MC830 Mono & C8 pre

[JWJW]

Originally Posted by jwc

The C8 seems to be a replacement for the C220 with a new style chassis and DAC option.

I like it.

So do I. I think it has a place in the line up for sure.

[Bob Bubeck]

Originally Posted by thughes

They fit in the lineup with the MA252 and the MA352. They offer stand alone options in an amp and a preamp.

Well, yes. Point taken. Let's just say that the 'look' as a complete system on display will take some getting used to for some of us. YMMV.

Respectfully.

Bob
_________
Sources: ClearAudio Jubilee MC/ClearAudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9”; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent G5 balanced and speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Kirmuss KA-RC-1 ultrasonic. L’Art du Son CD treatment.

[scapa]

Not crazy about the designs, looking forward to learning/hearing more about the sonics, although I am increasingly glad I picked up my C22/2 when I did.

[Msegal]

The MC830 might be attractive to those wishing McIntosh sound with separates but loathe to transformers (if this animal exists).

I think it is good to have multiple entry points into McIntosh at a lower price point. The styling is unique and hopefully appealing to a younger crowd.

Mike S.

[MisterBritt]

Does anyone have an idea of the significance of the "8" in this line? C8, MC830?

McIntosh has an interesting history of product-specific nomenclature. Back in the day, the "C" designation in their preamps was for control -- that's back when that piece was known as a control amplifier rather than a preamplifier. C-11, C-22, etc.

The amps have always been "Mc", ostensibly simply for McIntosh.

The integrated amps are designated "MA" for reasons not obvious to me. Maybe just McIntosh Amplifer.

But when we get to the numbers, it seems there has been a seachange or two along the way.

1) The first "2" used to stand for-two channel, followed by the output. Mc-225, Mc-240, etc. While the monoblock was simply Mc-30, Mc-60, Mc-75, etc. At some point that designation moved to the last digit; i.e., MC-302 was a 300 watt, two-channel designation.

2) Then, maybe at the same time, the first "2" designated a tube design. By this point, the last digit (preciously the first digit) represented mono or stereo. Hence, the MC-2301 was a tube design, 300-watt, mono. The MC-501 was a 500 watt, mono. The MC-602 being a 600 watt, two-channel amp, etc. Also -- while your interpretation might differ, it seems like the prefix Mc- morphed to all capital letters, MC-. Maybe that's just seasoned to taste.

But now they introduce the digit "8" and I'm not sure what that signifies. Calling all McIntosh heirophants. Any ideas, clarifications are welcome.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by MisterBritt

Does anyone have an idea of the significance of the "8" in this line? C8, MC830?

McIntosh has an interesting history of product-specific nomenclature. Back in the day, the "C" designation in their preamps was for control -- that's back when that piece was known as a control amplifier rather than a preamplifier. C-11, C-22, etc.

The amps have always been "Mc", ostensibly simply for McIntosh.

The integrated amps are designated "MA" for reasons not obvious to me. Maybe just McIntosh Amplifer.

But when we get to the numbers, it seems there has been a seachange or two along the way.

1) The first "2" used to stand for-two channel, followed by the output. Mc-225, Mc-240, etc. While the monoblock was simply Mc-30. At some point that designation moved to the last digit; i.e., MC-302 was a 300 watt, two-channel designation.

2) Then, maybe at the same time, the first "2" designated a tube design. By this point, the last digit (preciously the first digit) represented mono or stereo. Hence, the MC-2301 was a tube design, 300-watt, mono. The MC-501 was a 500 watt, mono. The MC-602 being a 600 watt, two-channel amp, etc. Also -- while your interpretation might differ, it seems like the prefix Mc- morphed to all capital letters, MC-. Maybe that's just seasoned to taste.

But now they introduce the digit "8" and I'm not sure what that signifies. Calling all McIntosh heirophants. Any ideas, clarifications are welcome.

"8" is culturally the most significant lucky number for the Chinese. 2 and 3 are the lucky numbers for the year of the Rat or 2020. So maybe McIntosh is hoping to attract more sales overseas or perhaps it just stands for 300w into 8 ohms for the MC830 amp and C8 just sounded like a good match for a preamplifier model.

[FreddieFerric]

Can't say I'm knocked over by any of these new offerings. I can see the appeal if someone has space considerations and is looking for a scaled down system.

No Autoformers? Dynamic headroom at 2db. No bad, but lagging behind even the 2 channel amps. It'll be interesting to see how long they stay in the lineup.

[Stahle]

I thought they would update the MC301 and MC152 and give them the much needed knobs.

[MisterBritt]

Originally Posted by PHC1

"8" is culturally the most significant lucky number for the Chinese. 2 and 3 are the lucky numbers for the year of the Rat or 2020. So maybe McIntosh is hoping to attract more sales overseas or perhaps it just stands for 300w into 8 ohms for the MC830 amp and C8 just sounded like a good match for a preamplifier model.

I'll bet that's correct. You nailed it on your first attempt.

[62caddy]

The original McIntosh C8 was a mono tube preamplifier/record equalization compensator that was manufactured 1955-1959.

The compensator provided adjustable equalization for the various record labels before RIAA standardization was adopted. Could also be adapted to stereo use with the addition of the C8-S.

Since McIntosh has been producing more and more "retro styled" products, I would imagine the C8 designation was chosen in tribute of the prior model.