Stereo Preamplifier for High-Quality Two-Channel Systems

The McIntosh C49 AC is a 2-channel transistor preamplifier for classic stereo systems with high demands on connectivity, usability, and system integration. It combines analog high-level sources, phono playback, and digital music sources in one device.

Versatile Connection Hub for Analog and Digital Sources

With a total of 13 inputs, the C49 AC covers a wide selection of typical HiFi sources. For analog components, there are 2 balanced inputs, 3 unbalanced inputs, and one Moving Coil and one Moving Magnet phono input. On the digital side, the DA1 Digital Audio Module offers 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 MCT input.

High-Resolution Digital Music Playback

The DA1 operates with an 8-channel digital-to-analog converter in quad-balanced mode. It supports high-resolution formats up to DSD256 and DXD 384 kHz. Via USB, the C49 AC processes PCM signals up to 32 bit/384 kHz, as well as DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256.

Phono Inputs for MC and MM Cartridges

For turntables, separate phono inputs are available for Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges. Both phono inputs are adjustable, allowing the preamplifier to be flexibly adapted to different cartridges.

Outputs for Power Amplifiers and Bi-Amping

For connection to power amplifiers, there are 2 balanced variable outputs, 2 unbalanced variable outputs, and 1 unbalanced fixed output. The output section is also designed for bi-amping configurations, allowing various amplifier paths to be specifically utilized.

Operation

Operation is done directly via the display on the device. The two-line dot-matrix display on the front shows the selected input, volume, and status. Pressing or turning the controls leads to special submenus, for example, to change source names or adjust the balance. Alternatively, the device can also be operated via the included remote control.

Headphone Operation with HXD

The integrated High-Drive Headphone Amplifier utilizes the Headphone Crossfeed Director HXD. This circuit is designed to make the spatial orientation when listening via headphones more naturally resemble playback via loudspeakers.

Home Theater Integration via Home Theater PassThru

Via Home Theater PassThru, the C49 AC can be integrated into a multi-channel or home theater system. The left and right front channels of an A/V processor can be routed through the preamplifier to the connected power amplifiers. Phono and digital inputs cannot be assigned as PassThru inputs.

Roon Tested and Excellent Classification

The McIntosh C49 AC is designated as a Roon Tested device. Additionally, the model was awarded the Part-Time Audiophile Editors Choice Award for Preamplifiers.

Classic McIntosh Design

The black glass front, rotary controls, illuminated logo, and aluminum end caps incorporate typical McIntosh design elements. The C49 AC can stand freely on a table or shelf and can also be integrated into furniture or a cabinet, provided the specified ventilation clearances are maintained.

Specifications

General

• Product Type: 2-Channel Stereo Preamplifier / Audio Preamplifier
• Design: Transistor / Solid State
• Channels: 2
• Digital Audio Module: DA1, optional upgrade to DA2 available
• DAC: 8-channel, 32 bit/192 kHz, Quad-Balanced mode
• Roon Tested: Yes
• Award: Part-Time Audiophile Editors' Choice Award for Preamplifiers
• Dimensions W × H × D: 44.45 × 15.2 × 45.72 cm
• Note on dimensions: Height includes feet, depth includes front panel, knobs, and cables
• Weight: 10.4 kg
• Shipping Weight: 17 kg
• Shipping Carton W × H × D: 68.6 × 30.5 × 63.5 cm
• Installation: Freestanding on table or shelf, can be built into furniture or cabinet
• Minimum clearances for cabinet installation: 5.1 cm above, 5.1 cm below, 2.5 cm per side, 50.8 cm depth behind front panel, 3.7 cm in front of mounting plate for knob clearance

Audio

• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Extended Frequency Response: +0, -3 dB from 15 Hz to 100,000 Hz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Rated Output Level Main: 2.5 V unbalanced, 5 V balanced
• Rated Output Level Fixed Output: 450 mV
• Maximum Output Level: 8 V RMS unbalanced, 16 V RMS balanced
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio High Level: 100 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Phono MM: 82 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio Phono MC: 80 dB
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms unbalanced, 200 Ohms balanced
• Bass and Treble Control: Yes
• Bass/Treble Control Range: Up to ±12 dB
• Tone Bypass: Yes

Analog and Phono Inputs

• Balanced Inputs: 2
• Unbalanced Inputs: 3
• Phono Input Moving Coil: 1, adjustable
• Phono Input Moving Magnet: 1, adjustable
• Input Sensitivity High Level: 450 mV unbalanced, 900 mV balanced
• Input Sensitivity Phono MM: 4.5 mV
• Input Sensitivity Phono MC: 0.45 mV
• Input Impedance High Level: 22 kOhms unbalanced, 44 kOhms balanced
• Input Impedance Phono MM: 47 kOhms, 50 to 800 pF in 50 pF steps
• Input Impedance Phono MC: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 1,000 Ohms, 100 pF
• Maximum Input Level High Level: 5 V unbalanced, 10 V balanced
• Maximum Input Level Phono MM: 80 mV
• Maximum Input Level Phono MC: 8 mV
• Input Level Match: ±6 dB

Digital Inputs and Formats

• Total Digital Inputs: 6
• Coaxial Digital Inputs: 2
• Optical Digital Inputs: 2
• USB Digital Input: 1
• MCT Digital Input: 1, for McIntosh MCT SACD/CD Transports
• Coaxial: PCM 16 Bit/24 Bit, 32 kHz to 192 kHz
• Optical: PCM 16 Bit/24 Bit, 32 kHz to 192 kHz
• MCT: PCM, SACD, 16 Bit/24 Bit, 32 kHz to 192 kHz
• USB: PCM 16 Bit/24 Bit/32 Bit, 32 kHz to 384 kHz
• DXD: DXD352.8 kHz, DXD384 kHz
• DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
• HDMI ARC: Not available
• AES/EBU: Not available
• Network Connection: Not available

Outputs and Headphones

• Balanced Variable Outputs: 2
• Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 2
• Unbalanced Fixed Output: 1
• Balanced Fixed Output: Not available
• Headphone Output: 6.35 mm High Drive Headphone Output with HXD
• Recommended Headphone Impedance: 100 to 600 Ohms

Amplification

• Voltage Gain High Level to Fixed Output: 0 dB
• Voltage Gain High Level to Main Output: 15 dB
• Voltage Gain Phono MM to Record Output: 40 dB
• Voltage Gain Phono MC to Record Output: 60 dB

Operation and Control

• Precision Volume Control: Digitally controlled attenuation system with optical encoder
• Channel Balance: 0.1 dB
• Volume Steps: 214 steps of 0.5 dB
• Home Theater PassThru: Yes
• PassThru Note: Phono and Digital Inputs are not assignable as PassThru inputs
• Power Control Output: 1 Main, 2 Trigger
• Power Control and Trigger Output: 12 VDC, 25 mA
• Data Ports Rear: 4
• RS232 Control: Yes
• RS232 Baud Rate: 9,600 to 115,200 Baud
• IR Sensor Input Rear: Yes
• Service Port: 1
• Output Indicators: None
• Display: Alphanumeric front display, brightness adjustable

Power Supply

• Power Consumption in Operation: 30 W
• Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W
• Mains Voltages per Device Version: 100 V, 110 V, 120 V, 220 V, 230 V or 240 V, each 50/60 Hz at 30 W
• Note on Mains Voltage: Field conversion of AC mains voltage not possible; correct voltage must be checked on the device

USB Compatibility

• PC: Microsoft Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
• Apple Macintosh: OS 10.6.8 or later
• Windows Note: McIntosh USB Audio Software Driver required
• Mac Note: No additional driver required

Scope of Delivery

• McIntosh C49 AC
• Remote Control
• Power Cable
• Documents

• 61401_15476_c49-input-chart-01.pdf
• 61401_15477_c49cd3andrp-01.pdf
• 61401_15478_c49cd1and2-01.pdf
• 61401_15479_c49om-01.pdf
• 61401_15480_C49_brochure_35109200.pdf