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MCINTOSH C28 Vintage Stereo Preamplifier – Professionally Restored – 1-Year WarrantyCondition: Tested, serviced and restored – Excellent working condition. With over 2,000 fully serviced and certified vintage receivers, amplifiers, tape decks, and speakers delivered. HQAudios stands as one of the most reputable sources for professionally restored vintage audio equipment. Please scroll down to view the complete description.1/ ABOUTThis listing is for a McIntosh C28 vintage stereo preamplifier, professionally inspected, serviced, and tested by HQaudios.The C28 is one of McIntosh's most iconic solid-state preamplifiers, celebrated for its exceptional build quality, remarkable versatility, and timeless audio performance. Carefully restored for dependable long-term operation, this classic preamplifier preserves the smooth, natural sound and legendary craftsmanship that have made the C28 a favorite among audiophiles and collectors for decades.The preamplifier has been fully tested under real listening conditions and is ready to pair with your favorite power amplifier, turntable, tuner, tape deck, or modern digital source.2/ KEY HIGHLIGHTSProfessionally inspected and serviced by HQaudios techniciansFully tested for clean, stable, and reliable operationLegendary McIntosh solid-state preamplifier designMultiple phono and line-level inputs for system flexibilityControls cleaned and treated for smooth, noise-free operationCarefully packed for safe worldwide deliveryBacked by our 1-Year HQaudios Warranty3/ SPECIFICATIONSBrand: McIntoshModel: C28Type: Vintage Solid State Stereo PreamplifierFrequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHzInputs: Phono 1, Phono 2, Tuner, Auxiliary, Tape 1, Tape 2, Tape Head, MicrophoneInput Sensitivity: 2.5mV (Mic), 2mV (Phono 1/2), 2mV (Tape Head), 250mV (Line)Outputs: 2.5V Main Output / 0.25V Tape Output / Headphone-Line OutputGain: 62dB (MM), 20dB (Line)Tone Controls: Bass, Treble, LF Filter, HF Filter, Loudness / Presence CompensationTotal Harmonic Distortion: 0.1%Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78dB (MM), 90dB (Line)Dimensions: 16.0 × 5.4 × 15.0 inches (W × H × D)Weight: 25.0 lbsCondition: Restored / Serviced / TestedWarranty: 1-Year HQaudios Warranty4/ SOUND CHARACTERThe McIntosh C28 delivers the classic McIntosh sonic signature with exceptional warmth, transparency, and effortless musicality. Its low-noise circuitry reproduces vocals with remarkable realism, while maintaining a smooth, detailed top end and a solid, well-controlled low-frequency foundation. The result is a natural and engaging presentation that remains fatigue-free even during extended listening sessions.Designed to complement both vintage and modern McIntosh power amplifiers, the C28 offers outstanding channel separation, precise imaging, and excellent dynamic range. Its superb phono stage makes it an exceptional choice for vinyl enthusiasts, while its flexible connectivity easily accommodates a complete analog or hybrid audio system.5/ COSMETIC CONDITIONThe preamplifier is in excellent vintage cosmetic condition with only light signs of age consistent with careful ownership. The iconic McIntosh glass front panel, aluminum trim, and original controls remain exceptionally well preserved. The unit has been professionally cleaned and detailed while maintaining its authentic vintage appearance. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.Front glass / faceplate: Excellent condition with clean glass, sharp lettering, and well-preserved aluminum trimKnobs and switches: Original McIntosh controls in excellent condition with smooth, precise operationTop cover / cabinet: Well-preserved with minimal signs of normal vintage useIllumination / indicators: Bright, clear, and fully functionalRear panel: Clean, complete, and well maintained with all RCA connectors, terminals, and controls in excellent condition6/ HQAUDIOS RESTORATION & TESTING PROCESSBefore RestorationAfter decades of service, the McIntosh C28's power supply, preamplifier circuits, phono stage, line-level signal path, input selector, volume and tone controls, switches, and illuminated front panel required careful inspection before restoration began.For this C28, HQaudios placed particular attention on the condition of the power supply, phono preamplifier section, line-stage circuitry, controls, switches, potentiometers, RCA input/output connections, tape monitor circuits, and internal wiring.The preamplifier circuits, signal path, phono equalization stage, tone control network, illuminated front panel, and all front-panel controls were also carefully evaluated to determine the preamplifier's overall operating condition before restoration started.During RestorationBased on the inspection results, this C28 was restored according to HQaudios' technical standards while preserving the engineering and performance characteristics that have made this model one of McIntosh's most respected vintage preamplifiers.The power supply, preamplifier section, phono stage, and signal path were cleaned, inspected, serviced, and adjusted to restore stable and reliable performance. Controls, switches, and connectors were carefully cleaned to eliminate noise and ensure smooth operation.Phono inputs, auxiliary inputs, tape monitor circuits, channel balance, tone controls, output levels, and front-panel functions were tested and adjusted based on inspection results.The power supply, signal path, and internal circuit boards were inspected to support stable and reliable operation. Components that did not meet technical specifications were addressed based on inspection and testing results, while critical solder joints were reinforced to improve operational stability.After the technical restoration was completed, the exterior was professionally cleaned and detailed to preserve the C28's original appearance while respecting the authentic character of vintage McIntosh equipment.After RestorationOnce restoration was completed, this C28 underwent comprehensive functional testing under real operating conditions.Phono and line-level operation, channel balance, output levels, tone controls, illumination, and all inputs and outputs were thoroughly tested.Finally, the unit underwent several hours of continuous listening tests through a complete vintage audio system to evaluate sound quality, operational stability, and overall real-world performance.Only after successfully meeting HQaudios' restoration and testing standards was this McIntosh C28 approved and prepared for its next owner.7/ VIDEO TEST & SOUND DEMOPlease contact us directly if you would like to hear a video test of this unit before purchase. We are happy to provide additional video, sound demo, or photos upon request.8/ SUGGESTED PAIRINGThe McIntosh C28 works beautifully with a wide range of restored vintage systems.Classic McIntosh System McIntosh MC2105 Power Amplifier McIntosh XR5 SpeakersMcIntosh Reference System McIntosh MC2505 Power Amplifier Klipsch La Scala SpeakersAudiophile Vintage System Thorens TD-124 Turntable Yamaha NS-1000M SpeakersStudio Monitor System Revox B77 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck JBL 4333A Studio MonitorsHigh-End Vintage System McIntosh MC2300 Power Amplifier Altec Model 19 SpeakersBritish-Style System Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable Tannoy Berkeley SpeakersFor the best result, connect the C28 to a properly matched power amplifier using high-quality interconnect cables and pair it with well-maintained vintage source components for optimum performance.9/ COMBO DISCOUNTSave $100 when purchasing this preamplifier together with a qualifying pair of speakers or another restored vintage audio component from HQaudios.Please contact us before purchase so we can confirm availability and prepare a combined offer.10/ TRADE-IN PROGRAMIf you have vintage audio equipment such as receivers, amplifiers, speakers, cassette decks, or reel-to-reel tape decks and would like to upgrade to a restored unit, please contact us.HQaudios may accept trade-ins toward your purchase depending on the item, condition, and shipping location.11/ SHIPPING & PACKAGINGThis receiver will be professionally packed by HQaudios for safe delivery. Vintage receivers are heavy and delicate, so we take extra care to protect the faceplate, knobs, corners, rear terminals, and internal structure during shipment.Carefully wrapped and protected
US$2,999 is above the typical used market for this amp, sitting well over the US$2,887 75th percentile and clearly into ambitious territory. It’s not absurd for a clean, well-presented MC 2105, but buyers should expect to pay a premium only if the condition and cosmetics are genuinely exceptional.
That said, the MC 2105 is a classic for a reason: strong McIntosh build quality, the big chrome-and-glass presence, and a warm, authoritative presentation that still has real collector appeal. If this one is original, clean, and recently serviced—or comes with provenance or accessories—that helps justify the ask. Without that, the price leaves little room, especially on a unit this age where servicing can matter more than cosmetics.
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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