McIntosh Laboratory has launched the C47, a 12-input digital preamp designed to offer huge flexibility with both digital and analogue source components. It offers a built-in phono stage for the direct connection of turntables, an “advanced” headphone stage, plus four digital inputs. The C47 is compatible with the latest high-resolution audio formats via its USB input, including DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 along with DXD 352.8kHz; its twin optical and single coaxial inputs can decode at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. For optimum SACD playback, the C47 preamp can also connect digitally to McIntosh’s MCT450 SACD/CD transport via its ‘MCT input’, creating a secure DSD connection.
For analogue sources, the C47 includes two balanced and three unbalanced (fully assignable) inputs, plus Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono inputs. All inputs are available all of the time – even those that have been assigned to individual devices, giving genuine flexibility of configuration. The C47 also offers bass and treble tone controls for fine tuning and McIntosh’s Headphone Crossfeed Director, which brings an added dimension to headphone listening. The C47’s Home Theatre Pass Through feature permits seamless integration into multichannel A/V systems. The C47 comes in standard McIntosh guise with a black glass front panel, an illuminated logo and brushed-aluminium end caps. Handcrafted in the Binghamton factory (New York) it boasts 1950s styling with contemporary features and technology. Full C47 specifications can be found on the McIntosh website. The C47 sells for £3,995 and will be available in the UK in October/November.