RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
This is a buyer’s market on price: at USD 19, the asking price is far below the USD 1,607 25th percentile and miles under the USD 3,195 median for recent comparable used listings, so it reads as an outright bargain. Even allowing for the fact that a used C220 can vary a lot by condition and extras, this is priced so low that the market question is less “is it fair?” and more “what’s missing or wrong?”
The C220 is a well-regarded tube preamp, prized for its smooth, dimensional presentation and strong phono stage, so a clean example can be a very nice anchor piece in a serious system. At this price, the upside is obvious if it powers up quietly, all controls are healthy, and it includes a properly working remote and tubes; the only real caution is age-related service history, since neglected tube gear can hide noise, drift, or wear.
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.
