McIntosh C38 Solid State Preamp - Full Featured Including Phono Stage

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

Hailing from the 1990’s, this full featured preamp featuring a timeless McIntosh design was recently refreshed by our professional technical staff. 

It received a brand new glass faceplate, new indicator bulbs throughout, and a handful of internal components to meet the original McIntosh specifications.

Best of all it has phono inputs and balanced outputs for the best possible connection to your amp.

The C38 is also capable of remote control using the McIntosh HR38 remote controller. Please note the remote is not included in this listing.

McIntosh C38 Owner’s Manual

McIntosh C38 Sales Brochure

Our Testing Process for Preamplifiers (All) at SkyFi:



We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline. 



At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching. 



Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system. 

More from McIntosh:

The C38, Remote Controlled, System Control Center is a perfect example of a simple, yet elegant instrument which will allow you to enjoy outstanding music reproduction together with a wide range of convenient operating functions. The C38 has a built-in capability of controlling two separate listening areas. The LISTEN signals are defined as Area A which is usually the main area where all the sound equipment is located. The RECORD signals are available at a pair of outputs marked B, and can be used for a remote area with its own dedicated power amplifier and pair of speakers.

Data ports are provided for seven audio remote controlled accessories. This feature allows you to control a compatible unit by transmitting with its hand held remote controller direct to a C38 sensor. A data port is also provided to control the optional Mcintosh MVS-3 Video Selector for switching video signals in addition to audio signals. Another data port connects to the optional Mcintosh HC-1 Home Controller to allow control of accessories or appliances.

The convenience of C38 remote control operation is enhanced by its capability of directly interfacing with the Mcintosh CR10 Remote Control System. The CR10 can add an additional four remote areas of control.

There are eight pairs of high level inputs to accommodate all the traditional program sources as well as the most recent new sources. A pair of low level inputs is also provided that will accept signals from a moving magnet phono cartridge in a record player. Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all inputs and operating functions for the most reliable and distortion free switching available.

Separate RECORD and LISTEN circuits allow recording from one source while listening to another. A continuously variable Active Loudness Control allows loudness compensation to be selected for any setting of the volume control. The Loudness Control circuit elements are removed from the circuit path when the control is in the flat or fully counterclockwise position.

Bass and Treble tone controls provide 12dB of boost or cut. At the center "Flat Response" or detent position of the tone controls, all tone control circuit elements are removed from the signal path.

Two Signal Processor loops are provided. One is for Listen signals and one is for Record signals. Power supply voltage regulator circuits maintain stable operation even though the AC power line may vary. Double shielding of the power transformer completely isolates it from the audio circuits. This eliminates the need for a clumsy outboard power transformer used by some less sophisticated designs.

Front panel pushbuttons control two switched outputs as well as two pairs of speakers when an optional SCR3 switching relay is added.

The Mcintosh C38 "Classic Glass" front panel has all control, switch and pushbutton nomenclature illuminated.

----------

Thanks for looking and please click here if you’d like to receive a list of new equipment we receive weekly. We promise not to bombard you with junk email.

----------

PURCHASING FROM SKYFI:

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home unless you opt for local pickup from our shop. Please note that all local pickup items are only wrapped with industrial strength clear cling stretch wrap if the original manufacturer packaging is unavailable.

Local pickup is available in Glen Rock, NJ, just a half hour drive from Midtown Manhattan, with convenient parking near our building.

And if you’re looking to ship to Canada, simply follow this link to view and purchase this item. We ship to Canada via UPS Worldwide Expedited service and you’re responsible for any applicable import duties and taxes.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with custom made to your item Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

----------

WHO WE ARE:

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES:

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS:

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card, bank transfer, and their special financing to spread out payments over six months. We do not charge extra for any PayPal fees if you purchase the item at the asking price. You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or bank wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item, we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified check, bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY:

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling direct on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken):

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you’re in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT:                                                                                                     

We are currently operating from our shop inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped and dedicated listening areas, plus a dedicated listening studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

v3.3