The C2800 is a sophisticated and very complete reference stereo preamplifier with DAC functionality, based on vacuum tubes and executed with components of the highest quality in both the analogue and digital domains. All power supplies are fully regulated, while an R-core transformer ensures stable and noise-free operation.
Switching between inputs is electromagnetically controlled to minimise distortion and reduce noise to virtually zero, a scheme that is complemented by a fully balanced, high-precision (0.1 dB steps) volume control system.
As far as DAC functionality is concerned, the focus is on the advanced DA2 module from McIntosh, which not only guarantees compatibility with PCM files up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (in both cases via USB), reinforces with 7 digital inputs (including one HDMI with ARC and one MCT for connection to the SACD transport mechanics of McIntosh) an analogue connectivity consisting of 7 Line and 2 Phono inputs, the latter compatible with moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) cartridges, to which a subwoofer output is added.
The C55 is completed with the unmistakable industrial design of the New York brand and a high-precision traditional tone control (treble and bass), is Roon Tested and can be controlled via the powerful app McIntosh Connect.
Features:
- Reference stereo tube preamplifier with built-in DAC.
- Vacuum valves used: 12AX7A (3) and 12AT7 (1).
- Equipped with DA2 digital module from McIntosh.
- ARC compatible HDMI input for connection to a TV.
- DAC section compatible PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD512.
- Executed with the highest quality components.
- Roon Tested approved.
- Control via McIntosh Connect app.
- Analogue and digital sections mounted in separate compartments.
- 2 phono inputs compatible with MM and MC capsules.
- 5 gain settings for MM capsules and 5 gain settings for MC capsules.
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analogue inputs and outputs.
- High-precision analogue indicators with high response speed.
- Headphone amplifier with HXD technology exclusive to McIntosh.
- Input/output loop for connection of an external signal processor.
- Frequency response 20-20,000 Hz, +0 dB, -0.5 dB.
- Line inputs sensitivity/impedance: 900 mV/44 kOhm (XLR).
- Phono input sensitivity: 4.5 mV on MM and 0.45 mV on MC.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB on Line and 75 dB on Phono (MM and MC).
- Dimensions: 444.5 x 194 x 419 mm (W x H x D).
- Weight: 12.5 kg.
