McIntosh C-46 Owners manual

C46 Audio Control Center

Owner’s Manual

C46

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.

General:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all 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.
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. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

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

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.

Installation:

9. The equipment shall be installed near the AC Socket
Outlet and the disconnect device shall be easily acces­sible.

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

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

12. Do not use this equipment near water.

13. 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.

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

Connection:

15. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.

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

17. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.

2

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.

18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte­gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.

19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.

Care of Equipment:

20. Clean only with a dry cloth.

21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.

22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet when
left unused for a long period of time.

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh C46 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

Repair of Equipment:

23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Ser­vicing is required when the equipment 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 equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re­ferred to qualified service personnel.

25. 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.

26. 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.

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 2002  by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Table of Contents

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

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

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

Table of Contents and 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 a Second Room ................................ 11

Front Panel Features

Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-buttons,

and Switches .................................................................... 12

Setup

How to Operate the Setup Mode ...................................... 13

Default Settings ................................................................ 13

Display Brightness ........................................................... 13

Re-Title Inputs ................................................................. 14

Input Trim Level .............................................................. 14

Auto Tone......................................................................... 15

Remote Control Selection ................................................ 15

Firmware Version ............................................................. 15

Operation

Remote Control Push-buttons .......................................... 16

How to Operate by Remote Control ................................. 17

How to Operate the C46 .................................................. 18

Notes ................................................................................ 21

Additional Information

Specifications and Performance Chart ............................. 22

Packing Instruction .......................................................... 23

malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal
operations.

4. Up to four Sensors can be wired in parallel for Remote
Control of the C46 from other rooms.

5. 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.

6. A McIntosh Power Controller may be added to the C46 to
provide AC Power Switching to components that do not
have Power Control Connections. See your McIntosh
Dealer for additional information.

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

8. The Number 1 Input of the C46 allows for connection of
either a High Level Source (such as a second Tuner) or a
Low Level Source (such as a turntable with a moving
magnet cartridge). The slide switch located between the
AUX and PHono Jacks on the Rear Panel determines which
Inputs Jacks become active. The Default Title for the
Number 1 Input that appears on the Front Panel
Alphanumeric Display is AUX. If the Number 1 Input switch
is set to the PHono, the Title may be changed by going into
the Setup Mode and renaming the Input. Refer to page 14.

Connector Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the C46. Refer to the diagram
for connection:

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

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Important Information

1. Connecting Cable is 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.

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

3. The Main AC Power going to the C46 and any other
McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the
system components are connected together. When the C46
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

4

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The C46’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.

Positive

N/C

Ground

Data Port Connector

The C46’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.

Data Signal

N/C

Ground

Introduction

The new McIntosh C46 Audio Control Center offers a
highly refined combination of useful operating features with
totally transparent electronic performance. For example you
can take advantage of the eight-band equalizer to achieve
the finest possible reproduction of digital source music as
well as valuable music from earlier recording technology.
Combine a C46 with a McIntosh Power Amplifier and you
will enjoy a system of unparalleled performance.

Performance Features

••

• Balanced Inputs and Outputs

••

One balanced high level Input 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.

Introduction and Performance Features

••

•

Record Monitor Function

••

There is a Record Monitor Function for checking the
progress of a recording from any of the eight inputs.

••

• Title Reassignment

••

Any of the eight Inputs can have their Input Title reassigned
to match the sources in the system.

••

• Two Signal Processor Loops

••

Separate front panel switched Signal Processor Loops are
provided for the listen and record circuits.

••

• 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.

••

• Variable Rate Volume and Balance Control Selection

••

The C46 Control Center’s Volume and Balance Control Cir­cuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.

••

• Eight Tone Controls with Assignable Bypass

••

The Tone Controls provide 12dB of boost or cut at center
frequencies of 20, 35, 70, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 4000Hz.
When a Tone Control is in the center or flat position, all
Tone Circuit Components are 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.

••

• Electromagnetic Input Switching

••

Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable,
noiseless, distortion free switching.

••

• Input Level Trim Adjustment

••

All eight Inputs on the C46 can be matched in level, so there
are no abrupt changes in volume levels between the different
Inputs.

••

• Moving Magnet Phono Input

••

There is a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving Magnet
Cartridges.

••

• Remote Control

••

The C46 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 allow 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.

••

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

••

The Illumination of the Front Panel Nomenclature 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
extremely long life LEDs.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your C46. There is additional information on
the next page pertaining to installing the C46 into cabinets.

Front View of the C46

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

"

5 -

3/8

"

6"

13.69cm

15.24cm

Rear View of the C46

Side View of the C46

5/8

"

1.59cm

17"

43.18cm

13 -

1/4

33.65cm

18-

3/8

46.67cm

"

"

17"

43.18cm

4 -

5/8

11.75cm

3/16

0.48cm

"

"

4-

13/16

"

12.22cm

13/16

"

2.06cm

6

14"

35.56cm

1"

2.54cm

Installation

The C46 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 C46 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 C46 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 C46. Cool
operation en­sures the longest
possible operat­ing life for any
electronic instru­ment. Do not
install the C46
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 inches
(5.08cm) above
the top, 2 inches
(5.08cm) below

C46 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

C46 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

C46 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Support
Shelf

17/32

1.35cm

"

Installation

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

1

"

2.54cm

14"

35.56cm

14"

35.56cm

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

Spacers

15-

1/16

38.26cm

"

7

Rear Panel Connections

Connect the
power cord to a
live AC outlet.
Refer to informa­tion on the back
panel of the C46
to determine the
correct voltage

POWER CONTROL
ACC Output sends a
turn-on trigger to a
McIntosh Source
Unit when the C46 is
switched On

POWER CONTROL
MAIN Output sends
a turn-on trigger to a
McIntosh Power Am­plifier when the C46
is switched On

POWER CONTROL 1
and 2 Outputs send
turn-on triggers to a
McIntosh Power Am­plifier when the C46
Front Panel Output 1
and/or 2 is On

DATA PORTs send
control signals to
compatible source
components allowing
remote operation thru
the C46 System

MAIN Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
Listen program
signals at all times

1 and 2 Balanced OUT­PUTS contain Listen
signals and turn On/Off
with the front panel
OUTPUTS Push-but­tons

CD balanced INPUTS ac­cept high level program
source signals

Gound connection
for turntables

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

Main Fuse holder,
refer to informa­tion on the back
panel of the C46
to determine the
correct fuse size
and rating

8

LISTEN
PROCESSOR
FROM and TO
allows an external
signal processor to
be connected for
use in the Listen
Mode

LISTEN OUTPUTS
MAIN contain Listen
Program Signals at all
times, OUTPUTS 1 and
2 contain Program Sig­nals and switch On/Off
with the Front Panel
OUTPUTS Push-buttons

RECORD
PROCESSOR FROM
and TO allows an ex­ternal signal proces­sor to be connected
for use in the Record
Mode

TAPE and VCR
OUTPUTS contain
record out signals

AUX accepts high level
program source signals,
PH accepts signals from a
Moving Magnet phono
cartridge, and the small
slide switch selects which
one of these two inputs is
active when either Front
Panel LISTEN or
RECORD Switch is set to
PHONO or AUX

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