- 13 inputs (7 analog and 6 digital)
- Supports up to DSD256 files
- Comes with DA1 Digital Audio Module installed
- Optional dealer installed upgrade to DA2 Digital Audio Module available
Home /
Preamplifiers
/ C49 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
C49 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
Be 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.
-
Specifications
-
Downloads
C49 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier is also part of the SoHo II Music System
DISCOVER MOREMore from Preamplifiers
-
![McIntosh C12000 Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier]()
C12000 2-Channel Solid State and Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
- Includes our Hybrid Drive™ technology that uses the best of vacuum tubes and solid state to produce the best sound performance
- Separate audio & control sections
- 12 analog inputs including 2 configurable phono inputs
- Offers both solid state and vacuum tube output
- Fully balanced circuitry
-
![McIntosh C2800 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier]()
C2800 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
- 16 inputs: 7 analog, 2 phono, 7 digital
- 4 Vacuum Tubes: (3) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7
- Dedicated Subwoofer output
- Controllable by McIntosh Connect app
- Includes Processor Loop
- Supports 24-bit/192kHz and DSD512 files
- Roon Tested
-
![McIntosh C22 Preamplifier Mk V]()
C22 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Mk V
- All analog design and a retro look
- (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
- Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs
-
![McIntosh C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier]()
C8 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
- 5 analog inputs (1 balanced, 2 unbalanced, 2 phono)
- (4) 12AX7a vacuum tubes
- High Drive headphone amplifier
- Optional dealer installed upgrade to DA2 Digital Audio Module available
-
![McIntosh C55 Preamplifier]()
C55 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
- 16 inputs: 7 analog, 2 phono, 7 digital
- Dedicated Subwoofer output
- Controllable by McIntosh Connect app
- Includes Processor Loop and 8-band analog equalizer
- Supports 24-bit/192kHz and DSD512 files
- Roon Tested
-
![McIntosh MP100 Phono Preamplifier]()
MP100 2-Channel Solid State Phono Preamplifier
- Moving Coil & Moving Magnet inputs
- Analog outputs + USB for ripping to computer
-
![McIntosh C2700 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier]()
C2700 2-Channel Vacuum Tube Preamplifier
- 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
- (5) 12AX7A and (1) 12AT7 vacuum tubes
- Supports up to DSD512 files
- Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
-
![McIntosh C53 Preamplifier]()
C53 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
- 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
- 8 band analog equalizer
- Supports up to DSD512 files
- Comes with DA2 Digital Audio Module installed
