Just purchased a new C-22 reissue. Great preamp, very flexible. It replaces a solid state Mac MX-118 tuner/preamp. Hard to tell the difference since I changed from a pair of MMGs to a pair of Paradigm Reference 20s at the same time I shifted preamps. I do find the C-22 sound to be more relaxed and pleasing to the ear. The highs are silky without being shrill, and voice is more intimate. Low bass is on par with the solid state Mac. All in all, I love this unit. Bought it to match a mint+ MR-67 tuner, and I wanted to get into tubes. What a sight to see these two sitting next to eachother.

This unit is very well built (had the covers off already) and should last a lifetime of solid service.

I have a c-22 matched with a mc-275 and mr-71 along with altec lansing duplex speakers... Ive compared it a few times with the commemorative issue..and i think hands down, the original sounds nicer, sweeter..I love the preamp, and i cant get over how great it sounds..sometimes..im just in awe.. I will never sell this preamp.. ive had it handed down to me,and will hand it down to my kids..long live Mc.

Purchased in 1970, at close since the new transistor units were coming out.I have had to replace the ON/OFF switch once and the "ON" printing is about 50% rubbed off.
I have yet to hear another preamp that made me want to sell this one.

Purchased in 1970, at close since the new transistor units were coming out.I have had to replace the ON/OFF switch once and the "ON" printing is about 50% rubbed off.
I have yet to hear another preamp that made me want to sell this one.

I have had this preamp(re-issue) for almost a year, bought it for 2,200$us had been using it with Mcintosh Mc300 amp. Its sound alone is fine with high-end preference but may be a tad lower than those big names considering its capability to convey image and lifelike kinda music. But and this is a big but it works like a tank for 2,200$us I can't think of any brand in high-end market that is more reliable than this preamp. Playing it with Mc300 it sounds sweet and mellow with fine detail eventhough there is some weakness in image but one could live with it so easily, especially if you like female vocal since it's strengh is in midrange and focus( it should be cause it's tube,I guess) recently I switch using it with Levinson 332. If you're in the market for a preamp at this price range and want something that won't cause you headache for years of listening, check this out. I own it, and admit it that it may not the best sounding preamp you can buy in this price range but its weakness is not so unforgiven and its strenght makes one could overlook those fallbacks so quickly once you listen to it, and, if you live with it for a while like me you'll know in no time that you're gonna own this preamp for so many years further till its first maintenance.