C49 Solid State Preamplifier
Be prepared for future digital music technologies with the C49 Preamplifier. The C49 features McIntosh's 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. McIntosh wanted to give music lovers a new preamp that enabled them to connect to just about any type of music source available today. Also, while you can just make a couple of connections and be making music with the C49 quickly, there are a ton of fun features under the hood that allows you to customize the Mcintosh C49 to your system. And it goes without saying, just like every McIntosh product, the C49 is built to last for decades!

High Notes

Classic Warm McIntosh Sound
The C49 has a sound that just pulls you into the music. It is warm, yet effortless making you want to play your favorite tunes over to hear them for what seems like the first time.

Upgradeable Digital Board
McIntosh gives up a state of the art digital section for the 6 digital inputs, but it is even upgradeable as technology changes over the years.

Incredible Flexibility
With 13 inputs including both MM and MC phono, 6 digital, balanced audio and all kinds of ways to adjust to your system, the C49 is unsurpassed in flexibility.
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. 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 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.
- Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz / +0, -3.0dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
- Signal to Noise Ratio (High Level): 100dB
- Maximum Voltage Output: Balanced: 16 Vrms / Unbalanced: 8 Vrms
- Analog Inputs: 2 Balanced / 3 Unbalanced / 1 Moving Coil / 1 Moving Magnet
- Digital Inputs: 2 Coax / 2 Optical / 1 USB / 1 MCT (used with McIntosh MCT series SACD/CD Transports)
- Overall Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-1/2” (44.45cm) x 6” (15.2cm) including feet x 18” (45.72cm) including the front panel, knobs and cables
- Weight: 23 lbs (10.4kg) net, 37.5 lbs (17kg) in shipping carton
MPN | C49 |
---|---|
UPC | 842548108691 |
Weight | 37.50 lbs |
Number of Channels | 2 |
Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% |
Signal To Noise Ratio | 100dB (High level) 80dB (Moving coil) |
Frequency Response | +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz |
Gain | 15dB (High level) 60dB (Moving coil) 40dB (Moving Magnet) |
Impedance | 44K ohm (Balanced) 22K ohm (Unbalanced) |
Inputs | 13 inputs (7 analog + 6 digital) |
Outputs | 5 outputs (2 balanced variable outputs, 2 unbalanced variable outputs, and 1 unbalanced fixed output) |
Headphone Outputs | 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) |
Number of Outputs | 5 |
Max Power Consumption | 30 Watts |
Features | Balanced Outputs, Built In Phono Stage, Headphone Amp, Includes a DAC, Multiple Outputs, USB |
Warranty | 3 year limited warranty |
Product Manual | Download |