McIntosh C45 User Manual

Audio Control Center

C45

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 C45 Audio Control
Center 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:

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

Copyright 2003 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

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 Data Control and Remote Operation 10

How to Connect for Two Channel Operation ................... 11

How to Connect for Six Channel Operation .................... 12

Front Panel Features

Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-buttons,

and Switch ....................................................................... 14

Setup

How to Operate the Setup Mode ...................................... 15

Default Settings................................................................ 15

Display Brightness and Firmware Version ....................... 16

Country Code and Tune ................................................... 16

Re-Title Inputs and Level Adjustments ............................ 17

6 Channel 1 and 2 Inputs ................................................. 18

Balanced Input ................................................................. 18

2 Channel Sub .................................................................. 19

Power Control Triggers.................................................... 19

Auto Tone ......................................................................... 19

Remote Control Selection ................................................ 20

Operation

How to Operate the C45 .................................................. 21

Remote Control Push-buttons .......................................... 24

How to Operate by Remote Control ................................. 25

Additional Information

Preamplifier Specifications .............................................. 26

TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module

Introduction ...................................................................... 27

Performance Features ...................................................... 27

C45 Rear Panel and RAA1 Top Panel

and Antenna Connections............................................... 28

How to Connect Antenna Components............................. 29

Tuner Operation

How to Operate the Tuner................................................ 30

How to Optimize AM Reception ...................................... 32

Additional Information

Tuner Specifications ........................................................ 34

Packing Instructions ......................................................... 35

3

Important Information

1. It is recommended that a qualified professional assist you in
the choice and installation of a McIntosh Audio System for
your home.

2. Before making any connections to the C45, make sure that
the Main POWER Switch is in the Off position. When the
C45 and other McIntosh Components are in their Standby
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.

3. The optional McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module can be
added to the C45 Audio Control Center. The TM1 is
available from your McIntosh Dealer and can be installed
at any time, usually while you wait. Refer to page 27 for
additional information on the TM1.

4. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.

5. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the C45.

6. Up to four McIntosh Sensors or Keypads can be wired in
parallel for remote operation.

7. When a McIntosh WK-2 Keypad or a R649 Sensor is to be
connected to the McIntosh C45 Audio Control Center that
uses a RJ-45 Connector Plug instead of the “F” Coax
Connector, connect the Center Conductor to Pin 1 and the
Shield Conductor to Pin 2. Refer to the illustration below.

Shielded Cable Data Signal

Pin 1

(to Pin 1)

Pin 8

Connector Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the C45. Refer to the diagram
for connection:

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

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The C45’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 and IR Port Connectors

The C45’s Data Port Output provides Remote Control Sig­nals and the IR Input

Data Port Connector

Port allows for the con­nection of other brands
IR Sensors. Use a 1/8
inch stereo mini phone
plug to connect to the

IR Input Port Connector

Data Port Inputs on
McIntosh Source Units.

Keypad Terminal Connector

To use a WK-3 or WK-4 Keypad with the C45, connect the
shield and four leads of a shielded 4 conductor cable to a
RJ-45 Connector Plug, according to the numbers listed be­low. There is a numbered connector built-in to each Keypad,
which has a different pin out.

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Positive

N/C

Ground

Data Signal

N/C

Data Ground

Data Signal

N/C

Ground

“F” Connector

8. The Power Control Signal present at the ACC(B) Jack is
controllable by either using the ACC ON or ACC OFF
Push-buttons on the Remote Control or by assignment when
in the Setup Mode. For additional information refer to page
19 “Power Control Triggers” in this manual.

9. 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.

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

4

Data Ground

(to Pin 2)

RJ-45
Plug

C45 RJ-45 WK-3 and WK-4 Keypad

1. Signal Data 1. Supply Voltage Positive

2. Signal Data Gnd. 2. Supply Voltage Negative
and Cable Shield 3. Cable Shield

3. N/C 4. Signal Data

4. Supply Voltage Negative 5. Signal Data Gnd

5. Supply Voltage Positive

6. N/C

7. N/C

8. N/C

C45
Keypad
Socket

RAA1 Connector

Connect the shield and two leads of a shielded 2 conductor
cable to the supplied 5 Pin Termi­nal Connector Plug. Refer to the

Red (TV)

Black (RF)

Green (GND)

connection information on the top
cover of the RAA1.

Introduction

Introduction and Performance Features

The new McIntosh C45 Audio Control Center offers a
highly refined combination of useful operating features with
totally transparent electronic performance. At any time ex­pand the enjoyment and functionality of the Audio Control
Center with the addition of the optional TM1 AM/FM
Tuner Module installed inside the C45. Combine a C45 with
a McIntosh Power Amplifier and you will enjoy a system of
unparalleled performance.

Performance Features

••

• Balanced Inputs and Outputs

••

One pair of Balanced high level Inputs and a six channel
Balanced Output are provided.

••

• Precision Tracking Variable Rate 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. The Variable Rate Volume Control Circuitry provides
an ideal rate of change with control rotation.

••

Multichannel Inputs

•

••

There are two six channel Inputs that are assignable for
sources such as DVD-Audio Player, Super Audio CD
Player and Satellite Receivers.

••

• Precision Parts

••

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

••

Low Distortion

•

••

Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.002%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.

••

• Moving Magnet Phono Input

••

There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet
Cartridges.

••

• Remote Control

••

The C45 includes a Remote Control that allows remote op­eration of the Front Panel Controls and Push-buttons.

••

• 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 and Volume Levels. The Setup Mode Selections
and Adjustments are also displayed. The display intensity is
fully adjustable.

••

• Electromagnetic 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
C45 can be matched in level, so that there are no abrupt
changes in volume levels between the different Inputs. 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. Two of the Power Control Outputs
may be assigned to activate when a given Input is selected.

••

• Optional External Keypad Sensor Input

••

There are provisions for connecting External Keypad and/or
Sensors, which allows for enjoyment of your McIntosh Sys­tem from other room(s) in your home.

••

• Subwoofer Output

••

The C45 Audio Control Center provides a subwoofer output
from the two channel and six channel inputs.

••

• Special Power Supply

••

Fully regulated Power Supply with shielded power trans­former ensures stable noise free operation even if the power
line should vary.

••

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

••

The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the
combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers
and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides even
Front Panel Illumination, together with the extra long life
LEDs.

••

• Glass Front Panel

••

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel en­sures the pristine beauty of the C45 will be retained for
many years.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your C45. There is additional information on
the next page pertaining to installing the C45 into cabinets.

Front View of the C45

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

"

5-

3/8

"

6"

13.69cm

15.24cm

Rear View of the C45

Side View of the C45

5/8

"

1.59cm

17"

43.18cm

13-

1/4

33.65cm

15-

7/8

40.32cm

14

-1/2

36.83cm

4-

5/8

"

11.75cm

"

"

"

3/16

"

0.48cm

4-

13/16

12.22cm

"

13/16

"

2.06cm

6

11

-1/2

"

29.21cm

1"

2.54cm

Installation

The C45 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 C45 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 C45 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 C45. Cool
operation en­sures the long­est possible op­erating life for
any electronic
instrument. Do
not install the
C45 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

C45 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

C45 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

C45 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Support
Shelf

1"

2.54cm

3/4

1.91cm

"

Installation

operation. Allow at least 2 inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on
each side of the Audio Control Center, so that airflow is not
obstructed. Allow 17 inches (43.18cm) 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

4-

7/8

"

12.38cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Chassis

2"

5.08cm

11

-1/2

29.21cm

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

10

-5/8

26.99cm

"

14"

35.56cm

"

Spacers

15-

1/16

38.26cm

"

7

Rear Panel Connections

Balanced Main
OUTPUTS contain
the program signals
for all six channels

Unbalanced Main
OUTPUTS contain
the program signals
for all six channels

Unbalanced 6 CHANNEL
INPUT Number 2 for signals
coming from a six channel
component source

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

Unbalanced 6 CHANNEL
INPUT Number 1 for signals
coming from a six channel
component source

Connect the power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to in­formation on the
back panel of the
C45 to determine
the correct voltage

External KEYPAD
or Sensor Jack per­mits the con­nection of a McIn­tosh Keypad or IR
Sensor for remote
operation

8

IR INPUT for
connecting an
IR Receiver

POWER CONTROL and Trigger Outputs send
Turn-On signals to other components connected
to the C45. The MAIN Jacks send the signal
when the C45 is switched On. The ACC POWER
CONTROL sends a turn On/Off signal to other
components using the Remote Control or
preselected in Setup. The SETUP Feature in the
C45 allows the MAIN(A) and ACC(B) Power
Control Jacks to be re-assigned to Switch On
when the desired Input Source is selected.

VCR and TAPE
Record Outputs
contain the sig­nals for making
a recording

DATA PORTs send signals
to compatible source compo­nents to allow remote con­trol operation

BALANCED
INPUTS for a
two channel
component
source

Ground
connection
for turntables

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

How to Connect for Power Control

How to Connect for Power Control

The three Power Control Jacks have default settings as ex­plained on page 8. The hookup example below utilizes the
default settings. If you wish to use any one of the two as­signable Power Control Outputs as a dedicated Trigger in­stead, connect that Component Source Unit’s Power Control
Input to the desired Trigger Output MAIN(A) or ACC(B).
The default setting in the C45 Setup needs to be changed to
match the new Power Control Connection.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the C45 POWER CON­TROL MAIN(A) Jack to the Power Control In on the
McIntosh CD Player.

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 DVD-Audio Player.

3. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh
DVD-Audio Player Power Control Out Jack to the
Power Control Jack on the McIntosh Power Control.

Note: The McIntosh Power Control provides AC Power

Switching to components that do not have Power
Control Connections.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the C45 POWER CON­TROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control In Jack on the
McIntosh Power Amplifier.

McIntosh DVD-Audio Player

McIntosh Power Amplifier

McIntosh
Power Control

9

How to Connect for Data Control and Remote Operation

How to Connect for Data Control and Remote
Operation

Data Control Connections facilitate the ability to remotely
operate McIntosh Source Components using the supplied
C45 Audio Control Center Remote Control. By adding a
McIntosh Remote Control Translator/Repeater to the C45,
non McIntosh Source Devices such as a Tape Deck can be
remotely controlled using a McIntosh Remote Control and
Keypad/Sensor.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the C45 DVD DATA
PORT Jack to the DATA IN Jack on the McIntosh
DVD-Audio Player.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the C45 TUNER DATA
PORT Jack to the DATA IN Jack on the McIntosh
Tuner.

McIntosh CD Player

3. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the C45
TAPE DATA PORT Jack to the Number 1 DATA IN
Jack on the McIntosh Remote Control Translator/Re­peater. Connect the Emitter Eye plug end to the McIn­tosh Remote Control Translator/Repeater EMITTER
Jack and attach the Emitter Eye over the IR Sensor
Window on the Tape Deck.

4. Optionally, connect a cable from the KEYPAD Jack to
a Keypad.

Note: A Wall Mounted IR Sensor may also be used in

place of the Keypad.

McIntosh DVD-Audio Player

10

McIntosh Keypad

McIntosh Remote Control Translator/Repeater

IR Sensor
Eye

Tape Deck

Emitter Eye

How to Connect for Two Channel Operation

The C45 Audio Control Center has assignable Inputs. Be­fore the Balanced and Phono Inputs can be used, they must
be first selected in the Setup Mode, refer pages 15, 17 and

18.

1. Connect Audio Cables from the McIntosh C45 RF and
LF Balanced OUTPUTS to the McIntosh Power Ampli­fier Balanced INPUTS.

Note: The unbalanced RF and LF Audio OUTPUTS and

unbalanced Power Amplifier Inputs may be used
instead of the Balanced Connections.

2. Connect Audio Cables from the McIntosh CD Player
Balanced Audio Outputs to the C45 R and L BAL­ANCED INPUTS.

How to Connect for Two Channel Operation

Note: The unbalanced Audio Outputs and CD2 INPUTS

may be used instead of the Balanced Connections.

3. Connect Audio Cables from a McIntosh DVD-Audio
Player 2CH Outputs to the C45 DVD INPUTS.

4. Connect an Audio Cable from a Turntable to the C45
PH/AUX INPUTS and the Turntable Ground Connec­tion to the GND grounding post.

5. Connect an Audio Cable from the C45 TAPE OUT­PUTS to the Record Inputs of a Tape Recorder and
from the C45 TAPE INPUTS to a Tape Recorder Out­puts.

6. Connect the C45 Power Cord to a live AC outlet.

McIntosh CD Player

McIntosh DVD-Audio Player

McIntosh Power Amplifier

in

Tape Deck

Turntable

out

11