High end audio maker McIntosh has announced a new stereo pre-amplifier featuring an updated digital audio module that continues McIntosh’s commitment to future proofing its devices with modular components.
The solid state C53 (A$14,995)comes on the back of the recently released C49 preamplifier, but is the company’s first to use its new DA2 digital audio module, which adds an HDMI audio return channel port for connection to a compatible television or projector.
The DA2 also features all of the USB, MCT, optical and coaxial inputs found on the DA1 module, but the USB input has been upgraded for native playback of high-resolution files up to DSD512 thanks to the new 8-channel 32-bit/384kHz DAC.
The C53 also supports 9 analogue inputs alongside those found on the digital module, with 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections along with a Moving Coil and a Moving Magnet phono input.
An 8-band analogue equaliser offers ±12dB tuning.
The C53 is expected to land on our shores in mid-August.
