McIntosh C2200 User Manual

Tube Preamplifier

C2200

Owner’s Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

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 constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.

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.

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF

FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO

RAIN OR MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE

OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

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.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord
or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the
a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord
plug from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.

2

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh C2200 Tube 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.

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 spaces below have been provided for
you to record that information:

Serial Number:

Purchase Date:

Dealer Name:

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with
your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be
part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish additional
help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive tech­nical assistance for all McIntosh products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For as­sistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ............................. 3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ..................... 3

Table of Contents .............................................................. 3

Important Information ....................................................... 4

Connector Information ...................................................... 4

Introduction ....................................................................... 5

Performance Features ....................................................... 5

Dimensions ........................................................................ 6

Installation ........................................................................ 7

Connections

Rear Panel Connections ..................................................... 8

How to Connect for Power Control ................................... 9

How to Connect for Audio and Data Control................... 10

How to Connect for Pass Thru Mode .............................. 11

How to Connect for a Second Room ................................ 12

Front Panel Features

Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-buttons,

and Switches .................................................................... 13

Setup

How to Operate the Setup Mode ...................................... 14

Default Settings................................................................ 14

Display Brightness ........................................................... 14

Input Trim Level .............................................................. 15

Re-Title Inputs ................................................................. 15

Power Control Triggers.................................................... 16

Auto Tone ......................................................................... 16

Pass Thru Mode ............................................................... 17

Power On Option ............................................................. 17

Remote Control Selection ................................................ 17

Firmware Version ............................................................. 18

Operation

How to Operate the C2200 .............................................. 19

Remote Control Push-buttons .......................................... 22

How to Operate by Remote Control ................................. 23

Additional Information

Technical Description....................................................... 24

Specifications ................................................................... 26

Packing Instruction .......................................................... 27

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright 2003 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Important Information

1. The C2200 uses Vacuum Tubes for amplifying the audio
signal. The C2200 is designed to have only qualified

Service Personnel perform any part(s) replacement
including all the vacuum tubes.

2. For additional information on Audio Connections, refer to
the Owner’s Manual(s) for the component(s).

3. Connecting Cables and Connectors 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 plug on each end.

4. The Main AC Power going to the C2200 and any other
McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the
system components are connected together. When the
C2200 and other McIntosh Components are in their
Standby Power Off Mode, the Microprocessor’s Circuitry
inside each component is active and communication is
occurring between them. Failure to do so could result in
malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal
operations.

5. Up to four Sensors can be wired in parallel for Remote
Control of the C2200 from other rooms.

6. Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be
mixed. For example, you may connect signal sources to
Unbalanced Inputs and send signals from the Balanced
Outputs. You can also use Balanced and Unbalanced
Outputs simultaneously, connected to different Power
Amplifiers.

7. A McIntosh Power Controller may be added to the C2200 to
provide AC Power Switching to components that do not
have Power Control Connections. See your McIntosh
Dealer for additional information.

8. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Decibels and
“dB” is the abbreviation.

9. The PHONO Circuitry uses four Vacuum Tubes. Those tubes
are only Powered-On (glow coming from the tubes) when
the AUX Input is re-titled to PHONO in the Setup Mode.
Refer to page 15 “Re-Titled Inputs” for additional
information.

Connector Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the C2200. Refer to the diagram
for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input
PIN 3: - Input

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The C2200’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig­nal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the
Power Control Input on other
McIntosh Components.

Data Port Connector

The C2200’s Data Port Output provides Remote Control
Signals. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the Data
Port Inputs on McIntosh Source
Units.

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Positive

N/C

Ground

Data Signal

N/C

Ground

4

Introduction

The McIntosh C2200 Tube Preamplifier is without question
the finest Audio Tube Preamplifier ever created. No design
compromises were allowed in the quest for a Tube Pream­plifier with absolute accuracy, total sonic purity and virtual
elimination of distortion and audible noise. For those who
have been searching for their “Last Tube Preamplifier”,
your search is over.

Introduction and Performance Features

••

• Precision Parts

••

Only the finest precision 1% tolerance resistors are used
throughout.

••

• Low Distortion

••

Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.08%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.

Performance Features

••

• Balanced Inputs and Outputs

••

Four balanced high level Inputs and three balanced Outputs
are provided.

••

• Precision Tracking Volume Control

••

Volume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage Precision
Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with a tracking ac­curacy of 0.1dB. Levels change in 214 individual 0.5dB
steps.

••

• Variable Rate Volume and Balance Control Selection

••

The C2200 Tube Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Con­trol Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control
rotation.

••

• Tone Control with Assignable Bypass

••

The Bass and Treble Control Circuit Elements can be re­moved from the Signal Path of any selected input.

••

• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display

••

The Multifunction Front Panel Display indicates the Source
Selection, Volume and Balance Levels. Setup Mode Selec­tions and Adjustments are also displayed. The display inten­sity is fully adjustable.

••

• Moving Magnet Phono Input

••

There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet
Cartridges.

••

• Multichannel Pass Thru Mode

••

The Input Assignable, Automatic Pass Thru Mode allows
the C2200 to become part of a Multichannel Sound System
for DVD-Audio, SACD and Home Theater. The Left and
Right Channels of the C2200 become the two front chan­nels, simply by turning on the Multichannel Processor.

••

• Remote Control

••

The C2200 includes a Remote Control that allows remote
operation of the Front Panel Controls and Push-buttons.

••

• Optional External Sensor Input

••

There are provisions for connecting External Sensors,
which allows for enjoyment of your McIntosh System from
other room(s) in your home via the Remote Control.

••

• Output Switching

••

Front panel Output Push-buttons control two Switched Out­puts that allow sending signals to two separate Power Am­plifiers.

••

• Electromagentic Input Switching with Level Trim

••

Adjustment and Title Reassignment

Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable,
noiseless, distortion free switching. All eight Inputs on the
C2200 can be matched in level, so that there are no abrupt
changes in volume levels between the different Inputs. There
is also a Record Monitor function for checking the progress
of a recording. Any of the eight Inputs can have their Input
Title reassigned to match the sources in the system.

••

• Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment

••

A Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On of
McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components and Ac­cessories is included. Three of the Power Control Ouputs
may be assigned to activate when a given Input is selected.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your C2200. There is additional information on
the next page pertaining to installing the C2200 into cabi­nets.

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

"

Front View of the C2200

Rear View of the C2200

17"

43.18cm

13 -

1/4

33.66cm

7 -

5/8

7 -

1/8

18.10cm

6 -

5/16

16.03cm

"

19.37cm

"

"

"

16-

3/16

"

41.43cm

15-

1/2

"

39.37cm

Side View of the C2200

6-

1/2

3/16

"

0.48cm

13/16

"

2.06cm

6

10-

1/2

26.67cm

"

2"

5.08cm

"

16.51cm

Installation

The C2200 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 four feet may be
removed from the bottom of the C2200 when it is custom
installed as outlined below. The four feet together with the
mounting screws should be retained for possible future use
if the C2200 is removed from the custom installation and
used free standing. The required
panel cutout, ventilation cutout
and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate
ventilation for your C2200. Cool
operation ensures the longest
possible operating life for any
electronic instrument. Do not
install the C2200 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
coolest possible operating tem­perature.

A custom cabinet installation
should provide the following
minimum spacing dimensions for
cool operation. Allow at least 2

Enclosed Custom Cabinet

C2200
Front Panel
Custom Cabinet
Cutout

C2200
Side View in a
Partially Open
Custom Cabinet

Installation

inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the
bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each side of the A/V Control
Center, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 19-1/2
inches (49.53cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-1/8
inch (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-

1/16

"

43.34cm

6 -

5/8

16.83cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Opening for
Ventilation

2"

5.08cm

"

Warm Air
Output

Other Component
in Enclosed
Custom Cabinet

C2200
Side View
in Enclosed
Custom Cabinet

Cool Air
Input

Ventilaton Fan

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Ventilaton Fan

Chassis
Spacers

Support
Shelf

C2200
Support Shelf in
Custom Cabinet

Notes: Center the Cutout Horitzonally on unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

5-

3/4

Cutout

for

"

6-

1/2

16.51cm

14.61cm

Opening

Ventilation

10-

26.67cm

"

12"

30.48cm

1/2

"

Chassis
Spacers

13-

1/4

33.66cm

"

7

Rear Panel Connections

Unbalanced MAIN OUT­PUTS contain the program
signals at all times. The Un­balanced 1 and 2 OUTPUTS
contain the program signals
and turn On/Off with the
Front Panel OUTPUTS 1 and
2 Push-buttons

Balanced MAIN OUTPUTS
contain the program signals
at all times. The Balanced 1
and 2 OUTPUTS and can be
switched On/Off with the
Front Panel OUTPUTS 1 and
2 Push-buttons

TAPE/REC OUT­PUTS contain
RECord Out Signals

TAPE/REC, VCR, SAT, DVD,
CD, CD2 and TUNER unbal­anced INPUTS accept high
level program source signals

VCR, SAT, DVD and CD Bal­anced INPUTS accept high
level program source signals

Gound connection
for turntables

Connect the
power cord to a
live AC outlet.
Refer to informa­tion on the back
panel of the
C2200 to deter­mine the correct
voltage

Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel of
the C2200 to deter­mine the correct
fuse size and rating

8

POWER CONTROL/TRIG­GERS Outputs send Turn-On
signals to other components
connected to the C2200. The
MAIN Jack sends the signal
when the C2200 is switched
On. The 1 and 2 Jacks send
the signal when the OUT­PUTS 1 and 2 Push-buttons
are active. The ACCessory
Jack is for sending the signal
to McIntosh Source Compo­nents. The SETUP Feature in
the C2200 allows the ACC, 1
and 2 Power Control Jacks to
be re-assigned to Switch On
when the desired Input Source
is selected.

The EXTernal
SENSOR Jack
permits the con­nection of a
McIntosh IR Sen­sor for remote
operation

PASS THRU Power
Control input receives
a Turn-On signal
from a McIntosh
Home Theater Con­troller

PH/AUX accepts high
level program source sig­nals or signals from a
Moving Magnet Phono
Cartridge. The SETUP
feature determines
whether the Input Jacks
are set for AUX or
PHONO

DATA PORTS send
control signals to
compatible source
components and allow
Remote Control op­eration

How to Connect for Power Control

How to Connect for Power Control

The four Power Control Jacks have default settings as ex­plained on page 8. The hookup example below utilizing the
default settings. If you wish to use any one of the three as­signable Power Control Outputs as a dedicated Trigger in­stead, connect that Component Source Unit’s Power Control
Input to the desired Trigger Output (A, B, or C). The de­fault setting in the C2200 Setup needs to be changed to
match the new Power Control Connection.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the C2200 POWER
CONTROL ACCessory Jack to the Power Control In

McIntosh CD Player

on the McIntosh CD Player.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh CD Player
Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In Jack
on the McIntosh Tuner.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh Tuner
Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control Jack on
the McIntosh Power Control.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the C2200 MAIN
POWER CONTROL Jack to the Power Control In Jack
on the McIntosh Power Amplifier.

McIntosh AM/FM Tuner

McIntosh Power Amplifier

McIntosh
Power Control

9