Description
The McIntosh C 49 is a refined solid‑state preamplifier that combines classic McIntosh craftsmanship with modern digital versatility.
Designed for listeners who demand both musical authenticity and flexible system integration, the C49 delivers exceptional transparency, control, and long‑term reliability.
At its core, the C 49 offers an extremely low‑noise analog signal path that preserves tonal richness and dynamic nuance. A full complement of balanced and unbalanced analog inputs allows seamless connection to high‑end sources, while the built‑in phono stage supports both moving‑magnet and moving‑coil cartridges with adjustable loading, ensuring precise vinyl playback tailored to your turntable.
For digital sources, the C 49 incorporates a high‑resolution DAC module capable of decoding up to 32‑bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, delivering remarkable clarity, natural tone, and spatial accuracy from modern digital music libraries and streamers. Digital and analog sections are carefully isolated to maintain signal purity throughout the preamplifier.
McIntosh’s signature tone controls allow subtle system tuning without degrading sound quality and can be completely bypassed for a purist signal path. Additional features such as Home Theater Pass Through, programmable input naming, and power‑control triggers ensure effortless integration into both audiophile and multi‑component systems.
MCINTOSH C 49 2-CHANNEL SOLID STATE PREAMPLIFIER
FEATURES:
- 2 Balanced Inputs
- 3 Unbalanced Inputs
- MC & MM Phono Inputs
- 2 Balanced Outputs
- 3 Unbalanced Outputs
- DA1 Digital Audio Module with 6
- inputs: 2 Optical & 2 Coax (24-bit/192kHz), 1 USB (32-bit/384kHz), 1 MCT DSD256 and DXD 384kHz support
- 8-channel, 32-bit/192kHz DAC used in Quad Balanced mode
- Front Panel Headphone Jack with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Mcintosh 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.
“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
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. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility.
Roon will recognize it and send it audio optimized for its capabilities. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box for a superior customer experience.
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.
