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This is a McIntosh C-26 preamp; made from 1968-1978, these are still highly prized but still relatively inexpensive for a McIntosh. This unit is very good inside and out with a recent cleaning from our tech and a bench-test at the shop, there is some bubbling in the glass faceplate around the headphone jack. It comes with a color reprint of the original instruction manual.See our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised and backed up by our 14 day full refund policy in the event you are not happy for any reason.We pack all vintage gear with great care for safe arrival. This will be insulated with six sides of custom foam, bubble and double boxed.
McIntosh’s C26 has long been a respected vintage preamp for its musical, substantial presentation and classic McIntosh build. At US$1,350, this asking price sits just above the 75th percentile US$1,350 and above the median US$1,100, so it reads as top-of-market rather than a bargain based on your comparable set.
That said, for a clean example it can still be a worthwhile buy if you want the C26’s straightforward analog control, solid phono stage, and the brand’s enduring collector appeal. The real upside is originality and condition: a well-kept, unmodified unit with good cosmetics, serviced switches/pots, and complete accessories can justify stretching here. If it’s unserviced or has noisy controls, the price starts to feel much less attractive.
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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