There’s a new addition to McIntosh’s line of tube devices: the company is introducing the McIntosh C2700 tube preamplifier. The new model uses a well-proven topology, but is equipped with a modern digital DA2 module, which allows you to integrate a preamplifier into the most advanced and technologically advanced audio system.
Compared to the first version, the DA2 module has more connectors: in addition to a pair of coaxial, a pair of optical, one USB and one proprietary MCT, it now also has HDMI – a device with such a module can be connected to a TV with an HDMI ARC output. The module is equipped with decoders of popular multi-channel formats from Dolby and DTS and can convert them to stereo. Over USB, the module, thanks to the new eight-channel DAC with Quad Balanced architecture, accepts not DSD256, as in the first version, but DSD512. There is also support for DXD up to 384 kHz.
For analog sources, the developers have prepared nine inputs: three balanced, four unbalanced and one phono input each for MM and MC heads. In total, with the digital module, the preamplifier has as many as 16 inputs. The McIntosh C2700 circuit design separates the analog and digital input circuits, so there is no crosstalk. Outputs on board include three adjustable balanced, three adjustable unbalanced and one unregulated balanced.
For those who like to customize the sound to suit themselves, there is a tone block with bass and treble adjustments within 2 dB. Like most modern McIntosh products, the preamp includes a headphone amplifier with HXD technology. The Home Theater Pass-Through feature allows you to integrate the preset into your home theater system.
Visually, the new product follows the traditions of McIntosh: black glass on the front panel, blue backlighting of VU meters, a figured logo, aluminum and polished steel. Through a glass-covered window on the top panel you can observe the lamps.
Characteristics McIntosh C2700
Number of channels 2
Frequency range, Hz-kHz 15 – 100
S/N ratio, dB 100
Harmonic distortion, % 0.08
Input impedance 44 / 22 kOhm (XLR/RCA)
Output voltage 16 / 8 V (XLR/RCA) )
Audio DAC 32-bit/384 kHz
Supported formats DSD 64, 128, 256, 512, DXD 352.8, 384
Tube equipment 5 x 12AX7a, 1 x 12AT7
Phono stage MM / MC
Remote control Yes
Inputs: Coaxial 2 x S/PDIF (RCA ), 1 x MCT, Optical 3 x Toslink, HDMI ARC, USB 1 x USB type B, Analog audio 6 x RCA, 3 x XLR, Other RS232, 3.5 mm IR
Outputs: Analog audio 3 x RCA, 3 x XLR , Headphones 1 x 6.3 mm, Others 6 x Data Port, 4 x 3.5 mm trigger
Dimensions, mm 444.5 x 194 x 457
Weight, kg 13.4
