McIntosh C26 Stereo Preamplifier

The McIntosh C26 is a classic, two-channel solid-state stereo preamplifier manufactured by McIntosh Labs between 1968 and 1978. Known for its iconic illuminated glass front panel, it serves as a highly versatile control center for vintage analog hi-fi systems. Electrical & Audio Specifications Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (+0, -0.5 dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Less than 0.1% at 2.5V rated output Voltage Gain: 20 dB (Line/Aux), 62 dB (Phono) Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Hum & Noise): Line Level (Aux/Tuner/Tape): -85 dB below rated output Phono Inputs: -74 dB below rated output (with 10mV input signal) Output Levels: 2.5V rated (Main output), 10V maximum without distortion Output Impedance: 200 ohms (Main) Load Impedance: 47,000 ohms or greater Inputs, Sensitivity, & Impedance Phono 1 & Phono 2 (MM): 2 mV sensitivity at 47k \(\Omega \) impedance Aux, Tuner, Tape 1, Tape 2: 0.25V sensitivity at 250k \(\Omega \) impedance [] Audio Controls & Filtering Tone Controls: 11-position switched, dual-concentric controls Bass: -20 dB to +16 dB at 20 Hz Treble: -20 dB to +20 dB at 20,000 Hz Loudness Control: Continuously variable from flat to maximum Low-Frequency Filter (LF): Flat or roll-off below 50 Hz (down 12 dB at 20 Hz) High-Frequency Filter (HF): Flat or roll-off above 5,000 Hz (down 12 dB at 20,000 Hz) Phase Control: Top-panel switch allows shifting left channel phase (\(0^{\circ }\) or \(180^{\circ }\)) Center Channel Output: Independent volume control on top panel adjusts the combined L+R center output from -6 dB to +6 dB. Physical Dimensions & Power Dimensions: 16" Wide \(\times \) 5-7/16" High \(\times \) 13" Deep (406.4 \(\times \) 138.1 \(\times \) 330 mm) Weight: 18 lbs (8.16 kg) net; shipping weight approx. 31 lbs Power Requirements: 120V @ 15 Watts AC Convenience Outlets: 4 switched (black), 1 unswitched (red for turntables)