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Hello, here we have a McIntosh C20 preamplifier for sale. This wonderful sounding piece has been serviced by Michael Samra with a re-cap and new power cord. It's loaded with Telefunken tubes. As you can see from the photos it has a worn and cracked faceplate and missing end cap which I have still not gotten around to replacing (you can find replacements for both) but of course does not affect it's stellar sounding performance. Lower 48 states only. No international sales. No returns. Thanks for looking!
Against the recent used market, US$3,498 is a solid buy for a McIntosh C20: it lands below the median US$3,798 and just under the 25th percentile US$2,999, so this is more bargain-adjacent than merely fair. It is not a screaming steal, but it is priced attractively enough that a clean, working example would deserve attention fast.
The C20 is one of McIntosh’s classic tube preamps, valued for its full, musical presentation and strong phono stage, and that vintage appeal keeps demand steady. The real upside here is simply getting into a respected early McIntosh line at a sensible price; if it is original, serviced, and complete, that only strengthens the case.
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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