Предусилители — McIntosh C55

The McIntosh C55 is a two-channel solid state preamplifier that combines analog line inputs, two phono stages, a digital section and headphone amplification. Digital duties go to the upgradeable DA2 Digital Audio Module, while Roon Tested certification and compatibility with Control4 and Crestron Home control systems come with network control through the McIntosh Connect app.

Key specs that matter

There are 16 inputs, nine analog and seven digital. The analog set covers three balanced and four unbalanced inputs plus two phono inputs that can be configured for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges, with phono gain from 40 dB to 64 dB in 6 dB steps. The digital set includes two coax and two Toslink ports, USB, an MCT connector for a DSD link to McIntosh SACD/CD transports and one audio-only HDMI ARC input. On the output side there are three balanced and three unbalanced variable outputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an unbalanced processor loop with send and return. Frequency response is +0/-0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and +0/-3 dB from 15 Hz to 100 kHz, with total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. Maximum output is 16 V RMS balanced and 8 V RMS unbalanced, and power consumption is 75 W.

Engineering and use context

The DA2 module uses a Quad Balanced, eight-channel, 32-bit DAC. USB playback reaches DSD512 and DXD at 384 kHz, and the other digital inputs handle 24-bit/192 kHz. Since the module can be exchanged, the digital section can be brought up to date later without replacing the preamplifier. An eight-band analog equalizer adjusts each band by up to 12 dB up or down. The High Drive headphone amplifier carries the HXD crossfeed circuit. With Home Theater PassThru the C55 can be integrated into a multichannel system, and the processor loop allows an external processor to be inserted into the signal path. The chassis measures 44.45 cm wide, 19.4 cm high and 41.9 cm deep and weighs 12.5 kg, with a shipping weight of 19.7 kg. A three-year limited warranty from McIntosh applies.

Pairing

Power amplifiers with XLR or RCA inputs connect to the variable outputs. A turntable connects with either cartridge type, SACD discs in DSD form arrive from a McIntosh transport through the MCT cable, and a television reaches the preamplifier through HDMI ARC.

Alternatives

The McIntosh C53 is the closely related solid state model with the same 16 inputs, DA2 module and eight-band equalizer.