McIntosh C49 Preamplifier

The McIntosh C49 is a solid-state 2-channel preamplifier sitting one tier below the C55 in McIntosh’s single-chassis preamplifier range. Where the C55 uses an 8-band analog equalizer, the C49 employs traditional Bass and Treble tone controls that many longtime McIntosh listeners prefer for their simplicity and directness. Both preamps share the same fundamental McIntosh signal-path philosophy but at different feature-set tiers, and both deliver McIntosh solid-state preamplification character in the traditional single-chassis format.

Thirteen analog and digital inputs. Included DA1 Digital Audio Module supports 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD256 files via USB, plus coaxial and optical digital inputs. Optional upgrade to DA2 adds MCT, HDMI ARC, and DSD512 support. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs. Home Theater Pass Through for multichannel integration. Headphone amp with McIntosh’s HXD Crossfeed Director. Roon Tested.

At LMC, the C49 anchors Tempe Room 4 in two configurations. In System 1, the C49 drives an MC152 into a pair of Sonus faber Amati G5 loudspeakers. In System 3, the C49 drives a pair of MC451 Hybrid Drive monoblocks bi-amping a Sonus faber Amati Supreme. Two different amp configurations, same preamplifier — letting a listener hear directly how the C49 sits at the front of both an entry-tier stereo separates system and a reference-tier hybrid bi-amp configuration.

At $6,500 in current McIntosh pricing, the C49 is available for audition at the Tempe showroom in Room 4. Walk in during business hours or book ahead for a prepared listening session in either the System 1 or System 3 configuration — the C49 across two different amplifier chains is the honest demonstration of what the preamplifier contributes to the signal.