McIntosh CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix

Six-zone preamplifier and audio matrix with eight wired inputs, Bluetooth, Dante networking, and independent zone control

The McIntosh CR106 combines a two-channel preamplifier and audio matrix in a single component designed for distributed audio systems. It can independently route music to six stereo zones, allowing different sources to play simultaneously in different areas of a home while providing individual control of volume, tone, and subwoofer settings for each zone.

Four unbalanced analog inputs and four digital inputs accommodate source components such as streamers, CD players, and tuners, while built-in Bluetooth provides direct wireless playback from a phone or tablet. Bluetooth support includes AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive.

Independent Control for Six Zones

Each of the CR106's six zones provides two sets of unbalanced stereo outputs plus two dedicated subwoofer outputs. The dual stereo outputs allow configurations such as driving four speakers within a single zone or distributing the same source to additional areas through compatible power amplifiers.

Each zone can be independently switched on or off, assigned a source, and adjusted for volume, bass, and treble. Six optional EQ Voicings are also available for each zone, while configurable subwoofer settings allow low-frequency integration to be tailored independently throughout the system.

McIntosh Connect App

The CR106 can be operated from its front-panel controls, through a web interface, or with the free McIntosh Connect app for Apple and Android devices. The app provides control of individual zones, source selection, volume, tone settings, zone grouping, subwoofer configuration, and EQ Voicings without requiring specialized programming.

Custom Experiences can save the current input selections and volume levels across multiple zones, allowing frequently used whole-home configurations to be recalled quickly.

Dante Networking and Custom Installation

For larger installations, up to five CR106 units can be connected using Dante audio-over-IP networking to create as many as 30 independent two-channel zones. Dante distributes audio between CR106 units over a network, reducing the need for extensive analog interconnect runs in larger multi-room systems.

The CR106 occupies 2U of rack space, and rack-mounting brackets are included. Six Power Control outputs allow compatible McIntosh components to switch on and off with their associated zones, while RS232 and network connectivity provide additional integration options for custom-installed systems.

Specifications

Number of Channels: 2 per zone, 6 independent zones

Maximum Output Voltage: 7 V RMS unbalanced

High-Level Sensitivity: 450 mV unbalanced

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level): 96 dB

Voltage Gain (High Level): 4.5 V unbalanced

Input Impedance: 50 kohms unbalanced

Unbalanced Inputs: 4

Digital Inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical

Bluetooth: AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, Qualcomm aptX Adaptive

Network Connections: 2

Dante Networking: Yes; up to 5 CR106 units for up to 30 zones

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 6 zones; 2 stereo output sets plus 2 dedicated subwoofer outputs per zone

Unbalanced Analog Connector Type: Standard

Service Port: 1

Tone Controls: Bass and treble, independently adjustable by zone

EQ Voicings: 6 selectable per zone

RS232 Control Inputs: 1

Power Control Outputs: 6

Type: Solid state

Rack Mounting: 2U; mounting brackets included

Power Consumption: 45 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 4-3/8" × 17-1/2" × 18-5/32" (111 × 445 × 461 mm); 19" (483 mm) wide with mounting brackets

Weight: 15 lb. (6.8 kg)