McIntosh C49

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Joined
Nov 7, 2015
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Location
Kansas
It is supposed to be arriving tomorrow. I am looking forward to it; I've wanted a new Mc for quite some time. Recently having the really nice shape vintage Mc confirmed that I really wanted one.

I decided that I wanted SS. I just prefer SS (or hybrid) over full tube. The C49 and C53 have the exactly the same specs and performance. The C53 has extra features, a couple nice but did not feel it was worth the extra. The meters would be cool, and the upgraded DA2 DAC comes with the 53 while the 49 comes with the DA1 but can be upgraded with the new modeler design.

I love the T+A, so not going to use the Mc at this time. A buddy keeps telling me to get the better DAC and sell him my T+A.... no way. Maybe if McIntosh comes out with an even better DAC then it might be worth considering.
 
I have been getting used to the McIntosh. It is a very good sounding pre-amp. I love the simplicity and the advanced features all in one. What I mean by that is it has a ton of inputs but allows for turning off those not being used. I also love being able to label the inputs and being able to control my McIntosh tuner from the C49's remote. Another feature I like is having Outputs 1 & 2. Both have corresponding triggers. Talk about thinking how people use their systems. On Output 1 I use my amplifiers and the trigger 1 turns on and off the NAD amplifier, no problem. Output 2 I use for the headphone amplifier.

The C49 also has both MM and MC phono stages built in. According to McIntosh it is the exact same as the separate phono stage that I had owned. There is also a DAC built in that I am not using; however, I like that it is modular so if they release an even better DAC in the future, I can simply plug that in!

I also like that all inputs can be trimmed to equalize volume. Also, tone controls, balance, etc., can be set per input, or turned off, which is what I do since I do not use Bass and Treble controls. They are there if I want them.

The only issue I was having is that the Technics table was getting a hum. I tried running the ground lead to the amplifier chassis, among other things. I finally found out that it was coming from the turntable head shell, and I reseated the wires, and all is noise free now!

So far, excellent pre-amplifier. I think my satisfaction level is really high at this point!
 
The only one they offer is the C8. I wanted something a bit more than the small hybrid. Also, that can only be purchased from a B&M store.

I do like the modeler design used in the new models. The DA2 does go up to DSD512 but I would think the T+A is better. Maybe a better one comes out in the future... this new design is future proof!!!
 
Randy-

Glad your C49 is meeting your expectations. It's a pretty sure bet that your T + A is a better DAC but you might be surprised by built in DAC 1.
The integration of the MR 85 with its remote and customization on inputs and outputs are neat features along with separate outputs for your amp and headphone amp.

Enjoy the Sounds!

John
 
Mr Peabody-

I believe Mc still makes a version of the C22 (III); tubes, no DAC. There is also the new C 12000 with tube and solid state outputs. Crazy design and expensive as well.

John
 
I believe like you and John the DAC8 would be better but I wouldn't be able to resist the comparison listen.

Randy Myers said:
The only one they offer is the C8. I wanted something a bit more than the small hybrid. Also, that can only be purchased from a B&M store.

I do like the modeler design used in the new models. The DA2 does go up to DSD512 but I would think the T+A is better. Maybe a better one comes out in the future... this new design is future proof!!!
Click to expand...
 
JohnJ said:
Mr Peabody-

I believe Mc still makes a version of the C22 (III); tubes, no DAC. There is also the new C 12000 with tube and solid state outputs. Crazy design and expensive as well.

John
Click to expand...

You are correct, the C22 Mk V does not include a DAC. The C70 does not either for that matter. Since I was concentrating on Solid State no DAC was not an option. Both the C49 and the C53 have the modeler DAC. I might have to compare it with the T+A at some point. But it is a little involved in that I have to load up the McIntosh drivers and configure HQ Player to use them. Of course, change HQ Player to DSD256 also.
 
Randy Myers said:
You are correct, the C22 Mk V does not include a DAC. The C70 does not either for that matter. Since I was concentrating on Solid State no DAC was not an option. Both the C49 and the C53 have the modeler DAC. I might have to compare it with the T+A at some point. But it is a little involved in that I have to load up the McIntosh drivers and configure HQ Player to use them. Of course, change HQ Player to DSD256 also.
Click to expand...

I think you would have to upgrade that basic C49 with dac ( D1) to the better D2 internal dac at an extra $1000 to even get close to your T+A and provide DSD 512. .
 
CPP said:
I think you would have to upgrade that basic C49 with dac ( D1) to the better D2 internal dac at an extra $1000 to even get close to your T+A and provide DSD 512. .
Click to expand...

Agreed, that is why I will probably wait to see what McIntosh comes out with. A DA3 maybe :).
 
I bought a c49 today and a pair of 611's to drive my blades, but my roon can't see the dac in the c49 to stream. The Mc c49 shows up and I can set and save the defaults to the nucleus, but no matter what I try I can't get the 2 to recognize each other.
 
The store owner walked me thru the individual audio settings and presto, after a roon software restart i was GTG. whew.
 
CPP said:
Steve, do you think it was a c49 or a Roon setting.
Click to expand...

I did try the Dac 1 for a bit while my buddy tried out the Dac 8. It actually sounded pretty decent, and setup worked perfect with no glitches at all. I would guess Steve's issue had to do with Roon settings. I am staying at my buddies house now until I officially retire (3 weeks).

I got his Roon Nucleus all setup with two zones, two Lumin's and two Dac's.

My T+A is waiting at the new house. Anxious to get my system setup back up when I am finally there full time!
 
Randy Myers said:
I did try the Dac 1 for a bit while my buddy tried out the Dac 8. It actually sounded pretty decent, and setup worked perfect with no glitches at all. I would guess Steve's issue had to do with Roon settings. I am staying at my buddies house now until I officially retire (3 weeks).

I got his Roon Nucleus all setup with two zones, two Lumin's and two Dac's.

My T+A is waiting at the new house. Anxious to get my system setup back up when I am finally there full time!
Click to expand...


Three weeks will go by pretty quick. In three weeks we will have closed on a new home ( finally) away from the beach and packed and moved into a new place.
 
It's the low volume dynamics. With the Blades I needed to turn the h590 up a bit to bring the speakers to life, fine during the day with loads of ambient noise going on, but most of my favorite listening is done at night, winding down and the 611's at idle are delivering a full bodied detailed, dynamic sound that just makes the already great soundstage more obvious. Maybe mac's tube history taught them a thing about getting the first watt right?

I retyped this post a half a dozen times because I don't want to take anything away from the H590 and considering the price difference it's still well worth keeping on the list.
 
As to the dac setup. Roon has the C49 on the list of dac's to select in the setup menu(I was using the setup from the volume button on the roon screen, but my mac dealer had to call me and go into another window from the left side, select audio and then change a few setting then I closed out roon on the tablet, reopened it and the music was finally audible.
 
CPP said:
Three weeks will go by pretty quick. In three weeks we will have closed on a new home ( finally) away from the beach and packed and moved into a new place.
Click to expand...

Congrats Chris.

We sold our house and bought our new one last summer. We were able to rent back the house for a while. We moved Cheryal over in December and I can finally join her full-time in three weeks!!!
 
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