McIntosh’s Hi-Fi Component Is for Audiophiles Who Think Sonos Isn’t Good Enough

McIntosh is back with yet another premium audio component that oozes its signature style: black-glass front panel, tactile knobs and a green illuminated logo. And like its other offerings, it’s designed for serious audiophiles with some seriously deep pockets.

The McIntosh CR106 is a preamplifier and audio matrix that basically functions as the command center for your home’s high-end multi-room audio system. It’s a component for those who think a standard Sonos multi-room sound system is too easy — or simply doesn’t sound good enough.

McIntosh CR106

McIntosh

Elite multi-room audio

The McIntosh CR106 combines an audio matrix and a preamplifier into one component. This allows you to play different audio in various zones throughout your house, and then control the volume and EQ settings of each individual zone.

It’s essentially the brain of a highly sophisticated home audio system — ideally, for home installations. According to the brand, “the CR106 delivers the flexibility to enjoy different music in different rooms, all while maintaining high-performance audio for immersive listening.”

When up and running, the CR106 can be controlled via its front panel, as well as McIntosh’s Connect app or web interface.

McIntosh

6-zone control

The McIntosh CR106 features a 6-zone preamplifier, allowing it to control up to six different zones in your home. However, if you have a larger home with multiple zones, up to five CR106 units can be linked together (through the Dante network interface), allowing you to control up to 30 different two-channel zones.

For each zone, the McIntosh CR106 designs two sets of stereo outputs and dedicated subwoofer outputs. This promises to give you the flexibility to play the same audio on four speakers and two subwoofers in one zone, or distribute the same audio across two zones simultaneously.

For connecting your various sources, the McIntosh CR106 has four analog (unbalanced) inputs and four digital inputs. It also has built-in Bluetooth (aptX HD and aptX Adaptive), allowing you to stream audio from your smartphone throughout your home.

McIntosh

Price and availability

The McIntosh CR106 costs $5,500 and will be available from McIntosh and other authorized detailers starting in August 2025.

McIntosh

McIntosh CR106

The McIntosh CR106 is a preamplifier and audio matrix that basically functions as the command center for your home’s high-end multi-room audio system. It’s a component that allows you to play different audio in up to six different zones throughout your house, and then control the volume and EQ settings of each individual zone. According to the brand, it “delivers the flexibility to enjoy different music in different rooms, all while maintaining high-performance audio for immersive listening.”

• $5,500 at McIntosh

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