First McIntosh - C32 Preamp

MATT0404

MATT0404

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I'm excited to have picked up my first McIntosh component. I stumbled upon this C32 on Craigslist for a great price. The ad had only been posted for an hour and I was already the second person who called about it. The seller said first come, first served, so I drove down with a pocket of cash and picked it up.

It's in what I consider "user" condition; it's been used and shows it's age. Scuffs, scratches, a few bubbles behind the glass, burned out bulb, etc. I initially thought I had an issue with volume fading in/out and randomly fluctuating in both channels, then I realized it stemmed from the expander being left on. As soon as I switched it off, all issues disappeared. I assume it's abnormal for the expander function to have that effect on the signal.

The sound is great with my current system, though I plan on having the C32 restored in the very near future. I pulled the cover to take a peek inside and notice the ribbon connectors are delaminating. I don't notice any bulging or leaky caps but I plan on having it re-capped anyways. I scored a beautiful walnut cabinet and panloc brackets recently. I have an additional set of panloc brackets (10/12" adjustable) if anyone needs a set.

A question for you guys; is there a way for me to get signal to my subwoofer without using the high level inputs? I thought I might be able to run one of the other outputs to the sub but that doesn't appear to be working. Vintage equipment is new to me, so I've always been spoiled with sub outs.

I plan to continue updating this thread with updates, photos and questions throughout the restoration process.

As purchased:
Macintosh C32 Pre-Amplifier by Matt Krepp, on Flickr

With walnut cabinet:
McIntosh C32 by Matt Krepp, on Flickr
 
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I don't think there is any way to run a sub without using the high level without a sub pre out.

Nice looking piece in that cabinet. Good luck with it.
 
Speaker/amp buttons on front control two added main outputs right next to main outputs on the rear panel.

A careful masking tape wrap will keep the delamination tidy.....no black tape as it leaves a gooey residue.
 
Tcomisky said:
I don't think there is any way to run a sub without using the high level without a sub pre out.

Nice looking piece in that cabinet. Good luck with it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, it does look great in the cabinet.

c_dk said:
Speaker/amp buttons on front control two added main outputs right next to main outputs on the rear panel.

A careful masking tape wrap will keep the delamination tidy.....no black tape as it leaves a gooey residue.
Click to expand...

So if I activate the secondary outputs from the front panel, I should get signal out to the sub? My son's in bed for the night, so I'll give it a shot in the morning. And thanks for the tip regarding the delamination.
 
RCA out of the #1 (not main) output to the subwoofer with the speaker 1 button depressed works perfect!
 
the expander compander thing works good with vinyl not so good with digital sources or even tapes. Its great for pre 80's 45 rpm records, it gives you that top forty fm sound that while compressed makes a lot of the music jump out at you. if you ever remember when radio sounded like that, it is fun. it is not "audiophilically correct" :) Think I made up a new phrase! I love the C33 I have. wont ever sell it, if I upgrade the main system it will simply go to the bedroom, the 30 series pre amp are a good place to start, MIGHT need a few caps replaced, but far less issues the the 20 series ( note that does not include the c29, if you can;t get a 32 or 33 it's the other good place to start)
 
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