McIntosh C53 2-Channel Preamplifier

The C53 Preamplifier is ready to serve in your home audio system for many years – even decades – all while delivering unmatched audio quality. Following the digital audio precedent set in our current solid state integrated amplifiers, the C53 stereo preamplifier features an upgradeable digital audio module. But unlike our integrated amplifiers that use our DA1 Digital Audio Module, the C53 is the first to use our new, more advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module.

The DA2 builds upon the DA1 with an expanded set of capabilities. In addition to having all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB and 1 proprietary MCT for use with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports), a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 connection is included on the DA2. This allows it to be connected to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output to bring your TV sound to a new level of audio performance by listening to it through your home stereo system. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and will be expertly converted to 2-channel audio for proper playback through the C53. When CEC communication is enabled in both the C53 and your TV, your TV remote can control the power and volume of the C53

ELECTRONIC 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 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

CONNECTIVITY

• Balanced Input

  3

• Unbalanced Input

  4

• Phono Input Moving Coil

  1 (adjustable)

• Phono Input Moving Magnet

  1 (adjustable)

• Upgradeable Digital Audio Module

  Yes: DA2

• Digital Coaxial Input

  2

• Digital Optical Input

  2

• Digital MCT (DIN) Input

  1

• Digital USB Input

  1

• HDMI (ARC) Input

  1

• Digital AES/EBU Input

  0

• Balanced Fixed Output

  0

• Balanced Variable Output

  3

• Unbalanced Fixed Output

  1

• Unbalanced Variable Output

  3

• Headphone Output

  1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)

• Input Level Match

  Yes, +/- 6dB

• Home Theater PassThru

  Yes

• Unbalanced Analog Connector Type

  Premium gold-plated solid brass

• Service Port

  1

CONTROL

• Tone Controls

  8 band (each band adjustable ± 12dB )

• Tone Bypass and Input Assign

  Yes

• RS232 Control Input

  Yes

• Power Control Output

  1 Main, 4 Trigger

• Rear Panel Data Port

  6

• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input

  Yes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Multi-Chassis or Single

  Single, two layer

• Output Meters

  Yes

• Vacuum Tube or Solid State

  Solid State

• Power Consumption (On)

  30 Watts

WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

• Dimensions (W x H x D)

  17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.6" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)

• Weight

  28 lbs (12.5 kg)

• Shipping Weight

  43.5 lbs (19.7 kg)