About the McIntosh C47
A state-of-the-art stereo preamp for the way we listen now
A state-of-the-art stereo preamp for the way we listen now
Like other longtime audiophiles here at Crutchfield, I nearly flipped when I heard that McIntosh was coming on board. And as I dug into the details of their audio gear lineup, one component I kept coming back to was the C47 stereo preamp. One of their newest models, the C47 is designed to deliver world-renowned McIntosh sound quality whether you're listening to your favorite analog sources or the latest high-res digital audio formats.
Along with its stellar sonic attributes, the C47 boasts the classic McIntosh look — black glass front panel, big metal knobs, and illuminated logo. And this gorgeous preamp is designed and built right here in the USA.
Hear everything at its best, from high-res digital files to vinyl
With multiple analog and digital inputs, and XLR and RCA outputs for two amplifiers, the C47 can handle sophisticated stereo systems.
With connections for up to 12 components, the C47 is one of the most versatile stereo preamps we know of. For your analog audio gear, you'll find two balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA inputs. The high-quality built-in phono preamp lets you plug in a turntable with either a moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge.
Your digital sources are covered, too, with an array of inputs that give you access to the C47's advanced digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It's a great way to seriously upgrade the sound from your computer, disc player, music streamer, or TV. The USB Type B input handles the highest-resolution digital files: up to 32-bit/384kHz for PCM, as well as DSD and DXD formats.
And speaking of DSD, the C47 is one of only a handful of components with a digital DSD input. It means that you can play SACD discs on the McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport and send the DSD bitstream to the C47's superb DAC for decoding.
Plays nicely with your other equipment
Like a talented musician, the C47 seems to raise the performance level of the players around it. Balanced XLR inputs and outputs ensure that your music remains as pure as possible from your compatible XLR-equipped sources all the way to the balanced inputs on your power amp(s). That's right, the C47 has dual balanced and unbalanced outputs, making it easy to bi-amp your system, if you choose. One easy amplifier recommendation is McIntosh's MC152.
With this preamp at the helm of a high-end audio system, you'll experience music with 3D immediacy and impact, and the sense that you're sharing the studio or stage with your favorite musicians. And the C47 has a few other tricks up its sleeve. The full-size headphone output features McIntosh's Headphone Crossfeed Director circuitry, which reduces the common trapped-inside-your-head quality of headphone sound and adds spaciousness and depth. And a Home Theater Pass Through feature lets you make the C47 part of a multichannel surround sound system. The right and left front channels from an A/V processor or surround decoder can pass through the C47's analog inputs/outputs and on to its associated power amplifier.
A world-famous audio heritage, made in America
Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh has defined the meaning of high-quality sound reproduction, while setting industry standards for superior performance and reliability. The company is based in Binghamton, New York, where its high-end components and speakers are still individually handcrafted by a team of skilled experts. This uncompromising dedication to quality has made McIntosh one of the most recognized and respected audio manufacturers in the world.
Product highlights:
Features:
- stereo preamp with analog and digital inputs to handle a variety of music sources
- high-quality built-in phono preamp for exceptional vinyl playback
- digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, or TV and enjoy superior sound
- accepts and plays high-resolution digital audio sources, including PCM, DSD and DXD files
- asynchronous USB (Type B) input for reduced timing jitter and better sound when connecting to a computer
- fully regulated power supplies and R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable, noise-free operation
- Home Theater Pass Through lets you seamlessly integrate this preamp into an existing multichannel home theater system
- full-size headphone output with McIntosh's Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) circuitry for sound with greater spaciousness and depth
- bass and treble controls
- fluorescent front-panel display with adjustable brightness
- remote control
- handcrafted at McIntosh's Binghamton, New York factory
Connections:
- 2 sets of stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for connecting two power amplifiers (for bi-amping)
- set of fixed-level unbalanced RCA outputs for sending an unaltered signal to a recording device
- 2 sets of balanced stereo XLR inputs for connecting compatible sources
- 3 sets of unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
- 2 phono inputs for connecting a turntable (one for use with moving-magnet cartridges, one for moving-coil cartridges)
- 2 Toslink optical digital audio inputs and one coaxial digital audio input (supports music files up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- USB (Type B) input for connecting a Mac® or Windows® computer
- supports PCM music files up to 32-bit/384kHz, plus DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256, as well as DXD 352.8kHz & DXD 384kHz
- USB audio driver required for playback on a Windows PC (free USB driver download available from McIntosh's website)
- proprietary digital DSD connection for playback of SACD audio when paired with the McIntosh MCT450 SACD/CD Transport
- 12-volt outputs (1 main, 2 trigger)
- RS-232 port for automated control systems
- IR input for connecting an IR receiver
- 4 data ports allow basic remote control of connected McIntosh source components
- detachable power cable
- If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu the preamp's DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
Specifications:
- total harmonic distortion: less than 0.003%
- signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 100 dB
- 17-1/2"W x 6"H x 18"D
- weight: 23 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years
- MFR # C47
What's in the box:
- Stereo preamplifier
- 6' AC power cord
- Remote control
- Owner's Manual
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Customer reviews for McIntosh C47
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More details on the McIntosh C47
Features & specs
Inputs | ||
---|---|---|
RCA Inputs | 2 | |
XLR Inputs | 3 | |
3.5mm Inputs | 0 | |
Phono Inputs | 2 | |
Phono Input Type | Moving Magnet/Moving Coil | |
Optical Digital Inputs | 2 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 1 | |
Digital XLR Inputs | 0 | |
USB Type A | --- | |
USB Type B | --- | |
Ethernet Port | --- | |
Outputs | ||
RCA Outputs | 3 | |
XLR Outputs | 2 | |
Optical Digital Outputs | 0 | |
Coaxial Digital Outputs | 0 | |
Digital XLR Outputs | 0 | |
Subwoofer Outputs | 0 | |
Discrete Sub Outs | ||
Headphone Output | Yes | |
Audio Features & Specs | ||
Home Theater Bypass | No | |
Frequency Response | 10-20k | |
S/N Ratio (Phono) | 0 | |
S/N Ratio (Line) | 100 | |
THD | 0.003 | |
DAC Bit Depth | 32-bit | |
DAC Sample Rate | 384 kHz | |
High-res Audio Playback | ||
From Network | No | |
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | No | |
From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
Wireless Features | ||
Bluetooth | N | |
Bluetooth Formats Supported | N/A | |
Wi-Fi | N/A | |
Frequency Bands | N/A | |
Streaming Compatibility | ||
Apple AirPlay | No | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Chromecast built-in | No | |
Roon | No | |
HEOS | No | |
MusicCast | No | |
BluOS | No | |
Music Services | ||
Amazon Music | No | |
Apple Music | No | |
Pandora | No | |
Qobuz | No | |
SiriusXM | No | |
Spotify | No | |
Tidal | No | |
TuneIn | No | |
YouTube Music | No | |
Control | ||
Apple Control App | No | |
Android Control App | No | |
Amazon Alexa | No | |
Google Assistant | No | |
12 Volt Trigger | In-2/Out-2 | |
IR Control | In | |
RS-232 | Yes | |
Other Specs | ||
Width (Inches) | 17.5 | |
Height (Inches) | 6 | |
Depth (Inches) | 18 | |
Parts Warranty | 3 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 3 Years |
Product Research
Features
Stereo Preamplifier: The McIntosh C47 is a versatile solid-state stereo preamplifier with an expansive set of inputs (12 total inputs) to connect virtually any of your analog and digital music sources. The C47's multiple outputs have the ability to drive multiple power amplifiers (sold separately). The McIntosh preamplifier's reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate.
Classic McIntosh Design & Specially-Designed Power Supply: The C47 stereo preamplifier incorporates classic McIntosh design cues, including a black glass front-panel, rotary knobs, illuminated logo, and brushed aluminum end-caps. Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.
32-Bit/384kHz DAC: The McIntosh C47 utilizes a 32-bit/384kHz DAC for exceptional high-resolution audio reproduction. The C47's internal DAC (digital-to-analog converter) circuitry is designed to decode 2-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Digital Signals.
Note: Other digital audio signal format types than 2ch PCM or DSD will cause the audio outputs of the C47 to be muted and the front-panel LCD will indicate an error message.
Electromagnet Input Switching w/ Naming: Electromagnetic input switching is used in McIntosh C47 preamplifier to switch the variety of source components connected. Rather than the commonly-used mechanical switches that will deteriorate with wear, electromagnetic switches are high tech switching nodes that allow very long, trouble-free operation. The default Input Names can be changed to match the name of the component connected to it or any other custom name desired (up to 10 characters).
Analog Inputs: The McIntosh C47 Preamplifier is fitted with balanced & unbalanced analog inputs, plus MM & MC phono inputs.
- Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Inputs: The McIntosh C47 Preamplifier is equipped with two balanced stereo XLR inputs and three unbalanced stereo RCA inputs. The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source component using longer cable lengths without a loss in sound quality. The analog inputs can be matched in level, preventing abrupt changes in volume levels.
- MM/MC Phono Inputs: The C47 has two precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits, one for Moving Coil (MC) Phono Cartridges and the other for Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridges. Both Phono inputs have selectable loading (MC: 25-1,000Ω) / MM: 50-800pf). The Phono preamp circuits used provide the lowest possible noise and distortion. The close tolerance resistors and capacitors used in the RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry provide an extremely flat frequency response.
Digital Inputs: The McIntosh C47 Preamplifier features optical & coax digital inputs, a USB-B input for computer audio, and a proprietary MCT port for SACD playback.
- Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The McIntosh C47 Preamplifier is fitted with two optical (toslink) digital inputs and one coaxial (RCA) digital input. The optical and coax digital inputs will decode 2ch stereo PCM music files at up to 24-bit/192kHz for high resolution audio playback.
- USB-B Input: The McIntosh C47 can decode and play back high res PCM & high fidelity DSD files from your Windows PC (7/8/8.1./10) or Mac (OS 10.6.8+) computer via its USB-B input. The preamp's USB-B input will accept 2ch stereo PCM signals up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 along with DXD 352.8kHz and DXD 384kHz. A Windows PC will require the installation of McIntosh's USB Audio Window Driver (available on the McIntosh website).
- MCT Port: To enjoy the high definition audio found on SACDs (16/24-bit; 32-192kHz), you can connect the C47 to McIntosh's MCT450 SACD/CD Transport (958MCT450, sold separately) via the MCT input on back of the preamplifier to create a secure and custom DSD connection.
Analog Outputs: The McIntosh C47 Preamplifier is fitted with balanced & unbalanced outputs, a front-panel headphone jack, and a fixed output.
- Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: The McIntosh C47 is equipped with two balanced stereo XLR outputs and two unbalanced stereo RCA outputs. Balanced & Unbalanced Inputs & Outputs can be mixed. For example, you may connect signal sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals from the Balanced Outputs; or vise-versa. You can also use Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs simultaneously, connected to different Power Amplifiers.
- Headphone Jack w/ HXD: The C47 offers a front-panel 1/4" headphone jack for connecting a set of low-impedance (100-600Ω), dynamic headphones, so you can enjoy your music in private. The C47's Headphone Crossfeed Director Circuitry (HXD) improves the sound localization for headphone listening. HXD restores the directionality component of the spatial sound stage normally heard with Loudspeaker listening. You can choose for the preamp to mute the audio outputs when a headphone is connected or have both the audio outputs and headphone jack live at the same time.
- Fixed Output: The audio signal present at the stereo RCA "FIXED OUT" jacks is unaffected by the preamplifier's equalizer circuitry, so you can send an unaltered audio signal to another zone amplifier.
Gold-Plated Connectors: The Input and Output connectors contacts are gold-plated for superior corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.
Home Theater Pass Through: When the C47 preamplifier is part of a home theater or multichannel audio system, the Right and Left Front channels from an AV processor or surround decoder can pass through the C47's analog inputs/outputs and onto its associated power amplifier.
Front-Panel & Remote Control: On the front-panel of the preamplifier are Input & Volume rotary knobs, Output 1 and Output 2 buttons, Tone button, Mute button, and Standby/On button. The McIntosh C47 also includes an IR remote control for wireless operation of the preamplifier. In addition, the remote operates other McIntosh audio components. The IR remote offers the following button functions - Power On/Off, Input Selection, Volume Up/Down, Setup/Menu, Numeric Keypad, and Playback Control.
- Precision Volume Control: Volume levels are controlled by a precision balanced digitally controlled attenuator system with an optical encoder rotary control. This assures a 0.1dB tracking accuracy between channels. There are 225 individual 0.5dB volume level steps with no noise as the volume level is changed.
- Bass & Treble: Bass & treble tone controls allow for some fine tuning of your audio sources. The Bass & Treble controls provide up to 12dB of boost or cut. The C47 remembers the Bass & Treble Setting for each input.
- Balance Left/Right: You are also able to balance the output level of the preamplifiers left & right output channels.
- Stereo/Mono Mode: By default the Stereo mode is active for all input sources. However, any input source may be assigned to Mono mode. Mono mode combines the Left and Right channel signals for Monophonic Sound.
Fluorescent Display: The C47's front-panel, fluorescent display indicates the Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels, and Setup Mode Selections. The display intensity is also adjustable.
Custom Integration: The McIntosh C47 offers advanced connectivity and control features often required for custom home integration using premium control systems.
- Power Control Connectors: The C47 has the ability to automatically switch power on or off to source components via the Power Control connections. The C47's "Main, "Trigger 1/2", and "PASSTHRU" Output Jacks (3.5mm) send power on/off signals (+12 volt/0volt) when connected to other McIntosh source components. The Power Control outputs can be assigned to activate when a given input or output is selected.
- Data Ports: The C47's four Data Out Ports (3.5mm) send remote control signals to McIntosh source components. These Data Port connections allow for the remote operation of basic functions using the C47's Remote Control.
- IR Input: The 3.5mm IR input allows the connection of an external IR receiver. With an external sensor connected to the C47, remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and/or when the C47 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed. The signal from a connected external IR receiver will have priority over the signal from the preamp's front-panel IR sensor.
- RS-232C Port: The preamplifier's RS-232C port requires a 3.5mm stereo minijack to a subminiature DB 9 connector cable (sold separately) to transmit and receive RS-232 commands.
AC Power Cord + Auto Power Off: The McIntosh C47 stereo preamplifier features a detachable AC power cord with 3-pole IEC connector. The C47 incorporates an Auto Off feature, which automatically places the preamplifier into the Power Saving Standby/Off Mode after approximately 30 minutes of inactivity or no audio signal.
Mounting Options: The McIntosh C47 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom of the C47 when it is custom installed. Always provide adequate ventilation for your C47. Allow at least 2" above the top, 2" below the bottom, and 1" on each side of the preamplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed.
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Plays high definition PCM and DSD music, Sounds Wonderful. Easy setup. It was well worth the money. McIntosh continues to make outstanding equipment. Bob
Robert from Brecksville, OH