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This Mcintosh C-33 Preamp With Wood Case/Rack works perfectly and sounds GREAT! It shows very little use / wear at all. Just a couple of light dings on the wood case. The McIntosh C33 is a highly regarded vintage solid-state stereo preamplifier produced from 1981 to 1986. It is famous for its exceptional build quality, incredible flexibility, and built-in 20-watt-per-channel "monitor" amplifier Key Features Built-in Monitor Amplifier: Features a conservative 20W/channel internal amp with Power Guard. This allows it to act as an integrated amplifier for highly efficient speakers or to power a secondary room. Dual Preamplifier System: Includes independent listen and record lines, letting you listen to one source while simultaneously recording from a completely different one. Control Features: Equipped with a 5-band equalizer, variable loudness control, and a phenomenal phono stage. Versatility: Allows input selection for up to 3 tape decks, 2 turntables, 1 tuner, and 1 auxiliary. No Shipping Available instore pickup only. It can be seen at Paragon Mills 3922 Nolensville Pk Nashville Tn. 37211 Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm.
At US$2,550, this is ambitious versus your recent comp set: it sits well above the US$1,920 75th percentile and more than doubles the US$1,289 median. For a used piece, I’d want a lot more than average condition or a routine clean-up to justify that level.
That said, the C33 has a real following for its full-featured vintage preamp section and the kind of muscular, refined McIntosh presentation that still plays very well in a serious two-channel system. If it’s genuinely clean, fully functional, and includes the right knobs, lights, and original bits, there’s appeal in buying a known classic—but at this price, verification of condition and service history matters a lot.
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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