25th November 2015: McIntosh Laboratory has launched the new C1100 — a luxurious two-chassis preamplifier with huge connectivity and McIntosh’s best technical performance to date (£12,995)
McIntosh Laboratory, the global leader in high-performance home entertainment systems for over 65 years, has launched a stunning new two-chassis preamplifier which offers the company’s finest preamp performance to date. The new C1100 utilises a two-chassis design, allowing the control and power sections to remain completely separate from the audio section. The C1100 comprises the C1100 controller and the C1100 vacuum tube preamplifier. Inside each chassis, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other, to allow true dual-mono operation, resulting in the ultimate stereo separation and sonic purity. The C1100 boasts the lowest noise of any McIntosh preamplifier ever produced.
Better together
The two boxes are connected together via a pair of specially designed shielded umbilical cables. All power control, data ports and external control connections are dual-microprocessor-managed and located in the C1100’s controller chassis. The unit can be operated either directly on the C1100 controller’s front panel or using the remote control.
Input flexibility
The C1100 vacuum tube preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry, and features an incredible 12 analogue inputs: six balanced and four unbalanced connections, plus adjustable-loading Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono inputs. For the outputs, two sets of balanced and two sets of unbalanced connections provide flexibility with partnering power amplifiers.
Twelve vacuum tubes in total (six 12AX7a and 12AT7) power the valve preamplifier. Compared to its predecessor, the C1000, which had eight valves, the additional four valves lower its dependency on any solid-state support.
For personal listening, the headphone jack features a higher output than any of McIntosh’s other preamplifiers, while the company’s proprietary Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings depth and spatiality to all headphones. Further features include a Home Theater Pass Through function, which allows for seamless integration into existing multichannel home theatre systems.
The C1100 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to perfectly match any of McIntosh’s Quad Balanced amplifiers. The amp incorporates classic McIntosh design cues and with classic black-glass front panels, blue meters, a stainless steel chassis, illuminated logos and custom-machined brushed aluminium end caps, the C1100 is all McIntosh.
Like all its products, the C1100 is handcrafted in the Binghamton factory (NY) and boasts classic 1950s styling with contemporary features and performance.
Price and availability
The C1100 sells for £12,995 and is available now
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About McIntosh Laboratory
Founded in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory is known for offering distinguished quality audio products, superior customer service and the ultimate experience in music and film. All McIntosh products are handcrafted at the Binghamton factory in New York by 130 employees with a passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. McIntosh continues to define the ultimate home entertainment experience for discriminating consumers around the world, with the iconic ‘McIntosh Blue’ Watt Meters globally recognized as a symbol of quality audio.
Since its inception, McIntosh has been powering some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration speech, to Woodstock, to the infamous Grateful Dead ‘Wall of Sound’, McIntosh has not only witnessed history, it has shaped it. With McIntosh, customers have the ability to create their own premium audio experience – and truly live their music.
