McIntosh 70th Anniversary Pre-Amp

[Still-One]

While attending the World of McIntosh event at Paragon last week I happened to pass the system that included the 70th Anniversary Pre-Amp. What caught my eye was the Red LED's that surround the volume control and provide a visual indication of level. I hadn't seen this on McIntosh before and thought it was a nice idea and looked pretty cool too. For those of you who haven't seen them before I attached photo. I wonder if they will show up on future products?

[DougR]

I agree... subtle but cool!

[Formerly YB-2]

That's as good looking a system from McIntosh as any I've seen (from any maker). Am a fan of the volume LED's.

[audioguy3107]

Little bigger pic of the preamp.....that is a good looking piece of gear.

[BuffaloBill]

Beautiful gear. With Klipsch speakers only one red light would ever be lit.

[med_designer]

I own the C70 and purchased it when it just came out as there were no more C22s avaiable. I love having a totally analog tube pre-amp with controls for tone and cartridge loading. Very nice bit of kit.

Let me know if you have any questions. Very happy with the C70 and right now it looks like it will be with me for a long time to come. I do not think they sell lots of these but feel it might be a lost classic in future years. My dealer tells me they will only make them for a while longer.

I run a MC152 with the C70 and feel it is a great combination. Best of both worlds.

[cmusic]

I love the sound and looks of my C70 as well. The LED lights not only give the C70 a modern look but also functionality. During warm up the lights turn on in pairs around the volume control knob making a nice little show. When warm up is completed the lights that remain lit approximately correspond to the last volume level, there are about 8 volume steps between lights. Before playing music one can lower the volume using the remote if it was too high from the last listening session. Its facade blends very nicely with the MC452 and similar amps.

[med_designer]

My findings are the same - about 8 volume steps between lights. Works well overall. Have you thought about different preamp tubes in the input, output, or phono stages?

What would you recommended?

[cmusic]

med_designer
I have had my C70 for a few months so no plans on changing the stock tubes yet. I would change the in/out stage tubes if there is a noticeable improvement in the sound. I don't have a turntable so those will not be changed. The fact that I would only need 2 tubes makes it a compelling upgrade. Looking for advise as well.