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Fully rebuilt and recapped. Ready to go. This was pulled from a working environment. Please look at all pictures before purchasing, only what is included in pictures is included in sale.Will ship same day purchased in a professionally packaged box. (D)S104WR SS
At US$1,400, the asking price for the McIntosh C26 preamplifier is ambitious, sitting clearly above the 75th percentile of US$1,231 from our ground-truth comparable listings, where the median is US$1,025. This price matches the highest active listing in the broader market, indicating it is not a bargain but rather a top-tier valuation for a unit in unknown condition.
The McIntosh C26 remains a well-regarded vintage preamp known for its elegant tube-based sound and solid American construction, offering a warm, musical listening experience that defines classic hi-fi. While its original retail was US$549, the C26 is prized today for its rarity and timeless tone. However, given the unknown condition and the ambitious price, buyers should verify the unit’s functionality, check for cracked faceplates or missing cabinets, and confirm included accessories before committing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
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