- Type: Solid State
- 13 analog and digital inputs
- Includes DA1 Digital Audio Module (optional upgrade to DA2 available)
- Supports 24-bit/192kHz and DSD256 files
- Bass and Treble tone controls
- A certified Roon Tested device
C49 2-Channel Preamplifier
Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems
RETIRED – LIMITED AVAILABILITYBe 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.
"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. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
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Specifications
Electronic Specifications
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- Number of Channels
- 2
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- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.005%
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- Frequency Response
- +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
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- Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 16V RMS / 8V RMS
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- Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 900mV / 450mV
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- Sensitivity (Phono)
- Moving Coil: 0.45mV
Moving Magnet: 4.5mV
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- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
- 100dB
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- Signal To Noise Ratio (Phono)
- Moving Coil: 80dB
Moving Magnet: 82dB
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- Voltage Gain (High Level)
- 15dB
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- Voltage Gain (Phono)
- Moving Coil: 60dB
Moving Magnet: 40dB
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- Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 44K ohm, 22K ohm
Connectivity
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- Balanced Input
- 2
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- Unbalanced Input
- 3
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- Phono Input
- 1 Moving Coil (adjustable)
1 Moving Magnet (adjustable)
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- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
- Yes: DA1
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- Digital Coaxial Input
- 2
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- Digital Optical Input
- 2
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- Digital MCT Input
- 1
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- Digital USB Input
- 1
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- Balanced Variable Output
- 2
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- Unbalanced Fixed Output
- 1
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- Unbalanced Variable Output
- 2
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- Headphone Output
- 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
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- Input Level Match
- Yes, +/- 6dB
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- Home Theater PassThru
- Yes
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- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
- Standard
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- Service Port
- 1
Control
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- Tone Controls
- Bass and Treble
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- Tone Bypass and Input Assign
- Yes
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- RS232 Control Inputs
- Yes
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- Power Control Outputs
- 1 Main, 2 Trigger
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- Rear Panel Data Ports
- 4
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- Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
- Yes
General Specifications
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- Multi-Chassis or Single
- Single, two layer
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- Output Meters
- No
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- Vacuum Tube or Solid State
- Solid State
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- Power Consumption (On)
- 30 Watts
Weights & Dimensions
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- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
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- Unit Weight
- 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
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- Shipping Weight
- 37.5 lbs (17 kg)
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Downloads
C49 2-Channel Preamplifier is also part of the SoHo II Music System
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MC2301 1-Channel Power Amplifier
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MC3500 1-Channel Power Amplifier Mk II
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- A tribute to the original MC3500 – the amplifier that powered Woodstock and Inspired a Generation
- Unity Coupled Circuit Output Transformer
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MCD85 2-Channel SACD/CD Player
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- Fixed analog stereo outputs
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MCT500 2-Channel SACD/CD Transport
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MDA200 D/A Converter
- Premium Digital Performance
- Add digital music playback to an all analog system or replace an older, outdated converter
- Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
- Supports up to DSD512 and 24-bit/192kHz
- 7 digital inputs: 2 coax, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI (ARC)
- Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs
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MHA200 2-Channel Headphone Power Amplifier
Ideal for Headphone Listening from 2-Channel Audio Systems
- Type: Vacuum Tube
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- 4 selectable headphone impedance ranges
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MR89 AM/FM Tuner
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- 60dB output meters show the signal level that's being delivered from the analog outputs
- Exclusive radio-frequency circuitry
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MS500 Music Streamer
- Seamlessly controls your internet based streaming music and your locally stored digital music
- Interfaces to leading streaming services including Pandora®, Rhapsody®, SiriusXM®, Spotify®, TIDAL and TuneIn
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MX123 A/V Processor
- 10 HDMI ports: 4K/60Hz; HDCP 2.3; Rec. 2020; 4:4:4 color spacing; Dynamic Lip-sync
- 8K/60Hz & 4K/120Hz on 1 HDMI input & 2 HDMI outputs
- HDR (static HDR); Dynamic HDR; HDR10+; HLG; Dolby Vision
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RS150 Wireless Loudspeaker
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RS250 Wireless Loudspeaker System
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WS300 In-Wall Loudspeaker
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- Perfect for distributed audio or home theaters
- Up to 250 Watt Power Rating
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WS500 In-Wall Loudspeaker
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- Perfect for distributed audio or home theaters
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MHA200 2-Channel Headphone Power Amplifier
Ideal for Headphone Listening from 2-Channel Audio Systems
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C49 2-Channel Preamplifier
Ideal for 2-Channel Audio Systems
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MHA200 2-Channel Headphone Power Amplifier
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