MCINTOSH C53

Reference Preamplifier, McIntosh Top-of-the-Line Solid-State Single-Chassis

The C53 Preamplifier is designed to be the heart of your home audio system for many years (if not decades), delivering unmatched audio quality. Building on the digital precedent set by current solid-state integrated amplifiers, the C53 Stereo Preamplifier features an upgradable digital audio module. However, unlike the integrated amplifiers that use the DA1 Digital Audio Module, the C53 is the first to feature the new and more advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module.

The DA2 builds on the capabilities of the DA1, further expanding them. In addition to including all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 proprietary MCT connection for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD transports), the DA2 introduces a new HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection, exclusively for audio. This allows the preamplifier to connect to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output, elevating TV sound quality by playing audio through your home stereo system. Common multichannel audio formats such as Dolby® and DTS® are supported and converted into 2-channel audio for optimal playback through the C53. When CEC communication is enabled on both the C53 and the TV, the TV remote can control the C53's power and volume.

Additionally, the USB input of the DA2 supports native playback up to DSD512, surpassing the DA1's DSD256 limit. This improvement is made possible by the new generation of Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) powering the DA2. This DAC delivers an improved dynamic range and reduced total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The USB input also supports DXD up to 384kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback. Completing the DA2 module is the MCT input, offering a secure and proprietary DSD connection for high-definition audio playback from SACDs when used with the MCT series of SACD/CD transports, ensuring the best possible sound quality.

In addition to the 7 digital inputs of the DA2 module, the C53 has 9 analog inputs, for a total of 16 inputs, providing virtually limitless connectivity for all your music sources. The analog inputs include 3 balanced connections, 4 unbalanced connections, and 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for connecting turntables. The outputs include 3 variable balanced and unbalanced connections, along with 1 fixed unbalanced connection.

Tone controls include an 8-band analog equalizer; each band can be adjusted by ±12dB. The High Drive headphone amplifier can power virtually any pair of headphones, while the HXD® (Headphone Crossfeed Director) adds an extra dimension. The Home Theater Pass-Through function allows the C53 to seamlessly integrate into a home theater system. Power Control ports make it easy to turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while Data Ports send remote control commands to connected source components.

• 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
• 8-band analog equalizer
• Supports files up to DSD512
• Includes pre-installed DA2 Digital Audio Module

Technical 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 Output Voltage (Balanced/Unbalanced): 16V RMS / 8V RMS
• High-Level Input Sensitivity (Balanced/Unbalanced): 900mV / 450mV
• Phono Input Sensitivity (Moving Coil): 0.45mV
• Phono Input Sensitivity (Moving Magnet): 4.5mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
  • High Level: 100dB
  • Moving Coil: 80dB
  • Moving Magnet: 82dB
• Voltage Gain:
  • High Level: 15dB
  • Moving Coil: 60dB
  • Moving Magnet: 40dB
• Input Impedance (Balanced/Unbalanced): 44kΩ, 22kΩ
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 44.45cm x 19.37cm x 45.72cm
• Unit Weight: 12.5 kg