McIntosh C55 2-Channel Preamplifier

Solid-state preamplifier with 16 analog and digital inputs, configurable phono stages, an eight-band equalizer, and an upgradeable DA2 DAC module

The McIntosh C55 is a solid-state stereo preamplifier designed to serve as the control center of a wide-ranging two-channel system. It provides 16 inputs in total—nine analog and seven digital—including balanced and unbalanced line-level connections, two configurable phono inputs, USB, HDMI ARC, and McIntosh’s proprietary MCT connection.

Both phono inputs can be independently configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges, with selectable gain from 40 dB to 64 dB in 6 dB steps. This allows two turntables or tonearms to remain connected while accommodating cartridges with very different output levels.

The digital section is housed in McIntosh’s DA2 Digital Audio Module, built around a Quad Balanced eight-channel 32-bit DAC. Its USB input supports DSD512 and DXD up to 384 kHz, while coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. HDMI ARC provides a direct connection for compatible televisions, and the MCT input accepts SACD and CD audio from compatible McIntosh transports.

Three sets of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs provide flexibility for complex systems. The Main output and Output 1 incorporate adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters for bi-amping, with level trim available on Output 1, while Output 2 can operate in stereo or mono for a second system or powered subwoofer connection.

Features

16 Analog and Digital Inputs

Nine analog and seven digital inputs allow the C55 to accommodate an extensive collection of source components. Analog connectivity includes three balanced, four unbalanced, and two configurable phono inputs.

Two Configurable Phono Inputs

Both phono inputs can be independently set for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges. Gain is selectable at 40, 46, 52, 58, or 64 dB, providing compatibility with cartridges covering a broad range of output levels.

Upgradeable DA2 Digital Audio Module

The included DA2 module uses a Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC and provides seven digital inputs. Its modular construction allows the complete digital section to be replaced if McIntosh introduces a compatible future module.

HDMI ARC

An HDMI Audio Return Channel input allows a compatible television to feed audio directly into the C55. Supported Dolby and DTS multichannel formats are converted to two-channel audio for playback through a stereo system.

Eight-Band Analog Equalizer

An eight-band analog equalizer provides ±12 dB of adjustment at each frequency band for tailoring tonal balance to recordings, loudspeakers, or room acoustics. The equalizer can also be bypassed.

Flexible Output Configuration

Three stereo sets of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs can operate simultaneously. Adjustable high-pass and low-pass filtering on the Main output and Output 1 supports bi-amplified systems, while Output 2 can be configured for stereo or mono operation.

Processor Loop

An analog Processor Loop provides unbalanced Send and Return connections for inserting an external equalizer, room-correction processor, tape deck, or other signal-processing component into the system.

Network Control

A network connection allows key functions to be controlled through the McIntosh Connect app, including volume and input and output selection. Network connectivity also allows the C55 to receive firmware updates.

High Drive Headphone Amplifier

The front-panel headphone output incorporates McIntosh High Drive circuitry and Headphone Crossfeed Director technology for dedicated headphone listening.

Home Theater PassThru

Home Theater PassThru allows the C55 to be incorporated into a multichannel system while retaining its normal role as a dedicated two-channel preamplifier.

What’s Included

• McIntosh C55 2-Channel Preamplifier
• Remote control
• AC power cord
• DA2 Digital Audio Module

Specifications

Type: Solid-state stereo preamplifier

Channels: 2

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.5 dB; 15 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

Maximum Output: 16 V RMS balanced; 8 V RMS unbalanced

High-Level Input Sensitivity: 900 mV balanced; 450 mV unbalanced

Phono Input Sensitivity: 0.45 mV Moving Coil; 4.5 mV Moving Magnet

High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB

Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB Moving Coil; 82 dB Moving Magnet

High-Level Voltage Gain: 15 dB

Phono Gain: Selectable 40, 46, 52, 58, or 64 dB

Input Impedance: 44 kΩ balanced; 22 kΩ unbalanced

Balanced Inputs: 3

Unbalanced Inputs: 4

Phono Inputs: 2, each configurable for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet

Digital Audio Module: DA2, upgradeable

Digital Coaxial Inputs: 2

Digital Optical Inputs: 2

Digital MCT Input: 1

Digital USB Input: 1

HDMI ARC Input: 1

Balanced Variable Outputs: 3 stereo sets

Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 3 stereo sets

Headphone Output: 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director

Input Level Matching: ±6 dB

Tone Controls: Eight-band analog equalizer, ±12 dB per band

Tone Bypass: Yes

Home Theater PassThru: Yes

Processor Loop: Yes

Network Connection: 1

RS232 Control: Yes

Power Control Outputs: 1 Main, 4 Trigger

Data Ports: 6

IR Sensor Input: Yes

Service Port: 1

Output Meters: Yes

Power Consumption: 75 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7.625" × 17.5" × 16.5" (19.4 × 44.45 × 41.9 cm)

Weight: 28 lb. (12.5 kg)