SON & IMAGE MAGAZINE: McINTOSH C47 PREAMPLIFIER IS "A DEVICE DESIGNED WITHOUT COMPROMISE"
In reviewing the C47 preamplifier, Son & Image calls it "a device designed without compromise." The rear panel is a "playing field" of connectivity that even the most demanding users will not be disappointed with. Full of user customizable settings, one is Trim Level that can adjust and save the volume setting of each input to avoid the unpleasantness of changing sources and "the sound level is too high or too low."
A key feature of the C47 is its ability to play high resolution DSD files; while listening to some of these files, the reviewer had "never heard such sound reproduction." The C47 handled the hi-res music so well that his amplifier had "rarely been as effective." With CDs, he appreciated the neutrality of its performance. "The highs are not aggressive, and the medium is transparent, very clear and detailed. The bass is clean and precise." For the phono input's analog performance, if he kept the C47, he'd likely sell his dedicated phono preamp as it would no longer be needed since his turntable sounded "excellent" with the C47.
He concludes the C47 has a "sound transparency" with "amazing clarity." Get your copy of the magazine for the full review.
(by Richard Schneider / Son & Image / March 2016 / Volume 17 Number 3)
