenomenal... To say the C2700 is far greater in value than the sum of its parts is a vast understatement. The C2700 is a bargain in a world full of over priced, under performing audio products." – Positive Feedback

The DA2 is powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that has improvements in both dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The coax and optical inputs in the DA2 can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for playback of high resolution audio. Finally, the DA2 has a McIntosh exclusive MCT input that offers a secure DSD connection to any of our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to deliver the best possible sound quality of the high definition audio from your SACDs.

For analog music, the C2700 has 9 inputs comprised of 3 balanced connections, 4 unbalanced connections, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs for connecting a turntable or two. With a total of 16 inputs, the C2700 has a virtually infinite number of inputs to connect all your music sources. Our dual chassis design keeps the analog and digital sections separate to prevent signal corruption. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and 3 variable unbalanced plus 1 fixed unbalanced connection.

Bass and treble tone controls are included and can be adjusted in 2dB increments. The ¼” headphone jack is powered by our High Drive Headphone Amplifier which can power almost any pair of headphones; Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) is included and brings an added dimension to your personal listening session when activated. Home Theater Pass Through allows the C2700 to be seamlessly integrated into your home theater system. Power Control ports let you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.

The C2700 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility. Roon will recognize it and send it audio optimized for its capabilities. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box for a superior customer experience.

All the C2700’s audio technology is packed inside the timeless McIntosh design highlighted by a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo, aluminum end caps and a polished stainless steel chassis. The 6 alluring vacuum tubes can be viewed through a glass panel located on the top of the preamplifier. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and power controllers, and speakers to complete your home audio system. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS, DTS-HD, the Symbol, & DTS or DTS-HD and the Symbol together are registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
  
  4.5mV
- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
  
  100dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
  
  80dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
  
  82dB
- 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
  
  3
- Unbalanced Input
  
  4
- Phono Input Moving Coil
  
  1 (adjustable)
- Phono Input Moving Magnet
  
  1 (adjustable)
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
  
  Yes: DA2
- Digital Coaxial Input
  
  2
- Digital Optical Input
  
  2
- Digital MCT (DIN) Input
  
  1
- Digital USB Input
  
  1
- HDMI (ARC) Input
  
  1
- Digital AES/EBU Input
  
  0
- Balanced Fixed Output
  
  0
- Balanced Variable Output
  
  3
- Unbalanced Fixed Output
  
  1
- Unbalanced Variable Output
  
  3
- Headphone Output
  
  1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)
- Input Level Match
  
  Yes, +/- 6dB
- Home Theater PassThru
  
  Yes
- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
  
  Premium gold-plated solid brass
- Service Port
  
  1
Control
- Tone Controls
  
  Bass and Treble
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign
  
  Yes
- RS232 Control Input
  
  Yes
- Power Control Output
  
  1 Main, 4 Trigger
- Rear Panel Data Port
  
  6
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
  
  Yes
General Specifications
- Multi-Chassis or Single
  
  Single, two layer
- Output Meters
  
  Yes
- 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 7.625" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
- Unit Weight
  
  29.5 lbs (13.4kg)
- Shipping Weight
  
  45 lbs (20.4kg)

Downloads

Product Literature	User Documents	Software Updates
C2700 Preamplifier Brochure (1.43 MB)	C2700 Preamplifier Owner's Manual (5.75 MB) C2700 Preamplifier Input, Output and Control Connection Diagrams (1.3 MB) C2700 Preamplifier Passthru and Rear Panel Connections (0.71 MB) C2700 Preamplifier Input Assignment Chart (0.13 MB)	For units with DA2 Digital Audio Module: McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver I v1.6 (compatible with Windows 8, 8.1 and 10) (2 MB) For units with DA2 Digital Audio Module: McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver I v1.5 (compatible with Windows 7) (2.1 MB)