McIntosh C1000T+C1000C (circa 2007)
The McIntosh C1000 system is a two-chassis reference preamplifier: the C1000C controller/power supply and the C1000T tube gain stage. The "T" sets it apart from its solid-state sibling, the C1000P. Both use the same C1000C control chassis, so an owner could swap gain stages and keep the controller. It was listed in Japan at ¥2,520,000 (tax included) around 2007.
The design is fully double-balanced throughout, with the preamp and the control/power supplies in separate enclosures. Volume is handled by McIntosh's VRV (Variable Rate Volume) digital electronic attenuator - 214 steps in 0.5 dB increments, engineered to behave like a precision analog volume control. Input switching uses inert-gas-filled electromagnetic relays, chosen for their resistance to oxidation and long-term contact reliability. All input terminals are programmable. The front panel carries the classic McIntosh "blue eyes" meters, left and right independent, monitoring output level across a range exceeding 70 dB.
The tube complement is eight 12AX7A: four in the signal stage and four in the phono stage. The phono section handles both MM and MC cartridges, with MC loading selectable at 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, or 1000 ohms. Rated output is 5V RMS balanced and 2.5V RMS unbalanced. Maximum outputs are 16V and 8V respectively, and output impedance is 220 ohms. Inputs are four RCA line, three XLR line, plus dedicated MM and MC phono inputs. Pre-outs are two RCA and three XLR. Recording outputs are two RCA and one XLR, with processor loop in/out on two RCA and one XLR. Power consumption is 120W.
The C1000T weighs 15.4 kg and the C1000C 17.7 kg. Both measure 445 × 152 × 475 mm. A remote control was included. A used system listed at £6,086 in July 2025, and original owner's and service manuals can still be had as digital downloads. Frequency range is 10-20000 Hz and signal-to-noise ratio is 93 dB. No production run dates beyond the circa-2007 pricing reference have been confirmed.
Similar items on eBay
No exact McIntosh C1000T+C1000C listings are live right now — these searches show current McIntosh and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- McIntosh C104 (1950–1954)
- McIntosh C20
- McIntosh C200 (2000–2006)
- McIntosh C22 (1963–1968)
- McIntosh C35
- McIntosh C40 (1993-1999)
- McIntosh C47 (2020-present)
- McIntosh C500 (2003-2007)
- McIntosh C70 (2020-present)
- McIntosh C712 (1998-2002)