I watched your unboxing. It's great to hear about it again. I waited more than two months and finally received the C8 with the DA2 module at the end of Feb. I connected it with a Bel Canto REF500S Amp. This combo is very compact. The speakers I use are the Elac Vela BS 403. I also added the Kef KC62 Sub. Now the bass is more than enough and the Mid is awesome. It looks beautiful and has great sound quality.
Great job fellows. I really enjoy thse discussions. I was quite intrigued with this offering at it's price point, and glad to hear you like it. I had the C50 quite some time ago, and loved that preamp. In the future I hope to get back to Mcintosh. Cheers!
I would buy this today. However I have had serious issues with Mcintosh reliability, service, and quality control. My most recent pre amp sat in Mcintosh HQ service for 7 months.
@@InPursuitOfLiberty Issue#1. My 120 had issues. I wanted to send it in for service and repair. They no longer stock parts for the 120. Too old. Unit was scrap. Issue #2. The BIG one. Brand new C47. The chassis wobbled. The unit screeched extremely loud. Speaker damaging noise. Volume and input controls were unresponsive. Dealer did a factory reset. The problem returned within a few hours. I sent it to Mcintosh. They sat on it for 7 months. Mcintosh service was argumentative. They wanted to adjust a rubber foot and send it back to me. I had to hire a lawyer to get the unit replaced. Mcintosh is a dream turned nightmare. I was going to build my reference system around the brand. Never again. Run. The price of admission is very high. If you have a problem, the service and support is among the worst in the industry.
I went with the MA12000. Arrived last week. Innuos PULSE streamer arrived yesterday. Sounds great! I'm told it'll sound even better once worked in. I don't care what others say, 7 band EQ is awesome when needed of course!
@@tritiumglo4699 Funny that people reviewing the stuff say how fantastic Mcintosh are and stand by their product going out of their way to satisfy the customer. I have a feeling that’s not the case. I think maybe it’s best to buy gear priced at a point where if it craps itself you throw it away and buy something else. In my country Mcintosh prices are really high. The C8 is about $8,000 without the DAC module.
I can tell you that Parasound is the company that stands behind their products and does everything they can to help the customer. Second place would be PS Audio. McIntosh service and support is horrendous.
Fantastic and informative review Would love to hear how this unit works with its pass-through with home theater Any thing/video you can do on this topic either with the integrated amps or thr macintosh preamps would be greatly appreciated For instance I have an MX 123 and a MC257 set up would love to use this preamp for the stereo left and right and other stereo output components This is a key feature and important for people with limited space that use the same room for both cinema and listening Thank you again for a great video
Still waiting for that Accuphase review guys... They released the new AB integrated E5000 2x240w @ 8ohm. Please get that on for review also, I wonder if it smashes the MA12000 😂
Thanks for the review. May consider the C8 and use the amp section of the MA5300 integrated. Have to see if the tube preamp adds midrange depth and tonality. Curious how good the phono amp section is. I know the DAC is good since I have the DA2 in my MA5300 and love the HDMI ARC feature and no other company has it.
Again really great video on the C8 - thank you You did not give much comment about the DA2 upgrade for this unit Can you do a video on thr DA2 what it is and how to do the upgrade and if you recommend it for thr C8 Thank you
About how many hours to fully burn in? I’ve had mine for a few months and love it. I immediately replaced the JJ stock tubes with NOS real deals. It has good punch, detail and a fabulous midrange. It replaced an MX-110z vintage preamp. I feel like the only thing I gave up, very slightly, was depth of soundstage … everything else about the C8 sounds better to me. Great preamp!
@@oscillatingdailyaudio I’m using Mullard mC1 in 1 and 2. Amperex Electronics for Medicine in 3 and 4. Mids are a tad recessed, but I prefer that because my speakers are a bit forward, single drivers.
@@oscillatingdailyaudio I have a favorite seller on ebay that I trust. Sourced an NOS ECC803s from him for my MC225, as well. Great resource, but not bargain prices.
I am torn between the C8 with a pair of MC830s vs. a C22 and a MC1502 (or a pair of MC 830s or an MC322). I understand the price difference and am ok with it. Locally I can get the C8/MC830 combo now or wait 2-3 months for the C22/MC1502 combo. Which would you recommend.
I just love your reviews, guys, really. BUT, I own the old C26 and C32 older preamps and in March 2021 I bought a brand new C8 preamp and less than a month later, I sold it with no regrets except for the looks and the remote. To me, the C8 sounded a bit weak, with less punch and less definition than the vintage preamps. For the positive side, it sounded smooth and sweet but for less than half the price, you can get a better preamp if you go the vintage route.. My two cents, as they say.
If you like the C26 and the C32, try the C29 - that was the best of the "old" McIntosh Preamps. The C8 is not the same as the old stuff - nothing is - but it definitely is more refined and resolves more than any of the vintage McIntosh Preamps.
@@vilipmak3973 Thanks for the tip, Vilip. Apparently, the C33 is supposed to be even better than the C29 but both are very rare and hard to find. Musically speaking, the C32 sounded better to my ears, superior emotion rendering. But maybe this is due to the synergy between these vintage preamps and the fabulous MC240 amp, the best sounding amp McIntosh ever released, in my opinion. ❤️👍
And I say that after owing the MA8000 for a whole week in November 2018. The MA8000 was technically perfect but it had zero emotion involvement. Hard to explain otherwise. As soon as we plugged the 240 after the MA8000, the music came alive. I swear to God! 😔 (Magnepan MG1c speakers here, that I own since 1988). As neutral as can be. 😇
@@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201 I had the C33 just before deciding on the C8. It was decent. My 110z was much better than C33. And my C8 is better than both to my ears.
Question on the home theater “pass through”. Is this a passive Pass-Through (meaning it goes through without processing) and, does the McIntosh have to be turned on to use the pass-through? Thanks
This is the type of hobby that makes one realize there is a large group of people who have a tremendous amount of disposable income. I have seen a few systems that are ten times this, and they consider them wonderful, but nowhere near the top.
Probably because Adrian mentioned a "COVID lockdown" in the video that prevented any customers in the store (when the video was first posted), and the totalitarian regime at Google/UA-cam doesn't allow any negative comments about preventative measures against COVID-19. UA-cam makes Joseph Stalin seem like a nice guy.
Hi! I was thinking on getting the C8 as well. What do you think of it? ...Wanted to pair it with the MHA200 Headphone amp... have you tried that combination by any chance?
@@John-rn2dy that should work well. I have the MHA200 but never used them together. The MHA200 is way more powerful than the C8 headphone amp, I can tell ya that
@@John-rn2dy I really enjoy the C8. Relaxed tunes with Gold Lions. I use it as a preamp with the MA6600 acting as power amp. I use the iFi Neo Idsd as my preamp for the MHA200.
11:55 pel·lu·cid: translucently clear. You guys got me on that one LOL. I love listening to you guys. Cheers ...
I watched your unboxing. It's great to hear about it again. I waited more than two months and finally received the C8 with the DA2 module at the end of Feb. I connected it with a Bel Canto REF500S Amp. This combo is very compact. The speakers I use are the Elac Vela BS 403. I also added the Kef KC62 Sub. Now the bass is more than enough and the Mid is awesome. It looks beautiful and has great sound quality.
Great job fellows. I really enjoy thse discussions. I was quite intrigued with this offering at it's price point, and glad to hear you like it. I had the C50 quite some time ago, and loved that preamp. In the future I hope to get back to Mcintosh. Cheers!
C8 with DAC=$4500, MC830=$3500 each Total=$11,500 or an MA12000=$14,000. The difference makes it worth going for the MA12000.
I would buy this today. However I have had serious issues with Mcintosh reliability, service, and quality control. My most recent pre amp sat in Mcintosh HQ service for 7 months.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm highly considering MA12000 integrated or MC462 with C2700 separates. What was your issue?
@@InPursuitOfLiberty Issue#1. My 120 had issues. I wanted to send it in for service and repair. They no longer stock parts for the 120. Too old. Unit was scrap. Issue #2. The BIG one. Brand new C47. The chassis wobbled. The unit screeched extremely loud. Speaker damaging noise. Volume and input controls were unresponsive. Dealer did a factory reset. The problem returned within a few hours. I sent it to Mcintosh. They sat on it for 7 months. Mcintosh service was argumentative. They wanted to adjust a rubber foot and send it back to me. I had to hire a lawyer to get the unit replaced. Mcintosh is a dream turned nightmare. I was going to build my reference system around the brand. Never again. Run. The price of admission is very high. If you have a problem, the service and support is among the worst in the industry.
I went with the MA12000. Arrived last week. Innuos PULSE streamer arrived yesterday. Sounds great! I'm told it'll sound even better once worked in. I don't care what others say, 7 band EQ is awesome when needed of course!
@@tritiumglo4699 Funny that people reviewing the stuff say how fantastic Mcintosh are and stand by their product going out of their way to satisfy the customer. I have a feeling that’s not the case. I think maybe it’s best to buy gear priced at a point where if it craps itself you throw it away and buy something else. In my country Mcintosh prices are really high. The C8 is about $8,000 without the DAC module.
I can tell you that Parasound is the company that stands behind their products and does everything they can to help the customer. Second place would be PS Audio. McIntosh service and support is horrendous.
Great preamp for the money 👍🎶🎼
Thank you for reposting!!
Too bad you only can sell in Ontario, Canada! Love your videos and your playful banter😊😊
Fantastic and informative review
Would love to hear how this unit works with its pass-through with home theater
Any thing/video you can do on this topic either with the integrated amps or thr macintosh preamps would be greatly appreciated
For instance I have an MX 123 and a MC257 set up would love to use this preamp for the stereo left and right and other stereo output components
This is a key feature and important for people with limited space that use the same room for both cinema and listening
Thank you again for a great video
Great vid!
What about the performance regarding in built Phono stage??
Still waiting for that Accuphase review guys...
They released the new AB integrated E5000 2x240w @ 8ohm.
Please get that on for review also, I wonder if it smashes the MA12000 😂
It depends on if we become Accuphase dealers.
Thanks for the review. May consider the C8 and use the amp section of the MA5300 integrated. Have to see if the tube preamp adds midrange depth and tonality. Curious how good the phono amp section is. I know the DAC is good since I have the DA2 in my MA5300 and love the HDMI ARC feature and no other company has it.
Hey Michael. Are you still enjoying your 5300/DAC2?
@@brentcollins9727 yes, works well on all kinds of music and video (hdmi arc) as well
Did you add the C8 to your MA5300 ? Considering the same my self. Cheers.
Hello any plans to get a pair of the MC830 mono blocks in for a review paired with the C8?
Again really great video on the C8 - thank you
You did not give much comment about the DA2 upgrade for this unit
Can you do a video on thr DA2 what it is and how to do the upgrade and if you recommend it for thr C8
Thank you
About how many hours to fully burn in? I’ve had mine for a few months and love it. I immediately replaced the JJ stock tubes with NOS real deals. It has good punch, detail and a fabulous midrange. It replaced an MX-110z vintage preamp. I feel like the only thing I gave up, very slightly, was depth of soundstage … everything else about the C8 sounds better to me. Great preamp!
Which tubes? I replaced mine with gold lions and noticed an immediate improvement.
@@oscillatingdailyaudio I’m using Mullard mC1 in 1 and 2. Amperex Electronics for Medicine in 3 and 4. Mids are a tad recessed, but I prefer that because my speakers are a bit forward, single drivers.
@@oscillatingdailyaudio Also, I tried Gold Lions but they were a touch too bright in my system. I countered with warmer Mullards
@@bdmcn where did you get the mullards? I actually got a pair of Mullards for the MHA200 from upscale audio not too long ago
@@oscillatingdailyaudio I have a favorite seller on ebay that I trust. Sourced an NOS ECC803s from him for my MC225, as well. Great resource, but not bargain prices.
Would it be a good idea to pair with MC152 or MC312 ?
How would it preform with mc462 and pair of Martin Logan ESL 13
I’m looking for more of low midd end, warmer sound…
Is this C8 tube preamplifier suitable for my MC462? Please advise.
I am torn between the C8 with a pair of MC830s vs. a C22 and a MC1502 (or a pair of MC 830s or an MC322). I understand the price difference and am ok with it. Locally I can get the C8/MC830 combo now or wait 2-3 months for the C22/MC1502 combo. Which would you recommend.
go for the c22, I am glad I did, My c8 had issues from the start, was disappointed
@@douglaswagner9250 what issues?
I just love your reviews, guys, really. BUT, I own the old C26 and C32 older preamps and in March 2021 I bought a brand new C8 preamp and less than a month later, I sold it with no regrets except for the looks and the remote. To me, the C8 sounded a bit weak, with less punch and less definition than the vintage preamps. For the positive side, it sounded smooth and sweet but for less than half the price, you can get a better preamp if you go the vintage route.. My two cents, as they say.
If you like the C26 and the C32, try the C29 - that was the best of the "old" McIntosh Preamps. The C8 is not the same as the old stuff - nothing is - but it definitely is more refined and resolves more than any of the vintage McIntosh Preamps.
@@vilipmak3973 Thanks for the tip, Vilip. Apparently, the C33 is supposed to be even better than the C29 but both are very rare and hard to find. Musically speaking, the C32 sounded better to my ears, superior emotion rendering. But maybe this is due to the synergy between these vintage preamps and the fabulous MC240 amp, the best sounding amp McIntosh ever released, in my opinion. ❤️👍
And I say that after owing the MA8000 for a whole week in November 2018. The MA8000 was technically perfect but it had zero emotion involvement. Hard to explain otherwise. As soon as we plugged the 240 after the MA8000, the music came alive. I swear to God! 😔 (Magnepan MG1c speakers here, that I own since 1988). As neutral as can be. 😇
@@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201 I had the C33 just before deciding on the C8. It was decent. My 110z was much better than C33. And my C8 is better than both to my ears.
@@bdmcn Wow! 😳 Well, what do you know! That tells you how much personal taste and synergy can do for each one of us. Amazing! Thanks. 👍
Question on the home theater “pass through”. Is this a passive Pass-Through (meaning it goes through without processing) and, does the McIntosh have to be turned on to use the pass-through?
Thanks
50,000 dollars that’s a lot of money
This is the type of hobby that makes one realize there is a large group of people who have a tremendous amount of disposable income. I have seen a few systems that are ten times this, and they consider them wonderful, but nowhere near the top.
Not at Audio Excellence Canada 😂
Why did this get taken down for so long? I got the C8 based off seeing this review months ago.
Probably because Adrian mentioned a "COVID lockdown" in the video that prevented any customers in the store (when the video was first posted), and the totalitarian regime at Google/UA-cam doesn't allow any negative comments about preventative measures against COVID-19. UA-cam makes Joseph Stalin seem like a nice guy.
Hi! I was thinking on getting the C8 as well. What do you think of it? ...Wanted to pair it with the MHA200 Headphone amp... have you tried that combination by any chance?
@@John-rn2dy that should work well. I have the MHA200 but never used them together. The MHA200 is way more powerful than the C8 headphone amp, I can tell ya that
@@oscillatingdailyaudio Thanks for the quick reply :) ... what do you think of the C8 overall? ... did you use a Pre-Amp with the MHA200?
@@John-rn2dy I really enjoy the C8. Relaxed tunes with Gold Lions. I use it as a preamp with the MA6600 acting as power amp. I use the iFi Neo Idsd as my preamp for the MHA200.
Is the phono preamp tube or solid state?
Try checking the cross talk, Put a CD on, switch to the Phono section, you will hear bleed through.. C22 much better
$25K is NOT modest for a hifi system.
It is if you shop there.
Very modest… not cheap!😜
PLS DO NOT TOO MUCH SHITS
Cut out the chitchat please