McIntosh C15 User Manual

C15 Preamplifier
OWNERS
MANUAL
C15
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
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ........................................................................ 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Connections ..................................................... 6
How to Connect ................................................................. 7
How to Connect for Video Switching ................................ 8
Front Panel Controls, Push-Button and Switches.............. 9
How to Operate................................................................ 10
HR033 Push-Buttons ....................................................... 12
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................ 13
Specifications .................................................................. 14
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15
NOTES:
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 owners 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 products 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 owners 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 owners manual, before operating this equipment.
2. Retain this owners 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 owners 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 cont,
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
owners 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 cont
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 Owners 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)
Input Impedance
Phono, 47K ohms, 65pF High Level, 22K ohms
Dimensions
17-1/2 (44.5cm) W, 5-3/8 (13.7cm) H, 17-1/2 (44.5cm) D, (including clearance for connectors)
Weight
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.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 034023 Shipping carton only 4 034022 Foam end cap
1 033606 Inside carton only 1 033726 Top pad 1 033729 Bottom pad 1 033622 Inner carton pad
4 017218 Plastic foot 4 100159 #10-32 x 3/4 screw 4 104083 #10 x 7/16 Flat washer
1 048095 Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
15
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 040590
Loading...