C49

The C49 comes with a multitude of inputs. For analog, it has 2 balanced and 3 unbalanced, along with 2 phono inputs (comprised of 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet) for connecting turntables. On the digital side, it has 6 inputs housed in the DA1 module. The inputs are: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT (for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports). The DA1 is powered by an 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that is used in Quad Balanced mode; it supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz for playback of high resolution audio.

"Digital was clean, but not harsh, imaging and soundstage were good, and after a download of McIntosh USB drivers the DA1 ran with no issues. You would have to buy a pretty stellar stand alone DAC to outperform the DA1, in my opinion. Maybe you’d even pay prices that would rival the cost of the entire C49 before getting something well above what it can do." Winner of 2021 Editors Choice Award for Preamplifiers. – Part-Time Audiophile

 

For connecting to your amplifier and the rest of your home audio system, the C49 has 2 balanced variable outputs, 2 unbalanced variable outputs, and 1 unbalanced fixed output. The outputs are designed for easy use when bi-amping your speakers so that neither your highs or lows are inadvertently turned off. Your audio sources can be fine tuned via the bass and treble tone controls. The C49 can be seamlessly integrated into your home theater system via Home Theater Pass Through. Power Control ports allow for the easy turn on/turn off of other connected McIntosh components, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components. Our High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) is also included.

"Better detail, better soundstage, better coherence… Whether I was listening to my CD collection or some hi-res, the music sounded much more lush and full of body than my current setup. It was more organic and more real." – Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 

 

The C49 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. As a Roon Tested partner, McIntosh has provided equipment to Roon for testing with a variety of different operating systems and computers, and shared information about its design and capabilities.

The C49 comes complete with classic McIntosh design staples such as a black glass front panel, knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. Pair it with a variety of amplifiers, turntables, CD players, tuners, speakers, power controllers and room correction devices to make a complete home audio system.

ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS

• Number of Channels

  2

• Total Harmonic Distortion

  0.005%

• Frequency Response

  +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
  +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

• Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  16V RMS / 8V RMS

• Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  900mV / 450mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)

  0.45mV

• Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)

  4.5mV

• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)

  100dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)

  80dB

• Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)

  82dB

• Voltage Gain (High Level)

  15dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)

  60dB

• Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)

  40dB

• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)

  44K ohm, 22K ohm

CONNECTIVITY

• Balanced Input

  2

• Unbalanced Input

  3

• Phono Input Moving Coil

  1 (adjustable)

• Phono Input Moving Magnet

  1 (adjustable)

• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module

  Yes: DA1

• Digital Coaxial Input

  2

• Digital Optical Input

  2

• Digital MCT Input

  1

• Digital USB Input

  1

• HDMI (ARC) Input

  0

• Digital AES/EBU Input

  0

• Balanced Fixed Output

  0

• Balanced Variable Output

  2

• Unbalanced Fixed Output

  1

• Unbalanced Variable Output

  2

• Headphone Output

  1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®)

• Input Level Match

  Yes, +/- 6dB

• Home Theater PassThru

  Yes

• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type

  Standard

• Service Port

  1

CONTROL

• Tone Controls

  Bass and Treble

• Tone Bypass and Input Assign

  Yes

• RS232 Control Input

  Yes

• Power Control Output

  1 Main, 2 Trigger

• Rear Panel Data Port

  4

• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input

  Yes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Multi-Chassis or Single

  Single, two layer

• Output Meters

  No

• Vacuum Tube or Solid State

  Solid State

• Power Consumption (On)

  30 Watts

WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

• Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)

  17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) x 18" (45.72cm)

• Unit Weight

  23 lbs (10.4 kg)

• Shipping Weight

  37.5 lbs (17 kg)