McIntosh Labs C49 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
The C49 delivers a lush, organic presentation with expansive imaging, vivid dynamics and a remarkably quiet backdrop. HomeTheaterHifi found CDs and hi-res material fuller, more coherent and more lifelike, while its upgradeable DAC, flexible phono stage and 13-input arsenal make it a commanding centrepiece for ambitious mixed-source systems.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
90/100
Pros
Rich, natural and non-fatiguing sound with stronger detail, coherence and soundstage scale.
Exceptionally versatile connectivity, including 13 assignable inputs, MM/MC phono, balanced outputs, headphone amplification and home-theater pass-through.
Upgradeable DA1 digital module supports high-resolution PCM and DSD256, extending long-term usefulness.
Exemplary chrome-and-glass construction, fit and finish designed for decades of service.
Cons
Premium pricing makes it a substantial investment.
No built-in wireless or network connectivity.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe a notably quiet, smooth and full-bodied presentation that combines strong detail with a rich, organic sense of musicality. The C49 is also credited with convincing spatial separation, expansive scale and the dynamic ease to make recordings feel vivid rather than merely polished.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
HomeTheaterHifi heard better detail, coherence and realism from both DSD and CDs, while Gramophone described pristine audio and maximum fidelity. The exceptionally quiet background is a recurring strength: reviewers note silence between notes, a minimal internal noise floor and freedom from digital harshness.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
The C49 is repeatedly characterized as lush, full, smooth and sweet, yet natural rather than syrupy. HomeTheaterHifi particularly praised its rich, organic sound, realistic piano resonance and warmth without harshness; AudioAdvice likewise found it effortless and extended.
Dynamics
93/100
Reviewers find the C49 lively and unconstrained, with AudioAdvice explicitly praising its dynamics. HomeTheaterHifi heard startling organ scale and dynamic impact, while the unit's silent pauses made notes emerge vividly from a dark background.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
HomeTheaterHifi heard improved soundstage, greater spatial separation and especially realistic placement of instruments and voices. AudioAdvice also reports very good three-dimensional imaging, with a presentation that can expand substantially in width and depth on large-scale music.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
HomeTheaterHifi calls the construction exemplary, specifically praising its chrome, glass, fit and finish. AudioAdvice says it is built to last for decades, while other coverage notes the substantial black-glass, aluminium-ended McIntosh execution.
Features Connectivity
94/100
This is an unusually comprehensive control center, with 13 assignable analogue and digital inputs, MM and MC phono stages, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and outputs arranged for bi-amping. It also includes a headphone amplifier with HXD crossfeed, tone and balance adjustment, Home Theater Pass Through, trigger/data ports, and an upgradeable DA1 digital module supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD256.
Value for Money
90/100
At its original approximately $5,000 price, HomeTheaterHifi considered it expensive but felt it delivered premium sound and covered the important audiophile requirements. AudioAdvice explicitly called it a great value against competing products, citing the breadth of analogue, digital, phono and control facilities alongside its preamplifier performance.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
- Number of Channels
- 2
- Total Harmonic Distortion
- 0.005%
- Frequency Response
- +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
- Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 16V RMS / 8V RMS
- Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 900mV / 450mV
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
- 0.45mV
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
- 4.5mV
- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
- 100dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
- 80dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
- 82dB
- Voltage Gain (High Level)
- 15dB
- Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
- 60dB
- Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
- 40dB
- Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
- 44K ohm, 22K ohm
- Balanced Input
- 2
- Unbalanced Input
- 3
- Phono Input Moving Coil
- 1 (adjustable)
- Phono Input Moving Magnet
- 1 (adjustable)
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
- Yes: DA1
- Digital Coaxial Inputs
- 2
- Digital Optical Inputs
- 2
- Digital MCT Inputs
- 1
- Digital USB Input
- 1
- HDMI (ARC) Input
- 0
- Digital AES/EBU Input
- 0
- Balanced Fixed Output
- 0
- Balanced Variable Output
- 2
- Unbalanced Fixed Output
- 1
- Unbalanced Variable Output
- 2
- Headphone Output
- 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
- Input Level Match
- Yes, +/- 6dB
- Home Theater PassThru
- Yes
- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
- Standard
- Service Port
- 1
- Network Connections
- 0
- Tone Controls
- Bass and Treble
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign
- Yes
- RS232 Control Inputs
- Yes
- Power Control Outputs
- 1 Main, 2 Trigger
- Rear Panel Data Ports
- 4
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
- Yes
- Multi-Chassis or Single
- Single, two layer
- Output Meters
- No
- Vacuum Tube or Solid State
- Solid State
- Power Consumption (On)
- 30 Watts
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
- 17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
- Unit Weight
- 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
- Shipping Weight
- 37.5 lbs (17 kg)
Manufacturer's Description — McIntosh Labs
- 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
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 AVAILABLEOptional 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.
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. 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 amplifiersturntablesCD playerstunersspeakerspower controllers and room correction devices to make a complete home audio system. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs C49 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
and 226 more verified dealers