McIntosh C55 Solid State Preamplifier

The Control Center for a Serious McIntosh System

The McIntosh C55 Preamplifier is designed to be the command center of an ambitious two-channel audio system. With 16 total inputs, configurable MM/MC phono stages, the DA2 Digital Audio Module, HDMI ARC, three sets of outputs, built-in crossover capability, a Processor Loop, and network-based control, the C55 offers an exceptional level of system flexibility.

As the successor to the C53, the C55 expands beyond simply selecting sources and controlling volume. It gives you the tools to build, tune, expand, and control a sophisticated McIntosh system around virtually any combination of analog and digital sources.

16 Inputs for Almost Anything

Few systems are likely to outgrow the C55's connectivity.

Its nine analog inputs include three balanced and four unbalanced connections plus two phono inputs. Both phono inputs can be configured for either Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges, making the C55 particularly useful for serious vinyl systems or installations with multiple turntables.

Phono gain is adjustable from 40dB to 64dB in 6dB increments, providing additional flexibility when matching different cartridges.

Digital playback is handled by McIntosh's DA2 Digital Audio Module, which adds another seven inputs and a high-performance Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC.

High-Resolution Digital and HDMI ARC

The DA2 supports a wide range of digital sources, including USB playback up to DSD512 and DXD 384kHz. Coaxial and optical inputs support resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, while McIntosh's proprietary MCT connection provides a secure DSD path from compatible McIntosh SACD/CD transports.

There's also HDMI ARC, allowing a compatible television to become another source in your two-channel system.

Instead of listening through TV speakers or adding a separate soundbar, television audio can play through the C55, your McIntosh amplification, and your main speakers. Compatible Dolby and DTS multichannel signals are converted for proper two-channel playback.

The entire DA2 is modular and can potentially be replaced by a future McIntosh Digital Audio Module as digital technology evolves.

Three Outputs Open Up Serious System Possibilities

The C55 gets particularly interesting when you look at its output architecture.

There are three stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs, and all three can operate simultaneously.

That makes it possible to feed multiple amplifiers, additional audio systems, or more advanced speaker configurations from the same preamplifier.

For bi-amplification, the Main output and Output 1 incorporate adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. You could, for example, use a vacuum tube amplifier for the upper frequencies and a high-powered solid-state amplifier for the bass section of a compatible loudspeaker.

Output 1 also provides trim control to help balance amplifiers with different gain structures.

Output 2 adds even more flexibility and can be configured for applications including another stereo system or powered subwoofers.

This is where the C55 separates itself from a conventional preamp—it can become the control platform for a much more elaborate system.

The Processor Loop Is Back

McIntosh also brought back the Processor Loop on the C55.

This allows an external processor such as an equalizer or room-correction component to be inserted into the signal path without having to permanently place it between the C55 and the power amplifier.

It's ideal for components such as the McIntosh MQ112 Environmental Equalizer or MEN220 Room Correction System.

Analog recording enthusiasts also get a classic application for the loop: connecting a cassette or reel-to-reel deck with monitoring capability.

For owners of large analog systems, this is a genuinely useful feature rather than a nostalgic addition.

Control the C55 From Your Phone

Network connectivity brings modern control to the C55 without turning it into a music streamer.

Using the McIntosh Connect app for compatible Apple and Android devices, you can control key functions including volume and input/output selection.

Compatible McIntosh source components connected through Data Ports can also offer additional Source Control functions from the app.

Network connectivity additionally allows the C55 to receive firmware updates, giving McIntosh the ability to add features or performance improvements over time.

For professionally integrated homes, the C55 is also Connects with Control4 Certified and Works with Crestron Home, allowing it to become part of a larger smart-home control system.

The Grid's Take on the McIntosh C55

The C55 is much more than a source selector with a volume knob.

Its appeal is how much freedom it gives you to build the system you actually want.

You can run two turntables with different cartridge types, multiple analog components, high-resolution digital sources, an SACD transport, and your television from the same preamp. Then you can take things further with multiple power amplifiers, bi-amping, powered subwoofers, an external equalizer or room-correction processor, or even another listening area.

And unlike the previous C49, the C55 adds a much more sophisticated level of output management, network control, and system integration.

For someone building a high-end McIntosh separates system that may continue evolving over time, that's exactly what we want from the preamplifier sitting at the center of it.

At The Grid HiFi & Home Theater, we can help configure the C55 with the right McIntosh power amplifier—or amplifiers—along with your turntable, streamer, disc transport, speakers, subwoofers, and control system.