McIntosh C55 Preamplifier 5-Star Review: "An Irresistible Blend of Good Looks and Musical Excellence”
Every pristine audio system needs a robust nucleus and the McIntosh C55 Preamplifier is an excellent option to be the core of an analog and digital audio system. Handcrafted with precision, the high-end audio preamplifier intersects at timeless design with unrelenting, extraordinary auditory performance.
HiFi expert and The Ear Magazine contributor Chris Kelly applauds the C55’s merits, citing that “It has everything needed to make it the beating heart of any high-quality music system.” As shown through Kelly’s review, it’s clear that this 2-channel, solid-state system upholds the stringent McIntosh standard of excellence.
McIntosh C55 Review
When it comes to crafting premium sound systems, audiophile preamplifiers must be equally flexible and commanding to manage the dynamic needs of true sound enthusiasts. With 16 inputs, a dedicated subwoofer output, and an 8-band analog equalizer, the C55 makes a great candidate.
The McIntosh audio equipment review wouldn’t be complete without a listening test of the system's solid-state hardware. Kelly chose to run through the dynamic music of legendary rock band Dire Straits, selecting the Alchemy album for his listening session. As said by Kelly, “The C55 passed every last drop of recorded music and atmosphere through to the power section of the Primaluna, and it burst from the Harbeths full of power and yet with wonderful dynamic shifts, and a real sense of being in the audience, up against the security barrier in front of the stage.”
Kelly then switched to cinema to experience the full range of the C55. Fortunately, moving between records and movies was made easy with the wide range of available analog, phono, and digital inputs. “That evening the system became the sound engine for the television, thanks to the optical input in the C55’s digital section. Spoken word programs came across with great realism and when we opted to watch a Blu-ray of Top Gun: Maverick the dialogue was crystal clear and the action sequences were aurally astonishing.”
In closing his McIntosh C55 preamplifier review, Chris Kelly spoke to the preamplifier’s effortless combination of style and sound substance, “It is very easy to give the C55 an unreserved and heart recommendation. It has everything needed to make it the beating heart of any high quality music system. It stands out from the crowd, and is an irresistible blend of good looks and musical excellence.”
(Excerpts taken from the original review by Chris Kelly / The Ear / November 21, 2024)
