McIntosh C-42 Preamp, All Analogue, with EQ, MINT

McIntosh C42 Preamp 

This is a fully analogue preamp for the true purists. No noisy built in DAC or features that will become outdated. 

This model has more features that virtually any other Mc preamp for this era.  

Has built in phono section

Tone controls in case your using vintage speakers that need a bit of help sounding their best. 

Separate record and listen controls

External processor loop

3 sets of balance outputs and one set of balance inputs for the best connection possible.

Digital display so you can see the volume setting from across the room.  

New bulbs all around for years of trouble free operation (work done after pictures were taken).

Like new condition with no noticeable sign of wear or use.  

Comes from original owner 

Include Remote and Manual

Will ship in sturdy McIntosh box. 

Glass is absolutely perfect.  

Available for pickup in NYC/NJ as well.

Featured Technologies 

SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING. In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels to a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel, the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add to the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input. The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning. Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly “off,” eliminating potential sources of interference. 

PRECISION, OPTICALLY REGULATED VOLUME CONTROL. If McIntosh electromagnetic switching brings the switch to the input, then the C42’s volume control brings the attenuator to the input. The volume knob actually operates an optical rotary encoder with 128 steps; it sends instructions at the speed of light to the digitally controlled attenuator located near the inputs. Together they provide 0.5dB resolution with 0.05dB accuracy. 

EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH 8-BAND EQUALIZER. The equalizer provides 12dB of boost or cut at center frequencies of 20, 35, 70, 150, 300, 600, 1200, and 4000Hz. Notice that the center frequencies are clustered at the lower end of the spectrum where room correction is most often needed. When an equalizer control is in the center or flat position, its circuit components are completely removed from the signal path. 

PROGRAMMABLE SOURCE TRIM. A traditional McIntosh feature that allows matching the output levels of different source components, source trim in the C42 establishes new standards for audio purity and operating convenience. Instead of adjusting individual potentiometers, the trim for each input is stored electronically as a volume offset, using the tuner level as the standard. 

CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the C42 outputs control data for source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh components either by direct connection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator, a “learning” device that makes it possible to operate virtually any component with the C42’s remote. 

BALANCED CONNECTIONS. A premium feature not usually found in consumer audio gear, balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality. A balanced connection between the C42 and the MC352 Power Amp provides 40dB more noise protection than would an unbalanced (“single-ended”) connection. 

REMOTE POWER CONTROL. The C42 has four separate remote power jacks (main, accessory, switched 1, switched 2) that enable it to turn connected power amps on/off. 

FEATURES

Extra-wide dynamic range Ultra-low distortion Exclusive McIntosh 8-band equalizer Silent electromagnetic switching Precision, optically regulated volume control with digital readout in decibels or percent Programmable source trim 9 source selections including MM phono Balanced input 3 balanced outputs (Main, Line 1, Line 2) Independent listen and record selection Dual processor loops Control data output for source components Remote power control (1 main, 1 accessory, 2 switched) Separate electronic regulators for each preamplifier section Polyester coupling capacitors Low-noise 1% metal film resistors throughout Ultra-precision (.5%) metal film resistors and 1% polypropylene capacitors for phono equalization Gold-plated input and output jacks Modular construction with steel chassis Glass front panel with illuminated nomenclature Infrared remote control Connector for external IR sensor Headphone jack

WHO WE ARE 

Skyfi.nyc 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 and 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 select 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, Project and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts and service support.  If you are local and are looking for any new equipment for 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

If you would like to make an offer, please don't email or message us unless you are looking to trade something in.  

If we are accepting offers, you will see a button on the listing page to do so.  Please use it, as it is very hard to track offers through email or messaging.  This way, we are all also better protected.   If you don’t see a “offer” button its because we are not taking offers on this item.  Please don’t bother to make one.  

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.  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 are picking up an item, we don not accept PayPal, you must pay in person with cash, certified or bank check or wire transfer.  If you make a PayPal payment it will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions.  Simply ask and let us know the exact model, condition and what accessories are included such as a box, remote, manual, etc.  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 processors and mid-fi equipment of any type.  We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we are running a business and will need to be able to sell 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 are looking for top dollar we suggest attempting to sell it directly to an end user.  

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We will also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market.  Just drop us a note for a quote, but be sure to include the condition and what is included.  

HOW TO VISIT US

We are currently operating from a residence in Ridgewood, NJ.  You are welcome to make an appointment if there is a piece of equipment you would like to see in operation before or after purchase.  We have a well-equipped, dedicated listening room with tons of equipment of all makes and models.  We are not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you are just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds.  In essence, no tire kickers please.  

If you are in NYC and cannot make it out to Ridgewood, we can arrange pickup in Union Square (14th Street) after the purchase.   You can call or text  (646) 852-2073 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.  We can also arrange to install, calibrate and tune the gear in your listening room if you are in the local area.  This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers.  It is also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.  

Thanks for looking and please send us your email address if you would like to receive a list of the equipment we receive from time to time.  We promise not to bombard you with junk email.