McIntosh C-220 Brochure

C220
Vacuum Tube
Preamplifier

“a flexible yet purist design that maintains the highest

quality two channel audio performance”

The McIntosh C220 is an amalgamation of McIntosh’s 56+ years expertise
in tube design and newly developed control circuits. It has all the
flexibility modern systems require while maintaining the highest
quality two channel performance.

As an example, all signal switching is done inside glass cylinders filled
with inert gas. These switches are located adjacent to the input/output
jacks, virtually eliminating crosstalk. Switch cleaning is a thing of the past.

The C220 allows for electronic, independent adjustment level settings for
each of the eight source inputs from either the front panel or remote
control. Channel Balance is electronically adjusted and stored in memory.

Particular attention has been paid to the MM Phono Input. Its innovative
circuit incorporates time-proven 12AX7 vacuum tubes. The brilliance of its
design is reflected in both its simplicity and superior performance.

The C220’s bypassable, low distortion Bass and Treble controls will prove
invaluable for older recordings or may be bypassed when not needed.

Complete Input Versatility

7 Unbalanced High-Level Inputs
2 Balanced (XLR) Inputs
Moving Magnet Phono Input

Multi-Output Flexibility

3 Pairs of Unbalanced Outputs
2 Pairs Switched plus 1 Pair Fixed

1 Pair Balanced (XLR) Outputs
1/4" Headphone Jack
Front Panel Headphone Mute Mode
Hand Held System Remote
External Remote Sensor Jack
Fiber Optic Panel Illumination

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.

C220.5000.8.06.JCP 35008800

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903-2699

Tel [phone] • US Toll-Free [phone] • Fax: [phone] • www.mcintoshlabs.com

C220

Vacuum Tube

Preamplifier

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.

COMPANION PRODUCTS

The MC275 Tube Amplifier and

the MCD201 SACD/CD Player

are logical companions for the

C220. Your Authorized Dealer

can provide additional

information on other McIntosh

product combinations.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

0.08% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

MAIN OUTPUT

2.5V for rated input

MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT

8V RMS Unbalanced
16V RMS Balanced

SENSITIVITY (for rated output)

High Level: 450mV Unbalanced,
900mV Balanced
Phono: 4.5mV

SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (A-Rated)

High Level, 90dB below rated output
Phono: 80dB below 10mV input

INPUT IMPEDANCE

High Level: 22K ohms
Phono: 47K ohms; 65pF

MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL

High Level: 5V Unbalanced,
10V Balanced
Phono: 50mV (@1,000Hz)

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

250 ohms

VOLTAGE GAIN

High Level to Tape Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
Phono to Main Output: 55dB

HEADPHONE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

16 ohms to 250 ohms

TUBE COMPLIMENT

Phono Circuitry: 2-12AX7A
High Level Circuitry: 2-12AX7A

POWER REQUIREMENTS

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts

OVERALL DIMENSIONS (H x W x D including front panel, knobs and cables)

6" (15.24cm) x 17-1/2" (44.45cm) x 18" (45.72cm)

WEIGHT

21 lbs. (9.59Kg) net, 37.5 lbs. (17.1Kg) in shipping carton