I have the opportunity to pick up a C-26 that "works great" but has quite a bit of pitting to the chrome, and the metal case (no wooden case) is rusted more than I would like. It looks like I can bring it home for $150, which seems reasonable.

I have always wanted to join the McIntosh family but I need another pre like I need a hole in the head....

Any suggestions on problem areas to look at when I audition it?

What are other's thoughts on the C-26, particularly with regard to the phono section?

I don't think I can really go wrong at the price, I just wish it wasn't so cosmetically challenged.


Thanks

~R

C26 was my first Mac preamp nearly 40 years ago, good solid unit, It had a little too much background audible hiss for my taste in the phono section, more of a problem if you listen to classical music, so I traded mine for a C28 which turned out to be a big improvement in the noise department.

Vahe

Rust is hard to get rid of, so the real issue is that if you like it and buy it, you'll start wishing it weren't so cosmetically challenged.... slippery slope.

Skip

"slippery slope" as it may be, I think I'm in for a rough ride - ya know, upgradeitis is a terrible thing on the pocketbook.

Smiles ---

~R

C26 was my first Mac preamp nearly 40 years ago, good solid unit, It had a little too much background audible hiss for my taste in the phono section, more of a problem if you listen to classical music, so I traded mine for a C28 which turned out to be a big improvement in the noise department.

Vahe

My C 26 is dead quiet but, is also cosmetically challenged (bad bubbles on the glass). I don't care how it looks, it's how it sounds that counts. You can always get a cabinet to hide the rust. For $150. I'd run, not walk to get it. But, before parting with your money, give it a listen and let your ears help you make the decision.

Clyde

I have a C26 that I've owned for 30 years. I had some caps replaced a couple years ago and the phono section is extremely quiet. I recently bought a C41 to replace it until I get a C2200, C220 or C200 (not sure which one yet). You could do a lot worse than a C26. I feel kind of guilty that mine is on a shelve and not hooked up. I guess I need to put together a second system.

The C-26 came home with me the other day - she sure has been rode hard and hung up wet! Why anyone would treat a classic girl like that is beyond me.

Got the chance to do some listening. I haven't done anything other than plug her in (did an audition before handing over the green) and run her through my 45 SET monoblox into my K-horns.

My impressions -- musical and dynamic YOW!

Even my local community funded FM channel sounds damn good.
Yes, the phono stage is noisier than my liking, but after all this one's been through that's to be expected.

If this pre sounds like it does now, imagine what I'm in for. DAMN

She gots feet tappin' magic goin on.

Pics later, Back to the music -

~R