Two Channel Solid State Preamplifier - Very Nice Condition!
All pre-owned product is tested in our service department and have been passed for sale... and comes with a 90 day warranty!
This is in very, very nice condition! (a few shots show some dust/ smudges, etc that are NOT on the unit)
Original box, packing, and remote contol ARE included. Pix with white background is stock. See last image for specs.
(Current retail if new: $8500! very limited stock remaining) An excellent deal on this amazing feature rich product!
We are an authorized Mac Dealer.
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.
Additionally, the DA2’s USB input can support native playback of up to DSD512, surpassing the DSD256 limit of the DA1. This increased DSD playback support is thanks to the next generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) that powers the DA2. This audiophile-grade DAC is highlighted by both an improved dynamic range and total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The USB input also supports DXD up to 384kHz. The coax and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high resolution audio playback. Rounding out the DA2 is an MCT input that offers a secure, custom DSD connection for playback of the high definition audio found on SACDs when paired with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to produce the best possible sound quality from your SACD collection. In addition to the 7 digital inputs found in the DA2 module, the C53 also has 9 analog inputs, giving it a nearly inexhaustible number of 16 total inputs for connecting all your music sources. The analog inputs consist of 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections, plus 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono inputs for plugging in your trusted turntable. 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 ± 12dB so you can fine tune your music just the way you like. Our High Drive Headphone Amplifier can power virtually any pair of headphones, while Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) can bring an added dimension to your music. Home Theater Pass Through lets the C53 be seamlessly integrated into your home theater system. Power Control ports let you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off, while the Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components. The C53 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility. Roon will recognize it and send it audio optimized for its capabilities. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box for a superior customer experience.
Detailed Performance Features:
Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim Adjustment:
Digital Logic Circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. The Analog Inputs can be matched in level, preventing abrupt changes in volume levels.
Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs: The C53 has two precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits, one for Moving Coil Phono Cartridges and the other for Moving Magnet Cartridges. Both phono inputs have selectable loading. The circuits use the latest designs providing the lowest possible noise and distortion. The close tolerance resistors and capacitors used in the RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry provides an extremely flat frequency response.
Digital Audio Inputs: The Digital Inputs decode PCM and DSD Signals from external sources. Coaxial, Optical and HDMI Inputs process Digital Signals up to 192kHz with 24-Bit resolution. The Digital MCT Input Circuitry directly decodes SACD/CD signals from an external Transport component. The USB Input for streaming audio processes Digital Signals up to 384kHz with 32Bit resolution, decodes up to DSD512 Digital Signals and DXD 24Bit with a sampling rate up to 384kHz.
Balanced Inputs: The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source component using long cable lengths without a loss in sound quality.
Precision Tracking 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 214 individual 0.5dB volume level steps with no noise as the volume level is changed.
Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls: The C53 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Control Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.
Equalizer Controls: The eight Front Panel Equalizer Controls provide 12dB of boost or cut at their center frequencies. The C53 remembers the Equalizer Circuitry ON/OFF Setting for each input.
HXD® for Headphones: The C53 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.
Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display: The Front Panel Information Display indicates the Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup. Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.
PASSTHRU Mode: The Automatic PASSTHRU Mode allows the C53 to become part of a Home Theater Multichannel Sound System.
Remote Control with External Sensor Input: The Remote Control provides control of the C53 operating functions and McIntosh Source Components connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from another room in your home by connecting an external sensor.
Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment: A Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On of McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components and Accessories is included. The Power Control Trigger Ouputs may be assigned to activate when a given Input/Output is selected.
Special Power Supply: Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.
Glass Front Panel with LED Illumination: The famous McIntosh Glass Front Panel is evenly Illuminated by multiple extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) arranged with a special orientation.
