McIntosh C2600 Tube Preamplifier, Big Mac Glory!

Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory has become synonymous with excellence in audio design and performance.  Renowned for handcrafting high-end, luxury home audio systems, including amplifiers, speakers, and turntables, McIntosh is instantly recognizable by their signature black glass front panels and iconic blue power meters.  McIntosh products are celebrated for their exceptional sound quality, enduring longevity, and significant role in music history.

The McIntosh C2600 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier is a high-performance, hybrid control center that advances the legacy of the C2300 and C2500 models.  The C2600 combines upgraded tube circuitry with a sophisticated on-board digital-to-analog converter (DAC). At its core, the unit utilizes six vacuum tubes (12AX7A and 12AT7) within a dual-chassis design that separates analog and digital sections to prevent signal corruption and ensure maximum audio purity. It offers a massive array of 16 total inputs—including dedicated and adjustable Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono stages—and supports high-resolution digital files, including 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256, and DXD 352.8kHz via its asynchronous USB input.

Designed for versatility and pristine audio reproduction, the C2600 provides three balanced and three unbalanced outputs, enabling complex bi-amping or tri-amping setups. The integrated DAC module also features optical and coaxial inputs alongside McIntosh’s proprietary MCT input for secure SACD/DSD data transfer. Sound tailored to user preference is achieved through assignable bass/treble controls and input-level matching, while the High Drive Headphone Amplifier includes Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology, specifically designed to enhance the soundstage for intimate listening.

Of course, the C2600 also maintains the traditional McIntosh aesthetic, featuring a beautifully backlit black glass front panel and iconic blue signal meters.  This C2600 is SPOTLESS and includes all of the original packaging, manual, remote, and accessories.  It is plug-and-play and sounds as stunning as it looks.

Demos are encouraged in Andover, MA.

$4,999 (plus applicable shipping and/or MA sales tax)