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PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – COMPLETE AND IN GREAT CONDITION
The McIntosh C47 is a 2-channel solid-state stereo preamplifier with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and versatile analog and digital routing.
Key Specifications & Features
• Inputs (12 Total):
• Analog: 2 balanced XLR inputs, 3 unbalanced RCA inputs, plus Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono inputs with adjustable loading.
• Digital: 2 optical (Toslink), 1 coaxial, a USB-B input for computer audio (supporting up to DSD256 and DXD 352.8kHz), and a proprietary MCT port for direct SACD transport connection.
• Outputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, fixed outputs, and a front-panel headphone jack featuring Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) for an enhanced soundstage.
• Design & Build: Uses a split-chassis/dual-section concept separating analog circuits from the power supply, microprocessor, and digital circuitry to keep noise floor levels extremely low.
• Integration: Includes Home Theater Pass Through for seamless multi-channel system integration and signature McIntosh glass faceplates with illuminated branding.
At USD 2,870, this is a strong deal: it sits exactly at the recent comparable listings’ 25th-percentile mark and below the USD 3,009 median, with the upper quartile reaching USD 3,225.
The C47 is a highly capable, versatile preamplifier, offering McIntosh’s familiar build quality, a broad range of inputs, balanced connectivity, and a smooth, authoritative presentation that suits both digital and analog systems. At this money, it is worth serious consideration, especially if the unit is fully functional and includes the remote, power cord, and original documentation. With condition listed as unknown, confirm display and input operation, remote control, balanced outputs, and a clean service history before committing; otherwise, the price looks like a genuine buying opportunity rather than merely fair value.
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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