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Specifications:
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
Gain: 62dB (MM), 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (mic), 2mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 85dB (line)
Output: 250mV (line), 2.5V (Pre out)
Valve complement: 6 x 12AX7
Dimensions: 16 x 5-7/16 x 13 inches
Weight: 16lbs
Finish: anodized gold and black
Repair:
1 Replacement Tube
3 Replacement Capacitors
Soldered Power Circuit
Cleaned Controls
Cleaned Switches
Consignment 10
The McIntosh C22 is a legendary tube preamp with multiple iterations spanning decades, and $4,999 lands squarely in fair-to-strong territory depending on which version you're buying. The vintage original (1967 era) typically moves $3,500–$5,500 used; the Mk IV and Mk V models command $5,000–$7,000+ new or near-new. If this is a well-maintained vintage unit or a recent Mk V, you're looking at a reasonable ask. If it's a neglected 1980s Mk II or Mk III, you're overpaying. The lack of condition detail is a red flag—push the seller hard on service history and cosmetic state before committing.
Before you wire funds, verify the tube complement is original or recently replaced (six 12AX7s in vintage models, or five 12AX7A plus one 12AT7 in Mk V), and confirm all seven inputs function and switch cleanly. Tube preamps of this age commonly develop channel imbalance or crackling in the selector switches; listen critically across all inputs. Ask whether the unit has been recapped—original coupling capacitors from the 1960s–70s are likely degraded and should be on your service list if not already done. Get the exact model year in writing; that single detail makes or breaks your price assessment.
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.
