The C53/MC462 combo sounded "super-smooth and superbly balanced at all times, whilst never letting the smoothness of their delivery interfere with their ability to resolve a level of detail, [which] means you will hear nuances you just will not hear with lesser amplifiers." - Audio Esoterica
The C53 is one of many McIntosh products to receive Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon and McIntosh for maximum compatibility. Roon will recognize it and send it audio optimized for its capabilities. No fiddling with checkboxes or dropdowns, Roon Tested devices are automatically identified and configured out of the box for a superior customer experience.
All this audio technology is packaged inside the C53’s classic McIntosh design featuring a black glass front panel backlit by direct LED lighting, blue meters, rotary knobs, an illuminated logo and aluminum end caps. An attractive polished stainless steel chassis finishes the distinguished look. It can be paired with an assortment of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers, room correction devices and speakers to complete your home audio system. Contact your local dealer to learn more.
ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Channels
2
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
16V RMS / 8V RMS
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
900mV / 450mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
0.45mV
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
4.5mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
100dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
80dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
82dB
Voltage Gain (High Level)
15dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
60dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
40dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
44K ohm, 22K ohm
CONNECTIVITY
Balanced Input
3
Unbalanced Input
4
Phono Input Moving Coil
1 (adjustable)
Phono Input Moving Magnet
1 (adjustable)
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
Yes: DA2
Digital Coaxial Input
2
Digital Optical Input
2
Digital MCT (DIN) Input
1
Digital USB Input
1
HDMI (ARC) Input
1
Digital AES/EBU Input
0
Balanced Fixed Output
0
Balanced Variable Output
3
Unbalanced Fixed Output
1
Unbalanced Variable Output
3
Headphone Output
1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Input Level Match
Yes, +/- 6dB
Home Theater PassThru
Yes
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Premium gold-plated solid brass
Service Port
1
CONTROL
Tone Controls
8 band (each band adjustable ± 12dB )
Tone Bypass and Input Assign
Yes
RS232 Control Input
Yes
Power Control Output
1 Main, 4 Trigger
Rear Panel Data Port
6
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single
Single, two layer
Output Meters
Yes
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Solid State
Power Consumption (On)
30 Watts
WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
Dimensions (W x H x D)
17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.6" (19.37cm) x 18" (45.72cm)
Weight
28 lbs (12.5 kg)
Shipping Weight
43.5 lbs (19.7 kg)