John
Another new amplifier from McIntosh, the C22 MK V is, as its name would suggest, the fifth revision of the company’s all-tube C22 pre-amplifier and a more permanent replacement for the C70 introduced last year to mark the NY-state manufacturer’s 70th anniversary.
Peer through the C22 MK V’s top-mounted glass panel and we see one 12AT7 tube and a quintet of 12AX7A. On the front panel, an array of classically-styled rocker switches and knobs, their utility guided by LEDs to permit control of input selection, volume level and tone. Purists note: both bass and treble rotaries are bypassable.
On the back panel: two sets of balanced XLR inputs, three sets of single-ended RCA inputs with provision for both MM and MC phono hookups. Outputs? Two sets each of balanced XLR and single-ended RCA sockets permit signal transmission to two separate power amplifiers.
A “high-quality High Drive headphone amplifier” outputs via the front panel’s 6.4mm headphone socket and features McIntosh’s HXD ‘Crossfeed Director’ that aims to bring the headphone listening experience closer to that of loudspeakers: where both ears hear both channels.
From the press release: “The C22 Mk V sits atop a stunning polished stainless-steel chassis and features the timeless McIntosh illuminated logo, control knobs and aluminum end-caps. With its retro black-glass and aluminium front panel design, the C22 Mk V has been styled to fit right in with McIntosh home audio systems of any era – from the 1950s to the current day.”
The C22 MKV will begin shipping in August for US$6000.
Further information: McIntosh
