I bought this about a year ago to simplify my set-up, and get a bit of extra cash. The C-28 replaced a PS Audio line stage, Audio Alchemy phono stage and a Counterpoint tube MC pre-preamplifier. The AA phono stage was being run (with a DDE v1.1 DAC) off a PS-2 power supply (their largest) and the cables were all good quality. This piece had a new glass front panel, and a new (maybe even upgraded) volume control put in by McIntosh for the previous owner. For the money I paid (~$300 including a speaker relay and wood case), nothing else seemed to be worthwhile, and my wife loves the look of the old McIntosh gear (that goes a long way).
The McIntosh is full of features, think of it like the Carver of the 1970's. I was told the phono stage was going to be inadequate, although it has a nice 62db of gain, and the sound would be harsh and transistor-like (whatever that means). At the time it seemed this would be a 'temporary' downgrade.

Bottom line: My assumptions couldn't have been more wrong. The McIntosh mated perfectly with my amp (a nicely modified/upgraded Conrad-Johnson MV-75A1), and speakers (Snell EIII). Improvements in resolution, and soundstage were the most immediate changes. The phono section was more than enough for a 1.5mV Grado Signature model MC cartridge, and a MM Sumiko cartridge (the Sumiko has since been retired) and far more engaging compared to the AA + Counterpoint.

The used market is a tremendous resource for excellent equipment at very low prices for all us budgetary challenged music lovers. McIntosh gear is some of the most well built and reliable on the market, and their solid state gear is readily available. The C-28 is a stately piece in appearance, and its sound is incredibly pleasing. However, I think the key here is system synergy. Components designed and built recently may employ engineering that does not work well with older designs, or vice versa. But I still think for $300 (or up to $400, which it seems most are asking for C-28) you are unwise to jump into buying new. Keep in mind, anything "new" you do buy will depreciate quickly; a McIntosh will probably be still worth close to what you paid if not more in 5-10 years. Sonically, I haven't heard anything that compares, and I would bet that in the under $1000 market (new gear), you will have a hard time finding a clear winner over the C-28. At this price point I feel it deserves 5 stars.


The used market is a tremendous resource for excellent equipment at very low prices, for all us budjetary challeged music lovers. McIntosh gear is some of the most well built and reliable on the market, and their solid state gear is readily avaible. The C-28 is a stately piece in appearance, and its sound is incredibly pleasing. I'm sure after listening to a Pass Aleph P, Threshold, or Conrad-Johnson preamp (or all the other over $1300 preamps out there) you could pick apart the C-28 all night, but at this price point I would give it 5 stars based on sound quality and the undeniable truth that what you pay for it will be what you sell it for. (Its competition would be perhaps: B&K, Rotel, PS Audio, the Audio Alchemy DLC + VAC setup, and maybe even NAD.)