McIntosh
McIntosh C53 Preamplifier

AED 36,030.00 (Inc. Tax)

(Price Per Unit)
Free delivery on orders above AED 500 in UAE.

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C53 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier

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

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Overview

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. 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.

All this audio technology is packaged inside the C53’s classic McIntosh design featuring a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. An attractive polished stainless steel chassis finishes the distinguished look. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and speakers to complete your home audio system. Contact your local dealer to learn more.

- The C53 Preamplifier is ready to serve your homeaudio needs for years or even decades to come. It’s the first product to feature our advanced DA2 Digital Audio Module.
- As new digital audio technologies are developed, the DA2 can be replaced by future modules, keeping your C53 current for many years.
- Powered by a next generation, audiophile-grade Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), the DA2 supports high resolution digital music up to DSD512 and DXD 384kHz.
- Includes a new audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 input that allows it to be connected to TVs with a HDMI (ARC) output to bring your TV sound to the next level.
- Includes a nearly inexhaustible 9 analog and 7 digital inputs for connecting all your music sources.
- Complete with McIntosh technologies including 8-Band Tone Controls, Home Theater PassThru, High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) and Power Control.
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 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
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.6" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Unit Weight:28 lbs (12.5 kg)
Shipping Weight:43.5 lbs (19.7 kg)

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.

A

The McIntosh audio system is a stereo system that uses two speakers or a multi-channel system using 3 to 12 speakers. Components are the individual units that individually will offer the highest performance and fidelity possible.Connecting the various components into a complete system of source components, control center, amplifiers, and speakers will deliver the best possible sound.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Preamplifiers are Control Centers that switch source units, turn volume up and down, and in some cases allow tone shaping or turning bass and treble sounds up or down.Amplifiers are the ‘Muscle’ of the audio system and amplify the small audio signal from the preamp to a large one that will operate speakers and determine how dynamic the reproduced sound of the system is in one unit.Integrated amplifiers are single chassis models that combine the function of the preamplifier and power amplifier in one unit.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Precision McIntosh power meters allow the monitoring of sound level balance and output level between the two stereo, or many multi-channel speaker channels. Meters protect valuable speaker systems from damage as long as more watts than the speakers are designed to handle are not exceeded.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

The McIntosh Output Autoformer is a special transformer that is designed and manufactured in-house by McIntosh. This allows any speaker type to be used with a McIntosh amplifier and have all of the power that the amp is designed to deliver.All other amplifier designs will not have even power with differing speaker designs. McIntosh amplifiers with the output Autoformer™ will deliver ‘All the Power You Pay For’ regardless of speaker type chosen.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Power Assurance is a group of patented McIntosh circuit designs that protect the stereo from damage and allow maximum performance and long, trouble free life.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Quad Differential is the most sophisticated McIntosh amplifier design that allows the impossible combination of the most powerful amplifiers with the very lowest distortion and background noise. Many would say this is the impossible combination; highest power with lowest noise but Quad Balanced make the impossible possible.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Electromagnetic switching is used in McIntosh preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers to switch the variety of source components connected. Rather than the common mechanical switches that will deteriorate with wear, electromagnetic switches are high tech switching nodes that allow very long, trouble free operation.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?
A

Performance between vacuum tube and solid state (or transistor) gear is almost identical in technical specifications. Many users request vacuum tube units that offer a slightly classical "tube" or "warm" sound to the audio presentation.Tube and solid state models may be mixed and will all work together in a McIntosh component stereo system. Many now use downloaded music as their main media source. Sound quality will always depend on the quality of the download files and the music system interface. McIntosh offers the most advanced computer USB interface in most of our preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers which will maximize audio performance.

October 3, 2022
Helpful?

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