StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › McIntosh
McIntosh
McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier

McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier

Best price now

$3,490.00at SkyFi AudioChecked Nov 12

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit SkyFi Audio

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

Price facts

  • Last seen at $3,490.00 at SkyFi Audio on Nov 12.
  • Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier

The McIntosh C28 is a solid-state stereo preamplifier from the early 1970s, part of McIntosh's classic glass-faceplate era. It pairs a backlit glass front and chunky knobs with a practical control set: input selector, volume, balance, and separate left and right tone controls. It is a favorite among vintage audio collectors because it is straightforward to service and has a low noise floor for its age. Compared with later McIntosh preamps it lacks remote control and modern inputs, so it suits someone building a period-correct vinyl and tape system rather than a home-theater setup.

Best forVintage McIntosh collectorsVinyl and tape listenersRestorers who want an easy-to-service preampBuyers who want period-correct looks in a classic system
Pros
  • Classic McIntosh glass faceplate and knobs
  • Separate left and right tone controls
  • Low noise floor for a preamp of its era
  • Simple circuit that technicians find easy to service
  • Straightforward control layout
Cons
  • No remote control
  • No modern digital or balanced inputs
  • Original parts may need service over time
  • Glass faceplates and old spacing tape can deteriorate
  • Tone controls add a step some purists skip

McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier prices at every store

  • SkyFi AudioPre-owned

    In stockReturn policy

    $3,490.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit SkyFi Audio
  • SkyFi AudioNew

    In stock

    $3,490.00Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit SkyFi Audio

McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier price history

Lowest price we've seen: $3,490.00 on Nov 12 at SkyFi Audio. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 12.

About the McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier

The McIntosh C28 is a solid state vintage preamplifier from around 1970. It has a backlit glass faceplate, large polished control knobs and push-buttons with LEDs. Controls include an input selector, volume and balance, plus tone controls with individual left and right channel adjustment.

This unit is in original condition with all original parts. Its controls have been cleaned and the oxidized rear panel jacks detailed. All features have been tested and work.

The paint is free of deep scratches, rust and wear. The glass has a textured strip along the top and bottom where the original spacing tape under the frame has deteriorated. A small section of paint has lifted under the mode selector control and formed a small bubble.

Type
Solid state preamplifier
Approximate age
1970
Controls
Input selector, volume, balance, tone controls with individual left and right channel adjustment
Faceplate
Backlit glass, polished knobs, push-buttons with LEDs
Connections
RCA, captive power cord
Inputs
Mic, MM phono, line
Frequency response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Distortion
0.1% total harmonic distortion
Gain
62 dB (MM), 20 dB (line)
Input sensitivity
2.5 mV (mic), 2 mV (MM), 250 mV (line)
Signal-to-noise
78 dB (MM), 90 dB (line)
Output
250 mV (line), 2.5 V (preamp out)
Dimensions
16" x 5.4" x 15"
Weight
25 lbs
In the box
Unit, original print manual, McIntosh double-shipping carton

Questions and answers

Is the C28 a tube or solid-state preamp?
It is solid state. McIntosh built it after its tube era, and it uses transistors rather than vacuum tubes.
What inputs does the C28 have?
It has the standard inputs of its era, including phono, tuner, and auxiliary, selected by a front-panel knob. It does not have digital, USB, or balanced inputs.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes. The C28 includes a phono input for a turntable, which is one reason it suits vintage vinyl systems.
Can I use it with a modern power amplifier?
Yes, its line-level outputs can drive most power amps. Check the gain and input sensitivity of your amp to match levels.
Why do C28 glass faceplates show defects?
The glass is backlit and painted, and the original spacing tape under the frame can break down over decades. That can cause paint lift or textured strips along the glass edges.
Is the C28 hard to service?
No. It is widely regarded as one of the easier McIntosh preamps to work on, and technicians familiar with the brand can still service it.
Where is the McIntosh C28 Solid State Vintage Preamplifier cheapest?
At SkyFi Audio, for $3,490.00, as of our latest check.

More from McIntosh

  • M
    McIntosh C2800 2-Channel Preamplifier
    McIntosh C2800 2-Channel Preamplifier
  • M
    McIntosh C2800
    McIntosh C2800
  • M
    McIntosh C12000ST Preamplifier Module
    McIntosh C12000ST Preamplifier Module
  • M
    McIntosh MA8950 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
    McIntosh MA8950 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
  • M
    McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier
    McIntosh MA12000 Integrated Amplifier
  • M
    McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
    McIntosh MA252 2-Channel Integrated Amplifier
  • M
    McIntosh C47 Preamplifier
McIntosh C47 Preamplifier
  • M
    McIntosh C2800 Tube Preamplifier & MC462 2 Channel Amplifier Bundle
    McIntosh C2800 Tube Preamplifier & MC462 2 Channel Amplifier Bundle
  • All McIntosh deals and products →

    More preamplifiers

    • M
      McIntosh C2800 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
      McIntosh C2800 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
    • M
      McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier
      McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier
    • T
      Traverse Analogue 652 Dual-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
      Traverse Analogue 652 Dual-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
    • X
      xDuoo MU-603 Bluetooth DAC/Tube Preamplifier with Apos Ray 12AU7 Matched Pair
      xDuoo MU-603 Bluetooth DAC/Tube Preamplifier with Apos Ray 12AU7 Matched Pair
    • M
      Mark Levinson No. 523 Dual-Monaural Preamplifier
      Mark Levinson No. 523 Dual-Monaural Preamplifier
    • L
      Luxman CL-38uC Vacuum Tube Control Amplifier
      Luxman CL-38uC Vacuum Tube Control Amplifier
    • M
      McIntosh C28
      McIntosh C28
    • F
      Fosi Audio P3 Bluetooth Tube Preamp
      Fosi Audio P3 Bluetooth Tube Preamp