McIntosh C55 vs C53 Solid State Preamp First Impressions

[@ศรีวิวัธน์เคลือบสุวรรณ]

Hi Adrian...Can't wait for your review on C2800 vs C2700 preamplifier 😊

[@Zulus22]

I had similar impressions when I replaced the c52 with the c53 a few years ago. At that time, there was no mention on the official Mcintosh websites about any changes in the circuitry, except for the new DAC, which I never used anyway.

[@gusvera59]

Great video, as all of the AEC are. One more vote for a C55 vs C2800 comparison video!

[@shanestephenson8423]

G'day Adrian, I love your sense of community and I will be making a charitable donation, as I have and regularly do this time specifically to obtain your playlist.🎧👍🙂

[@alaincayer8999]

It's a long time I heard someone talking about Heifetz. His rendition of the Tchaikovsky violon concerto is the benchmark. Thanks for sharing EBDuet. I really enjoyed them.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for the video. Looks like a McIntosh. Beautiful. I’m sure it sounds excellent and would drive my Arendal 1723 tower speakers and connect well with my dual SVS subs. I would buy a Mc preamp and amp if I had the money but I bought a boat. Priorities. 😊

[@johngutmanis3580]

Hi Adrian, thanks for the review of the c55 VS c53. I went from a Marantz 2230B to a c40 and mc2102, and I really enjoyed the added clarity. I then went to an mc352, again loved the bass control.I then went to a c50, and wow better detail, dead quiet background, really a big upgrade. I was never tempted to go to the c53, because of the loss of the processor loop. But now after your review and the ability to use the c55 as an active crossovers, I am intrigued! Thanks again for the review and looking forward to your impressions of the crossovers using main for bass, 1 for mids and highs, and as I understand Chanel 3 can control sub in mono or two subs stereo.

[@CButti-x1s]

Hi Adrian. Good comparison. Are you planning to do a future comparison of the C55 with the new C2800 for a tube vs solid state preamp face off? Thanks again.

[@blugato22]

Great Video! The separate outputs are a good idea - how would you use them? I'm looking forward to part 2. Did you have any occasion to use the tone controls in the EQ section?

[@SantanKGhey1234]

First to say Hi Adrian👍 thanks for this

[@ceddy1031]

I am currently have the C52. I contacted McIntosh directly and question about difference in sound and features on the C53. He said no big differece except C53 has the DA2 Digital Audio Module installed. I am looking for a decent poweramp for the C52. Besides McIntosh, what do you think about Galion TS A75? I heard its a giant killer. It can compare those high end $8K amp.

[@timothylindsay3244]

So was the metric “toe tapping rate” or “TT dynamics” :)? Love your videos. Just ordered a MCT 500 SACD transport (to pair with my C49 preamp and MC152 amp) through my Gramophone AD in Baltimore…your reviews have helped me make informed and happy decisions about these Mac products. Thanks

[@jamesharding393]

Another great review. It's interesting that McIntosh is providing so many options at the preamp level. I would be interested in how both stack up against the C12000. With the new software capabilities, I imagine they will soon come out with a replacement for the C12000.

[@DavidJohnson69-qq2bo]

So, do I need a MEN220 with a C55 or C2800? If I add the MR112 EQ between the C2800 and power amps, will I loose that “tube flavor”?

[@AMGOSUK]

Thanks - please describe the send/return using a MEN2220

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

I'm waiting to hear a demo.

[@JamesCampbell-x9x]

How do you compare these to the C12000... I'm thinking that I don't have to make a choice... educate me if I'm FOS... thank you...

[@MasterofPlay7]

so how dose it compare to accuphase?

[@markusfriedli2354]

Hi Adrian. On the C55 and C2800 they removed the Fixed Output. Now i can‘t connect my multiroom anymore. Do you have an solution how it works on the C55/C2800 now?

[@kevinl6231]

If anyone out there buys a used C53, it’s a phenomenal unit; however make sure the firmware is current. I was loaned one with old firmware and the digital inputs chop off a fraction of a track at the beginning. You should have fw 107 and DA2 v 1.07

[@Wizardofgosz]

What exactly is a "Romantic sound"?? You were listening to Shakespearean sonnets?

[@mrronenza]

If I understood correctly, you prefer the 55, how can you say if the 53 is better as it is an unavailable product because from now on the 55 is for relevant sale? ps : the DAC is the same in both devices.

[@nirodha35]

Adrian, why are the group review sessions skipped?

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@goodforwatch]

hello sir, I'm from Calgary🙏🏼 i understand that you run an audio shop but, i noticed your watch, it's a mechanical piece right? 🤔 any chance you could tell me which one is it? thank you for all the eye candy as always. ps: i have the same handle on Instagram, in case you...

[@dronesixth9916]

Looks like MB&F MAD 1.

[@goodforwatch]

@@dronesixth9916 thanks

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Review that wilson sub in the background.

[@sterkehansen9038]

He just said the magic hifi salesman magic words: Fuller and richer 😂

[@woody168]

Is that a MB&F M.A.D. 1, Adrian? All the reflections make it kind of hard to make it out. But I think I am on the right track!

[@pswitzeny]

Yes. He's worn it for the last 3 video's or so.

[@mornecoetzee735]

Is it me or is there a buzzing sound in this video?

[@robanderson6173]

I hear it too but it could be my tinnitus.

[@TheDarthvader123]

Look behind it’s a bee nest!

[@enniol8043]

I was listening to Adrian until I saw the Wilson subwoofers in the back and then...squirrel!!!!

[@barrylyndon281]

I dislike frequencies below 1k. Screw bass and midrange...Long live king trebble 😁😁😁😆

[@gargle99]

Doris Day! I'm beginning to doubt your geezer credentials

[@enniol8043]

McIntosh is the Porsche of the audio industry. As Jeremy Clarkson said, Porsche designers are the laziest designers on the planet. :) The great thing about owning a Porsche is that while the news ones are better they don't make your current model seem out of date. Same with McIntosh. Someone going to get pissed at Adrian now about owning a car?

[@walterpen371]

Vintage Porsche is true German Machinery. Current Porsche breaks down, Asian replacement parts. Macintosh replacement parts, still USA made????

[@timothylindsay3244]

What you said, right! I own both Mac gear and a Porsche….enjoy taking both out for a drive, frequently!

[@saint6563]

Porsche is about handling every curve in the road; McIntosh is about smoothing out the road.

[@enniol8043]

Adrian, I hate you! I listened to that version of Que Sera, Sera, now you have to come and hold me, I am scared. Don't send Lewis, I don't like how he cuddles!

[@ubermind-tim]

Macintosh is a huge sonic disappointment. Clarity but seriously lacking dynamics. Very dull sound.