Mcintosh C49 User Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] 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	Customer Service

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: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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]
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions.............................................................		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
Firmware Version......................................................	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

Ground

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 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 Decibels and “dB” is the abbreviation.

6.The McIntosh C49 is factory configured for immediate 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.

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 1	PIN 2
PIN 2 PIN 1
PIN 3		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-

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

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.

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 Receivers to the C49.

Data

Signal

N/C

Data

Ground

IR Data

Control

N/C

Ground

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	PIN 1	(male connector)
(DB9-pin2)		PIN 5
Data Out
(DB9-pin3)
Ground	PIN 6	PIN 9
(DB9-pin5)

3

Introduction and Performance Features

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 quality.

• 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® ) improves the sound localization for Headphone Listening. HXDTM 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.

• 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.

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Dimensions

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

			5-3/8"	6"
			13.7cm
	USB	25%		15.2cm
		DSD256

Side View of the C49

16-1/2"

41.9cm

14-1/2"

36.8cm

Rear View of the C49

17-1/8"

43.5cm

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

13/16"

10-9/16"

2"

4-5/8"

2.1cm

26.8cm

5.1cm

11.8cm

1-15/16"

4.9cm

13 -1/4"

33.7cm

5

Installation

Installation

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 airflow 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.

C49 Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

17-3/16"
43.7cm
		4-7/8"
USB	25%	12.4cm
DSD256

Cabinet Front Panel

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet

Front

Panel

C49 Side View

in Custom Cabinet

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Support

2-1/4"

Chassis

Shelf

Spacers

5.7cm

9-1/8"

C49 Bottom View

23.2cm

15"

in Custom Cabinet

Cutout

15"

38.1cm

38.1cm

Opening

for

Ventilation

1-1/16"

12-5/16"

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally 2.7cm

31.3cm

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

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 Cartridge, 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 activate 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	Press to Power the Preamplifier ON
	is sent and when programming the remote control	Use to select tuner presets, direct ac-
	Select the DEVICE to issue a remote
		cess an AM/FM Station Frequency,
	control command to	disc tracks or any numbered operation
	SETUP Push-button is used as a	Press to Power the Preamplifier OFF
	“Shift Key” to select a function
	with blue color nomenclature	Direct access to stored Tuner PRESETS when
	Selects AM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output	used with the numeric Push-buttons (0 thru 9)
	1 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and	Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output
	Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players	2 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and
	Press the Trim Push-button and then the	Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players
	LEVEL UP Push-button to select and adjust	Use p and q to tune Up or Down the AM/FM
	various functions. MENU is used with Mc-	Dial, use u and t for the next or previous HD
	Intosh Models displaying choices on a video	Radio Program (were applicable)
	screen	EXIT the TRIM Menu and is used with McIntosh
	Activates the TRIM Mode. GUIDE is
		Models displaying information or choices on a video
	used with McIntosh Models displaying
		screen
	instructions on a video screen
	Press the Trim Push-button and then the	Used to SELECT/Enter the indicated choice
	LEVEL DOWN Push-button to select and
	adjust various functions. INFO is used with	Press to change broadcast bands on a
	McIntosh Models displaying information on
		connected Tuner. Select certain functions
	a video screen
		on a variety of McIntosh Models
	Scrolls through the available INPUTS
	Mutes the audio	Adjusts the VOLume level up or down
	Selects transport functions of STOP,	Selects Next Tuner Station PRESET
	PLAY/PAUSE, RECORD, BACK for
	the previous-selection, FAST-RE-
	VERSE, FAST-FORWARD and NEXT	Tuner scans Up the dial to
	for the next selection
		SEEK the next Station

Selects Previous Tuner Station PRESET
Tuner scans Down the dial
to SEEK the next Station	Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified
	above are for use with other McIntosh Products.

10