Bi-amping a single speaker system can be accomplished using the Main output and Output 1 and their built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this configuration, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. Then the adjustable crossover would let you optimize the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences. Output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.

Additionally, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo to allow it to send audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to 2 separate stereo subwoofers.

RETURN OF THE PROCESSOR LOOP

The C2800 features the return of the Processor Loop, something not available on the last few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers. The Processor Loop allows you to insert an external signal processor (such as our MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System), dynamic range expanders, or other devices without having to place it between the preamplifier and power amplifier(s). This is usually more convenient and can allow for better performance.

The Processor Loop is also the perfect place to connect an analog tape recorder, a high-end cassette deck, or a 3-head reel deck that allows you to record from a source component and hear the recording just seconds later so you can monitor your recordings.

NETWORK CONNECTED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES

In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 can be connected to your network which will unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app. Designed for both Android and Apple devices, the Connect app can be used to control key functions of the C2800 including Volume control as well as Input and Output selection.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FEATURES

• Electronic bass and treble circuitry allows for adjustments of low and high frequencies in precise 1dB steps. The C2800 remembers your tone control circuitry bypass setting for each input.
• High Drive Headphone Amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) technology brings an added dimension to headphone listening.
• Home Theater PassThru for seamless integration into your home theatre system.
• Has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. 
• Power Control lets you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off.
• Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
• Electromagnetic Input Switching for reliable, noiseless, and distortion-free switching. 
• Level Trim Adjustment for matching analog input levels to prevent abrupt changes in volume levels.
• Precision balanced, digitally controlled attenuator system for accurate volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
• Fully regulated power supplies and a special R-core power transformer for stable, noise-free operation.
• Eco-friendly Power Management System that will turn the unit off after 30 minutes of inactivity (can be disabled).

Electronic Specifications

• Number of Channels 2

• Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08%

• Frequency Response

  +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
  +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

• Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced) 16V RMS / 8V RMS

• Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced) 900mV / 450mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil) 0.45mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet) 4.5mV

• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) 100dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil) 75dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) 75dB

• Voltage Gain (High Level) 15dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Coil) Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet) Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB

• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) 44K ohm, 22K ohm

Connectivity

• Balanced Input 3

• Unbalanced Input 4

• Phono Input Moving Coil Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)

• Phono Input Moving Magnet Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)

• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module Yes: DA2

• Digital Coaxial Input 2

• Digital Optical Input 2

• Digital MCT Input 1

• Digital USB Input 1

• HDMI (ARC) Input 1

• Digital AES/EBU Input 0

• Balanced Fixed Output 0

• Balanced Variable Output 3

• Unbalanced Fixed Output 0

• Unbalanced Variable Output 3

• Headphone Output 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)

• Input Level Match Yes, +/- 6dB

• Home Theater PassThru Yes

• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type Premium gold-plated solid brass

• Service Port 1

• Network Connection 1

Control

• Tone Controls Bass and Treble

• Tone Bypass and Input Assign Yes

• RS232 Control Input Yes

• Power Control Output 1 Main, 4 Trigger

• Rear Panel Data Port 6

• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input Yes

General Specifications

• Multi-Chassis or Single Single, two layer

• Output Meters Yes

• Vacuum Tube or Solid State Vacuum Tube (3) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7

• Power Consumption (On) 75 Watts

Weights & Dimensions

• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)

  17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.4cm) x 16.5" (41.9cm)

• Unit Weight 28 lbs (12.5kg)

• Shipping Weight 43.5 lbs (19.7kg)