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C50 vs. C46

CoolHomey501

CoolHomey501

New Member
Hey guys, I'm in the market for a pre-amp (Im only considering McIntosh equipment). I have some friends that were telling me about the C50 and the C46. I've been weighing the pros and cons. I understand the C46 is not manufactured any longer but I have a friend that would consider selling me his used (in excellent condition). Obviously, I'd prefer the C50 but the extra money has me a little cautious.

If any of you could provide any of your opinions on the advantages of C50 vs. the C46 I would really appreciate it. What am I getting for the higher price tag on the C50?

By the way, Im new to this site but think its awesome that McIntosh enthusiasts across the country are all here to talk about this stuff. I love it and am planning a trip to Binghampton this summer!!
 
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To DAC or not to DAC

The C50 has a built in DAC, so your decision might be based on your use of digital media and the desire to eliminate an outboard DAC as a separate component. I really like the multi-band equalizer on both the C46 and C50.
 
I have both preamps. IMO, the C50 is a better sounding preamp, more open and refined. The DAC is just a bonus and you have to think of the C50 that way because the DAC needs a firmware update for it to perform 24/192k via USB. So far, McIntosh has not mention any timeframe.
 
Thanks for your thoughts. One follow up item;

Do the digital inputs on the C50 produce better sound than the analog inputs? The new HDTV's don't have analog outputs anymore.
 
If you TV outputs PCM stereo digital C48/C50 will work fine. If it only puts out dolby digital, which I suspect, you would need a DD decoder as used in the MX preamp processors. Consult your TVs owner's manual.
C48 is comparable to C46 in many ways and has digital, analog and a very high performance phono section inputs.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Note the range on the equalizers. The C46 does not have a 10k pot. I am sure McIntosh had a good reason for building it the way they did, but I cannot figure out what it might have been. I would get the C50, although the C2300 is an excellent option also.
 
So it all comes down to, do you want to spend at least twice as much to obtain a brand new pre-amp with some more open and refined sound, a 10K band, blue meters, on-board DAC and a warranty? :scratch2:
 
The C50 is very pretty.

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USB interface on the C48/C50 DAC is totally broken and clearly McIntosh does not intend to fix it. If you go for one of these, be aware of this, judge the unit based on its analog performance, plan on buying an outboard DAC, and recognize that the value of these units on the used market will be depressed because of the USB design flaw.
 
unitycoupled said:
USB interface on the C48/C50 DAC is totally broken and clearly McIntosh does not intend to fix it. If you go for one of these, be aware of this, judge the unit based on its analog performance, plan on buying an outboard DAC, and recognize that the value of these units on the used market will be depressed because of the USB design flaw.
Click to expand...

I understand that those that desire to use the USB interface are frustrated by McIntosh's delay in addressing reported problems with the C48/C50. Some of these critics seem to be intent on disparaging these preamps at every opportunity as fatally flawed, presumably in an effort to motivate McIntosh to expedite a fix.

However, these critics do not speak for everyone. There are owners like myself that are pleased with the C48 preamp. In my opinion, it offers excellent value and performance as an analog preamp. The digital inputs through coax and optical work well. I do not currently use the USB input, but expect a fix will be offered long before I might be tempted to upgrade. Dire warnings of impaired resale value are not a concern for me.

I have a Panasonic HDTV with a digital audio optical output that will play back through the digital input of the C48. The USB issues are not relevant to this application.

The incremental premium for the C48 over the C46 was money well spent for me. I would purchase the C48 again without hesitation. YMMV
 
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I think the C50 & C48 are excellent preamps, but the fact that McIntosh has not fixed the issue is a major issue with the company standing behind it's products. The USB input is a feature buyers paid $$$ for. The fact that it doesn't work with Macs is a major failed. BTW, I have a photocopy owner's manual for my C50. Is that what you expect from a $6K product?
 
If you do not have the final owner's manual why don't you call your dealer and have them order one? We have been using tempory owners manuals since ..forever, while the finals are prepared. McIntosh always supplies the final to owners.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
ron-c said:
If you do not have the final owner's manual why don't you call your dealer and have them order one? We have been using tempory owners manuals since ..forever, while the finals are prepared. McIntosh always supplies the final to owners.

Thanks,
Ron-C
Click to expand...

Is the final manual, finalized? I can't stand the photocopy version. It's not McIntosh like.
 
Mac has always been behind in printing owners manuals since I started selling the stuff in the late 70s,, I would always call Fran and supply her with my customer's info and she always would make sure they would receive a correct one while the ink was still wet.

I seem to also remember a card was included to send in with your service contract request to notify her as a customer you needed one.

This was a long time ago but I am sure there is someone at Mac still trying to fill her shoes.
 
Have your dealer order the manual from Mc parts. You will need your serial number to submit for the replacement manual and it will be no charge.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
Ron, since the manual is finalized, is the USB specs also finalized? My C50 has pops and clicks in the audio stream on USB input and will not support 24/192.
 
Soon, and you will read about it the day it is ready. The manual has been done for a while now, about a year.

Thanks,
Ron-C
 
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