McIntosh CR106: Six-Zone Whole-Home Audio Control
The McIntosh CR106 2-Channel 6-Zone Preamplifier / Audio Matrix is the central source-routing and control component for a premium distributed-audio system. It allows as many as six rooms or listening areas to independently select sources, adjust volume and tone, manage subwoofers, and group zones together from one rack-mounted chassis.
Eight wired source inputs plus Bluetooth can be routed independently to any of the six zones. Control is available through the McIntosh Connect app, a browser-based web interface, or the front panel, making the CR106 suitable for both straightforward residential systems and professionally integrated whole-home audio installations.
Key Features
- Two-channel audio distribution across six independent zones
- Eight wired source inputs plus Bluetooth
- Four unbalanced analog, two coaxial, and two optical inputs
- Two stereo analog output sets for each zone
- Two dedicated subwoofer outputs for each zone
- McIntosh Connect app for Apple and Android devices
- Browser-based setup and control interface
- Zone grouping and saved system Experiences
- Bass, treble, subwoofer, and six preset EQ voicings per zone
- Dante network audio for scalable system design
- Up to five CR106 units can support as many as 30 zones
- Bluetooth with AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive
- Six Power Control outputs and RS232 integration
- 2U rack-mount design with brackets included
Independent Audio for Six Zones
Each of the CR106’s six zones can operate independently with its own source selection, volume setting, bass and treble adjustment, EQ voicing, and subwoofer configuration. Zones can also be grouped when the same music should play throughout several rooms or across an entire property.
Every zone includes two sets of unbalanced stereo outputs, allowing flexible connection to one or more power-amplifier channels. Two dedicated subwoofer outputs per zone make it possible to build full-range distributed systems without relying on speaker-level subwoofer connections.
Eight Inputs Plus High-Quality Bluetooth
The CR106 accepts four unbalanced analog sources, two coaxial digital sources, and two optical digital sources. This provides centralized access to music streamers, televisions, disc players, tuners, media servers, and other shared components.
Bluetooth offers convenient playback from compatible phones, tablets, and computers, with support for AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs.
McIntosh Connect App and Web Control
The McIntosh Connect app provides room-by-room control from compatible Apple and Android devices. Users can name zones and inputs, choose sources, adjust volume and tone, configure subwoofer behavior, group rooms, and select from six preset EQ voicings.
A browser-based interface provides system setup and control from a computer or mobile device, while the front-panel controls remain available for direct local operation.
Save and Recall Complete Listening Experiences
The CR106 can save commonly used combinations of zone states, source selections, and volume levels as Experiences. An Experience can recall a preferred whole-house music arrangement, an entertainment configuration, or a quiet background-audio setting without requiring every zone to be adjusted individually.
Scalable Dante Audio Networking
Dante support allows audio to be distributed over a compatible network and gives professional integrators greater flexibility when sources and equipment racks are separated. As many as five CR106 units can be combined to control up to 30 zones in larger residential or light-commercial installations.
Built for Rack-Based Custom Installation
The CR106 occupies two rack spaces and includes rack-mount brackets. Six Power Control outputs can coordinate compatible McIntosh amplifiers, while RS232 and dual network connections support integration with broader control and automation systems.
It can be paired with McIntosh distributed-audio amplifiers such as the MI1250, MI128, MI254, and MI502, with amplifier channels selected according to the number of rooms, speaker requirements, and desired output per zone.
McIntosh CR106 at Audio Exchange
Audio Exchange is an authorized McIntosh dealer in Richmond, Virginia. A multi-zone system requires careful planning around room count, speaker impedance, amplifier-channel allocation, source sharing, networking, subwoofer placement, control, ventilation, and future expansion. Our team can design the CR106 into a complete distributed-audio system and coordinate the appropriate amplifiers, speakers, wiring, rack equipment, and control interfaces.
Explore our McIntosh Preamplifiers, McIntosh Power Amplifiers, and complete McIntosh Labs collection.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type | 2-channel, 6-zone preamplifier and audio matrix |
|---|---|
| Zones | 6 independent stereo zones |
| Wired Source Inputs | 8 total |
| Analog Inputs | 4 unbalanced stereo |
| Digital Inputs | 2 coaxial and 2 optical |
| Wireless Input | Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive |
| Zone Outputs | 2 unbalanced stereo output sets per zone |
| Subwoofer Outputs | 2 dedicated outputs per zone |
| Zone Adjustments | Volume, bass, treble, subwoofer settings, and 6 EQ voicings |
| Zone Grouping | Supported |
| Saved Configurations | McIntosh Experiences |
| Control | McIntosh Connect app, web interface, and front panel |
| Network Audio | Dante |
| System Expansion | Up to 5 CR106 units and 30 zones |
| System Control | 6 Power Control outputs, RS232, and 2 network connections |
| Frequency Response | ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 96dB |
| High-Level Input Sensitivity | 450mV |
| Input Impedance | 50k ohms |
| Maximum Output Level | 7V RMS unbalanced |
| Power Consumption | 45 watts |
| Rack Size | 2U; rack brackets included |
| Dimensions | 17-1/2 in W × 4-3/8 in H × 18-5/32 in D; 19 in wide with rack brackets |
| Unit Weight | 15 lb |
| Shipping Weight | 37.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3-year limited manufacturer warranty |
