The search for the right SS McIntosh preamp looks like it's finally over. I picked this C28 up with the wooden case locally, and it is in wonderful condition. Early listening was interesting. What a midrange! lush,warm and alive. All switches, controls are clean and the faceplate is perfect. The metal plate around the tape monitor buttons is bronze in color as opposed to black but the lettering is perfect. Any input on possible fading, or a special model etc would be appreciated. Since the low freq. are kinda loose and the hi freq. could use more detail, It is going to Terry for a going over today. I'll let you know the difference when I get it back
It's back to the Citation 17s until it returns. :music:

under the hood, FYI:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/P3040005.jpg

Been there and it is very clean. I noticed that yours has the newer? adjustment knobs on the top. Mine appears to be a very early model with the black knobs with the silver circle. The serial number is 4 digits with an x in the middle. Any idea how to trace its actual age? I really liked the phono stage during my initial listening.
Thanks for the pic,
ejh

Congrats on you beautiful C28.

As far as dates go you have one of the early ones. The first C28 was #10X01 made in January 1970 and 99X99 was made in Febuary 1974. You can plug in your # for a guess of when it was made.

Victor

I noticed that yours has the newer? adjustment knobs on the top. Mine appears to be a very early model with the black knobs with the silver circle.
You lost me, there! I will check my serial number, tho'.

It appears as though the small adjustment knobs on the top had knobs with inserts in them in the later production runs, or so Ive been told.
ejh

My addiction to McIntosh started in the late 60's, my very first Mac was an integrated MA5100, then I moved up to separates, a C28 and a MC2105. I had a very bad luck with the C28, left or right channels would sometimes quietly fade, I had the unit in the shop number of times but they were unable to really address the problem. The dealer finally admitted that this particular preamp has a chronic problem and suggested to move up to one of the newer ones. I traded the C28 for a new C29, that was 1982, and I am still using the C29, this one has turned out to be most reliable and also an extremely quiet preamp.

Vahe

The function switch in the C28 is a nightmare. It DID make me a believer in the superiority of CAIG DeOxit as a contact cleaner, though.

EDIT: The serial number on mine is AK7032
Hmm... "AK"... interesting...

The AK serial numbers were the next numbers used after the ##X## numbers. AK1001 was made Febuary 1974 and AK9999 was made October 1976. The last numbers were AS1001 (October 1976) to AS4957 (December 1978). This makes a total of 21,955 C28s made which I believe makes this the biggest selling preamp McIntosh made.

Victor

65X48 here for my C-28.

Murray

This particular C-28 came bundled with my Cornwalls and an MC-2100. I know the Cornwalls are 1974's, so this is likely from ca. 1974 as well. There was also a TU-717 in the deal, but that's obviously from several years later.

Got my C28 back fom Terry yesterday and I spent the morning setting up and doing some critical listening. All I can say is my search for a preamp is over for a good while. He did his audio path and grounding upgrades as well as replacing a bulb, and it is the best McMoney I have spent since aquiring the C28. The overall smoothness and lack of grain is astounding. It now makes my Citation17s sound brittle and dry. In fairness the 17s has not had any upgrades since the 70's, but the difference in the C28 since upgrade is astounding. The bass has tightened up and seems back under control, and the midrange and upper end is so silky smooth and open. I am more than pleased and Terry was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Time to send my MC2100's up for updating. As you can see from the pics I don't have the best room setup acousticly, yet the result is outstanding. I only use the EQ and range expander on less than acceptable vinyl, But have not needed to or wanted to insert it in the audio loop since the upgrades.
Thanks Terry!!