McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix

The McIntosh CR106 combines a preamplifier and an audio matrix into a single 2U chassis, built for the system that needs to play different music in different rooms without different racks in every closet. Four unbalanced analog inputs and four digital inputs feed the matrix; each of the six zones carries two sets of stereo outputs plus a dedicated subwoofer output, and up to five CR106 units link over Dante networking to scale a single installation to thirty two-channel zones.

Control runs through the McIntosh Connect app, a web interface, or the front panel — zones can be named, sourced, grouped, and volume-trimmed without custom programming, and saved “Experiences” recall a preferred input and level instantly. Bluetooth with AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive turns a phone into a source directly. For a house built around several McIntosh amplifier zones rather than one listening room, the CR106 is the control center that makes it manageable. Available at LMC — walk in during business hours or book ahead.