McIntosh C 26 – High End Stereo Equipment We Buy

McIntosh is one of the most dependable brand names when it comes to high-end audio systems. For years the brand has been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world as equipment that delivers clear and consistent quality in music. McIntosh is probably best known for its amplifiers and preamps, but the company produces many other components and parts for stereo and home theatre.

What are the specs for the McIntosh C 26?

Dates Manufactued:
1968-1978
Frequency response:
20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion:
0.1%
Gain:
62dB (MM), 20dB (line)
Input sensitivity:
2mV (MM), 250mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio:
74dB (MM), 85dB (line)
Output:
250mV (line), 2.5V (Pre out)
Semiconductors:
18 x transistors, 3 x diodes
Dimensions:
16 x 5.4 x 13 inches
Weight:
33 lbs

What else to know about the McIntosh C 26?

"I have had one of these in my bedroom for years. It is a nice preamp with decent sound and much quieter than you would expect for early solid state. If you are the market for a vintage system on the cheap this is a great place to start. The caps are most likely getting tired so you may want to have it checked . I had mine done with new caps and totally cleaned and serviced, what a difference. I see one person wrote 3 negative reviews of the C26 so he must have hated it. Like everything in audio the sound is one you will either love or hate but it is a cheap way to start with Mac. There are many better preamps in the world but don't overlook this piece it gives you a taste of the Mac sound without the high price. I would warn you that it is not going to compete with the classic Mac tube preamps like the C11, C20 and C22 but it only costs a fraction of these guys. The other great buy in the Mac line of preamps is the C28. It was made for so long and there are so many out there that it is pretty cheap but I think I would still pick the C26. Remember that the reason people buy these is a combination of sound and beauty. A friend has one with the matching MC2105 on Klipsch Cornwalls and he just decided to get rid of his more expensive newer tube gear. Once again matching is the key. If it matches great if not get rid of it and buy something else." - AudioReview

Brief History of McIntosh

Long mapped-to Binghamton New York – the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs – not many people know the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation’s Capital in Silver Spring Maryland, in 1949. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York, according to the official brand website.

Other McIntosh Products We Often Buy

Typically, StereoBuyers purchases mostly used amplifiers, especially the vintage amps and high-end McIntosh models such as the MC202 or MC252, and the C220 preamp, for example. We have also purchased many pre-owned tuners from McIntosh over the recent years, including the MR67 and MR78 models, for example.

StereoBuyers has purchased tens of thousands worth McIntosh brand equipment since 2014, with individual buys ranging from $100 to well over $50,000. If you are moving, ready to upgrade, or have McIntosh equipment you do not or will not be using, why not contact us today to find out if it is worth good money?

If you are interested in selling your used McIntosh equipment to us in the greater NYC area or Colorado, please click here to fill out a Free Quote Form and we will get back to you. If we agree on terms, we come to meet you where you want, and pay cash.

The following images show actual McIntosh equipment purchased by StereoBuyers.