Hegel C55 Five-Channel Power Amplifier
8 500,00 €
The Hegel C55 is a five-channel Class AB power amplifier for 5.1 and Atmos home theater, active crossover systems, and other multichannel installations. It delivers 5 × 150 W into 8 Ω, with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs for every channel. SoundEngine2 dynamically counters distortion, while independent gain and phase settings support system integration. The 3U chassis fits a 19-inch rack, and feet are included for shelf placement.
The Hegel C55 is a five-channel Class AB power amplifier for 5.1 and Atmos home theater systems. It delivers 5 × 150 W into 8 Ω, giving each speaker channel its own amplification. Five balanced XLR inputs and five unbalanced RCA inputs provide one of each connection per channel.
The C55 also suits systems that amplify separate speaker frequency bands or use active crossovers. Its five channels can drive multiple speakers in a home, audio post-production studio, or restaurant. A minimum load impedance of 2 Ω gives system designers another detail to check when selecting speakers.
Part of Hegel’s C5 series, the C55 combines modular construction with individual gain and phase settings for every channel. It can stand on the supplied feet or mount in a 19-inch equipment rack. This layout gives installers several ways to integrate five channels into a larger audio system.
Benefits
- Five-channel output – Each channel provides 150 W of analog Class AB amplification into 8 Ω.
- SoundEngine2 – Hegel’s patented circuit dynamically counters distortion by generating an opposite-phase signal.
- Lower operating heat – A low quiescent-current mode helps the C55 run cooler than conventional Class AB designs.
- Speaker control – The main output stage has a damping factor above 2000 to help control speaker woofers.
- Individual channel settings – Select 23 or 29 dB gain and switch phase separately on each channel.
- Flexible analog inputs – Every channel has both a balanced XLR input and an unbalanced RCA input.
- Trigger connections – Trigger input and output support linked equipment and control from another room.
- Rack-ready chassis – Integrated front ears and adjustable, removable rear ears support 19-inch rack installation.
Who Is the Hegel C55 For?
The C55 is built for speakers in multichannel audio systems, including 5.1 home theater and Atmos home theater. One C55 supplies five amplified channels. Installations requiring additional channels can use more than one C5 series amplifier.
For active speaker projects, the five channels can amplify separate frequency bands or work alongside active crossovers. Independent gain and phase controls let an installer set each channel for its assigned speaker section. The modular design also helps incorporate the C55 into a larger system.
The C55 can power multiple speakers across a home, in an audio post-production studio, or in a restaurant. Each channel accepts a matching analog source through XLR or RCA. The C5 series also includes three-channel and four-channel versions; the C55 is its five-channel model.
Package Contents
- Feet for placing the C55 outside an equipment rack are included in the accessory box.
Technical Specifications
| Type | Five-channel Class AB power amplifier |
|---|---|
| Series | Hegel C5; three-channel and four-channel versions also available |
| Power output | 5 × 150 W into 8 Ω |
| Minimum load impedance | 2 Ω |
| Analog inputs | 5 balanced XLR and 5 unbalanced RCA |
| Trigger input | 1 mini-jack, 5-12 V |
| Trigger output | 1 mini-jack, 11.9 V |
| Gain selection | 23 or 29 dB, independently selectable per channel |
| Phase switching | 1/180, independently selectable per channel |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz-100 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | Greater than 100 dB |
| Channel crosstalk | Less than -100 dB |
| Distortion | Less than 0.01% at 100 W, 8 Ω, and 1 kHz |
| Intermodulation distortion | Less than 0.01% with 19 kHz and 20 kHz signals |
| Damping factor | Greater than 2000 at the main output stage |
| Technology and construction | SoundEngine2, modular construction, and low quiescent-current mode |
| Rack mounting | 19-inch rack; 3U height; integrated front ears and adjustable, removable rear ears |
| Recommended rack clearance | 1U above and 1U below |
| Dimensions | 48.2 × 13.2 × 52 cm; 18.97 × 5.2 × 20.47 inches; width × height × depth, including handles and excluding feet |
| Net weight | 37.5 kg; 82 lb |
| Gross weight | 43 kg; 95 lb |
Why Choose the Hegel C55?
SoundEngine2 addresses distortion as it arises within the amplifier circuitry by producing a signal with the opposite phase. Hegel uses this patented approach to pursue dynamic, natural, smooth sound without harshness. The low quiescent-current operating mode also reduces heat compared with conventional Class AB amplifiers.
The main output stage’s damping factor exceeds 2000, a specification relevant to woofer control. Meanwhile, separate 23 or 29 dB gain choices and phase switching help match the five channels to their roles. These controls are useful when different channels serve different speakers or frequency bands.
For installed systems, the C55 combines trigger input and output with front and rear rack supports. The rear ears are adjustable and removable, while the included feet allow placement outside a rack. Exact mounting dimensions are provided in the user manual.
FAQ
Can the Hegel C55 power a 5.1 home theater system?
- Yes. The C55 provides five amplified channels for speakers in a 5.1 home theater system.
Can I use the Hegel C55 in an Atmos home theater?
- Yes. One or more C5 series amplifiers can supply channels in an Atmos system.
Does each channel have both XLR and RCA inputs?
- Yes. Each of the five channels has one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input.
Can the C55 work with active crossovers?
- Yes. Its channels can amplify separate speaker frequency bands in a system using active crossovers.
Can I adjust channels independently?
- Yes. Each channel has its own 23 or 29 dB gain selection and 1/180 phase switch.
What rack space and ventilation clearance does it need?
- The C55 occupies 3U in a 19-inch rack, with 1U clearance recommended above and below.
Can the amplifier be placed outside a rack?
- Yes. The accessory box includes feet for placing the C55 without rack mounting.
The Hegel C55 brings five independently configurable amplification channels to home theater and installed audio systems. Its XLR and RCA inputs, trigger connections, and mounting options support a range of speaker layouts.
