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McIntosh C53 2-CH Preamplifier
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McIntosh C53 2-CH Preamplifier
The C53 Preamplifier is ready to serve in your home audio system for many years – even decades – all while delivering unmatched audio quality. Following the digital audio precedent set in our current solid state integrated amplifiers, the C53 stereo preamplifier features an upgradeable digital audio module. But unlike our integrated amplifiers that use our DA1 Digital Audio Module, the C53 is the first to use our new, more advanced, DA2 Digital Audio Module.
The DA2 builds upon the DA1 with an expanded set of capabilities. In addition to having all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports), a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection is included on the DA2. This allows it to be connected to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to bring your TV sound to a new level of audio performance by listening to it through your home stereo system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback through the C53. When CEC communication is enabled in both the C53 and your TV, your TV remote can control the power and volume of the C53.
The C53 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. All this audio technology is packaged inside the C53’s classic McIntosh design featuring a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. An attractive polished stainless steel chassis finishes the distinguished look. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and speakers to complete your home audio system.
The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV.
It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source.
The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS, DTS-HD, the Symbol, & DTS
or DTS-HD and the Symbol together are registered trademarks of DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
MSRP: $8500
ELECTRONIC 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
CONNECTIVITY
- Balanced Input 3
- Unbalanced Input 4
- Phono Input Moving Coil 1 (adjustable)
- Phono Input Moving Magnet 1 (adjustable)
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module Yes: DA2
- Digital Coaxial Input 2
- Digital Optical Input 2
- Digital MCT Input 1
- Digital USB Input 1
- HDMI (ARC) Input 1
- Digital AES/EBU Input 0
- Balanced Fixed Output 0
- Balanced Variable Output 3
- Unbalanced Fixed Output 1
- Unbalanced Variable Output 3
- Headphone Output 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
- Input Level Match Yes, +/- 6dB
- Home Theater PassThru Yes
- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type Premium gold-plated solid brass
- Service Port 1
CONTROL
- Tone Controls 8 band (each band adjustable ± 12dB )
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign Yes
- RS232 Control Input Yes
- Power Control Output 1 Main, 4 Trigger
- Rear Panel Data Port 6
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Multi-Chassis or Single Single, two layer
- Output Meters Yes
- Vacuum Tube or Solid State Solid State
- Power Consumption (On) 30 Watts
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
- Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) 17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.6" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
- Unit Weight 28 lbs (12.5 kg)
- Shipping Weight 43.5 lbs (19.7 kg)