McIntosh C55 Solid State Preamplifier - Pre-Loved

Price listed is MSRP. Please call to order and discuss pricing.

This is the first pre-loved McIntosh C55 we've offered for sale. It will come with its manual, remote and box just as new.

A SkyFi 1-year warranty will be included with this product (no McIntosh warranty). 

Support your local McIntosh Dealer!

Standout Features:
• 16 inputs: 7 analog, 2 phono, 7 digital
• Dedicated Subwoofer output
• Controllable by McIntosh Connect app
• Includes Processor Loop and 8-band analog equalizer
• Supports 24-bit/192kHz and DSD512 files
• Roon Tested

General:

The C55 Preamplifier represents the pinnacle of sonic excellence, designed for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and dedicated McIntosh fans alike. Carrying forward the legacy of the multi-award-winning C53, the C55 elevates your home audio system to new levels of performance. With meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation, it proudly stands as a true industry leader.

Inputs in Abundance

With an impressive total of 16 inputs (9 analog and 7 digital), the C55 becomes the central hub of your audio system. Analog connections include three balanced and four unbalanced inputs, plus two phono inputs that can be configured for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges. Both phono inputs offer adjustable gain in 6 dB steps from 40 dB to 64 dB and include RIAA equalization for optimal vinyl playback.

The digital section is housed within the DA2 Digital Audio Module and is powered by an audiophile-grade, quad-balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter. The DA2 includes an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input, allowing television sound to be seamlessly integrated into your stereo system. Dolby and DTS multi-channel formats are expertly converted into high-quality two-channel audio.

Additional digital inputs include two coaxial, two optical, one USB, and one MCT connection. The USB input supports DSD512 and DXD 384 kHz playback, while the coaxial and optical inputs decode up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio. For optimal playback of SACDs, the MCT input provides a secure DSD connection when paired with McIntosh MCT-series SACD/CD transports. The DA2 module is fully upgradeable, allowing future compatibility with new digital technologies.

Innovative Outputs for Personalized Listening

To connect the C55 to your power amplifiers, it offers three stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs. All three outputs can operate simultaneously, allowing audio to be sent to up to three separate systems at once.

The Main output and Output 1 can also be used for bi-amping a single speaker system through the built-in adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters. This enables pairing, for example, a tube amplifier for high frequencies with a solid-state amplifier for low frequencies. Output 1 includes trim level control, making it easy to balance volume between amplifiers.

Output 2 can be configured for mono or stereo operation and may be used to feed another room, a single mono subwoofer, or dual stereo subwoofers.

Return of the Processor Loop

The C55 brings back the Processor Loop, a feature absent from recent McIntosh preamplifiers. This allows external processors—such as equalizers, room correction systems, or dynamic range expanders—to be inserted without placing them between the preamplifier and power amplifier. This approach is often more convenient and can yield improved performance.

The Processor Loop is also ideal for connecting analog tape recorders, high-end cassette decks, or reel-to-reel machines, enabling real-time monitoring during recording.

Network Connectivity for Control and Updates

In addition to front-panel and remote control operation, the C55 can be connected to your network for expanded functionality. Network connection enables control via the McIntosh Connect app (for Android and iOS), allowing volume control as well as input and output selection.

When compatible McIntosh source components are connected via data cables, they can be partially controlled through the app’s Source Control feature, allowing functions such as tuner station changes or disc playback. This is especially useful for secondary systems, such as outdoor audio zones.

Network connectivity also enables periodic firmware updates, which may add new features or performance enhancements over time.

Additional Performance Features

• 8-band analog equalizer for precise tonal adjustment (bypassable)

• High Drive headphone amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) technology

• Home Theater PassThru for seamless system integration

• Roon Tested certification

• Power Control for synchronized on/off operation with other McIntosh components

• Data ports for remote control signal distribution

• Electromagnetic input switching for silent, distortion-free operation

• Input level trim adjustment to prevent abrupt volume changes

• Precision balanced, digitally controlled attenuator with 0.1 dB volume accuracy

• Fully regulated power supplies with a custom R-core transformer

• Eco-friendly Power Management System with automatic shutoff after 30 minutes of inactivity (defeatable)

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Extremely light sings of wear on the unit. Basically like new condition.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
XLR, RCA, Digital optical, Digital Coax, Power control, IEC Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Everything like when it arrived new

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
- Number of Channels 2
- Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005%
- Frequency Response +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
- +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
- Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced) 16V RMS / 8V RMS
- Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced) 900mV / 450mV
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Coil) 0.45mV
- Sensitivity Phono (Moving Magnet) 4.5mV
- Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level) 100dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil) 80dB
- Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet) 82dB
- Voltage Gain (High Level) 15dB
- Voltage Gain (Moving Coil) Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB
- Voltage Gain (Moving Magnet) Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB
- Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced) 44K ohm, 22K ohm
CONNECTIVITY
- Balanced Input 3
- Unbalanced Input 4
- Phono Input Moving Coil Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
- Phono Input Moving Magnet Up to 2 (unit has 2 Phono inputs; each is user configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)
- Upgradeable Digital Audio Module Yes: DA2
- Digital Coaxial Input 2
- Digital Optical Input 2
- Digital MCT Input 1
- Digital USB Input 1
- HDMI (ARC) Input 1
- Digital AES/EBU Input 0
- Balanced Fixed Output 0
- Balanced Variable Output 3
- Unbalanced Fixed Output 0
- Unbalanced Variable Output 3
- Headphone Output 1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)
- Input Level Match Yes, +/- 6dB
- Home Theater PassThru Yes
- Unbalanced Analog Connector Type Premium gold-plated solid brass
- Service Port 1
- Network Connection 1
CONTROL
- Tone Controls 8-band (each band adjustable ± 12dB )
- Tone Bypass and Input Assign Yes
- RS232 Control Input Yes
- Power Control Output 1 Main, 4 Trigger
- Rear Panel Data Port 6
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input Yes
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Multi-Chassis or Single Single, two-layer
- Output Meters Yes
- Vacuum Tube or Solid State Solid State
- Power Consumption (On) 75 Watts

Dimensions:
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) 17.5" (44.45cm) x 7.625" (19.4cm) x 16.5" (41.9cm)

Weight:
28 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.

The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.

If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.