The McIntosh C55 is not just a piece of equipment—it’s a central command of a high-fidelity audio system. From the moment you see the black glass front panel, the stainless-steel/chrome end caps, and the control knobs, you know it’s a statement piece. But the C55 backs up that style with serious substance.

Connectivity & Flexibility:
With 16 inputs (9 analog + 7 digital) the C55 is built to handle almost anything: turntable (via configurable phono), streamer, CD/SACD transport, TV audio (via HDMI ARC), and multiple zones. 
It also has three stereo sets of variable outputs—meaning you can run multiple amplifiers or zones from the one preamp. The presence of a Processor Loop is a return of a feature audiophiles appreciate, letting you drop in an external EQ or room-correction processor without complicating the chain. 

Modern Digital & Analogue House:
The C55 includes the DA2 Digital Audio Module with audiophile-grade DAC, supporting high-resolution formats (DSD512, DXD384kHz) and includes HDMI ARC for TV integration. On the analogue side, it supports two phono inputs with user-configurable MC/MM settings and adjustable gain, meaning vinyl lovers are well catered for. 

Tone & System Control:
The 8-band analog equaliser allows for fine tonal adjustment (each band ±12 dB) and can be bypassed if you prefer a neutral signal path.  There’s also level trim, input matching, precision volume control, and network connectivity (via app control, remote, firmware updates) — a blend of high-fidelity and modern convenience. 

Listening Experience:
In systems that pair well with it, reviewers describe the C55 as revealing, dynamic, and flexible. For example, one review noted that it “passed every last drop of recorded music … full of power and yet with wonderful dynamic shifts, and a real sense of being in the audience”. The ability to handle both delicate recordings and full-scale orchestral or cinematic sound gives it wide appeal.

PERFORMANCE FEATURES

• 8-band analog equalizer to fine-tune your music with precision, creating a personalized audio experience (the equalizer can be bypassed if desired).
• High Drive Headphone Amplifier with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD^®) technology brings an added dimension to headphone listening.
• Home Theater PassThru for seamless integration into your home theater system.
• Has received Roon Tested designation from Roon Labs. 
• Power Control lets you easily turn other connected McIntosh components on and off.
• Data Ports can send remote control commands to connected source components.
• Electromagnetic Input Switching for reliable, noiseless, and distortion-free switching. 
• Level Trim Adjustment for matching analog input levels to prevent abrupt changes in volume levels.
• Precision balanced, digitally controlled attenuator system for accurate volume control with 0.1dB accuracy.
• Fully regulated power supplies and a special R-core power transformer for stable, noise-free operation.
• Eco-friendly Power Management System that will turn the unit off after 30 minutes of inactivity (can be disabled).

Key Specifications

• Number of Channels: 2 (Stereo) 

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ~0.005% 

• Frequency Response: +0 / –0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz; +0 / –3 dB from ~15 Hz to ~100 kHz 

• Maximum Output Voltage (Balanced / Unbalanced): 16 V RMS / 8 V RMS 

• Input Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced): 900 mV / 450 mV .

• Input Sensitivity Phono (MC / MM): 0.45 mV (MC) / 4.5 mV (MM) 

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (High Level / MC / MM): ~100 dB / ~80 dB / ~82 dB 

• Gain Voltage: High Level ~15 dB; MC/MM variable selectable (40-64 dB). 

• Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced): 44 kΩ / 22 kΩ 

• Connectivity Highlights: 3 Balanced + 4 Unbalanced analog inputs; 2 configurable Phono (MC/MM); 2 coax digital; 2 optical; 1 USB; 1 MCT; 1 HDMI ARC. Variable outputs: 3 Balanced, 3 Unbalanced. 

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 17.5″ (44.45 cm) × 7.625″ (19.4 cm) × 16.5″ (41.9 cm) 

• Weight: ~28 lbs (12.5 kg)