McIntosh C26 Vintage Analog Preamplifier, Serviced

Description

McIntosh C26 Vintage Analog Preamplifier, Serviced
SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio GearSkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that 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, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.----------Very capable vintage solid state preamplifier from McIntosh that was proudly made right here in Binghamton, New York. Just serviced where we replaced critical capacitors and cleaned the controls for great operation. Caps are custom multi-section units made specifically for us. Much better in quality and performance than the originals that dated back to the 1960's. The C26 is full of features including tone controls to get them most out of your vintage speakers. We love the dual inputs for connecting your beloved turntable(s), along with loudness circuitry to allow you to get full-range sound late at night without disturbing your neighbors. In overall great cosmetic condition, please see our photos for more details. SkyFi Service Notes: • Multi-section main filter capacitors replaced Cosmetic Notes: • Slight ding in left side of glass that lets some light through - Paint separation below red power indicator The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers: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. ----------PURCHASING GUIDELINES:We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official eBay 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. All listings are eligible for eBay’s Global Shipping Program unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case, simply message us via eBay as we can accept bank wire transfers for international payments. And we frequently ship worldwide with UPS.And please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address. No exceptions.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 message us here on eBay 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.eBay v1.4 Item Included Original Box Not Included Manual Online Only Remote Not Applicable Cables Yes - Power Only Physical Condition 7 / 10 Working Condition  10 / 10
SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio Gear
SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that 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, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.
----------
Very capable vintage solid state preamplifier from McIntosh that was proudly made right here in Binghamton, New York.
Just serviced where we replaced critical capacitors and cleaned the controls for great operation. Caps are custom multi-section units made specifically for us. Much better in quality and performance than the originals that dated back to the 1960's.
The C26 is full of features including tone controls to get them most out of your vintage speakers. We love the dual inputs for connecting your beloved turntable(s), along with loudness circuitry to allow you to get full-range sound late at night without disturbing your neighbors.
In overall great cosmetic condition, please see our photos for more details.
SkyFi Service Notes:
• Multi-section main filter capacitors replaced
Cosmetic Notes:
• Slight ding in left side of glass that lets some light through
- Paint separation below red power indicator
The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
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.
----------
PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official eBay 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.
All listings are eligible for eBay’s Global Shipping Program unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case, simply message us via eBay as we can accept bank wire transfers for international payments. And we frequently ship worldwide with UPS.
And please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address.
No exceptions.
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 message us here on eBay 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.
eBay v1.4
Item
Included
Original Box
Not Included
Manual
Online Only
Remote
Not Applicable
Cables
Yes - Power Only
Physical Condition
7 / 10
Working Condition
10 / 10
eBay integration
by