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McIntosh Labs

C55 2-Channel Solid State Preamplifier

SKU: MC-C55

$12,600.00
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In-Store Only

The C55 Preamplifier is a pinnacle of sonic excellence designed for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, and dedicated McIntosh fans alike. As a torchbearer of innovation, it takes the baton from its predecessor, the multi award-winning C53, and propels your home audio experience into new realms of audio nirvana. With precision and craftsmanship, the C55 proudly takes its place as a true industry leader.

INPUTS IN ABUNDANCE

With a staggering 16 inputs (9 analog and 7 digital), the C55 becomes the nerve center of your audio universe. Analog inputs include 3 balanced and 4 unbalanced connections, along with 2 phono inputs configurable for either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet phono cartridges to connect your turntable(s). Both phono inputs feature adjustable Gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB as well as RIAA equalization.

The digital section is housed in our DA2 Digital Audio Module 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)1 input, ushering your TV sound into a new era through your home stereo system. Dolby® and DTS® multi-channel audio formats are expertly converted to exquisite two-channel audio for a captivating listening experience.

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/192kHz for high resolution audio playback. And to get the best sound quality from the high definition audio on your SACD collection, the MCT input offers a secure, custom DSD connection when paired with our MCT series of SACD/CD Transports. The entire DA2 module is upgradeable and could be replaced by a future module should new digital technologies become available.

INNOVATIVE OUTPUTS FOR PERSONALIZED LISTENING

To connect the C55 to your power amplifier(s), there are 3 stereo sets of variable balanced and unbalanced outputs that offer advanced connection flexibility. All 3 sets of outputs can be active at the same time, and each can send the audio signal of the source component to 3 separate audio systems. 

Additionally, the Main output and Output 1 can be used for bi-amping a single speaker system via the built-in adjustable High Pass and Low Pass filters. In this setup, the High Pass outputs could be connected to a vacuum tube amplifier, and the Low Pass outputs could be connected to a solid-state amplifier. The adjustable crossover allows you to optimize the performance of your amplifiers to your speaker’s specifications and to your listening preferences. Output 1 offers trim level control, which allows two different amplifiers to be volume balanced when bi-amping.

Furthermore, Output 2 can be configured as either mono or stereo and can send audio signal to a stereo audio system in another room, to a single mono subwoofer, or to 2 separate stereo subwoofers.

Processing/Shipping Time

All online orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 1pm EST or on weekends will be processed on the next business day.

Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.

Due to our inventory management practices, we do not maintain a large stock of products; instead, most items are sourced from our suppliers upon order. We do focus on having a broad selection of brands and models for in store demo purposes. This may impact shipping times, as items are procured and prepared for shipment as soon as possible. If your item is not in stock, we will send you an email to update you on the status of your order. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

  • Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days within Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
  • Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
  • If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.

If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.  

If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:

  • All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
  • Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
  • Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
  • Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
  • Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
  • Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
  • Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies. 
  • Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
  • If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.


Final Sale Items/Exclusions


  • Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
  • Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
  • Turntable cartridges/styli
  • Projector lamps
  • Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
  • No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
  • Clearance, consignment items.

Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process

Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.

Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.

In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.

In Store Returns & Exchanges

Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation. 

Product Warranty

All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details. 

Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty.  If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.

Installation Warranty

All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca

If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca

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