McIntosh C48 Owners Manual

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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www mcintoshlabs.com

C48

Audio Preamplifier

Owner’s Manual

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.

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

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

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.

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

12.Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manu-

facturer, or sold with the appa-

ratus. 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-

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.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or back. No user-serviceable parts inside.

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.

18.Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

19.Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh C48 Audio 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: 607-723-3512

Fax: 607-724-0549

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: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions......................................................		2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment......................		3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service..............		3
Table of Contents........................................................		3
General Information...................................................		4
Connector and Cable Information..............................		4
Introduction................................................................		5
Performance Features.................................................		5
Dimensions.................................................................		6
Installation..................................................................		7
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections...............................................		8
(Separate Sheet)...................................................		Mc2B
Connecting Components.............................................		9
Connection Diagrams
(Separate Sheets)...................	Mc1A, Mc1B and Mc2A
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons...................................		10
How to use the Remote Control.................................		11

Front Panel:
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons
and Jack.....................................................................	12
Setup:
How to Operate the Setup Mode...............................	13
Default Settings.........................................................	13
Firmware Version......................................................	13
Source Inputs Reassignment.....................................	13
Input Level Adjustment.............................................	14
Power Mode...............................................................	15
Display Brightness.....................................................	15
Passthru.....................................................................	15
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2.................................	16
Comm Port Baud Rate...............................................	16
Remote Control Codes..............................................	17
Operation:
How to Operate the C48............................................	18
Trim Functions.....................................................	18-20
Equalizer Bypass.......................................................	21
Equalizer Controls.....................................................	22
Passthru.....................................................................	22
Optical and Digital Inputs.........................................	23
USB Input Operation with a Computer.....................	23
Reset of Microprocessors..........................................	23
Resetting the C48 to default settings.........................	23
Additional Information:
Photos...................................................................	24-25
Specifications............................................................	26
Packing Instruction...................................................	27

Power Control

Meter Illumination Control Ground

Output 1&2, Trig 1&2

and Pass-Thru

Data

Signal

General Information and Connector Information

General Information

1.For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the C48 Audio Preamplifier.

2.The Main AC Power going to the C48 and any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the system components are connected together. Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal operations. When the C48 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.

3.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.

4.The C48 internal Digital to Analog Converter Circuitry is designed to decode 2-channel PCM

(Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signal present at the Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs. Other Digital Audio Signal Format Types will cause the Audio Outputs of the C48 to be muted and the Front Panel Information Display will indicate an error message.

5.The Remote Control Supplied with the C48 Preamplifier is capable of operating other components. For additional information go to www.mcintoshlabs.com.

6.When discarding the unit, comply with local rules or regulations. Batteries should never be

thrown away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance with the local regulations concerning battery disposal.

7.For additional information on the C48 and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input and Output Connectors on the C48. Refer to the diagrams for connections:

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

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The C48 Power Control Out, Trigger and Pass-Thru Output Jacks send Power On/

Off Signals (+12 volt/0 volt)

when connected to other McIntosh Components. An additional connection is for controlling the illumination of

the Power Output Meters on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A

1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is used for connection to the Power Control, Trigger and Pass-Thru Outputs on the C48.

Note: The Power Control, Trigger, Pass-Thru and Data Connecting Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department:

Power Control, Trigger, Pass-Thru and Data Cable Part No. 170-202

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

Data Port Connectors

The C48 Data Out Ports send Remote Control Signals to Source Components. A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is

used for connection.

N/C

Data Ground

Introduction and Performance Features

Introduction

The McIntosh C48 Audio Preamplifier is one of the finest Preamplifiers ever created. The versatile Preamplifier provides connections for various input sources both analog and digital. The C48 Outputs have the ability to drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The C48 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

• Electromagnetic Input Switching with Level Trim

Adjustment

Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. All eight Inputs on the C48 can be matched in level, so there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between the different Inputs.

•Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs

The C48 contains two different precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits. One for low output Moving Coil Phono Cartridges with selectable resistance loading, the other is for Moving Magnet Cartridges with selectable capacitive loading. Both circuits use the latest designs to provide the lowest possible noise and distortion. The RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry utilizes close tolerance resistors and capacitors for an extremely flat frequency response.

•Digital Audio Inputs

The C48 has Coaxial, Optical and USB Digital Inputs to Decode PCM Signals from an external source. The C48 Up Samples the Digital Signal to 192kHz with 32Bit resolution before the Digital to Analog process begins. The USB Input sends basic commands (e.g.

Play/Pause, Next, Back, etc.) to the computer by using the C48 Remote Control.

• Balanced Inputs

The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source component using long cable lengths without a loss in sound quality.

• 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.

•Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls

The C48 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Control Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control rotation.

•Equalizer Controls with Bypass

The Equalizer Circuitry provides 12dB of boost or cut at five different center frequencies. When an Equalizer Control is in the center position, all Circuit Components are removed from the Signal Path. The C48 remembers the Equalizer Circuitry Bypass Option for each input.

• Pass-Thru Mode

The Automatic Pass-Thru Mode allows the C48 to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for DVDAudio, SACD and Home Theater Movies.

• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display

The Front Panel Information Display indicates the Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.

•Remote Control with External Sensor Input

The Remote Control provides control of the C48 operating functions and McIntosh Source Components connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from another room in your home by connecting an external sensor.

•Power Control Output and Trigger Assignment

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

•Special Power Supply

Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

•Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

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

•Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis

Finish

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the C48 will be retained for many years.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your C48. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the C48 into cabinets.

Front View of the C48

17-1/2"

44.45cm

5-3/8" 6"

13.69cm 15.24cm

Side View of the C48

16-1/2"

41.91cm

14-1/2"

36.83cm

Rear View of the C48

17-1/8"

43.50cm

13/16"

10-9/16"

4-5/8"

2.06cm

26.83cm

11.75cm

1-15/16"

4.92cm

13 -1/4"

33.66cm

3/16" 4-13/16" 0.48cm 12.22cm

5.08cm

Installation

The C48 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 C48 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 C48 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 C48. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the C48 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 the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each side of the Preamplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.66cm) 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.

C48 Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

17-3/16"

43.66cm

4-7/8"

12.38cm

Cabinet Front Panel

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet

Front

Panel

C48 Side View

in Custom Cabinet

Cutout Opening for Ventila ion

Support

2-1/4"

Chassis

Shelf

Spacers

5.72cm

9-1/8"

C48 Bottom View

23.18cm

15"

in Custom Cabinet

Cutout

15"

38.10cm

Opening

for

Ventilation

1-1/16"

12-5/16"

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally 2.70cm

31.27cm

on the unit. For purposes of clarity, the above illustration is not drawn to scale.

Rear Panel Connections

The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the C48 Audio Preamplifier is located on a separate folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet.

Refer to separate sheet “Mc2B” for the Rear Panel Connections.

C48 Audio Preamplifer Rear Panel

Connecting Components

The C48 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off to Source Components via the Power Control connections. The Data Port Connections allow for the remote operation of basic functions using the C48 Remote Control. With an external sensor connected to the C48, remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and/or when the C48 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.

The connection instructions below, together with the C48 Input/Output/Control Connection Diagrams located on the separate folded sheets “Mc1A/1B and Mc2A”, are an example of a typical audio system.

Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional information refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4.

Note: Source components may be connected to the C48 Balanced Inputs or Digital Inputs instead of Unbalanced Inputs. Refer to Setup “Reassigning Inputs” to activate them on page 13.

Power Control Connections:

1.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 POWER CONTROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control In on the Turntable.

2.Connect a Control Cable from the Turntable Power Control Out Jack to the SACD/CD Player Power Control In Jack.

3.Connect a Control Cable from the SACD/CD Player Power Control Out Jack to the Tuner Power Control In Jack.

4.Connect a Control Cable from the Tuner Power Control Out Jack to the Music Server Power Control In Jack.

5.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 POWER CONTROL OUTPUT 1 Jack to the Power Amplifier Power Control In Jack.

Note: If two Power Amplifiers are used, connect the Power Control Output of the first Amplifier to the Power Control Input on the second Amplifier.

6.Optionally connect a Control Cable from the C48 POWER CONTROL OUTPUT 2 Jack to the

Power Amplifier (Secondary Room) Power Control

In Jack.

7.Connect any additional Components in a similar manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 4.

Data Control Connections:

8.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 TUNER DATA PORTS Jack to the TUNER Data In Jack.

9.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 CD DATA PORT Jack to the SACD/CD Player Data In Jack.

10.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 SRVR DATA PORT Jack to the Music Server Data In Jack.

11.Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a

similar manner, as outlined in steps 8 thru 10.

Sensor Connection:

12.Connect a Control Cable from the C48 IR Input Connector to the external Sensor.

Audio Connections:

13.Connect an Audio Cable from the C48 TUNER

INPUT Jacks to the Tuner (Fixed) Output Jacks.

14.Connect an Audio Cable from the C48 CD IN-

PUT Jacks to the SACD/CD Player (Fixed) Output

Jacks.

15.Connect an Audio Cable from the C48 SRVR INPUT Jacks to the Music Server Output Jacks.

16.Connect an Audio Cable from the C48 RECORD OUTPUT Jacks to the Music Server Input 3 Jacks.

17.Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turntable to the C48 MC PHONO INPUT Jacks.

Note: If the Turntable has a Moving Magnet Cartridge connect the audio cables to the C48 MM PHONO INPUT instead of the MC Input.

18.Connect Balanced Cables from the C48 BALanced OUTPUT 1 connectors to the Power Amplifiers

Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.

19.Optionally Connect an Audio Cable from the C48 BALanced OUTPUT 2 connectors to the Power

Amplifier (Secondary) Inputs.

20.Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a similar manner, as outlined in steps 14 thru 18.

Optional “PassThru” Connections:

21.Connect Balanced Cables from the A/V Control Center Front Left and Right Channel Balanced Output connectors to the BALanced 2 Input connectors.

Note: Refer to Setup “PassThru” on page 15 to activate the BALanced 2 Input.

22.Connect a Control Cable from the C48

PASSTHRU to A/V Control Center Zone ZA Power Control Output.

Optional USB Connection:

23.Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B) connectors from the C48 USB D/A Input to an available USB connector.

Ground Connections:

24.Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable to the C48 GND Binding Post.

AC Power Cords Connections:

25.Connect the C48 and any remaining components’ AC Power Cords to a live AC outlet as illustrated.

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