C30 vs C29
The C29's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the C30's 90 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.007%, and its output voltage 2.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share mm gain (62 dB).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The McIntosh C30 is a 2-channel solid-state preamplifier that offers a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. It features a total harmonic distortion of 0.007% and provides gain options of 62dB for moving magnet (MM) inputs and 22dB for line inputs. The input sensitivity is 2mV for MM and 200mV for line inputs. The signal-to-noise ratio is 90dB for MM and 100dB for line inputs. The C30 includes a five-band equalizer, which enhances its versatility in audio settings. It is built with 15 ICs, 66 FETs, 28 transistors, and 91 diodes. The dimensions are 406 x 138 x 353mm, and it weighs 8.2kg. Less than 2000 units were produced, making it a sought-after piece among collectors and audiophiles.
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the C30 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The C29's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the C30's 90 dB, its thd 0.020% against 0.007%, and its output voltage 2.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share mm gain (62 dB).
The Pre2P's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the C30's 90 dB, its thd 0.001% against 0.007%, and its weight 13 kg (29 lbs) against 8.2 kg (18 lbs). Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The SA-32's thd is 0.100% against the C30's 0.007% and its input sensitivity 0.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share signal-to-noise (90 dB) and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The C33's thd is 0.010% against the C30's 0.007% and its output voltage 10.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share signal-to-noise (90 dB) and input sensitivity (2.0V RMS).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
Audio Research Corporation SP14
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