



McIntosh
CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix
- Type: Digital
- 8 analog and digital inputs plus Bluetooth
- Combination preamplifier and an audio matrix
- Connect up to 5 units via Dante® to create 30 zones
- Each zone has 2 sets of stereo outputs and subwoofer outputs
- 2U rack mountable
Pairs well with
In stock! Ships within 1-2 business days.
90-day risk-free trial
2-Year Warranty
Complimentary shipping & returns
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, within 24 hours on weekdays.
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Shipping Information
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Overview

UNMATCHED MULTI-ROOM AUDIO CONTROL
The CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier delivers effortless control and unmatched flexibility, enabling you to simultaneously enjoy different music in different rooms of your home. Combining the features of a preamplifier and an audio matrix into one unit, it can be paired with our amplifiersand speakersspecifically designed for custom installations to create a multi-room, high-performance distributed audio system with exceptional sound quality that enhances every corner of your home.
EASY CONTROL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
The CR106 is controlled by our free Connect app that is available for both Apple and Android devices, through a web interface, or by the intuitive front-panel knobs and buttons. Regardless of how you control the CR106, no complicated programming is required, so your system can be up and running quickly.

You can also create and customize Experiences using the Connect app or web interface. When you set up an Experience, the current input selection and volume levels for each zone are captured and saved. These saved Experiences can be easily reapplied or activated anytime, offering quick and seamless audio control.
Watch our McIntosh Connect App: Setup and How to Use video to get acquainted with the app.
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
Source components, such as CD players, music streamers, and tuners, can be connected via the 4 unbalanced analog inputs or the 4 digital inputs. For larger systems, up to five CR106 units can be linked together via Dante® network interface, creating up to 30 distinct two-channel audio zones.Adopted by hundreds of manufacturers in thousands of products, Dante replaces audio connections in larger multi-room systems with a computer network, effortlessly sending audio over your network to multiple locations.
You can also stream directly to the CR106 via Bluetooth, effectively turning your phone or tablet into a music source. The CR106 utilizes the high bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard; Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for hi res audio playback; and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a robust solution that delivers high resolution, uninterrupted audio over Bluetooth.

Each zone has 2 sets of unbalanced outputs plus dedicated subwoofer outputs. Two outputs per zone allow for advanced configurations such as:
Your installer can further discuss these possibilities with you based on your specific needs. Dedicated Power Controltriggers allow synchronized power on/off functionality with connected McIntosh components, simplifying system management.

STREAMLINED INTEGRATION INTO A DISTRIBUTED HOME AUDIO SYSTEM
The compact CR106 can easily be installed into a standard A/V equipment rack and requires just 2U of rack space (rack mounting brackets are included). Using unbalanced audio cables, its outputs can be connected to a custom installhome audio amplifier, such as our:
Pair these with our in-wall and in-ceiling speakers – like the WS500 In-Wall Speaker, WS300 In-Wall Speaker, or CS200 In-Ceiling Speaker– for a fully customized listening experience in every zone. Add the rack-mountable MIP200 Power Controllerto protect your audio investment from unexpected electrical issues.
DISCOVER WHOLE-HOME AUDIO EXCELLENCE
Transform your entire home into a haven of high-quality sound with the CR106 6-Zone Preamplifier. Contact your local integrator or dealerto learn more about adding the CR106 to your whole home distributed audio system.
Audinate®, the Audinate logo and Dante® are registered trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications
Electronic Specifications
Number of Channels
2
(for each of 6 independent zones)
Total Harmonic Distortion
High Level Inputs: 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
Frequency Response
±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
7V RMS Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
High Level: 450mV Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil)
N/A
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet)
N/A
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
High Level: 96dB
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil)
N/A
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet)
N/A
Voltage Gain (High Level)
4.5V Unbalanced
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil)
N/A
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet)
N/A
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
50K ohms Unbalanced (Balanced N/A)
Connectivity
Balanced Input
0
Unbalanced Input
4
Phono Input Moving Coil
0
Phono Input Moving Magnet
0
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module
No
Digital Coaxial Inputs
2
Digital Optical Inputs
2
Digital MCT Inputs
0
Digital USB Input
0
HDMI (ARC) Input
0
Digital AES/EBU Input
0
Balanced Fixed Output
0
Balanced Variable Output
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output
0
Unbalanced Variable Output
6 Zones
(each zone has 2 sets of unbalanced outputs plus 2 dedicated subwoofer outputs)
Headphone Output
0
Input Level Match
No
Home Theater PassThru
No
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Standard
Service Port
1
Network Connections
2
Control
Tone Controls
Bass and Treble
Tone Bypass and Input Assign
N/A
RS232 Control Inputs
1
Power Control Outputs
6
Rear Panel Data Ports
0
Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
0
General Specifications
Multi-Chassis or Single
Single
Output Meters
No
Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Solid State
Power Consumption (On)
45 watts
Weights & Dimensions
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
17-1/2” (44.5cm) (with mounting brackets 19” (48.3cm)) x 4-3/8” (11.1cm) x 18-5/32” (46.1cm)
Unit Weight
15 pounds (6.8 kg)
Shipping Weight
37.5 pounds (17 kg)
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Do you price match?
Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.
Where is your showroom?
We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.
Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?
Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.
Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?
Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.
Do you provide support after installation?
Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.