C55 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier
C55: £11995
16 inputs: 7 analog, 2 phono, 7 digital
Dedicated Subwoofer output
Controllable by McIntosh Connect app
Includes Processor Loop and 8-band analogue equaliser
Supports 24-bit/192kHz and DSD512 files
Roon Tested
The C55 Preamplifier is a pinnacle of sonic excellence designed for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and dedicated McIntosh fans alike. As a torchbearer of innovation, it takes the baton from its predecessor, the multi-award-winning C53, and propels your home audio experience into new realms of audio nirvana. With precision and craftsmanship, the C55 proudly takes its place as a true industry leader.
With a staggering 16 inputs (9 analogue and 7 digital), the C55 becomes the nerve centre of your audio universe. Analogue inputs include 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections, along with 2 phono inputs configurable for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet phono cartridges to connect your turntable(s). Both phono inputs feature adjustable Gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB and RIAA equalisation.
The digital section is housed in our DA2 Digital Audio Module and is powered by an audiophile-grade Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The DA2 offers an array of connections, including an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)1 input, ushering your TV sound into a new era through your home stereo system. Dolby® and DTS® multi-channel audio formats are expertly converted to exquisite two-channel audio for a captivating listening experience.
The DA2's other 6 digital inputs consist of 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, and 1 MCT. The USB input supports DSD512 and DXD 384kHz. The coax and optical inputs decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz for high-resolution audio playback. The MCT input offers a secure, custom DSD connection when paired with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports to get the best sound quality from the high-definition audio on your SACD collection. The entire DA2 module is upgradeable and could be replaced by a future module should new digital technologies become available.
The Main output and Output 1 have adjustable filtering capabilities for bi-amping, while Output 2 can be used to connect a subwoofer.
Additionally, the Main output and Output 1 can be used for bi-amping a single speaker system via the built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this setup, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. The adjustable crossover allows you to optimise the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences—output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.
Furthermore, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo and can send the audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or 2 separate stereo subwoofers.
The Processor Loop has unbalanced Send and Return connections.
RETURN OF THE PROCESSOR LOOP
The C55 features the return of the Processor Loop, something not available on the last few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers. The Processor Loop allows you to insert an external signal processor (such as our MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System), dynamic range expanders, or other devices without having to place it between the preamplifier and power amplifier(s). This is usually more convenient and can allow for better performance.
The Processor Loop is also the perfect place to connect an analogue tape recorder, a high-end cassette deck, or a 3-head reel deck that allows you to record from a source component and hear the recording just seconds later so you can monitor your recordings.
MCINTOSH CONNECT APP
NETWORK CONNECTED FOR CONTROL AND UPDATES
In addition to using the included remote control or the front panel controls, the C2800 can be connected to your network, which will unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app. Designed for both Android and Apple devices, the Connect app can control key functions of the C2800, including Volume control and Input and Output selection.
Select McIntosh source components with a data cable connected to the C2800 will be partially controllable via the app's Source Control feature. With Source Control, users can control many of the source unit's functions from the app, such as changing radio stations on a tuner or playing a disc in a CD Player. Source Control will add convenience to setups with a secondary system connected to one of the C2800's outputs, such as an outdoor system where you will no longer be forced to go inside to control its basic functionality.
When connected to your network, the C2800 will also be able to receive periodic firmware updates. These firmware releases can add new features or provide important performance updates.
Select McIntosh source components with a data cable connected to the C2800 will be partially controllable via the app's Source Control feature. With Source Control, users can control many of the source unit's functions from the app, such as changing radio stations on a tuner or playing a disc in a CD Player. Source Control will add convenience to setups with a secondary system connected to one of the C2800's outputs, such as an outdoor system where you will no longer be forced to go inside to control its basic functionality.
When connected to your network, the C2800 will also be able to receive periodic firmware updates. These firmware releases can add new features or provide important performance updates. You can watch our McIntosh Connect App: Setup and How to Use video by following the link below to get acquainted with the app.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FEATURES
8-band analogue equaliser to fine-tune your music precisely, creating a personalised audio experience (the equaliser can be bypassed if desired).
High Drive Headphone Amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology adds dimension to headphone listening.
Home Theater PassThru for seamless integration into your home theatre system.
Has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs.
Power Control lets you quickly turn other connected McIntosh components on and off.
Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
Electromagnetic Input Switching for reliable, noiseless, and distortion-free switching.
Level Trim Adjustment for matching analogue input levels to prevent abrupt changes in volume levels.
Precision-balanced, digitally controlled attenuator system for accurate volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
Fully regulated power supplies and a special R-core power transformer for stable, noise-free operation.
Eco-friendly Power Management System that will turn the unit off after 30 minutes of inactivity (can be disabled).
All this cutting-edge audio technology resides within the iconic McIntosh design – a black glass front panel adorned with blue meters, rotary knobs, and an illuminated logo. The polished stainless steel chassis adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect companion for amplifiers, CD players, turntables, and more.
C55 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage Gain (Moving Coil):
Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.005%
Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced):
900mV / 450mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level):
100dB
Voltage Gain (High Level):
15dB
Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced):
44K ohms, 22K ohms
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
Number of Channels:
2
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced):
16V RMS / 8V RMS
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet):
4.5mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet):
82dB
Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet):
Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB
Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil):
0.45mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil):
80dB
WARRANTY PARTS AND LABOUR:
3 Years
CONNECTIVITY SPECIFICATIONS
Balanced Input:
3
Phono Input Moving Magnet:
Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
Digital Optical Input:
2
HDMI (ARC) Input:
1
Balanced Variable Output:
3
Headphone Output:
1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
Unbalanced Analog Connector Type:
Premium gold-plated solid brass
Unbalanced INPUT:
4
Upgradeable Digital Audio Module:
Yes
Digital MCT Input:
1
Digital AES/EBU Input:
0
Unbalanced Fixed Output:
0
Input Level Match:
Yes, +/- 6dB
Service Port:
1
Phono Input Moving Coil:
Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
Digital Coaxial Input:
2
Digital USB Input:
1
BALANCED FIXED OUTPUT:
0
UNBALANCED VARIABLE OUTPUT:
3
Home Theater PassThru:
Yes
Network Connection:
1
CONTROL SPECIFICATIONS
Tone Controls:
8-band (each band adjustable ± 12dB )
Power Control Output:
1 Main, 4 Trigger
Tone Bypass and Input Assign:
Yes
Rear Panel Data Port:
6
RS232 Control Input:
Yes
Rear Panel IR Sensor Input:
Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-Chassis or Single:
Single, two-layer
Power Consumption (On):
75 Watts
Output Meters:
Yes
Vacuum Tube or Solid State:
Solid State
Weights & DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D):
17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.4cm) x 16.5" (41.9cm)
Unit Weight:
28 lbs (12.5 kg)
SHIPPING Weight:
43.5 lbs (19.7 kg)