McIntosh is one of the most dependable brand names when it comes to high-end audio systems. For years the brand has been recognized by audiophiles throughout the world as equipment that delivers clear and consistent quality in music. McIntosh is probably best known for its amplifiers and preamps, but the company produces many other components and parts for stereo and home theatre.

What are the specs for the McIntosh C 49?

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, Line Level (Balanced / Unbalanced):
900mV / 450mV
Sensitivity, MC Phono:
0.45mV
Sensitivity, MM Phono:
4.5mV
Signal to Noise Ratio, Line Level:
100dB
Signal To Noise Ratio, MC Phono:
80dB
Signal to Noise Ratio, MM Phono:
82dB
Voltage Gain (Line Level / Moving Coil / Moving Magnet):
15dB / 60dB / 40dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced):
44K ohm, 22K ohm

What else to know about the McIntosh C 49?

The C49 comes with a multitude of inputs. For analog, it has 2 balanced and 3 unbalanced, along with 2 phono inputs (comprised of 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet) for connecting turntables. On the digital side, it has 6 inputs housed in the DA1 module. The inputs are: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT (for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports). The DA1 is powered by an 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that is used in Quad Balanced mode; it supports up to DSD256 and DXD 384kHz for playback of high resolution audio. (NOW AVAILABLE: Optional dealer installed upgrade to the DA2 Digital Audio Module.) In total, the C49 has 13 inputs, and each can be given user-friendly names to simplify system setup and control. For connecting to your amplifier and the rest of your home audio system, the C49 has 2 balanced variable outputs, 2 unbalanced variable outputs, and 1 unbalanced fixed output. The outputs are designed for easy use when bi-amping your speakers so that neither your highs or lows are inadvertently turned off. Your audio sources can be fine tuned via the bass and treble tone controls. The C49 can be seamlessly integrated into your home theater system via Home Theater Pass Through. Power Control ports allow for the easy turn on/turn off of other connected McIntosh components, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components. Our High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) is also included. The C49 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. The C49 comes complete with classic McIntosh design staples such as a black glass front panel, knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. Pair it with a variety of amplifiers, turntables, CD players, tuners, speakers, power controllers and room correction devices to make a complete home audio system.

Brief History of McIntosh

Long mapped-to Binghamton New York – the current headquarters and manufacturing center for McIntosh Labs – not many people know the brand was originally launched outside of the Nation’s Capital in Silver Spring Maryland, in 1949. In 1956, the brand built their original facility in New York, according to the official brand website.

Other McIntosh Products We Often Buy

Typically, StereoBuyers purchases mostly used amplifiers, especially the vintage amps and high-end McIntosh models such as the MC202 or MC252, and the C220 preamp, for example. We have also purchased many pre-owned tuners from McIntosh over the recent years, including the MR67 and MR78 models, for example.

StereoBuyers has purchased tens of thousands worth McIntosh brand equipment since 2014, with individual buys ranging from $100 to well over $50,000. If you are moving, ready to upgrade, or have McIntosh equipment you do not or will not be using, why not contact us today to find out if it is worth good money?

If you are interested in selling your used McIntosh equipment to us in the greater NYC area or Colorado, please click here to fill out a Free Quote Form and we will get back to you. If we agree on terms, we come to meet you where you want, and pay cash.

The following images show actual McIntosh equipment purchased by StereoBuyers.