C8 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
 
5 analog inputs (1 balanced, 2 unbalanced, 2 phono)
(4) 12AX7a vacuum tubes
High Drive headphone amplifier
Optional dealer installed upgrade to DA2 Digital Audio Module available
 
The C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier has an open chassis industrial design similar to our popular MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, and MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers. When combined with an amplifier (like the matching MC830 Amplifier), source components such as a turntable, CD player (see the matching MCD85 SACD/CD Player) or streaming music player, and a pair of speakers, it can help deliver a lifelike audio experience in your home.
 
Similarly sized to our MA252 Integrated Amplifier, the C8 is powered by four 12AX7a vacuum tubes housed inside stylish protective cages. For inputs, the C8 comes with 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced analog inputs, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs with adjustable loading to play cherished vinyl collections. All inputs can be given user-friendly names in order to simplify user control. Bass and treble tone controls help fine tune your music to your personal preferences. For outputs, it has 1 balanced and 2 unbalanced; 1 of the unbalanced outputs can be configured as a subwoofer output for use with a powered subwoofer to further enhance low frequencies.
 
While the C8 does not come equipped with any digital inputs, it is digital-audio-ready as our DA2 Digital Audio Module can be installed in it. Adding the DA2 is an optional dealer installed upgrade. The DA2 has 7 digital inputs: 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT (for use with our MCT500 or MCT80 SACD/CD Transport), and 1 audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection. The DA2 is powered by a next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Its audiophile-grade DAC is highlighted by improved dynamic range and improved total harmonic distortion. For high resolution audio playback, the USB input can support native playback of up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, and the coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz.
 
Specifications
 
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)
95dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
75dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
80dB
Voltage Gain (High Level)
15dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
75dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
55dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
44K ohm, 22K ohm
 
Connectivity
Balanced Input
1
Unbalanced Input
2
Phono Input Moving Coil
1 (adjustable)
Phono Input Moving Magnet
1 (adjustable)
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
Yes: DA2 can be installed
Digital Coaxial Input
0
Digital Optical Input
0
Digital MCT Input
0
Digital USB Input
0
HDMI (ARC) Input
0
Digital AES/EBU Input
0
Balanced Fixed Output
0
Balanced Variable Output
1
Unbalanced Fixed Output
0
Unbalanced Variable Output
2
Headphone Output
1/4" High Drive
Input Level Match
Yes, +/- 6dB
Home Theater PassThru
Yes
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Standard
Service Port
1
Network Connection
0
 
Control
Tone Controls
Bass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input Assign
Yes
RS232 Control Input
Yes
Power Control Output
1 Main, 2 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Port
2
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
Yes
 
General Specifications
Multi-Chassis or Single
Single
Output Meters
No
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Vacuum Tube
Power Consumption (On)
50 Watts
 
Weights & Dimensions
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
12-9/32" (31.2cm) x 7-5/8" (19.4cm) x 16-1/4" (41.3cm)
Unit Weight
18 lbs (8.2 kg)
Shipping Weight
25 lbs (11.3 kg)