McIntosh Reveals New C53 Preamplifier

The company's latest premium audio component has been detailed.

McIntosh has announced the launch of its new C53 Preamplifier. The device is set to start shipping this month for suggested retail price of $8,000.

The C53 is a 2-channel solid state stereo preamp featuring McIntosh's new upgradeable DA2 Digital Audio Module with a Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The module features several connections, including 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 proprietary MCT for use with McIntosh’s MCT series of SACD/CD Transports, along with a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input. Likewise, the system offers Dolby and DTS audio playback with support for 2-channel conversion.

In addition, the unit's USB input offers native playback support for up to DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz. Meanwhile, the coax and optical inputs can decode high-resolution digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz. And outside of digital inputs, the device also includes 9 analog inputs, including 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections, along with 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input. And rounding out the preamps connections, are 3 variable balanced and unbalanced outputs, and 1 fixed unbalanced output.

Finally, when it comes to design, the C53 features McIntosh's classic style with a polished stainless steel chassis, a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo, and aluminum end caps. 

Here's a rundown of additional key specs per McIntosh:

• 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

Source: McIntosh