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Up for sale is a McIntosh C 28 Stereo Solid State Preamp. This one has been in our shop for a while, and it's time for it to go. The unit does work, but the output is noisy/hums. It also has a significant crack in the front control glass, with part of it missing. This would be a great project for someone looking to restore one. It was made in the USA, serial number AK2685. Check out the pictures for the condition.
This is a vintage late-1970s preamp, so timing mostly matters for condition and service history rather than model age; the C28 is long out of production, and a clean, sorted example still has real appeal. At US$500, it sits well below your US$750 25th percentile and is a strong bargain against the US$1,440 median.
The C28 is well liked for its muscular, full-bodied McIntosh sound, solid phono section, and straightforward all-analog flexibility, which makes it a satisfying centerpiece in a classic system. At this price, the upside is obvious if it’s complete and working properly; the main buyer check is whether it has been serviced recently, since age-related noise, scratchy controls, and tired capacitors are the usual concerns on units this old.
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.
