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McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix - Multi-Room Control & Flexible Connectivity

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Why You'll Love It.

The CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier provides multi-room audio control, flexible connectivity and intuitive operation, making it ideal for custom installations and distributed audio systems. With its rack-mount design and advanced Bluetooth and network capabilities, it enhances the listening experience in every room.

Nate M
Nate MBRAND MANAGER
The McIntosh CR106 6‑Zone Preamplifier combines a preamplifier and audio matrix to deliver multi‑room audio control with 4 analog and 4 digital inputs, Bluetooth streaming (AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive) and Dante networking for up to 30 zones. Control it via the Connect app, web interface or front panel, and enjoy seamless integration into custom install systems with its 2U rack‑mount design.

Technical Specifications

Multi‑Room Audio Control Combines a preamplifier and audio matrix to let you enjoy different music in different rooms and pair with McIntosh amplifiers and speakers for a high-performance distributed audio system.
Intuitive Control App Use the Connect app, web interface or front-panel controls to manage zones, select sources, adjust volume/bass/treble, configure subwoofers, group zones, and apply EQ voicings without complicated programming.
Flexible Connectivity Includes 4 unbalanced analog inputs and 4 digital inputs; up to five units can be linked via Dante network to create up to 30 two-channel zones.
High-Resolution Bluetooth Streaming Supports Bluetooth streaming via AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD and aptX Adaptive for high-resolution audio.
Dual Outputs & Subwoofer Support Each zone has two sets of unbalanced outputs plus dedicated subwoofer outputs for advanced configurations such as playing the same audio on multiple speakers and subwoofers or distributing audio across two zones.
Rack-Mountable 2U Design Compact 2U unit easily mounts in standard A/V racks; includes Power Control triggers for synchronized power and integrates seamlessly with custom install amplifiers and speakers.

Reviews

Product Details

McIntosh CR106 6‑Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix

The McIntosh CR106 6‑Zone Preamplifier combines the functions of a preamplifier and audio matrix to deliver effortless multi‑room audio control. It lets you enjoy different music in different rooms and pairs with McIntosh amplifiers and speakers for a high‑performance distributed audio system. Control is easy using the free Connect app (iOS and Android), a web interface, or the front panel; no complicated programming is required.

Key Features:

  • Multi‑room audio control: Combines a preamplifier and audio matrix to deliver simultaneous music in different rooms.
  • Intuitive control app: Use the Connect app, web interface, or front panel to turn zones on/off, select sources, adjust volume/bass/treble, configure subwoofer settings, group zones, and apply EQ voicings.
  • Flexible connectivity: Offers 4 unbalanced analog inputs and 4 digital inputs; link up to five units via Dante network interface to create up to 30 two‑channel audio zones.
  • High‑resolution Bluetooth streaming: Stream music directly to the CR106 via Bluetooth using Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Qualcomm aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive for hi‑res audio.
  • Dual outputs and subwoofer support: Each zone has two sets of unbalanced outputs plus dedicated subwoofer outputs, enabling configurations like playing the same audio on four speakers and two subwoofers or distributing audio across two zones.
  • Rack‑mountable design: Compact 2U chassis fits standard A/V racks; includes Power Control triggers for synchronized power on/off and integrates with custom install amplifiers and in‑wall or in‑ceiling speakers.

Product Specifications:

  • Number of channels: 2 channels for each of 6 independent zones.
  • Total harmonic distortion: 0.005 % maximum from 20 Hz to 20 kHz on high‑level inputs.
  • Frequency response: ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
  • Maximum volts out: 7 V RMS unbalanced.
  • Unbalanced inputs: 4 analog plus 4 digital inputs (2 coaxial and 2 optical).
  • Unit dimensions (W×H×D): 17‑1/2″ (44.5 cm) (19″ (48.3 cm) with brackets) × 4‑3/8″ (11.1 cm) × 18‑5/32″ (46.1 cm); Unit weight 15 lb (6.8 kg); Shipping weight 37.5 lb (17 kg).

Product Q&A:

Q: What makes the CR106 unique?
A: The CR106 combines a preamplifier and audio matrix into one compact unit, allowing you to enjoy different music in different rooms and pair it with McIntosh amplifiers and speakers for a high‑performance multi‑room system.
Q: How is the CR106 controlled?
A: It can be controlled using the free Connect app for Apple and Android devices, a web interface, or the intuitive front panel; no complicated programming is required.
Q: How many zones can be created?
A: Each CR106 has 6 zones, and up to five units can be linked via the Dante network interface to create up to 30 distinct two‑channel audio zones.
Q: Does the CR106 support Bluetooth streaming?
A: Yes, you can stream directly via Bluetooth using AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs for high‑resolution audio.

McIntosh CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix - Multi-Room Control & Flexible Connectivity Specifications