C55

Solid State Preamplifier

The C55 Preamplifier is a pinnacle of sonic excellence designed for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and dedicated McIntosh fans alike.

With precision and craftsmanship, the C55 proudly takes its place as a true industry leader.

With a staggering 16 inputs (9 analog, 7 digital), the C55 becomes the nerve center of your audio universe.

Analog inputs include 3 balanced, 4 unbalanced connections, along with 2 phono inputs configurable for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet phono cartridges to connect your turntable(s).

DA2 Digital Audio Module houses 7 digital inputs 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) input, ushering your TV sound into a new era through your home stereo system.

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 / 192 kHz for high resolution audio playback.

3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs offer advanced connection flexibility.

Features the return of the Processor Loop, something that has not been available on the last few generations of McIntosh preamplifiers.

Connect the C55 to your network to unlock control options offered through our complimentary Connect app.

Elevate your sound journey with the C55 Preamplifier.

• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz; +0, -3 dB from 15 Hz to 100,000 Hz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Rated Output: 2.5 V Unbalanced, 5 V Balanced (Main), 450 mV (Fixed Output)
• Maximum Voltage Output: 8 V RMS Unbalanced, 16 V RMS Balanced
• Sensitivity (for rated output): High Level 450 mV Unbalanced, 900 mV Balanced; Phono MM, 4.5 mV; Phono MC, 0.45 mV
• Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): High Level - 100 dB (Below rated output), MM Phono - 82 dB (Below 5 mV input), MC Phono - 80 dB (Below 0.5 mV input)
• Input Impedance: High Level 22K Ω Unbalanced, 44k Ω Balanced; Phono 1, 2 (MM and MC): 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1k or 47k Ω 50 to 400 pF in 50 pF steps
• Maximum Input Signal: High Level 5 V Unbalanced, 10 V Balanced; Phono MM, 80 mV; Phono MC, 8 mV
• Equalizer Controls: 25 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,500 Hz and 10,000 Hz
• Voltage Gain: High Level to Fixed Output: 0 dB; High Level to Main Output: 15 dB; Phono 1, 2 (MM and MC) Selectable 40 dB, 46 dB, 52 dB, 58 dB, or 64 dB
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω Unbalanced, 200 Ω Balanced
• Headphone Load Impedance: 100 Ω to 600 Ω
• Digital Input Sample Rates: 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; MCT: PCM, SACD, -16 Bit, 24 Bit - 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz; DXD - DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz DSD - DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512; HDMI: PCM 24 bit, 44.1 kHz -
• 192 kHz; DTS, Dolby Digital
• Power Control and Trigger Output: 12 VDC, 25 mA
• Power Requirements: AC Voltages: 100, 110, 120, 220, 230, 240 V, 50/60 Hz at 75 W; Standby Power, less than 0.5 W