McIntosh C45 Preamp - all Analog with Phono Input

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

This the of the last "Audio Control Centers" from McIntosh before they started including a DAC in every preamp. 

It's therefore an all analog design for the purists out there, including a very capable phono stage along with abundant single ended and balanced inputs and outputs.

It would cost you about $6k today to buy the latest entry level version from McIntosh.

The optional TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module and RAA1 Remote AM Antenna are likely still available from McIntosh if you're interested. Simply drop us a note before purchasing so we can give you a quote that includes this upgrade.

A Small Sampling of Performance Features Include:

• Precision Tracking Variable Rate Volume Control 
Volume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage Precision Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with a tracking ac- curacy of 0.1dB. Levels change in 214 individual 0.5dB steps. The Variable Rate Volume Control Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.

• Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim Adjustment and Title Reassignment
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. All eight Inputs on the C45 can be matched in level, so that there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between the different Inputs. Any of the eight Inputs can have their Input Title reassigned to match the sources in the system.

• Moving Magnet Phono Input
There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet Cartridges.

• Precision Parts
Only the finest precision 1% tolerance resistors are used throughout.

Specifications
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz at rated output

Signal To Noise Ratio
Phono: 86dB below 10mV input (A Weighted)
High Level: 96dB below rated output (A Weighted)

Rated Output Voltage
2.5V Unbalanced Outputs (Main) 
5.0V Balanced Outputs (Main)

Maximum Voltage Output
8V Unbalanced 
16V Balanced

Output Impedance
250 ohms Unbalanced 
500 ohms Balanced

Input Impedance
Phono: 47k Ohms, 65pf 
High Level: 22k Ohms Unbalanced, 50k Ohms Balanced

Sensitivity for Rated Output
Phono: 4.5mV
High Level: 450mV Unbalanced, 900mV Balanced

Maximum Input Signal
Phono: 50mV 
High Level: 5V Unbalanced, 10V Balanced

Voltage Gain
Phono to Tape/VCR Out: 40dB 
Phono to Output (Main): 55dB 
High Level to Tape/VCR Out: 0dB 
High Level to Output (Main): 15dB

Tone Controls
Bass Control: ±12dB at 30Hz 
Treble Control: ±12dB at 10,000Hz

Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 6 inches (15.24cm) including feet
Depth is 16-1/2 inches (41.91cm) including the Front Panel and Knobs

Weight
21 pounds (9.53 kg) net, 35 pounds (15.88 kg) in shipping carton

Some thoughts/and review from Kalman Rubinson over at Stereophile:

"While sound quality is our greatest concern, operational comfort is also important. The C45 was the most intuitive and pleasant-to-use preamplifier I have yet encountered. Push a button on the remote and the unit switches silently. Operate the volume control from the remote or the front panel and the preamp and display respond briskly. Want to change or trim any of your settings while that unit is in operation? No sweat. There are no surprising mutes or reboots, just results. The phono stage is quiet and clean but, of necessity, only two-channel; all I'll say here is that it worked well with an old Grado moving-magnet and a high-output Dynavector moving-coil."

Click here for a PDF copy of the McIntosh C45 Sales Brochure

Click here for a PDF copy of the McIntosh C45 Owner's Manual

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home. 

This item is also available for pickup in Glen Rock, NJ, with convenient parking near our building.

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE 

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer. We do not charge extra for any payment fees if you purchase the item at the asking price.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified or bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling it directly on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT                                                                                                       

We are currently operating from our shop located inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped, dedicated listening areas plus a dedicated studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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