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PHYSICAL CONDITION: Excellent - Very clean throughout, with the exception of a ding on the right bottom corner frame. See pics. Otherwise, no other blemishes of note, and really clean as seen in photos. WORKING CONDITION: Very Good - Just back from being serviced by "The Audio Specialist" here in Los Angeles. All buttons, controls, and I/O's are in fine working order. The LED display and backlights are all working nicely. Overall working condition is very good. INVENTORY #43244 BRAND: McIntosh MODEL: C31V FUNCTION: Audio/Video Control Center Preamplifier PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a Vintage McIntosh C31V Audio/Video Control Center Preamplifier SPECS: Serial #ER2520 Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz, +0 , -0.5dB Distortion (THD): 0.007% S/N Ratio: 90dB Power: AC 100V, 50/60Hz, 25W ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Includes copy of the manual, does not include a remote control. Comes as seen in photos. UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 14.85 lbs. UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 16.25" x 5.5" x 14"
At US$1,495, this sits just above the US$1,345 median for recent comparable listings and still inside the upper half of the market, so it reads as a fair-to-slightly-strong ask rather than a bargain. It is above the 75th percentile of US$1,491 by a hair, so I’d call it a touch ambitious only on price, not an overreach.
The C 31V is a respected McIntosh preamp: quiet, musical, and built for the kind of long-haul ownership that makes vintage separates appealing. If the unit is clean, fully functional, and original, the upside is in getting classic McIntosh line-stage performance with strong resale stability; at this level, service history matters, so I’d want confirmation on controls, switches, and overall health before jumping.
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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