Mcintosh C49 User Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
C49
Audio Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh C49 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 Instr uctions............................................................. 2
(Separate Sheet)..........................Important Additional
................................... Operation Information Guide
Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...................... 2
Technical Assistance and Customer Service ............. 2
Table of Contents ....................................................... 2
General Information .................................................. 3
Connector and Cable Information ............................. 3
Introduction ................................................................ 4
Performance Features ................................................ 4
Dimensions ................................................................ 5
Installation ................................................................. 6
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections, Connecting Components . 7-8
Rear Panel Connections (Separate Sheet) ........... Mc2B
Connecting Components (Separate Sheets) .......Mc1A,
.................................................................Mc1B, Mc2A
Input Assignment Chart (Separate Sheet) ..........Mc5A,
.............................................................................Mc5B
Remote Control:
HR085 Remote Control Push-buttons ...................... 10
How to use the HR085 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
Fi r m w are Ve rsion ...................................................... 13
Input Settings ............................................................ 13
Rename Input ............................................................ 14
Output Settings ......................................................... 15
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2 ................................ 16
Data Ports .................................................................. 16
Passthru ..................................................................... 17
USB Automute .......................................................... 17
Comm Port Baud Rate .............................................. 17
Remote Control Codes, IR Sensor, Power Mode ...... 18
Factory Reset, Reset of the Microprocesors ............. 19
Operation:
How to Operate the C49 ...........................................20
Trim Functions ..................................................... 20-22
Mute, Tone ................................................................ 23
Outputs 1&2, Trim, and Passthru ............................. 23
Headphone Jack and How to make a Recording ....... 24
Optical and Digital Inputs ......................................... 24
USB Input and Installing Software ........................... 25
USB Music Playback................................................. 25
Reset of Microprocessors .....................................26-27
Additional Information:
Specifications ............................................................ 30
Packing Instruction ................................................... 31
Copyright 2019 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2
General Information
Ground
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the C49 Audio Preamplifier.
2. The Main AC Power going to the C49 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 C49 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 C49 internal Digital Circuitry is designed to
decode 2-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)
and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Digital Signals.
The Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs are
for PCM Digital Signals. The Digital MCT and
USB Audio Inputs are for PCM and DSD Digital
Signals. Other Digital Audio Signal Format Types
will cause the Audio Outputs of the C49 to be
muted and the Front Panel Information Display will
indicate an error message.
5. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Deci-
bels and “dB” is the abbreviation.
6. The McIntosh C49 is factory configured for imme-
diate use. It can also be customized to complement
the components making up your system. Refer to
the C49 “Setup Mode” starting on page 13 for additional information.
General Information and Connector Information
7. The Remote Control Supplied with the C49
Preamplifier is capable of operating other components. For additional information go to www.
mcintoshlabs.com.
8. The IR Input, with a 3.5mm mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two or
more IR sensors need to be connected to the C49.
The signal from a connected External IR Sensor
will have priority over the signal from the Front
Panel IR Sensor.
9. 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.
10. For additional information on the C49 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 C49. Refer to the
diagrams for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
PIN 2 PIN 1
PIN 3
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The C49 Power Control Out, Trigger and PASSTHRU
Output Jacks send Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0
volt) when connected to other McIntosh Components.
An additional connection is for controlling the illumi-
PIN 1
PIN 3
PIN 2
nation of the Power Output Meters
on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection to the Power
Control, Trigger and PASSTHRU
Outputs on the C49.
Main, Triggers 1-4
and PASSTHRU
Power
Control
Meter
Illumination
Control
Ground
Note: The Power Control, Trigger,
PASSTHRU and Data Connecting Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department:
Power Control, Trigger, PASSTHRU and Data
Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plugs on each end.
Data Port Connectors
The C49 Data Out Ports send Remote Control Signals to Source
Components. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for connection.
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
IR IN Port Connectors
The IR IN Port also uses a 3.5mm
stereo mini phone plug and allows
the connection of other brand IR
IR Data
Control
N/C
Receivers to the C49.
RS232 Data Port Cable
The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug to a subminiature DB 9 connector:
DB9
Data In
(DB9-pin2)
Data Out
(DB9-pin3)
Ground
(DB9-pin5)
(male connector)
PIN 1
PIN 6
PIN 5
PIN 9
3
Introduction
The McIntosh C49 Audio Preamplifier is one of the
finest Preamplifiers ever created with connections for
both analog and digital sources. The C49 Outputs have
the ability to drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The
C49 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 Circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches
on all Inputs and operating functions for reliable,
noiseless, distortion free switching. The Analog Inputs
can be matched in level, preventing abrupt changes in
volume levels.
• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs
The C49 has two precision Phono Preamplifier
Circuits, one for Moving Coil Phono Cartridges and
the other for Moving Magnet Cartridges. Both phono
inputs have selectable loading. The circuits use the
latest designs providing the lowest possible noise and
distortion. The close tolerance resistors and capacitors
used in the RIAA Correction Equalization Circuitry
provides an extremely flat frequency response.
• Digital Audio Inputs
The Digital Inputs decode PCM and DSD Signals
from external sources. Coaxial and Optical Inputs
process Digital Signals up to 192kHz with 24-Bit
resolution. The Digital MCT Input Circuitry directly
decodes SACD/CD signals from an external Transport component. The USB Input for streaming audio
processes Digital Signals up to 384kHz with 32Bit
resolution, decodes up to DSD256 Digital Signals and
DXD 24Bit with a sampling rate up to 384kHz.
• Balanced Inputs
The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source
component using long cable lengths without a loss in
sound q ualit y.
• Precision Tracking Volume Control
Volume levels are controlled by a Precision Balanced
Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with an Optical Encoder Rotary Control. This assures a 0.1dB
tracking accuracy between channels. There are 214
individual 0.5dB volume level steps with no noise as
the volume level is changed.
• Variable Rate Volume and Balance Controls
The C49 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Control
Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control
rotation.
• Tone Controls
The Bass and Treble Trim Controls provide up to
12dB of boost or cut. The C49 remembers the Bass
and Treble Setting for each input.
®
• HXD
for Headphones
The C49 Headphone Crossfeed Director Circuitry
® )
(HXD
phone Listening. HXD
improves the sound localization for Head-
TM
restores the directionality
component of the spatial sound stage normally heard
with Loudspeaker listening.
• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display
The Front Panel Information Display indicates the
Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup
Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.
Introduction and Performance Features
• PASSTHRU Mode
The Automatic PASSTHRU Mode allows the C49 to
become part of a Home Theater Multichannel Sound
System.
• Remote Control with External Sensor Input
The Remote Control provides control of the C49
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/Output 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.
• Glass Front Panel with LED Illumination
The famous McIntosh Glass Front Panel is evenly
Illuminated by multiple extra long life Light Emitting
Diodes (LEDs) arranged with a special orientation.
The pristine beauty of the C49 will be retained for
many years.
HXD® is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
4
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your C49. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the C49 into cabinets.
Front View of the C49
17-1/2"
44.4cm
Dimensions
USB 25%
DSD256
Rear View of the C49
17-1/8"
43.5cm
13 -1/4"
33.7cm
5-3/8"
13.7cm
4-5/8"
11.8cm
6"
15.2cm
13/16"
2.1cm
1-15/16"
4.9cm
Side View of the C49
16-1/2"
41.9cm
14-1/2"
36.8cm
10-9/16"
26.8cm
3/16"
0.48cm
5.1cm
4-13/16"
12.22cm
2"
5
Installation
C49 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
Cutout
Opening
for
Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Chassis
Spacers
C49 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
12
-5/16
"
31.3cm
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.
C49 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
15"
38.1cm
9
-1/8
"
23.2cm
2
-1/4
"
5.7cm
15"
38.1cm
1
-1/16
"
2.7cm
17-
3/16
"
43.7cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
Cabinet Front Panel
USB 25%
DSD256
4-
7/8
"
12.4cm
The C49 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 C49 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 C49
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 C49.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
C49 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 (5.1cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm)
on each side of the Preamplifier, so that airf low is not
obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the
front panel. Allow 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) 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.
Installation
6
Rear Panel Connections
The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the
C49 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.
C49 Audio Preamplifer Rear Panel
Connecting Components
The C49 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
C49 Remote Control HR085. With an external sensor
connected to the C49, remote control operation of the
system is possible from another room and/or when the
C49 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
The connection instructions below, together with
the C49 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 3.
Notes: 1. The C49 allows renaming of the Audio Inputs
Names as indicated on the Front Panel Information Display. Example, “UNBAL 1” may be
changed to “TUNER” or your own personal
preference. Refer to Setup “Renaming Input” on
page 14.
2. For convenience, an “Input Assignment Chart”
on a separate sheet “Mc5A/5B” has been provided to keep track of changes.
Power Control Connections:
1. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 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 Digital Audio Player
Trigger In Jack.
3. Connect a Control Cable from the Digital Audio
Player Trigger Out Jack to the SACD Transport
Power Control In Jack.
4. Connect a Control Cable from the SACD Transport Power Control Out Jack to the Tuner Power
7
Rear Panel Connections and Connecting Components
Control In Jack.
5. Connect a Control Cable from the Tuner Power
Control Out Jack to the Media Bridge Pwr Ctrl
(Power Control) In Jack.
6. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 POWER
CONTROL TRIG (Trigger) 1 Jack to the Power
Amplifier Power Control In Jack.
Notes: 1. If two separate Power Amplifiers are used
(Left and Right Channels), connect the Power
Control Output of the first Amplifier to the
Power Control Input on the second Amplifier.
2. By the defaut settings, POWER CONTROL
Triggers 1 and 2 will be active when the C49
OUTPUT 1 and/or 2 is selected by the Front
Panel or Remote Control Push-buttons.
7. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the C49
POWER CONTROL TRIG (Trigger) 2 Jack to
the Power Amplifier (Secondary Room) Power
Control In Jack.
8. Connect any additional Components in a similar
manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 5.
Data Control Connections:
9. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 DATA
PORTS 2 Jack to the TUNER Data In Jack.
Note: To have source components (e.g. Tuner) respond
only to their specific “Function Commands”
issued by the Remote Control, it is first necessary to change the Data Ports Default settings
for the “Tuner” Input. Refer to Setup “Data Port
Assignment”on page 16.
10. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 CD DATA
PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD Transport Data In
Jack.
11. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 DATA
PORT 1 Jack to the Media Bridge Data In Jack.
12. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 9 thru 11.
Sensor Connection:
13. Connect a Control Cable from the C49 IR Input
Connector to the external Sensor. For additional
information, refer to “General Information” note 8
on page 3.
Audio Connections:
14. Connect an Audio Cable from the C49 UNBALANCED INPUT 1 (Tuner) Jacks to the Tuner
Unbalanced Output Jacks.
15. Using the “DIN Cable-Twisted Pair” cable (supplied with a MCT Transport) from the C49 MCT
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT connector to the SACD/
CD Transport DIN Output connector.
16. Connect an XLR Audio Cable from the C49 BALANCED INPUT 1 connectors to the Media Bridge
Balanced Output connectors.
17. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the C49
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT COAXIAL Jack to the
Digital Audio Player Digital Coax Output Jack.
18. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turntable to the C49 MC PHONO INPUT Jacks.
Note: If the Turntable has a Moving Magnet Car-
tridge, connect the audio cables to the C49
MM PHONO INPUT instead of the MC Input.
19. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C49 BALanced OUTPUT 1 connectors (Left and Right) to
the Power Amplifiers (Primary Room) Balanced
(Left and Right) Inputs.
20. Optionally, connect XLR Audio Cables from the
C49 BALanced OUTPUT 2 connectors (Left and
Right) to the Power Amplifier (Secondary Room)
Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.
21. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 14 thru 20.
Optional “PassThru” Connections:
22. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the A/V Processor, Front Channels (Left and Right) Balanced
Output connectors to the C49 BALANCED INPUT 2 connectors.
Note: Refer to Setup “PASSTHRU” on page 17 to acti-
vate the BALANCED 2 Input.
23. Connect a Control Cable from the C49
PASSTHRU Jack to A/V Processor Power Control
Zone ZA Jack.
Optional USB Connection:
24. Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B)
connectors from the C49 USB DIGITAL AUDIO
INPUT connector to an available USB connector
on the computer.
Ground Connections:
25. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable to the C49 PHONO INPUT GND Binding
Post.
AC Power Cord Connections:
26. Connect the C49 to a live AC Outlet using the supplied Power Supply Cord.
8
9
HR085 Remote Control Push-Buttons
LEDs illuminate during the time a remote command
is sent and when programming the remote control
Select the DEVICE to issue a remote
control command to
SETUP Push-button is used as a
“Shift Key” to select a function
with blue color nomenclature
Selects AM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output
1 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and
Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players
Press the Trim Push-button and then the
LEVEL UP Push-button to select and adjust
various functions. MENU is used with McIntosh Models displaying choices on a video
screen
Activates the TRIM Mode. GUIDE is
used with McIntosh Models displaying
instructions on a video screen
Press the Trim Push-button and then the
LEVEL DOWN Push-button to select and
adjust various functions. INFO is used with
McIntosh Models displaying information on
a video screen
Scrolls through the available INPUTS
Mutes the audio
Press to Power the Preamplifier ON
Use to select tuner presets, direct access an AM/FM Station Frequency,
disc tracks or any numbered operation
Press to Power the Preamplifier OFF
Direct access to stored Tuner PRESETS when
used with the numeric Push-buttons (0 thru 9)
Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output
2 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and
Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players
Use p and q to tune Up or Down the AM/FM
Dial, use u and t for the next or previous HD
Radio Program (were applicable)
EXIT the TRIM Menu and is used with McIntosh
Models displaying information or choices on a video
screen
Used to SELECT/Enter the indicated choice
Press to change broadcast bands on a
connected Tuner. Select certain functions
on a variety of McIntosh Models
Adjusts the VOLume level up or down
10
Selects transport functions of STOP,
PLAY/PAUSE, RECORD, BACK for
the previous-selection, FAST-REVERSE, FAST-FORWARD and NEXT
for the next selection
Selects Previous Tuner Station PRESET
Tuner scans Down the dial
to SEEK the next Station
Selects Next Tuner Station PRESET
Tuner scans Up the dial to
SEEK the next Station
Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified
above are for use with other McIntosh Products.
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