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The is the original model of the Mcintosh C=20 stereo preamp. Recent mild service included interior cleaning, tube socket cleaning and all controls cleaning. New lights as needed. All outputs have been tested and function properly. This is the model with the brass bar separating the top controls from the lower controls. I have played this with both a tube and solid state power amp and the sound quality is equally impressive with either amp choice. If buyer is not satisfied for any reason, a full refund will be made. You will need to pay for the return shipping.
Are you looking at this as a ready-to-play preamp or a restoration candidate? At US$2,550, it lands exactly at the 25th percentile of nine recent comparable listings and well below the US$3,498 median, making it a strong deal if it is operational and reasonably complete. It is not merely cheap for its age; the price leaves room for sensible servicing.
The C20 is a highly flexible vintage tube control center, with excellent phono facilities, extensive record compensation, tape-monitoring options, and the character that makes classic McIntosh preamps enduringly desirable. Its 1959–1966 production era means condition matters: confirm that it has been serviced, that the controls and inputs work quietly, and that the cabinet, tubes, and original accessories are present. If those basics check out, this is a compelling buying opportunity rather than a speculative vintage gamble.
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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