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Seller's Description

For your consideration...A McIntosh C28 Preamp in Very Good condition! We attempt to highlight cosmetic defects (if any) by picturing every angle of every piece of gear so you know exactly what you are getting. We always picture any and all accessories too. What you see is what you will get so please check out the pictures! Everything we sell has been tested and is fully functional unless otherwise noted. Please message us if you have any questions. We are always happy to help and will respond asap!NotesOne channel output lower than the other - can compensate by adjusting volume levels, but this apparently indicates an issue with main volume control / power switch. Will likely need service to correct issue
Unsure of service history but tested prior to sale for functionality
Tape residue on face - was likely holding thin metal faceplate in place, as it is a bit loose

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

This is a buyer’s market for a C28 at US$750: against your own database, it sits far below the US$1,624 25th percentile and well under the US$2,499 median, so it reads as a strong deal rather than just fair value. Even allowing for condition uncertainty, that is enough margin to leave room for servicing and still come out ahead.

The C28 is a respected vintage McIntosh preamp from the brand’s legacy era, and its appeal is its classic tone, solid build, and enduring demand among collectors and system builders. If the unit is complete and functions properly, this is the kind of listing that can be worth jumping on; just confirm the basics on a piece this old, especially control noise, switch cleanliness, and whether any original knobs or wood case are included.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About McIntosh

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.

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