Six-tube analog architecture
Five 12AX7A tubes and one 12AT7 tube form the preamplifier circuit.
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The C22 Mk V is a hands-on McIntosh vacuum-tube preamplifier built around seven analog inputs, separate moving-coil and moving-magnet phono inputs, and direct front-panel control.
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The C22 Preamplifier Mk V combines a six-tube analog signal path with the familiar glass-and-aluminum McIntosh presentation. Five 12AX7A tubes and one 12AT7 tube form the preamplifier circuit, while front-panel knobs and rocker switches place source selection, volume, balance, tone, and phono adjustment directly at hand.
Seven analog inputs include two balanced, three unbalanced, one moving-coil phono, and one moving-magnet phono connection. Separate phono inputs and adjustable loading allow the C22 to serve as the center of a record-focused system while retaining flexible line-level connectivity.
Two pairs each of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs support flexible amplifier arrangements. Bypassable tone controls let the listener choose between direct operation and subtle adjustment for a recording or room.
Pearl Audio can help match the C22 to a power amplifier, configure its phono inputs around your cartridge, and arrange a private in-store audition.
A perspective from Pearl Audio
I have always liked McIntosh tube preamplifiers that let you interact with the system instead of hiding everything behind a menu. The C22 Mk V leans into that idea: real knobs and switches, separate moving-coil and moving-magnet inputs, and six tubes in the preamplifier circuit. It looks deliberately traditional, but the useful part is how direct it feels. If the C55 is the control center and the C2800 is the modern tube all-rounder, the C22 is the one for the listener who wants the ritual of analog playback to remain visible.
Choosing a McIntosh preamplifier
| C22 Mk V | C55 | C2800 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Six-tube vacuum tube | Solid state | Four-tube vacuum tube |
| Pearl shorthand | Tactile, analog-focused | Broad control and solid-state operation | Modern tube system center |
| Inputs | 7 analog | 16 total: 9 analog + 7 digital | 16 total: 9 analog + 7 digital |
| Phono | Dedicated MC + dedicated MM | Two configurable MC/MM | Two configurable MC/MM |
| Distinctive control | Direct knobs, switches, and bypassable tone controls | Eight-band analog EQ, filtering, and subwoofer output | Filtering, subwoofer routing, and Processor Loop |
| THD | 0.08% | 0.005% | 0.08% |
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Product highlights
Five 12AX7A tubes and one 12AT7 tube form the preamplifier circuit.
Dedicated moving-coil and moving-magnet inputs include adjustable loading.
Knobs and rocker switches provide direct access to the principal listening adjustments.
The McIntosh difference
McIntosh gives its technologies names because each solves a specific problem. Here is what each one does, why it matters in a system, and what you may notice when listening.
On the C22
C55 OUT → MC462 IN · Explore the demonstration →
On the C22
At a glance
The Pearl Audio Experience
A high-end audio system should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. Pearl Audio stays involved from the first audition through installation and long-term ownership.
Hear C22 Preamplifier Mk V by appointment in one of Pearl Audio’s two professionally designed demonstration rooms, with time to compare and ask questions.
Portland-area delivery and installation help ensure that placement, connections, ventilation, and system configuration are handled with care.
Pearl Audio supports everything we sell for as long as you own it—whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or system change.