McIntosh C2800 Pre-Amplifier
- Free Mainland UK Shipping on orders over £100
- Official Hi-Fi Retailer since 1973
- Usually in stock and dispatched in 1-5 working days
We offer free delivery on all orders over £100 to mainland UK. Orders under £100 are subject to a £6.50 shipping charge.
Delivery is available across mainland UK. If you are located outside mainland UK and would like a shipping quote, please get in touch before placing your order.
We aim to dispatch in-stock items as soon as possible provided that we physically have the stock - but please note that sometimes we have to order from our supplier for certain products, in which case delivery should take place within 1-5 working days of the order being placed.
Tracking details or estimated delivery timescales will be provided once your order has been processed. If there are any delays due to stock availability, we will contact you as soon as possible with the option to wait or receive a full refund.
Please note that certain products may be subject to specific distance selling or delivery regulations. If you are unsure about a product or its delivery terms, we recommend contacting us before purchase.
You can cancel your order within 14 days of receiving your goods, in line with UK distance selling regulations. Once you’ve notified us, you have a further 14 days to return the item. Please contact us by email, phone or in writing before sending anything back.
Items must be returned in original condition and packaging, including all accessories, manuals and any promotional items. The cost of return is your responsibility and we strongly recommend insuring the goods, as refunds cannot be issued for damaged or incomplete returns. If items show excessive handling, are missing components, or cannot be resold as new, a reasonable deduction may be made.
Please note that used headphones (for hygiene reasons) and custom or special-order items cannot be returned. If you need assistance arranging a return, we’re always happy to help.
Product Summary
The McIntosh C2800 is a premium vacuum tube pre-amplifier designed for customers who want a true high-end control centre for a serious two-channel system, with the richness and visual appeal of valves alongside extensive analogue and digital flexibility. It is aimed at listeners who want more system-building freedom than an integrated amplifier can offer, while still keeping everyday operation elegant and straightforward.
A major part of the C2800’s appeal is just how comprehensively equipped it is. With 16 total inputs, including configurable phono stages, balanced and unbalanced line inputs, and the fitted DA2 digital audio module, it can sit comfortably at the heart of a modern system built around turntables, TV audio, digital transports and computer audio. That makes it especially attractive for customers who want one luxurious pre-amplifier that can handle nearly every source they are likely to use.
The C2800 is also built to feel rewarding over the long term. Its multiple outputs allow flexible system expansion, including bi-amping and subwoofer integration, while bass and treble controls, headphone support, network control and Home Theater PassThru all add real day-to-day usefulness. For customers who want a sophisticated valve pre-amplifier with broad connectivity, premium build quality and unmistakable McIntosh ownership appeal, the C2800 is a very compelling option.
Key Benefits
- Vacuum tube design can bring a more spacious, expressive and involving character to your music system
- 16 total inputs make it easy to build one serious system around analogue, digital and vinyl sources
- Two configurable phono inputs give you the flexibility to support moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- Adjustable phono gain and loading help you get better cartridge matching and more from your turntable setup
- Fitted DA2 digital audio module adds high-quality digital playback without needing a separate DAC
- HDMI ARC input lets you bring TV sound through your main hi-fi system for a fuller and more engaging experience
- Multiple variable outputs support flexible system building, including bi-amping and subwoofer integration
- High Drive headphone amplifier with HXD supports more immersive private listening without needing another component
- Network control, app support and automation compatibility make it easier to integrate into a modern premium system
- 3 years manufacturers' warranty
Technical Specifications
Pre-Amplifier Section
- Product Type: Vacuum tube 2-channel pre-amplifier
- Valve Complement: 3 x 12AX7A and 1 x 12AT7
- 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 Output Voltage: 16V RMS balanced, 8V RMS unbalanced
- Sensitivity: 900mV balanced, 450mV unbalanced, 0.45mV moving coil, 4.5mV moving magnet
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB high level, 75dB moving coil, 80dB moving magnet
Inputs & Outputs
- Total Inputs: 16 analogue and digital inputs
- Analogue Inputs: 3 balanced, 4 unbalanced, 2 phono inputs configurable for moving magnet or moving coil
- Phono Gain Adjustment: 40dB to 64dB in 6dB steps
- Phono Loading: Adjustable capacitance from 50pF to 400pF and resistance from 25 Ohms to 47k Ohms
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module: DA2 fitted as standard
- Digital Inputs via DA2: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI ARC
- Digital Support: Coaxial, optical and HDMI inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz; USB up to PCM 32-bit/384kHz, DSD512 and DXD 384kHz
- Outputs: 3 balanced variable and 3 unbalanced variable
- Headphone Output: 1/4 inch High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD)
- Home Theater PassThru: Yes
- Network Connection: Yes
Control & General
- Tone Controls: Bass and treble
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign: Yes
- Power Control Output: 1 main, 4 trigger
- Rear Panel Data Ports: 6
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
- RS232 Control Input: Yes
- App Control: McIntosh Connect app compatible
- Automation Compatibility: Connects with Control4 Certification; Works with Crestron Home Certification
- Construction: Single, two-layer chassis
- Power Consumption: 75 watts
Weight & Dimensions
- Dimensions: 44.45 x 19.4 x 41.9 cm (W x H x D)
- Weight: 12.5 kg net
- Shipping Weight: 19.7 kg
What’s in the Box
- McIntosh C2800 Tube Pre-amplifier
- Remote control
- AC power cord
- Owner’s manual and product documentation
