McIntosh C55 preamplifier

McIntosh C55 preamplifier

The C55 preamplifier proudly represents the most popular price range of McIntosh's prestigious preamplifiers. C55 continues McIntosh's purposeful development work, where pointless trends or other mistakes are not suppressed. The end result is, once again, a preamplifier that performs flawlessly on the test bench, and whose soulful and natural music reproduction is in a class of its own.

C55 has 9 analog and 7 digital inputs (16 in total). Of the analog inputs, 3 are balanced (XLR) and 4 are unbalanced (RCA), as well as 2 phono RCA inputs that can be assigned to either MC or MM sound boxes for connecting your turntable. Both phono connections have adjustable gain in 6 dB steps (40 - 64 dB) and RIAA correction.

The DA2 module pre-installed on the C55 enables connections with optical (2), coaxial (2), USB, HDMI ARC and MCT connections. Televisions with compatible HDMI ARC output can be connected to the C55, allowing you to enjoy TV sound through a high-end audio system. The popular multi-channel audio formats of Dolby® and DTS® are, exceptionally for a stereo device, supported, and they are faithfully converted to stereo sound for high-quality playback. The TV remote control can be used to control the C55's power connection and volume when CEC control is enabled in both the preamplifier and the TV. The DA2 features a next-generation audiophile-grade, quadruple-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that offers wide dynamic range and low total harmonic distortion. The DA2's coaxial and optical inputs can decode digital music up to 24-bit/192kHz, enabling high-resolution audio reproduction. You can connect, for example, a computer or a high-end Melco music library to the USB Audio input. The DA2 also features McIntosh's exclusive MCT input, which provides a reliable DSD connection to any MCT series SACD/CD player to maximize the high-quality sound reproduction of SACD discs.

Processor loop return

The C55 includes a processor loop that has not been available in recent generations of McIntosh preamps. The Processor Loop allows the addition of an external signal processor (such as the McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or the MEN220 Room Correction System), dynamic range extenders or other devices without having to place the device between the preamplifier and the power amplifier. This is usually more convenient and can allow for better performance. The processor loop has unbalanced output and return connections. The Processor Loop is also the perfect way to connect an analog tape recorder, high-end cassette deck, or reel-to-reel recorder, allowing you to record the audio source you're currently playing and hear the recording just seconds later, so you can monitor the success of the recording.

Network connection for control and updates

The supplied remote control and the controls on the front panel are familiar and pleasant ways to control the McIntosh device, but in addition to this, the C55 can be connected to a home network, which opens up the control possibilities offered by the free Connect application. The Connect application, designed for both Android and Apple devices, can be used to control the C55's central functions, such as adjusting the volume and selecting inputs and outputs.
Certain McIntosh source components connected with a data cable to the C55 can be partially controlled with the application's Source Control function, such as changing radio stations in the tuner or playing a CD. When connected to a network, the C55 can also receive regular firmware updates. These firmwares may add new features or provide important performance upgrades.

Highlights

• Precision balanced, digitally controlled damping system for precise volume control (channel balance 0.1 dB).
• An 8-band analog equalizer, with which you can fine-tune the playback if necessary (the equalizer can be bypassed or activated per input).
• Precisely regulated power supplies and a special R-core transformer for stable and noise-free operation.
• The High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) technology brings an extra dimension to headphone listening.
• Home Theater PassThru enables seamless integration into a home theater system.
• Roon Tested approved USB connection.
• Power Control lets you easily turn other McIntosh components on and off.
• Data ports can send remote control commands to source components.
• Electromagnetic relays for reliable, gesture-free and interference-free input switching.
• Level Trim control to match analog input levels to prevent sudden changes in volume.
• An environmentally friendly power management system that turns off the device after half an hour of inactivity (the function can also be bypassed).

There are three pairs of balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting the C55 to your power amplifier, so the C55 allows for complete flexibility. All outputs are independently buffered and can be active at the same time.

The main output and output 1 have adjustable filtering capabilities for bi-amp switching, while output 2 can be used to drive a subwoofer. Bi-amplification of a single speaker system can be achieved using the main output and output 1, with their built-in adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters. In this configuration, for example, the high-pass filtered output can be connected to a tube amplifier to control the speaker's midrange and treble, while the low-pass filtered output is connected to a sturdy transistor terminal to control the speaker's bass elements. With the adjustable crossover, you can optimize the performance according to the characteristics of your speaker and your listening preferences. Output 1 also offers a trim control, which enables the volume of two different amplifiers to be balanced in connection with double amplification. In addition, output 2 can be configured as either a mono or stereo signal, allowing it to send an audio signal to a stereo system in another room, one mono subwoofer or two separate subwoofers.

The traditional 6.3mm headphone jack is powered by the High Drive headphone amplifier, which can supply power to almost any pair of headphones; headphone cross-feed control (HXD®) enables a new dimension to the personal listening session. The home theater pass-through enables seamless integration of the C55 into your home theater system.

Sophisticated technology is naturally framed by timeless McIntosh design, highlighted by an LED-backlit black glass front panel, iconic gauges, rotary knobs, illuminated logo, aluminum end caps and polished stainless steel body. The C55 can be connected to a wide range of amplifiers, CD players, turntables, tuners, media players, room repair equipment and speakers to complete your home audio system.

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 44.5 x 19.4 x 41.9 cm
• Weight: 12.5 kg