MCINTOSH C53

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Free from any noticeable signs of wear. Comes with original packaging and manual.

The C53 Preamplifier is designed to serve as the heart of your home audio system for many years, if not decades, delivering unparalleled audio quality. Following the digital standards set by McIntosh’s current solid-state integrated amplifiers, the stereo C53 preamplifier features an upgradable Digital Audio module. However, unlike the integrated amplifiers that use the DA1 Digital Audio module, the C53 is the first to employ the new and more advanced DA2 Digital Audio module.

The DA2 builds upon the capabilities of the DA1, extending them further. In addition to all the same connections as the DA1 (2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 proprietary MCT connection for use with McIntosh’s MCT series SACD/CD transports), the DA2 introduces a new HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) connection, dedicated solely to audio. This allows the preamplifier to connect to TVs with a compatible HDMI (ARC) output, elevating the television’s sound quality by routing audio through the home stereo system. Common multichannel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are supported and converted to 2-channel audio for optimal playback through the C53. When CEC communication is enabled on both the C53 and the TV, the TV remote can control the C53’s power and volume.

Additionally, the DA2 USB input supports native playback up to DSD512, surpassing the DSD256 limit of the DA1. This improvement is made possible by the new generation of Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DACs powering the DA2. These DACs provide improved dynamic range and lower total harmonic distortion compared to the DA1. The USB input also supports DXD up to 384 kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192 kHz for high-resolution audio playback. Completing the DA2 module, the MCT input provides a secure, dedicated DSD connection for high-definition audio playback from SACDs when used with McIntosh’s MCT series SACD/CD transports, ensuring the best possible sound quality.

Beyond the DA2’s seven digital inputs, the C53 also offers nine analog inputs, for a total of sixteen inputs—more than enough to connect all your music sources. The analog inputs include 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections, as well as 1 Moving Coil and 1 Moving Magnet phono input for turntables. Outputs include 3 variable balanced and unbalanced connections, along with 1 fixed unbalanced output.

Tone controls feature an 8-band analog equalizer, with each band adjustable ±12 dB. The High Drive Headphone Amplifier can power virtually any pair of headphones, while the HXD® (Headphone Crossfeed Director) adds an extra dimension to headphone listening. The Home Theater Pass Through feature allows the C53 to integrate seamlessly into a home theater system. Power Control ports enable easy on/off control of other connected McIntosh components, while Data ports send remote control commands to connected source components.

• 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital)
• 8-band analog equalizer
• Supports files up to DSD512
• Includes preinstalled DA2 Digital Audio module

Technical Specifications:

• Number of channels: 2
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005%
• Frequency response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3 dB from 15 Hz to 100 kHz
• Maximum output voltage (balanced/unbalanced): 16 V RMS / 8 V RMS
• High-level input sensitivity (balanced/unbalanced): 900 mV / 450 mV
• Phono input sensitivity: Moving Coil 0.45 mV; Moving Magnet 4.5 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: high level 100 dB; Moving Coil 80 dB; Moving Magnet 82 dB
• Voltage gain: high level 15 dB; Moving Coil 60 dB; Moving Magnet 40 dB
• Input impedance (balanced/unbalanced): 44 kΩ / 22 kΩ
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444.5 x 193.7 x 457.2 mm
• Unit weight: 12.5 kg