Предусилители — McIntosh CR106

The McIntosh CR106 is a 2-channel, 6-zone preamplifier that also works as an audio matrix, sending any of its sources to up to six independent zones of a house. It occupies 2U in a standard equipment rack, and the mounting brackets are part of the package. Bluetooth reception with AAC, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive and a Dante network interface extend it beyond wired analog sources.

Key specs that matter

The source side offers four unbalanced analog inputs, two coaxial digital inputs and two optical digital inputs. Each of the six zones has two sets of unbalanced variable outputs plus two dedicated subwoofer outputs. Input sensitivity is 450 mV and input impedance is 50,000 ohm, both unbalanced. Maximum output is 7 V RMS unbalanced. Frequency response is within 0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, total harmonic distortion is 0.005 percent maximum across the same band, and signal to noise ratio is 96 dB. The chassis is 44.45 cm wide, 11.1 cm high and 46.1 cm deep, or 48.3 cm wide with the brackets fitted. It weighs 6.8 kg and draws 45 W.

Engineering and use context

Because each zone carries two stereo output sets and a pair of subwoofer feeds, one zone can drive four speakers and two subwoofers, or the second set can take the same programme to a neighbouring area. Every zone has its own bass and treble tone controls. Operation runs through the McIntosh Connect app for Apple and Android devices, a web interface or the front panel. In the app, zones can be named, grouped and given their own source, and subwoofer settings are configured there. Saved Experiences store an input choice and volume levels so they can be recalled later. Two network connections serve control and Dante audio, and a service port handles updates. Sales began in August 2025 at USD 5,500, EUR 7,499 and GBP 6,999. For larger homes, up to five CR106 units can be linked over Dante for a total of 30 zones. System integration relies on one RS232 control input and six power control outputs, which let the CR106 switch on the amplifiers assigned to each zone.

Pairing

Each zone needs its own stereo power amplifier, and multi-channel power amplifiers with enough channels for several rooms fit a rack alongside the CR106. The power control outputs can trigger those amplifiers zone by zone, and powered subwoofers connect to the dedicated sub outputs. Sources with coaxial or optical output, such as a disc player or TV, join the digital inputs, and phones or tablets connect over Bluetooth.

Alternatives

The McIntosh C8 is a stereo preamplifier from the same brand built on four 12AX7a tubes.