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For sale is the flagship McIntosh C500 two-chassis solid-state preamplifier (C500C control unit + C500P solid-state preamp module). The solid-state version is much rarer on the secondary market than the tube version, making it an excellent choice for those seeking uncompromising clarity, dynamics, and total control over the sound.rnThe C500C control/power supply unit is shared between both versions, offering full flexibility and the option to add the C500T tube module in the future.rnThe unit was purchased in 2018. Its cosmetic and technical condition is virtually perfect; the equipment has be... read more
Excellent condition makes £5,500 look sensible rather than aggressive for a C500, and it sits below the kind of used asking money that often lands around roughly £6,000-£8,000 once you account for typical overseas listings and premium-condition examples. For a reference McIntosh preamp that original sold in the £9,000-plus class, this is a proper enthusiast-level buy if the unit is complete and working cleanly.
The appeal is the usual McIntosh blend: weighty build, very low-noise line stage, and the kind of relaxed control that flatters top-flight systems without sounding etched. If this is the tube version or includes the controller, remote, boxes, and paperwork, the value gets better still. I’d mainly confirm service history, remote function, and whether all phono/tube-stage parts are original, but at this price and condition it reads as a strong opportunity.
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.
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