Tubes: 12 total (6 x 12AX7A, 6 x 12AT7) — one 12AX7A and two 12AT7 per channel for line stage, plus one 12AX7A and half a 12AT7 pair per channel for MM/MC phono stages
Design: Two-chassis construction separating control/power circuitry (Controller) from audio circuitry (Preamplifier), with left/right channels electrically and mechanically isolated for true dual-mono operation
Inputs: 12 analog total — 6 balanced, 4 unbalanced, plus adjustable-loading Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono inputs
Outputs: 2 sets balanced, 2 sets unbalanced
Circuit Design: Fully balanced from input to output, designed to match McIntosh's Quad Balanced amplifiers
Control: Dual-microprocessor-managed power control, data ports, and external control connections housed in the Controller chassis; operable from front panel or remote
Headphone Output: Higher output than any other McIntosh preamp, with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) for added spatial depth
Noise Performance: Lowest noise floor of any McIntosh preamplifier produced to date
Construction: Classic McIntosh black glass front panels, blue meters, stainless steel chassis, illuminated logos, brushed aluminum end caps
Condition: Very Good
Includes: Original boxes (2 — Controller and Preamplifier)
Summary: Up for sale is a McIntosh C1100 vacuum tube preamplifier and controller, in very good condition and complete with both original boxes. Representing McIntosh's most advanced preamplifier design, the C1100 splits control and power functions from the sensitive audio circuitry across two separate chassis, isolating the power supply from the delicate tube gain stages to achieve the lowest noise floor of any McIntosh preamp ever made. Twelve vacuum tubes power a fully balanced, dual-mono signal path, with a comprehensive set of balanced/unbalanced inputs and dedicated MM/MC phono stages covering virtually any source. A standout headphone output with McIntosh's Headphone Crossfeed Director technology adds genuine spatial depth for personal listening. Reviewers have consistently praised the C1100 for its massive soundstage, dynamic authority, and "reach out and touch it" sense of presence, calling it one of the finest tube preamplifiers ever produced. Finished in McIntosh's iconic black glass and stainless steel styling, it's a true flagship for any high-end two-channel system. Shows some signs of use consistent with very good condition, but performs at full capability.
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