McIntosh C55 2-Channel Preamplifier – 2-Channel Audio Preamplifier

Variety of Analog and Digital Connections

The C55 offers 9 analog and 7 digital inputs. Analog inputs include 3 balanced inputs, 4 unbalanced inputs, and 2 phono inputs. The phono inputs can be configured for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges, offer adjustable gain from 40 dB to 64 dB in 6 dB steps, and feature RIAA equalization.

DA2 Digital Audio Module and TV Connectivity

The DA2 Digital Audio Module contains a Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC and provides 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB, 1 MCT, and 1 HDMI ARC input. USB supports DSD512 and DXD 384 kHz, while coaxial and optical inputs process digital music up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The HDMI ARC input is exclusively for audio signals from a compatible TV and does not pass video.

Flexible Outputs, Bi-Amping, and Subwoofer

For connecting to power amplifiers, there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs available. All 3 output sets can be active simultaneously, sending the signal from one source to up to 3 separate audio systems. Main Output and Output 1 can be used for bi-amping via adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters; Output 2 can be configured mono or stereo and is suitable for an additional audio system, a single active mono subwoofer, or 2 separate stereo subwoofers.

Signal Processing, Headphones, and Processor Loop

The analog 8-band equalizer allows adjustment of individual frequency ranges and can be bypassed if desired. The High Drive Headphone Amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director HXD® is designed for headphone operation. The Processor Loop allows external signal processors, equalizers, room correction systems, or analog tape decks to be integrated without placing them between the preamplifier and power amplifier.

Operation, Network, and Smart Home

Operation is via the front panel, the included remote control, or, after network integration, via the McIntosh Connect App for Android and Apple devices. The app can control central functions such as volume and input/output selection. Firmware updates are also possible via network connection. The C55 is Roon Tested and features Connects with Control4 Certification and Crestron Home.

Placement, Design, and Application

The C55 is designed for indoor use and should be operated upright on its four feet. For ventilation, at least 7.6 cm of clearance is required above, as well as on the front, back, and sides; the feet should not be removed. Direct sunlight and harsh cleaners should be avoided. The device combines a black glass front with blue displays, rotary controls, an illuminated logo, and a polished stainless steel chassis.

Technical Specifications

General

• Product Type: 2-Channel Audio Preamplifier
• Brand: McIntosh
• Model: C55
• System Type: Solid State
• Number of Channels: 2
• Construction: Single, two-layer
• Output Displays: Yes
• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0, -3 dB from 15 Hz to 100 kHz
• Measurement Conditions: All measurements with EQ filters and output filters bypassed
• Dimensions W × H × D: 44.45 × 19.4 × 41.9 cm
• Weight: 12.5 kg
• Shipping Weight: 19.7 kg
• Shipping Carton W × H × D: 68.6 × 30.5 × 63.5 cm
• Placement: Upright on four feet, at least 7.6 cm clearance above and at front, rear, and sides
• Operating Environment: Indoor

Audio and Electronic Specifications

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Rated Output: 2.5 V unbalanced; 5 V balanced at the Main Output
• Maximum Output Voltage: 16 V RMS balanced; 8 V RMS unbalanced
• High Level Sensitivity: 900 mV balanced; 450 mV unbalanced
• Phono Moving Coil Sensitivity: 0.45 mV
• Phono Moving Magnet Sensitivity: 4.5 mV
• High Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB
• Moving Coil Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB
• Moving Magnet Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 82 dB
• High Level Voltage Gain: 15 dB
• Phono Moving Coil Voltage Gain: Selectable 40 dB, 46 dB, 52 dB, 58 dB, or 64 dB
• Phono Moving Magnet Voltage Gain: Selectable 40 dB, 46 dB, 52 dB, 58 dB, or 64 dB
• High Level Input Impedance: 44 kOhm balanced; 22 kOhm unbalanced
• Phono Impedance: 25 Ohm, 50 Ohm, 100 Ohm, 200 Ohm, 400 Ohm, 1 kOhm, or 47 kOhm
• Phono Capacitance: 50 pF to 400 pF in 50 pF steps
• Maximum High Level Input Signal: 10 V balanced; 5 V unbalanced
• Maximum Phono Moving Magnet Input Signal: 80 mV
• Maximum Phono Moving Coil Input Signal: 8 mV
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohm balanced; 100 Ohm unbalanced
• Headphone Load Impedance: 100 Ohm to 600 Ohm

Analog Inputs

• Total Analog Inputs: 9
• Balanced Inputs: 3
• Unbalanced Inputs: 4
• Phono Moving Coil Inputs: Up to 2; both phono inputs configurable as Moving Coil or Moving Magnet
• Phono Moving Magnet Inputs: Up to 2; both phono inputs configurable as Moving Coil or Moving Magnet
• RIAA Equalization: Yes
• Unbalanced Analog Connection: Premium gold-plated solid brass

Digital Inputs and DA2 Digital Audio Module

• Upgradable Digital Audio Module: Yes, DA2
• DAC: Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit
• Total Digital Inputs: 7
• Coaxial Digital Inputs: 2
• Optical Digital Inputs: 2
• Digital MCT Input: 1
• Digital USB Input: 1
• HDMI ARC Input: 1
• Digital AES/EBU Input: 0
• Coaxial: PCM 16 bit / 24 bit, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
• Optical: PCM 16 bit / 24 bit, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz
• USB: PCM 16 bit / 24 bit / 32 bit, 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz; DSD512; DXD 384 kHz
• MCT: PCM, SACD, 16 bit / 24 bit, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz; DXD352.8 kHz; DXD384 kHz; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• HDMI: PCM 24 bit, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz; DTS; Dolby Digital
• Dolby® and DTS® Multichannel Formats: Conversion to 2-channel audio
• HDMI ARC Note: Audio only from compatible TV; no video pass-through; no playback from non-TV sources
• Unsupported Digital Audio Formats: Audio outputs will be muted

Outputs

• Variable Balanced Outputs: 3 stereo sets
• Variable Unbalanced Outputs: 3 stereo sets
• Fixed Balanced Outputs: 0
• Fixed Unbalanced Outputs: 0
• Unclear Specification: Specifications also mention a "450 mV Fixed Output" despite fixed outputs being specified as 0
• All 3 Output Sets can be active simultaneously
• Main Output and Output 1: Usable for bi-amping with adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters
• Output 1 Trim Level: -6.0 dB to +3.0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Bi-Amp Center Frequency in Fixed Mode: 150 Hz, 350 Hz, 900 Hz
• Bi-Amp High Pass Frequency in Split Mode: Bypass, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 250 Hz
• Bi-Amp Low Pass Frequency in Split Mode: 600 Hz, 1200 Hz, 3000 Hz
• Output 2: Configurable as mono or stereo
• Subwoofer Use: Single active mono subwoofer or 2 separate stereo subwoofers
• Headphone Output: 6.35mm High Drive output with Headphone Crossfeed Director HXD®

Signal Processing and Features

• Analog Equalizer: 8-band
• Equalizer Bands: 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.5 kHz, 10 kHz
• Equalizer Control Range: ±12 dB per band
• Equalizer Bypass: Yes
• Tone Bypass and Input Assign: Yes
• Input Level Match: ±6 dB
• Electromagnetic Input Switching: Yes
• Level Trim Adjustment: Yes
• Volume Control: Precision Balanced Digitally Controlled Attenuator System
• Volume Accuracy: 0.1 dB Tracking Accuracy
• Volume Steps: 214 steps in 0.5 dB
• Processor Loop: Unbalanced Send and Return connections
• Home Theater PassThru: Yes
• Fully regulated power supplies: Yes
• R-Core Power Transformer: Yes
• Power Management System: Shuts off after 30 minutes of inactivity, can be disabled
• Display: Alphanumeric fluorescent display with adjustable brightness
• Glass Front Panel: Black glass front panel with LED illumination
• Design Features: Blue meters, rotary knobs, illuminated logo, polished stainless steel chassis

Control, Network, and Compatibility

• Operation: Front panel, remote control, McIntosh Connect App
• McIntosh Connect App: For Android and Apple devices
• App Functions: Volume, input selection, output selection
• Network Connection: 1
• Firmware Updates via Network: Yes
• Service Port: 1
• RS232 Control Input: Yes
• Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
• Power Control Output: 1 Main, 4 Trigger
• Power Control and Trigger Output: 12 VDC, 25 mA
• Rear Panel Data Ports: 6
• Data Ports: Passes remote control commands to connected source components
• Source Control: Partial control of selected McIntosh source components when connected via data cable
• Compatible Source Control Components: MCD201, MCD205, MCD301, MCD350, MCD500, MCD550, MCD600, MCD751, MCD1000, MCD1100, MCD7009, MCD7010, MCD12000, MCT80, MCT450, MCT500, MR85, MR87, MR88, MR89, MR7084, MVP831, MVP841, MVP851, MVP861, MVP871, MVP881, MVP891, MVP901
• Roon: Roon Tested
• Control4 Certification
• Crestron Home Certification
• External Control: Compatible with Crestron, AMX, Savant, Control4, and other RS232-based control systems

Power Supply

• Power Consumption in Operation: 75 W
• Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W
• Mains Voltages: 100 V, 110 V, 120 V, 220 V, 230 V, 240 V; 50/60 Hz
• Note on Mains Voltage: Field conversion of mains voltage not possible; observe correct voltage for the device

Scope of Delivery

• McIntosh C55 AC
• Remote Control
• Power Cable
• Documentation

• Anleitung I
• Datenblatt
• Broschüre
• Anleitung II