C49 2-Channel Preamplifier

Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems

Be prepared for future digital music technologies with the C49 Preamplifier. The C49 features our DA1 Digital Audio Module, which can be replaced by new modules as new digital audio technologies are developed. This will allow you to keep your C49 up to date with digital music formats and viable well into the future.

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. (NOW AVAILABLE: Optional dealer installed upgrade to the DA2 Digital Audio Module.) In total, the C49 has 13 inputs, and each can be given user-friendly names to simplify system setup and control.

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.

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.

Specifications

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
• Moving Magnet : 4.5mV
• Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) : 100dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (Phono) :

• Moving Coil : 80dB
• Moving Magnet : 82dB
• Voltage Gain (High Level) : 15dB

Voltage Gain (Phono) :

• Moving Coil : 60dB
• Moving Magnet : 40dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) : 44K ohm, 22K ohm

Connectivity :

• Balanced Input : 2
• Unbalanced Input : 3

Phono Input :

• 1 Moving Coil (adjustable)
• 1 Moving Magnet (adjustable)
• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module : Yes: DA1
• Digital Coaxial Input : 2
• Digital Optical Input : 2
• Digital MCT Input : 1
• Digital USB Input : 1
• 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 Inputs : Yes
• Power Control Outputs : 1 Main, 2 Trigger
• Rear Panel Data Ports : 4
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs : 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)