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Home / New Products / CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix
McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier
McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier
McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier
McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier

CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix

NEW
  • Combines a preamplifier and an audio matrix into one unit
  • Connect up to 5 units via Dante® network interface to create 30 zones
  • Each zone has 2 sets of stereo outputs plus subwoofer outputs
  • 4 analog and 4 digital inputs
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • Control options: Connect app, web interface, front panel
  • No complicated programming required
  • 2U rack mountable
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3 Year Limited Warranty
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CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix

3 Year Limited Warranty
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Add to WishlistRemove From Wishlist
BUY ONLINE
  • Bluetooth logo
  • Qualcomm aptX HD logo
  • Qualcomm aptX Adaptive logo
  • Dante logo

UNMATCHED MULTI-ROOM AUDIO CONTROL

The CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier delivers effortless control and unmatched flexibility, enabling you to simultaneously enjoy different music in different rooms of your home. Combining the features of a preamplifier and an audio matrix into one unit, it can be paired with our amplifiers and speakers specifically designed for custom installations to create a multi-room, high-performance distributed audio system with exceptional sound quality that enhances every corner of your home.

EASY CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The CR106 is controlled by our free Connect app that is available for both Apple and Android devices, through a web interface, or by the intuitive front-panel knobs and buttons. Regardless of how you control the CR106, no complicated programming is required, so your system can be up and running quickly.

McIntosh Connect App for CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier

When using the Connect app, you can:

  • Turn zones on and off.
  • Name zones for easy identification.
  • Select audio sources for individual zones.
  • Adjust volume, bass, and treble for each zone.
  • Configure subwoofer settings for zones with connected subwoofers.
  • Group zones together.
  • Select 1 of 6 optional EQ Voicings for each zone.

You can also create and customize Experiences using the Connect app or web interface. When you set up an Experience, the current input selection and volume levels for each zone are captured and saved. These saved Experiences can be easily reapplied or activated anytime, offering quick and seamless audio control.

Watch our McIntosh Connect App: Setup and How to Use video to get acquainted with the app.

FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

Source components, such as CD players, music streamers, and tuners, can be connected via the 4 unbalanced analog inputs or the 4 digital inputs. For larger systems, up to five CR106 units can be linked together via Dante® network interface, creating up to 30 distinct two-channel audio zones. Adopted by hundreds of manufacturers in thousands of products, Dante replaces audio connections in larger multi-room systems with a computer network, effortlessly sending audio over your network to multiple locations.

You can also stream directly to the CR106 via Bluetooth, effectively turning your phone or tablet into a music source. The CR106 utilizes the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth.

McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier

Each zone has 2 sets of unbalanced outputs plus dedicated subwoofer outputs. Two outputs per zone allow for advanced configurations such as:

  • Playing the same audio on 4 speakers and 2 subwoofers in one zone.
  • Distributing the same audio across two zones simultaneously.

Your installer can further discuss these possibilities with you based on your specific needs. Dedicated Power Control triggers allow synchronized power on/off functionality with connected McIntosh components, simplifying system management.

Diagram of a McIntosh custom install rack system
Diagram of a custom install multi-room distributed audio system featuring (from top to bottom): CR106, MI1250, MI502 (x3), and MIP200.

STREAMLINED INTEGRATION INTO A DISTRIBUTED HOME AUDIO SYSTEM

The compact CR106 can easily be installed into a standard A/V equipment rack and requires just 2U of rack space (rack mounting brackets are included). Using unbalanced audio cables, its outputs can be connected to a custom install home audio amplifier, such as our:

  • MI502 2-Channel Amplifier (500 watts per channel).
  • MI254 4-Channel Amplifier (250 watts per channel).
  • MI128 8-Channel Amplifier (120 watts per channel).
  • MI1250 12-Channel Amplifier (50 watts per channel).

Pair these with our in-wall and in-ceiling speakers – like the WS500 In-Wall Speaker, WS300 In-Wall Speaker, or CS200 In-Ceiling Speaker – for a fully customized listening experience in every zone. Add the rack-mountable MIP200 Power Controller to protect your audio investment from unexpected electrical issues.

DISCOVER WHOLE-HOME AUDIO EXCELLENCE

Transform your entire home into a haven of high-quality sound with the CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier. Contact your local integrator or dealer to learn more about adding the CR106 to your whole home distributed audio system.

Audinate®, the Audinate logo and Dante® are registered trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  • Specifications

    Electronic Specifications

    • Number of Channels
      2
      (for each of 6 independent zones)
    • Total Harmonic Distortion
      High Level Inputs: 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
    • Frequency Response
      ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
    • Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
      7V RMS Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)
    • Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
      High Level: 450mV Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)
    • Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
      N/A
    • Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
      N/A
    • Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
      High Level: 96dB
    • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
      N/A
    • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
      N/A
    • Voltage Gain (High Level)
      4.5V Unbalanced
    • Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
      N/A
    • Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
      N/A
    • Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
      50K ohms Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)

    Connectivity

    • Balanced Input
      0
    • Unbalanced Input
      4
    • Phono Input Moving Coil
      0
    • Phono Input Moving Magnet
      0
    • Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
      No
    • Digital Coaxial Input
      2
    • Digital Optical Input
      2
    • Digital MCT Input
      0
    • Digital USB Input
      0
    • HDMI (ARC) Input
      0
    • Digital AES/EBU Input
      0
    • Balanced Fixed Output
      0
    • Balanced Variable Output
      0
    • Unbalanced Fixed Output
      0
    • Unbalanced Variable Output
      6 Zones
      (each zone has 2 sets of unbalanced outputs plus 2 dedicated subwoofer outputs)
    • Headphone Output
      0
    • Input Level Match
      No
    • Home Theater PassThru
      No
    • Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
      Standard
    • Service Port
      1
    • Network Connection
      2

    Control

    • Tone Controls
      Bass and Treble
    • Tone Bypass and Input Assign
      N/A
    • RS232 Control Input
      1
    • Power Control Output
      6
    • Rear Panel Data Port
      0
    • Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
      0

    General Specifications

    • Multi-Chassis or Single
      Single
    • Output Meters
      No
    • Vacuum Tube or Solid State
      Solid State
    • Power Consumption (On)
      45 watts

    Weights & Dimensions

    • Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
      17-1/2” (44.5cm) (with mounting brackets 19” (48.3cm)) x 4-3/8” (11.1cm) x 18-5/32” (46.1cm)
    • Unit Weight
      15 pounds (6.8 kg)
    • Shipping Weight
      37.5 pounds (17 kg)
  • Downloads

    Product Literature User Documents Apps
    • CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix Brochure (5.38 MB)
    • CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix Product Sheet (0.62 MB)
    • CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix Owner's Manual (4.24 MB)
    • CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix External Control Codes (0.27 MB)
    • Connect App for Android Devices
    • Connect App for Apple Devices

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