McIntosh C-46 Brochure

C46
Audio Control
Center

“ Trust McIntosh to create

an elegant combination

of audio purity and flexible control”

With eight source input selections, one of them a balanced input, all fully
assignable and programmable, plus separate processor loops for both
listen and record sections and enough outputs, both balanced and
unbalanced, to drive multiple amplifiers, the C46 Preamplifier is a control
center that can easily coordinate even the most complex audio system.

Sonic integrity is enhanced through use of digital logic controlled
electromagnetic switches which provide the most reliable, lowest
distortion signal switching in existence. Master volume control is
accomplished through an ultra-precision digitally controlled attenuator,
enhanced with Variable Rate Volume circuitry and adjusted through an
optical rotary encoder that results in resolution and tracking accuracy
within 0.5 dB. The exclusive McIntosh equalization circuitry allows
“

tailoring” the sonic performance over 8 frequency bands and a separate
programmable bypass control totally eliminates the equalizer from the
signal path when not in use.

Behind McIntosh’s signature black glass front panel, LED-driven Fiber
Optic Light Diffuser Panels provide all illumination - reducing heat and
power consumption and increasing the lighting’s life span many times
over that of ordinary light bulbs.

Programmable Balanced Input
Eight Programmable Source Selections
One Main and Two Switched Outputs
Logic Driven Electromagnetic Switching
Fiber-Optic Light Diffuser Illumination
Exclusive McIntosh Eight Frequency

Equalizer Circuit
Input Level Matching
Separate Listen and Record Input Selection
Dual Programmable Processor Loops
Precision Digitally Controlled

Volume Attenuator
Blue 16 Character VF Display
Gold Plated Connectors
Precision Resistors and Capacitors
Wide Dynamic Range
Remote Power Control
Data Output Ports
Front Panel Headphone Jack

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903-2699

Tel [phone] • US Toll-Free [phone] • Fax: [phone]• www.mcintoshlabs.com

For the Consumer’s Protection: In order to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, “new” McIntosh
products may only be purchased over-the-counter or delivered and installed by an Authorized McIntosh Dealer.
McIntosh products that are purchased over the Internet, by phone or mail order are presumed to be “used” and
do not qualify for any McIntosh Warranty. McIntosh does not warrant, in any way, products that are purchased
from anyone who is not an Authorized Dealer or products that have had their serial number altered or defaced.

C46

Audio Control

Center

Silent Electromagnetic Switching

McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic
Switches, located literally at the

input panel, eliminate the need for

audio signals to travel through any

internal wiring where it would be

subject to noise pickup. The state-

of-the-art switches consist of

ruthenium contacts—the finest

conducting material known—

which are sealed within a glass

tube containing an inert oxygen-

free gas that eliminates all

possibility of contamination and

results in a distortion-free switch

that never needs cleaning. The

glass tube is enclosed within a

multi-layer copper coil, which

provides the means to actuate

the switch and also provides

additional shielding.

The entire assembly is finally
encased in a shock-absorbent
plastic housing for protection.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.25dB

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

0.002% max. from
20Hz to 20kHz

A-WEIGHTED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

Phono: 86dB
High Level: 97dB

RATED OUTPUT VOLTAGE

5 Vrms at balanced outputs

2.5 Vrms at unbalanced outputs

INPUT IMPEDANCE

Phono, MM: 47K ohms, 65pf
High Level: 47K ohms (balanced)

22K ohms (unbalanced)

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

240 ohms (unbalanced)
480 ohms (balanced)

VOLTAGE GAIN

Phono to Tape Out: 40dB
High Level to Tape Out: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB

MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT

10.0 Vrms unbalanced, 20 Vrms
balanced

SENSITIVITY

Phono: 4.5mV for rated output
High Level: 450mV, 900

balanced for rated output

Balanced: 900mV for rated

output

POWER REQUIREMENTS

120V 50/60Hz, 50 watts

DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)

5 3/8" (13.65 cm) x 17 1/2" (44.45
cm) x 19" (48.26 cm)
Panel clearance required in front of
mounting panel is 1 3/4 inches (4.5
cm) for connections

WEIGHT

26 lbs. (11.79kg) net

40.41 lbs. (18.33kg) boxed

C46

Remote

Control

VRV (Variable Rate Volume)

Digitally Controlled Attenuator

The output attenuator controls
volume over 214 steps of .5dB

each with accuracy within .1dB.

The volume vs. rotation rate varies

as preamplifier gain varies and

attenuation changes occur at the

zero crossings of the audio

signal to prevent audible artifacts

during adjustment.

12.02.C46.20k.JCP 35005100