The C22 Preamplifier was originally in production from 1963 to 1972. A commemorative Frank McIntosh version was designed and in production from 1995 to 1998. The MC75 Monoblock Amplifier, originally in production from 1961 to 1970, is the ideal amplification companion to the C22. Both models have been reissued before in limited editions (including the 60th anniversary models) with updated circuitry.
“Back by popular demand” as they say (and why should we not agree?), the McIntosh MC75 mono vacuum tube power amplifier reissue “delivers modern performance standards in a classic design” and “it has all the features to meet the needs of today’s music enthusiast”, according to the release.
Read what the company also says about the reissues. “As with all McIntosh mono amplifiers, the MC75 will provide ultimate stereo separation and imaging as the two stereo channels are completely separate. 75 Watts of power is output into a 2, 4 or 8Ohm speaker with less than 0.5% distortion. McIntosh’s patented Unity Coupled Circuit design provides low distortion, extended frequency response and long tube life. The MC75’s large, oversize power transformer provides unusually high power and dynamic response from a single pair of KT88 output tubes, once again setting the performance benchmark for tube amplification.”
About the C22 vacuum tube preamp reissue, the company release states that the “cool, 1960s retro design,” has “been updated to modern standards to deliver a performance on par with any other McIntosh preamp. Electromagnetic input switching provides reliable, noiseless and distortion free operation. Low distortion levels of all types are less than 0.08%, allowing music to be presented with total transparency and accuracy.”
A total of 10 inputs include 2 balanced and 6 unbalanced along with Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono input sections with selectable resistance and capacitive loading. Outputs are comprised of 1 set of balanced and 3 sets of unbalanced connections. The C22 also features Bass and Treble tone controls with bypass, while power control outputs turn a complete McIntosh system on or off using the front panel or remote control.
We have to agree also that the MC75 and C22 have “retro looks and timeless McIntosh design cues” that will be well appreciated in the current market. For those whishing to know more about the MC75 design, we recommend reading the “Hollow-State Electronics” column in the April 2015 edition of audioXpress. Our expert in the topic, Richard Honeycutt, discusses classic tube power amplifier circuits, including the MC75.
www.mcintoshlabs.com
