C29 vs C30
The C30's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the C29's 100 dB, its thd 0.007% against 0.020%, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share mm gain (62 dB).
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The McIntosh C29 is a legendary solid-state stereo preamplifier produced from 1978 to 1985, featuring a classic glass faceplate with gold/teal illumination, precision 32-step volume attenuator, dual phono inputs, extensive connectivity including AUX1/2, TUNER, Phono1/2, MIC, and tape monitors with copy function. It offers 11-position bass (±20 dB at 20 Hz) and treble (±18 dB at 20 kHz) controls per channel, loudness compensation, 7-position mode selector (stereo, reverse, mono, blend), LF filter (50 Hz 12 dB/oct), HF filter (7 kHz 12 dB/oct), dual headphone jacks with built-in amp, and speaker control socket compatibility. Renowned for robust construction with triple-shielded power transformer, double-silver contact switching, low-noise phono stage using IC op-amps, and high build quality using 9 ICs, 2 transistors, 11 diodes, 8 LEDs, 1 SCR, 1 LDR. Approximately 7,294 units produced (S/N BZ1001~BZ8295). Pairs excellently with McIntosh amps like MC2125 or MC2205.
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Input and output connections
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
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
Components that show up alongside the C29 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 C30's signal-to-noise is 90 dB against the C29's 100 dB, its thd 0.007% against 0.020%, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share mm gain (62 dB).
The Pre2P's thd is 0.001% against the C29's 0.020% and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS. Both share signal-to-noise (100 dB) and output impedance (100Ω).
The Line 2's signal-to-noise is 93 dB against the C29's 100 dB, its thd 0.010% against 0.020%, its output impedance 121Ω against 100Ω, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS.
The KRC-3's signal-to-noise is 98 dB against the C29's 100 dB, its thd 0.009% against 0.020%, its output impedance 15Ω against 100Ω, and its output voltage 9.0V RMS against 2.5V RMS.
C41
Audio Research Corporation SP14
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