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At US$4,500, this C47 is clearly ambitious versus your recent comps: it sits well above the US$3,875 75th percentile, with the median at US$3,250 and the 25th percentile at US$3,025. Unless this one has exceptional provenance, a fresh service history, or unusually complete packaging, I’d read it as a premium ask rather than a market-clearing price.
That said, the C47 is a very capable McIntosh preamp: quiet, flexible, and built for the kind of easy, authoritative line-stage performance that keeps these pieces in demand. If the unit is genuinely clean and original, the upside is in long-term ownership and resale stability—but at this number, I’d want proof of condition, a careful check of all inputs/outputs, and confirmation of remote, phono, and cosmetic completeness before paying up.
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.
See all McIntosh listings on RADAR.
