Any New C22 Owners Out There?

[FreddieFerric]

Looking into some new Mc gear and the C22 looks like it would be a good companion piece to the MC1502. In going through the specs and owners manual, I can't seem to find any type of tape out or tape loop/fixed output. The unit does have 2 output switches on the front panel, but the manual says that is for connecting separate power amps.

From a price standpoint this preamp would be under consideration, but without an ability to record to my tape decks I would have to eliminate it from consideration.

So, chime in. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[paltomare]

I had C70 for just under 2 years and I believe the new C22 is essentially the same unit with some cosmetic differences. Neither model has tape out/in loop which is one of the reasons why I sold my C70 for a C2700. The C2700 doesn't have a true tape loop, but it does have a fixed output which I can feed a tape deck with.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by paltomare

I had C70 for just under 2 years and I believe the new C22 is essentially the same unit with some cosmetic differences. Neither model has tape out/in loop which is one of the reasons why I sold my C70 for a C2700. The C2700 doesn't have a true tape loop, but it does have a fixed output which I can feed a tape deck with.

Thanks for the confirmation. It's what I suspected. The C2700 does have a fixed output that can function as a record output for taping. Not sure why Mc would omit that circuit from the C22 especially if they were shooting for an all analog retro style preamp that's supposed to be a nod to the analog pre's of old.

[paltomare]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Thanks for the confirmation. It's what I suspected. The C2700 does have a fixed output that can function as a record output for taping. Not sure why Mc would omit that circuit from the C22 especially if they were shooting for an all analog retro style preamp that's supposed to be a nod to the analog pre's of old.

Yeah, I was disappointed to learn my C70 didn't have one. I don't think any current Pre has a true tape loop but find it especially odd they would not include in the analog/retro models.

[Stahle]

Pick up a C22 IV, it has a record output and a monitor input as well as a loudness switch. Phono signal to noise ratio is also better on the C22 IV at 80 db whereas the C70 and C22 V phono signal to noise ratio is 75 db. If you’re into vinyl, the older C22 IV might be better for you. The high level signal to noise ratio however is 98 db on the C22 IV whereas the C70 and C22 V both have a high level signal to noise ratio of 100 db. The newer designs also match other components better than the C22 IV, this is especially true with the C70 which I considered when I purchased my C22 IV. My decision ultimately came down to the volume control which I like so much more on the C22 IV than that found on the C70 and C22 V. The C22 IV has an old school heavy volume control that doesn’t have a dual purpose. I like how it feels and since I don’t typically use a remote, I physically touch it quite often.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Stahle

Pick up a C22 IV, it has a record output and a monitor input as well as a loudness switch. Phono signal to noise ratio is also better on the C22 IV at 80 db whereas the C70 and C22 V phono signal to noise ratio is 75 db. If you’re into vinyl, the older C22 IV might be better for you. The high level signal to noise ratio however is 98 db on the C22 IV whereas the C70 and C22 V both have a high level signal to noise ratio of 100 db. The newer designs also match other components better than the C22 IV, this is especially true with the C70 which I considered when I purchased my C22 IV. My decision ultimately came down to the volume control which I like so much more on the C22 IV than that found on the C70 and C22 V. The C22 IV has an old school heavy volume control that doesn’t have a dual purpose. I like how it feels and since I don’t typically use a remote, I physically touch it quite often.

Very interesting point of view and I will certainly look at this option. Do have any information on what years the MK IV was offered?

[Stahle]

Originally Posted by FreddieFerric

Very interesting point of view and I will certainly look at this option. Do have any information on what years the MK IV was offered?

According to the McIntosh compendium, the mark IV was introduced in March of 2015 and I think that it was discontinued in 2019. Someone here might have better information.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Stahle

According to the McIntosh compendium, the mark IV was introduced in March of 2015 and I think that it was discontinued in 2019. Someone here might have better information.

Thanks. I've looked around the usual places but can't find any being offered for sale.

[Maks]

I was surprised to see Mc cut the tape loops out of newer pre-amps, especially the C22/70 that are made for the vintage look. I get that few people are still taping, but few people are also buying analog only McIntosh pre-amps you figure. At the very least a record out should be on all their pre-amps IMO.

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Maks

I was surprised to see Mc cut the tape loops out of newer pre-amps, especially the C22/70 that are made for the vintage look. I get that few people are still taping, but few people are also buying analog only McIntosh pre-amps you figure. At the very least a record out should be on all their pre-amps IMO.

I'm with you on this one. I'm looking to order an MC1502 this week and it would have been nice to pair it with the new C22 (which gets really good reviews), but I'm a tapehead and with no way to record out of it,.... well that's a no go.

For the time being I'll use my integrated as the preamp unless I can move it before the 1502 arrives.

Looking like a C2700 is in my future. At least it has a fixed output that can be used as a record out.

Still open to ideas if anyone else wants to chime in.