McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
For your decision to own this McIntosh C15 Preamplifier
ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have The Best. The McIntosh dedication
to Quality, is assurance that you will receive many years
of musical enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh C15. This
will ensure that you receive all the performance benefits this
equipment can offer you, and that it will become a highly
valued part of your home entertainment system.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance claim or
future service. The serial number is located on the rear
panel of the equipment. The spaces below have been provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Customer Service
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh C15
Preamplifier, contact your McIntosh dealer. Your dealer is
familiar with your McIntosh equipment as well as other
brands that may be included in your system and is best
qualified to help you.
Table of Contents
Thank You .......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Customer Service ............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
1. Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the C15
Preamplifier.
3. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker
outputs for approximately two seconds when the preamplifier
is turned on.
If it is determined that your C15 is in need of repair, you
can return it to your dealer or you can return it to McIntosh
Laboratory. Contact the McIntosh Repair Department for
assistance at,
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3512
FAX: 607-724-0549
Copyright 1998 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT OPEN.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-
tute a risk of electric shock to persons
.
Safety Instructions
Attention: pour pevenir les chocs elecriques pas
utiliser cette fiche polarisee avec un prolongateur,
une prise de courant ou un autre sortie de courant,
sauf si les lames peuvent etre inserees afond ans en
laisser aucune partie a decouvert.
7. For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning or power line
surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recommended in this
owners manual as they may cause hazards.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC NE PAS OUVRIR.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, contained in this owners manual, before operating this
equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. Follow all operating and use instructions.
5. Warning: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock,
do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
This unit is capable of producing high sound pressure levels. Continued exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing impairment or loss. User caution is advised and ear protection is recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. Caution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle
or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. For example, the equipment should not be placed on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
10. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as described in this owners manual
12. Do not use this equipment near water; for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
13. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, causing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to
the product.
Connection:
14. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
15. Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the instrument.
16. Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polarized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat
the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the
plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
3
Safety Instructions cont,
Introduction and Performance Features
17. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
Care of Equipment:
18. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the
panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
19. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or
fall into the equipment through enclosure openings.
Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclosure openings.
20. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
21. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to a qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged,
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the equipment,
C. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water,
D. The equipment does not operate normally by follow-
ing the operating instructions contained within this
owners manual. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions, as an im-
proper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its nor-
mal operation,
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way,
F. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
22. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.
23. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by
McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
24. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
Introduction
The C15 Remote Controlled Preamplifier is a simple but
elegant instrument that allows you to enjoy outstanding
music reproduction. It includes a wide range of convenient
operating functions to enhance your listening experience.
The classic McIntosh C15 will perfectly complement a
McIntosh stereo power amplifier for a stereo system of incomparable performance and style.
Performance Features
· Multiple Inputs
Six high level inputs and one Moving Magnet phono input
provide for all popular program sources.
· Tone Control Bypass
At the flat settings the Bass and Treble control circuit elements are removed from the signal path.
· Loudness Circuity
A push-button Loud switch adds loudness compensation to
the volume control for improved bass response at low level
listening.
· Electronic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
switches on all inputs and operating functions for reliable,
noiseless, distortion free switching
· Output and Speaker Switching
Front panel Output push-buttons control two switched outputs that allow you to send signals to two separate power
amplifiers.
· Front Panel Headphone Jack
A convenient headphone jack allows the convenience of
private listening when the main outputs to the power amplifier are muted.
· Special Power Supply
Fully regulated power supply with double shielded power
transformer ensures stable noise free operation even though
the power line should vary.
4
Installation
The C15 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing
on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of
furniture or cabinet of your choice. The required panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your C15. Cool
operation ensures the longest possible operating life for
any electronic instrument. Do not install the C15 directly
above a heat generating component such as a high powered
amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single
cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite
asset in maintaining all the system components at the
Installation
coolest possible operating temperature.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow
at least 1-1/2 inches (3.8cm) above the unit so airflow is
not obstructed. Allow 17-1/2 inches (44.5cm) depth behind
the mounting panel, which includes clearance for connectors. Allow 1-1/8 inches (2.9cm) in front of the mounting
panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation
hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in
the drawing.
17-1/2"
444mm
Front View of the C15
custom installed
Side View of the C15
custom installed
End Caps
3-9/16"
90.0mm
Mounting Surface
Mounting Surface
3-1/16"
77.8mm
Bottom of Cutout and Top
of Support Shelf Must
Coincide
(Side View)
Support Shelf
1/4"
6mm
3/16"
5.1mm
Outline of Unit
Panel Height
3 1/2"
88.9mm
17-1/16"
433.4mm
Outline of Front Panel
Edge of Cutout
(Front View)
Support Shelf
Mounting Bracket at Both Sides of the Rear Panel.
Fasten with 6-32 x 3/8 Machine Screw and Washer to Chassis.
Fasten with 6 x 1/2 Wood Screw and Washer to Support Shelf
7/32"
5.3mm
Bottom View of the C15 cus-
tom installed
Cut Out Center
for Ventilation
15"
6"
(Bottom View)
9"
5
C15 Rear Panel Connections
C15 Rear Panel Connections
Connect the C15
power cord to a live
AC outlet. Refer to
information on the
back panel to determine the correct
voltage.
DATA PORTs send
signals to compatible source components to allow you
to remote control
them.
OUTPUTS 1 and 2
the signal output
controlled by the
front panel OUTPUTS push-buttons
PROCESSOR
FROM and TO
jacks for a signal
processor
TAPE inputs
are for tape
recorders
TUNER inputs
accept signals
from the output
of a tuner.
PH (Phono)/AUX INPUTS accept signals
from a Moving Magnet
phono cartridge or an
audio high level signal,
depending on the position of the PH/AUX
Switch
GND terminal
accepts a
ground wire
from a turntable.
The EXT
(external)
Sensor for a
McIntosh
Keypad or
IR sensor.
POWER
CONTROL
Outputs send
turn-on signal to a
McIntosh
Component.
6
The SUM Data
Port connector
accepts a control cable from
a McIntosh
Remote Control Translator
TAPE OUTPUTS supply
record signals for
tape recorders
The HOME
Data Port is for
use with the optional HC-1
Home Controller.
VIDEO inputs
for audio signals
from a LD, VCR,
TV or the optional MVS-3 A/
V Selector.
PROCESSOR
IN/OUT Switch
turns the signal
processor loop
On or Off
The PH/AUX
Switch selects
signals from a
Moving Magnet
phono cartridge or
an audio high
level signal
CD1 and CD2
inputs accept
signals from
separate CD
players.
How to Connect the C15
1. Connect the C15 power cord to a live AC outlet.
2. Connect cables from OUTPUTS 1 or 2 to the power
amplifier inputs.
3 Connect cables from a signal processor output to the
C15 PROCESSOR FROM jacks, and the signal processor input jacks to the C15 PROCESSOR TO jacks.
NOTE: When a signal processor is connected and the C15 IN-
OUT PROCESSOR Switch is set to the IN position,, the
processor must be on, or in bypass mode, for a signal to
pass through the preamplifier.
4. Connect cables from the TAPE OUTPUTS to the
record inputs of the tape recorder and the TAPE INPUTS to the tape recorder outputs.
5. Connect the ground wire from a turntable or record
player to the GND terminal.
How to Connect the C15
6. Connect cables from a record player with a moving
magnet cartridge to the PH/AUX INPUTS when the
PH-AUX switch is in the PH position, or. from an auxiliary source component when the PH-AUX switch is
in the AUX position.
7. Connect cables from a McIntosh CD Player to the C15
CD1 or CD2 INPUT jacks.
8. Connect cables from a McIntosh tuner output to the
C15 TUNER INPUTS.
9. Connect a cable from the C15 POWER CONTROL
mini phone jack to the Power Control In on a McIntosh
Power Amplifier or component.
10. Connect a cable(s) from the DATA PORT(S) to a
product that is to be controlled by the C15.
McIntosh Power Amplifier
To AC Outlet
McIntosh Tuner
Tape Recorder
McIntosh CD Player
Signal
Processor
McIntosh PC-3
Turntable
7
How to Connect the C15 for Video Switching
1. Connect a Data cable from the C15 VIDEO DATA
PORT to the MVS-3 DATA IN jack.
2. Connect the MVS-3 CONTROL CENTER AUDIO
OUTPUTS to the C15 VIDEO INPUTS.
3. Connect the MVS-3 VIDEO MONITOR OUTPUT to a
TV or Monitor.
4. Connect a McIntosh LD Player Audio Outputs to the
MVS-3 LV AUDIO INPUTS, the Video output to the
MVS-3 VIDEO INPUT and the Control Out to the
MVS-3 DATA OUTPUT jack.
How to Connect the C15
for Video Switching
5. Connect other video source components to the appropriate audio and video and data jacks on the MVS-3.
Monitor
McIntosh Video/Audio Selector
McIntosh Video Disc Player
8
C15 Front Panel Controls, Push-Buttons and
Switches
C15 Front Panel Controls, Push-
Buttons and Switches
BASS control provides
12dB boost or cut with
a flat center position
TREBLE control provides
12dB boost or cut with a
flat center position
MONO push-button
combines the left and
right channel signals for
Mono operation at Outputs 1 and 2. The
Record outputs are not
affected by this switch.
The BALANCE control
allows you to adjust the
relative volume balance
between channels
VOLUME control
allows you to adjust
the listening level.
The Record outputs
are not affected by
the Volume control
POWER
switch turns
all AC power
completely
ON or OFF
IR Sensor receives
commands from a
remote control
Select any one of the six
Audio signal sources
HEADPHONES jack
allows connection of
Stereo Headphones for
private listening
OUTPUT 1 and 2 pushbuttons turn the 1 and 2
outputs On or Off
MUTE pushbutton mutes
audio in the
Ouputs 1 and
2, headphones
output is not
affected
STANDBY/ON
push-button turns
the C15 ON, or
OFF (Standby)
LOUDNESS provides
frequency response
contoured to compensate for the behavior of
the human ear at softer
listening levels
9
How to Operate the C15
How to Operate the C15
Power On
Press the POWER switch to ON. The Red LED above the
STANDBY/ON push-button lights to indicate the C15 is in
Standby mode. To turn on the C15 press the STANDBY/
ON pushbutton. The
MUTE LED
will light for
approximately two
seconds after turn on.
Refer to Figure 1.
Note: You may also turn on the C15 using the HR033 Remote
Control.
Figure 1
Source Selection
Select the desired listening source with the appropriate
push-button switch. If an MVS-3 Audio/Video Selector is
connected, use the HR033 Remote to first select Video and
then any
of the A/
V
sources
connected to
the
MVS-3.
Refer to
Figure 2.
Figure 2
Volume Control
Adjust the VOLUME control for the desired listening
level.
Balance Control
Adjust the BALANCE control as needed to achieve approximately equal listening volume levels in each loudspeaker. Turn the BALANCE to the Left to emphasize the
left channel by reducing the level of the right channel. Turn
the BALANCE to the right to emphasize the right channel
by reducing the level of the left channel.
Bass and Treble Controls
Adjust the BASS and TREBLE controls to suit your listening preferences. The bass or treble intensity can be increased with clockwise rotation and decreased with counterclockwise rotation. All tone control circuit elements are
removed from the signal path when the controls are in the
center or flat position.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right stereo signals to mono at the OUTPUTS 1 and 2 and HEADPHONES output.
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio in all outputs
except the HEADPHONES. The MUTE LED above the
push-button will flash on and off to indicate that Mute is
active. Press MUTE a second time to unmute audio.
PH/AUX Inputs
When using a phono player with
a moving magnet cartridge connected to the PH/AUX inputs, set
the PH-AUX switch to the PH
position. When using an auxiliary
program source component connected to the PH/AUX inputs, set
the PH-AUX switch to the AUX
position. Refer to Figure 3.
Figure 3
Loud Switch
Press the LOUD push-button to add loudness bass compensation to the volume control for improved low level listening.
Output 1 and 2
Press OUTPUT 1 or 2 push-buttons to send audio to separate power amplifiers connected to
the rear panel
OUTPUTS 1 or 2.
You can press either push-button
individually or
both together. Refer to Figure 4.
Figure 4
10
Headphones Jack
Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the Headphones
jack for private listening. Press Mute to mute all other outputs including the amplifier connected to the loudspeakers.
Refer to Figure 4
Reset of Microprocessors
In the event that the controls of the C15 stop functioning
push the POWER switch OFF and wait about two minutes,
then push the POWER switch ON followed by pushing the
STANDBY/ON push button. This will reset the C15 microprocessors and the Preamplifier should be functioning normally.
NOTE: The above condition is usually caused by either
interruptions in AC power and/or major changes that
may occur in AC power line voltage.
How to Operate the C15 cont
Figure 6
Using a Signal Processor
When a signal processor is connected, set the rear panel PROCESSOR switch to the IN position. Refer to Figure 5.
NOTE: When a signal processor
is connected and the C15
PROCESSOR Switch is set
to the IN position,, the
processor must be on, or
in bypass mode, for a
signal to pass through the
preamplifier.
Figure 5
How To Make A Tape Recording
1. Select the source signal you wish to record with the
appropriate front panel input push-button. If you wish
to record from an Audio/Video source connected to the
optional MVS-3 Audio/Video Selector, using the
HR033 Remote, first select Video and then the desired
source connected to the MVS-3. Refer to Figure 6.
2. Adjust the record level using the tape recorder volume
control and proceed with the recording process.
3. To listen to the tape playback of the program source
just recorded, press the TAPE input push-button. Refer
to Figure 6.
NOTE: The C15 TAPE OUTPUTS are not affected by the
VOLUME or BALANCE controls.
11
HR033 Push-Buttons
Selects any one of five
externaly switched Audio/
Video Program Sources
HR033 Push-Buttons
Select any of the six audio sources
high level, (or phono), input.
Use to select tuner
presets or any numbered operation.
Select FM tuner
operating functions.
Select AM tuner
operating functions
Selects tuner stations presets and
certain McIntosh
CD Players
Press to operate
the optional
McIntosh Home
Controller
Press to turn the
entire C15 system off
Tunes to the next
radio station.
Select CD player, CD
changer or tape recorder
functions.
Select Switched Outputs 1 and 2
Mutes the audio
12
Press to turn the C15 ON
or OFF
Adjusts the volume
level up or down
Turns power ON to a
component connected via
the Data Port.
Note: The HR033 Remote Control push-buttons
that are shown in black only work with
other McIntosh Control Centers.
How to Operate HR033
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio at the OUTPUTS 1 and 2. The TAPE OUTPUTS and HEADPHONES
output are not affected by the MUTE function. The MUTE
LED above the push-button will flash on and off to indicate
that Mute is active. Press MUTE a second time to unmute
audio.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right stereo signals to mono at OUTPUTS 1, 2 and HEADPHONES Outputs.
Input Source Selection
Press any of the six input push-buttons to select a program
source.
How to Operate the HR033
Volume
Press the Up or Down VOLUME push-button to raise or
lower the listening volume level. The TAPE OUPUTS are
not affected by volume changes.
Amplifier Selection
Press OUTPUT 1 or 2 push-buttons either separately or together, to control the rear panel OUTPUTS 1 and 2 which
can feed signals to a power amplifier or other accessory
component.
Home
When the optional HC-1 Home Controller is added to the
C15 system, press the SV/HM (Home) push-button to select the HC-1. Within 5 seconds press one of the numbered
push-buttons to activate a desired relay in the HC-1.
Video/Audio Selection
When the optional McIntosh MVS Audio/Video Selector is
added, first press VIDEO, and then the desired push-button
to select any of the five A/V sources connected to the
MVS.
CD/Tape
Use these push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer
or tape recorder, when the component is connected to the
C15 with a McIntosh RCT Translator.
Numbered Push-buttons
Press push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station presets, CD tracks/discs, or operate a McIntosh Home Controller.
Disc and Track
Use the DISC and TRACK push-buttons when a CD player
or changer is being used.
Tuner Push-buttons
Use with a McIntosh tuner. Select AM or FM broadcast
band. Press and release SEEK Up or Down to move from
station to station. Press and hold a SEEK push-button to
move continuously from station to station. Press REVIEW
to start the automatic brief audition of each of the presets
stored in the tuner memory. Press REVIEW a second time
to stop on a station preset and exit the Review process.
Acc On
Press ACC ON to turn power ON of a McIntosh LV or
DVD Disc Player.
NOTE: When other brands of components are connected with a
McIntosh Remote Control Translator (RCT), refer to the RCT
Owners Manual for further information on alternate HR033
push-button functions.
13
Specifications
Specifications
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% From 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Signal To Noise Ratio
Phono, 90dB below a 10mV input, (84db IHF)
High Level, 105dB below rated output, (95db IHF)
Maximum Voltage Output
Phono, 90mV
High Level, 10V
Output Impedance
600 ohms
Sensitivity
Phono, 2.5mV for 2.5V rated output (0.5mV IHF)
High Level, 250mV for 2.5V rated output (50mV IHF)
14.5 pounds ( 6.6 Kg) net, 29.5 pounds (13.4 Kg) in shipping carton
Maximum Input Signal
Phono, 90mV
High Level, 10V
Tone Controls
Bass Control ± 12dB @20Hz
Treble Control ± 12dB @20kHz
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 25 watts.
NOTE: Refer to the rear panel of the C15 for the correct voltage
14
Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the
proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do
this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if
they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or
write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
QuantityPart NumberDescription
1034023Shipping carton only
4034022Foam end cap
1033606Inside carton only
1033726Top pad
1033729Bottom pad
1033622Inner carton pad
4017218Plastic foot
4100159#10-32 x 3/4 screw
4104083#10 x 7/16 Flat washer
1048095Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
15
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 040590
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.