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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www mcintoshlabs.com
C52
Audio Preamplifier
Owner’s Manual
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The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle,
ATTENTION:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of suf-
cient 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
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. RE-
FER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
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.
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
ampliers) 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 third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t 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 specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. 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 qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus 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 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 lled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
Ne pas exposer cet appareil à des éclaboussures ou
gouttelettes d’un liquide. Aucun objet remplie de
liquide comme par exemple un vase ne doit être placé
sur l’appareil.
16. If this equipment is supplied with a power supply cord
only, the mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this
equipment from the a.c. mains remove the plug from
the a.c. receptacle.
Si l’équipement est uniquement alimenté par un cordon
d’alimentation, la che du cordon d’alimentation doit
demeurer aisément accessible. Pour déconnecter
complètement l’équipement du réseau d’alimentation,
déconnecter la che du cordon d’alimentation de la
prise murale.
17. If this equipment is supplied with AC /DC Adapter with
separate power supply cord or the AC/DC Adapter
plugging directly into an a.c. receptacle, they shall
remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this
equipment from the a.c. mains remove the AC /DC
Adapter mains power supply cord from the a.c. receptacle or remove the AC /DC Adapter when it is directly
plugged into the a.c. receptacle.
Si l’équipement est alimenté par un adaptateur AC/DC
munis d’un cordon d’alimentation ou un adaptateur
AC/DC qui est alimenté directement à la prise murale, ils doivent demeurer aisément accessibles. Pour
déconnecter complètement l’équipement du réseau
d’alimentation, déconnecter l’adaptateur AC/DC de la
prise murale ou déconnecter le cordon d’alimentation
de l’adaptateur AC/DC de la prise murale.
18. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to
excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.
AVERTISSEMENT: Les batteries ou bloc de batteries
ne doivent pas etre exposees a une chaleur excessive
telle que celle du soleil, feu ou autre source de chaleur
similaire.
19. CAUTION: danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent
type.
ATTENTION: danger d’explosion si la pile n’est pas
remplacée correctement. Ne remplacer que par le même
type ou un type équivalent.
20. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains
socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
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Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh C52 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, Connecting Components . 8-9
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 rm w a re Ve r sion ...................................................... 13
Input Settings ............................................................ 13
Rename Input ............................................................ 14
Output Settings ......................................................... 15
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2 ................................ 16
Data Ports .................................................................. 16
Passthru ..................................................................... 17
Comm Port Baud Rate .............................................. 16
Remote Control Codes .............................................. 17
IR Sensor, Power Mode and Factory Reset .............. 18
Operation:
How to Operate the C52 ............................................20
Trim Functions ..................................................... 20-22
Mute, Equalizer and Equalizer Controls .................. 23
Outputs 1&2, Trim, Output Meters and Passthru ..... 23
Headphone Jack and How to make a Recording ....... 24
Optical and Digital Inputs ......................................... 25
USB Input and Installing Software ...................... 25-26
USB Music Playback................................................. 25
Reset of Microprocessors .......................................... 24
Additional Information:
Photos ................................................................... 24 -25
Specifications ............................................................ 26
Packing Instruction ................................................... 27
Copyright 2015 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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General Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the C52 Audio Preamplifier.
2. The Main AC Power going to the C52 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 opera-
tions. When the C52 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 C52 internal Digital to Analog Converter
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 DIN and USB Audio Inputs are for
PCM and DSD Digital Signals. Other Digital Audio
Signal Format Types will cause the Audio Outputs
of the C52 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 C52 is factory configured for imme-
diate use. It can also be customized to complement
the components making up your system. Refer to
the C52 “Setup Mode” starting on page 13 for additional information.
General Information and Connector Information
7. The Remote Control Supplied with the C52
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 C52.
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 C52 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 C52. 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 C52 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 C52.
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 C52 Data Out Ports send Re-
mote 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
Receivers to the C52.
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
(DB9-pin2)
Data Out
(DB9-pin3)
Ground
(DB9-pin5)
(male connector)
PIN 1
PIN 6
PIN 5
PIN 9
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Introduction
The McIntosh C52 Audio Preamplifier is one of the
finest Preamplifiers ever created with connections for
both analog and digital sources. The C52 Outputs have
the ability to drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The
C52 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso-
lutely 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 C52 has two precision Phono Preamplifier Cir-
cuits, 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 qual it 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 C52 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Control
Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control
rotation.
• Equalizer Controls
The eight Front Panel Equalizer Controls provide
12dB of boost or cut at their center frequencies. The
C52 remembers the Equalizer Circuitry ON/OFF Setting for each input.
®
• HXD
for Headphones
The C52 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 C52 to
become part of a Home Theater Multichannel Sound
System.
• Remote Control with External Sensor Input
The Remote Control provides control of the C52
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.
• LED Front Panel Illumination
The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom-
plished by multiple extra long life Light Emitting
Diodes (LEDs) arranged with a special orientation.
• 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 C52 will be
retained for many years.
HXD® is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your C52. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the C52 into cabinets.
Front View of the C52
17-1/2"
44.5cm
Dimensions
Rear View of the C52
17-1/8"
43.5cm
7-1/8"
18.1cm
6-3/8"
16.2cm
7-5/8"
19.4cm
13/16"
2.1cm
1-15/16"
4.9cm
Side View of the C52
16-1/2"
41.9cm
14-1/2"
36.8cm
10-9/16"
26.8cm
3/16"
0.5cm
2"
5.1cm
6-9/16"
16.7cm
13 -1/4"
33.7cm
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Installation
The C52 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 C52 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 C52
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 C52.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
C52 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.
C52 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
C52 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
C52 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Support
Shelf
17-3/16"
43.66cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
2-1/4"
5.72cm
9-1/8"
23.18cm
Cutout
Opening
Ventilation
15"
38.10cm
for
Installation
6-5/8"
16.84cm
Chassis
Spacers
15"
38.10cm
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.
1-1/16"
2.70cm
12-5/16"
31.27cm
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Rear Panel Connections
The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the
C52 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.
C52 Audio Preamplifer Rear Panel
Connecting Components
The C52 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
C52 Remote Control HR085. With an external sensor
connected to the C52, remote control operation of the
system is possible from another room and/or when the
C52 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
The connection instructions below, together with
the C52 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.
Notes: 1. The C52 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 C52 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 Trans-
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Rear Panel Connections and Connecting Components
port Power Control Out Jack to the Tuner Power
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 C52 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 C52
OUTPUT 1 and/or 2 is selected by the Front
Panel or Remote Control Push-buttons.
7. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the C52
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 C52 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 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 C52 CD DATA
PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD Transport Data In
Jack.
11. Connect a Control Cable from the C52 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 C52 IR Input
Connector to the external Sensor. For additional
information, refer to “General Information” note 8
on page 4.
Audio Connections:
14. Connect an Audio Cable from the C52 UNBALANCED INPUT 1 (Tuner) Jacks to the Tuner
Unbalanced Output Jacks.
15. Using the “DIN Cable-Twisted Pair” cable (sup-
plied with a MCT Transport) from the C52 MCT
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT connector to the SACD/
CD Transport DIN Output connector.
16. Connect an XLR Audio Cable from the C52 BALANCED INPUT 1 connectors to the Media Bridge
Balanced Output connectors.
17. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the C52
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT COAXIAL 1 Jack to
the Digital Audio Player Digital Coax Output Jack.
18. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turn-
table to the C52 MC PHONO INPUT Jacks.
Note: If the Turntable has a Moving Magnet Car-
tridge, connect the audio cables to the C52
MM PHONO INPUT instead of the MC Input.
19. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C52 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
C52 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 C52 BALANCED IN-
PUT 3 connectors.
Note: Refer to Setup “PASSTHRU” on page 17 to acti-
vate the BALANCED 3 Input.
23. Connect a Control Cable from the C52
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 C52 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 C52 PHONO INPUT GND Binding
Post.
AC Power Cord Connections:
26. Connect the C52 to a live AC Outlet using the sup-
plied Power Supply Cord.
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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 amplifier ON
Use to select tuner presets, direct ac-
cess an AM/FM Station Frequency,
disc tracks or any numbered operation
Press to Power the amplifier 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)
Selects either Stereo or Mono MODE of operation.
EXIT 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.
Page 11
How to use the Remote Control
The supplied C52 Remote Control (HR085) is capable
of directly controlling the functions of contemporary
McIntosh Source Components connected to the C52
via the Data Ports.
Notes: 1. If at any time the C52 seems unresponsive to
the HR085 Remote Control Commands, press
the DEVICE Push-button to select
first.
2. For additional information on using the
HR085 Remote Control with the McIntosh
Model, please refer to the “How to Operate”
starting on page 20.
3. For additional information on assigning the
Data Ports, refer to “How to Setup” on page
16.
Trim
Press the TRIM Push-button until the desired Trim
function (Balance, Trim Level, etc.) appears on the
C52 Front Panel Display, then press the LEVEL Up or
Down Push-button to adjust the Trim setting.
Note: Press the TRIM Push-button to recall the last Trim
function selected. For additional information on
using the Trim Functions refer to “How to Operate” page 20.
How to use the HR085 Remote Control
Output Selection
Press the BLUE (Setup) Push-button followed by
the AM (Output 1) or FM (Output 2) Push-button, to
control the Rear Panel Audio OUTPUTS 1, 2 (ON or
OFF) and Power Control TRIG 1 / TRIG 2.
Note: For additional information on assigning the Out-
puts (1 and 2) and Power Control Triggers (1 and
2) refer to page 16.
11
Page 12
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack
INPUT Control used to
select a source for listening
and recording. The control is
also used to enter the TRIM
or SETUP Modes and select
the various functions
Meter indicates the
Left Channel Output
of the Preamplifier
IR Sensor receives
commands from a
Remote Control
EQUALIZER Controls increase or decrease the volume levels at the Center Frequencies of 25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz,
400Hz, 1,000Hz, 2,500Hz and 10,000Hz
Meter indicates the
Right Channel Output
of the Preamplifier
VOLUME Control allows adjustment of the listening level
for both channels. Also used
to change the various TRIM
and SETUP Functions
Connection for low impedance
dynamic headphones, for private
listening
OUTPUT 1 and 2 Push-buttons
with indicators, switch the
Preamplifier Outputs 1 and 2
On or Off
12
INFORMATION DISPLAY indicates
the Sources, Volume, other Audio
Settings, Operational Functions and
Setup Mode Settings
EQUALIZER Push-button with indicator,
when de-activated the audio signal bypasses
the Equalizer Controls
MUTE Push-button mutes
the audio from the Loud-
speakers and Headphones
STANDBY/ON Push-button
with indicator, switches the C52
ON or OFF (Standby) and resets
the microprocessors
Page 13
How to Operate the Setup Mode
S/N: AEG____
Your McIntosh C52 has been factory configured for
default operating settings that will allow immediate
enjoyment of superb audio without the need for further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the
factory default settings, a Setup Feature is provided to
customize the operating settings using the Front Panel
Information Display. Refer to the C52 Front Panel Illustration on the previous page while performing the
following steps.
Note: If the C52 is currently On, proceed to step 2.
1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front
Panel or press the (Power ON) Push-button on
the Remote Control to switch On the C52. The
C52 will go through a brief startup initialization
with the Front Panel Information Display indicating the last used source and volume setting. This is
followed by the volume setting indication starting
at zero and then increasing to the last used volume
setting. Refer to figure 1.
INPUT: BAL 1
15%
Figu re 1
2. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until the
Front Panel Information Display indicates “C52,
V_.__ - S/N: AEG____” (or higher Firmware
version). Refer to figure 2.
C52 V1.00
Figu re 2
3. Rotate the INPUT Control to select the next Setup
Mode Menu item, “SETUP: Inputs, (Hold INPUT). Refer to figure 3. Continue to rotate the
INPUT CONTROL to view the other SETUP
Mode Options.
SETUP: Inputs
(Hold INPUT)
Figu re 3
4. To exit from the SETUP Mode, press and hold in
the INPUT Control and the Front Panel Display
will revert back to its normal display. Refer to
figure 1.
Default Settings
The Default Settings Chart below indicates the Function Name, Default Setting and the Page Number for
additional information.
Default Settings
Function Name Setting Page No.
C52 V_._ _ - _._ 13
INPUTS On / Rename 13
OUTPUTS (1 & 2) Switched 15
TRIGGER 1 Output 1 16
TRIGGER 2 Output 2 16
TRIGGERS (3 thru 4) Main 16
DATA PORTS
(1 thru 6)
PASST HRU OFF 17
RS232 (Rate) 115200 Baud 17
Remote Control Codes Normal 17
IR Sensor Enabled 17
Power Mode Enabled 17
All Data 16
Firmware Version
The C52 functionality is controlled by internal software that is know as Firmware. The Version of the
Firmware in the C52 can be identified at any time by
utilizing the Setup Mode.
Setup
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter
Setup Mode.
2. Referring to the Front Panel Information Displaythe number after the character “V” is the Firmware number. Refer to figure 2.
3. To exit the Setup Mode, press the INPUT Control.
Input Settings
The C52 provides the ability to switch unused IN-
PUTS Off (or back On if they have been previously
switched Off). The default INPUT Names can be
changed to match the name of the component connected to it or any other custom name desired (within
10 Characters).
INPUT SWITCHED ON/OFF:
In the following example, the UNBAL 4 Input will be
switched Off.
Note: When an INPUT is swiched Off, its name will
no longer appear on the Front Panel Information Display when using the INPUT Control
(Front Panel or Remote Control).
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,
(Hold INPUT) appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 3.
3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SET-
UP: _______, On / Rename” appears on the
Display. If necessary rotate the INPUT Control to
select the UNBAL 4 Input. Refer to figure 4.
SETUP: UNBAL 4
On / Rename
Figu re 4
4. To switch the UNBAL 4 Input Off, rotate the
VOLUME Control until the display indicates
13
Page 14
Input Settings, con’t
SETUP: UNBAL 4
SETUP: UNBAL 4, Off”. Refer to figure 5.
Off
Figu re 5
5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
In the following example, the UNBAL 4 Input will be
switched On.
Notes: 1. When an INPUT is swiched ON, its name will
appear on the Front Panel Information Display
when using the INPUT Control (Front Panel or
Remote Control).
6. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2, on page 13.
7. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,
(Hold INPUT) appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 3, on page 13.
8. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SETUP: _______, Off” appears on the Display. If
necessary rotate the INPUT Control to select the
UNBAL 4 Input. Refer to figure 5.
9. To switch the UNBAL 4 Input On, rotate the VOLUME Control until the display indicates SETUP:
UNBAL 4, On / Rename”. Refer to figure 4 on
page 13.
10. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
RENAME INPUT:
In the following example, the BALANCED 1 (BAL
1) Input will be renamed to match up with the component connected (refer to page 9, step 15).
The C52 Default Input Names (UNBAL 1, BAL 1,
COAX 1, etc.) as indicated on the Front Panel Dis-
play can be customized to a different name up to ten
characters long (TUNER, CD PLAYER, etc.). The
available characters for renaming the input include the
following: ! < > * , / - _ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E
F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z .
In the following example, the BAL 1 Input will be
renamed to “MEDIA BRDG”.
11. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2, on page 13.
12. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,
(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information Dis-
play. Refer to figure 6.
SETUP: Inputs
(Hold INPUT)
Figu re 6
13. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SETUP: BAL 1, On / Rename” appears on the Display.
If necessary rotate the INPUT Control to select the
BAL 1 Input. Refer to figure 7.
SETUP: BAL 1
Figu re 7
14. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “RE-
NAME: BAL 1, >BAL 1 < ” appears on the
Display. The character “B” is flashing to indicate
it is ready to be changed. Refer to figure 8.
RENAME: BAL 1
>BAL 1 <
Figu re 8
15. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change
the character “B” to “M”. Refer to figure 9.
RENAME: BAL 1
>MAL 1 <
Figu re 9
16. Rotate the INPUT Control until the character “A”
is flashing, then rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST)
Control to change the character “A” to “E”. Refer
to figure 10.
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEL 1 <
Fig u re 10
17. Rotate the INPUT Control until the character “L”
is flashing, then rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST)
Control to change the character “L” to “D”. Refer
to figure 11.
RENAME: BAL 1
>MED 1 <
Fi g u re 11
18. Rotate the INPUT Control until the “_” empty
space to the right of character D is flashing, then
rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change
the “_” empty space to character to “I”. Refer to
figure 12.
RENAME: BAL 1
>MED <
Figu re 12
19. Repeat steps 15 thru 18 until the new name of “
RENAME: BAL 1, MEDIA BRDG” is indicated
on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figures 13
thr u 19.
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDI <
Figure 13
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA <
Figure 14
14
Page 15
RENAME: BAL 1
SETUP: OUTPUT 2
SETUP: OUTPUT 2
SETUP: HEADPHONES
Mute Main Output
>MEDIA <
Fig ure 15
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA B <
Figure 16
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BR <
Fig u r e 17
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BRD <
Figure 18
RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BRDG <
Figure 19
20. To save the new name, press and hold in the IN-
PUT Control until “SETUP: MEDIA BRDG , ON
/ Rename” appears on the Front Panel Information
Display. Refer to figure 20.
SETUP: MEDIA BRDG
On / Rename
Figu re 20
21. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
Note: For convenience, an “Input Assignment Chart”
on a separate sheet “Mc5A/5B” has been provided to keep track of changes.
Output Settings
The Output Settings provide the ability to change how
the C52 Output 1, Output 2 and Headphones function.
OUTPUT 1 and 2:
By defaut OUTPUT 1 and 2 are set to go On/Off by
using the Front Panel OUTPUT 1 and 2 push-buttons
or by using the OUTPUT 1 and 2 push-buttons on the
Remote Control. If it is desirable to have OUTPUT 1
and/or 2 always On regardless of the OUTPUT 1 and
2 Push-button settings, perform the following:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Outputs, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 21.
SETUP: Outputs
(Hold INPUT)
Fig u r e 21
3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until
“SETUP: OUTPUT 1, Switched” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 22.
SETUP: OUTPUT 1
Switched
Figu re 22
4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change
from the “Switched” setting to “Unswitched”.
Refer to figure 23.
SETUP: OUTPUT 1
Unswitched
Figu re 23
5. In a similar manner, perform steps 3 and 4 to
change the OUTPUT 2 setting. Refer to figures 24
and 25.
Setup, con’t
Switched
Figu re 24
Unswitched
Figu re 25
The C52 Default Setting for using Headphones is to
automatically mute all the Output Connectors when
the Headphone Cable Plug is inserted into the C52
Front Panel HEADPHONES Jack. There are three
available settings:
Mute All Outputs
Mute Main Output
Mute No Outputs
6. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: HEADPHONES, Mute All Outputs ” appears on the
Information Display. Refer to figure 26.
Mute All Outputs
Figu re 26
7. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change
the current HEADPHONES setting from “Mute
All Outputs” to either “Mute Main Output” or
“Mute No Outputs”. Refer to figures 27 and 28.
SETUP: HEADPHONES
Figu re 27
SETUP: HEADPHONES
Mute No Outputs
Figu re 28
8. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
15
Page 16
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2
SETUP: TRIGGER 2
SETUP: TRIGGER 3
SETUP: TRIGGER 3
Data Ports
By default the Power Control TRIGger 1 and TRIGger
2 are assigned to activate when Output 1 or Output 2
is selected. TRIGger 3 and TRIGger 4 are assigned to
function the same as the MAIN Power Control Jack,
switching On/Off with the C52. All four Triggers can
also be reassigned to a given Input or Inputs.
In the first example, the Power Control Triggers 1
and 2 will be assigned to MAIN:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Triggers, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 29.
SETUP: Triggers
(Hold INPUT)
Figu re 29
3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until
“SETUP: TRIGGER 1, Output 1” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 30.
SETUP: TRIGGER 1
Output 1
Figu re 30
4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
Main from the available additional selections in-
cluding Output 2 or Input. Refer to figure 31.
SETUP: TRIGGER 1
Main
Fig u r e 31
5. In a similar manner, perform steps 3 and 4 to
change the Trigger 2 setting from OUTPUT 2 to
Main. Refer to figure 32 and figure 31.
Output 2
Figure 32
The second example will use selection of Trigger 3 to
activate when the BAL 1 Input is selected:
6. Rotate the INPUT Control to select “SETUP:
TRIGGER 3, Main” appears on the Display.
7. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“SETUP: TRIGGER 3, Input” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 33.
Input
Figure 33
8. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SETUP: TRIGGER 3, Bal 1: OFF” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 34.
SETUP: TRIGGER 3
Bal 1: OFF
Figure 34
9. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“Bal 1: ON”. Refer to figure 35.
Bal 1: ON
Figure 35
10. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
Data Ports Connections between the C52 and a
McIntosh Source Component allows for basic function control of the source component using the C52
supplied HR085 Remote Control. By default, all of
the six Data Ports are set to send the same Data to the
selected source. To dedicate a given Data Port for only
one source component (example, source component
connected to the BAL 1 Input will be assigned to Data
Port 1) perform the following Steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Data
Ports, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 36.
SETUP: Data Ports
(Hold INPUT)
Figu re 36
3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SETUP: DATA PORT 1, All Data” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 37.
SETUP: DATA PORT 1
All Data
Figure 37
4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“BAL 1” Input. Refer to figure 38.
SETUP: DATA PORT 1
BAL 1
Figu re 38
5. In a similar manner, perform steps 3 and 4 to assign any additional Data ports.
6. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
16
Page 17
Setup, con’t
115200 Baud
SETUP: IR Codes
Passthru
When the C52 is part of a Home Theater or Multichannel Audio System the Right and Left Front
Channels from an Audio/Video Processor or Surround
Decoder can “Passthru” the C52 and onto its associ-
ated Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows
selection of the specified C52 Input to be used for the
Right and Left Front Channels. In the example below,
the Right and Left Front Channels from the Audio/
Video Processsor will be connected to the BALanced
3 Input Connectors on the C52. Refer to pages 8 and 9
for additional connection information.
Note: The Phono and Digital Inputs are not assign-
able as a Passthru Input.
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Passth-
ru, Off” appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 39.
SETUP: Passthru
Off
Figure 39
3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“BAL 3” Input. Refer to figure 40.
SETUP: Passthru
BAL 3
Figu re 40
4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
Comm Port Baud Rate
The C52 may be remotely controlled from other equip-
ment connected to the Rear Panel RS232 Jack. The
speed at which the C52 communicates (8 bit, no parity
and 1 stop bit) with other equipment is adjustable
from 9,600 bits per second to 115,200 bits per second.
To change from the default speed of 115,200 bits per
second, perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: RS232,
115200 Baud” appears on the Information Display. Refer to figure 41.
SETUP: RS232
Figure 41
3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
the desired Baud Rate Speed.
4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
Remote Control Codes
The Remote Control included with the C52 utilizes the
NORMAL McIntosh Control Codes. The Second Set
of Control Codes the C52 will respond to is referred
to as the ALTERNATE Codes. The Alternate Codes
are used when the C52 is used in the same location as
another McIntosh Preamplifier and/or A/V Processor.
This will prevent the Remote Control from affecting the operation of both units at the same time. To
activate the Remote Control ALTERNATE Codes
perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: IR
Codes, Normal” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 42.
Normal
Figu re 42
3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to the
Alternate Codes. Refer to figure 43.
Figure 43
4. It is now necessary to change the HR085 Remote
Control over to the Alternate Codes. Information
on the HR085 Remote Control is available for
download from the McIntosh Web Site:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Products/pages/
ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=preamplifiers&Produ
ct Id= C52
5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
17
Page 18
IR Sensor
FACTORY RESET
FACTORY RESET
FACTORY RESET
Power Mode
Factory Reset
The C52 Front Panel Sensor, which receives the signals from the HR085 Remote Control, can be switched
off to prevent interference when an external IR Sensor
is connected. To de-activate the Front Panel IR Sensor
perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Front
IR, Enabled” appears on the Information Display. Refer to figure 44.
SETUP: Front IR
Enabled
Figu re 44
3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
Disabled. Refer to figure 45.
SETUP: Front IR
Disabled
Figure 45
5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.
The C52 incorporates an Auto Off Feature, which
automatically places the preamplifier into the Power
Saving Standby/Off Mode. This occurs approximately
30 minutes after there has been an absence of user activity (includes changes to any of the Operation Func-
tions such as source selection, volume adjustment, etc)
or absence of an audio signal. If it is desirable to disable the Auto Off Feature perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Auto
Off, Enabled” appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 46.
Figu re 46
3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
Disabled. Refer to figure 47.
Figure 47
4. Press the EQ BYPASS/SETUP Push-button to exit
the Setup Mode.
If it becomes desirable to reset all the adjustable set-
tings (Setup and Trim Settings) to the factory default
values, perform the following steps:
1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter the
SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.
2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “FACTORY RE-
SET, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 48.
(Hold INPUT)
Figu re 48
3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “FACTORY RESET, In Progress!” appears on the Information Display, then release the INPUT Control.
Refer to figures 49 and 50.
In Progress!
Figu re 49
Completed!
Figu re 50
4. Press the Front Panel STAND/BY Push-button to
switch the C52 on.
18
Page 19
Notes
19
Page 20
How to Operate the C52
Power On and Off
The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button
lights to indicate the C52 is in Standby mode. To
switch ON the C52, press the STANDBY/ON Pushbutton on the Front Panel or the (Power On)
Push-button on the Remote Control. The C52 will go
through a brief startup initialization with the Front
Panel Information Display indicating the last used
source and volume setting, this is followed by the
volume setting indication starting at zero and then
increasing to the last used volume setting. Refer to
figures 60, 61, 62 and 63. To switch OFF the C52 press
the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front Panel or
the OFF Push-button on the Remote Control.
Note: For an explanation of the Remote Control
Push-button functions, refer to pages 10 and 11.
INPUT: BAL 1
15%
Figure 61
Source Selection
Rotate the INPUT Control to select the desired source
or press the INPUT Upp or Downq Push-button on
INPUT: MC PHONO
30%
Figu re 62
the Remote Control. Refer to figures 60, 62 and 63.
Volume Control
Rotate the Front Panel VOLUME Control or use the
VOLUME Upp or Downq Push-buttons on the Re-
mote Control for the desired listening level. Refer to
figures 60 and 63.
Trim Functions
The C52 has seven different Trim Selections with Adjustments. The Trim Selections include Balance, Input
Trim Level, Mono/Stereo Mode, Equalizer Mode,
Meter Lights, Display Brightness,
Phono Cartridge (MC & MM)
Loading (when the Input is Selected) and when Headphones are
connected HXD Mode. The Trim
Settings are stored in memory
independently for each Input
Source Selected, except the Meter
Illumination and Display Brightness settings of On or Off, which
are the same for all inputs.
Note: Selection and Adjustment of
all Trim Functions may be
performed by pressing the
Front Panel INPUT Trim
Control and then rotating
it to select the desired Trim
Function. Then use the
VOLUME Adjust Control to
change the setting. Remote
Control TRIM Push-Button
together with the LEVEL
UP / Down Push-button
may also be used. Refer to
figures 60 and 63.
20
Figure 60
BALANCE
Listening balance varies with
different program sources, room
acoustics and listening positions
relative to the Loudspeakers. Use
the Balance (Trim Function) as
needed to achieve approximately
equal listening volume levels in
each Loudspeaker. To adjust the
Figure 63
Balance perform the following:
1. Press the TRIM Push-button repeatedly on the
Page 21
How to Operate the C52
¦
INPUT TRIM
EQUALIZER
EQUALIZER
Remote Control until “L BALANCE R” appears
on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to
figure 64.
||
Figu re 64
Note: The Front Panel INPUT Trim and VOLUME
Adjust Controls may also be used.
2. Press the LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on
the Remote Control to emphasize the Right Chan-
nel (refer to figure 65) or the Left Channel (refer to
figure 66).
¦
¦ ¦ ¦
¦ ¦ ¦
Figu re 65
L BALANCE R
¦ ¦ ¦
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
The Front Panel Display indicates the Balance changes
are from 0 to 50dB. After approximately 4 seconds
the Information Display returns to indicate the Source
Selection and Volume Level. To verify the Balance
setting without changing it, use the TRIM Push-button
and select Balance.
TRIM LEVEL
Source Components can have slightly different volume
levels resulting in the need to readjust the C52 Volume
Control when switching between different sources.
The C52 allows the adjustment of levels for each of the
Source Inputs for the same relative volume. To adjust
the Trim Level for the currently selected Input Source
perform the following steps:
¦
Figu re 66
1. Select “INPUT TRIM” as indicated on the Front
Panel Information Display. Refer to figures 60, 63
and 67.
0.0 dB
Figu re 67
2. Adjust the Trim Level of each Input to match the
average volume level of the Input most frequently
listened to. The range of adjustment is ± 6.0dB in
half dB steps. Refer to figures 68 and 69.
INPUT TRIM
-2.5 dB
Figu re 68
INPUT TRIM
+4.0 dB
Figu re 69
After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
MONO/STEREO MODE
By default the Stereo Mode is active for all Input
Sources however, any Input Source may be assigned
to Mono Mode. To change Stereo Mode to Mono for a
given Input Source, perform the following steps:
Note: The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT
Jacks is affected by the Stereo/Mono setting.
1. Select the desired Input Source.
2. Select “MONO / STEREO,
indicated on the Front Panel Information Display.
Refer to figure 70.
3. To select MONO Mode adjust the TRIM LEVEL.
Refer to figure 71.
______
” as
MONO / STEREO
MONO / STEREO
____
After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
EQUALIZER MODE
The built-in eight band Frequency Equalizer provides
more precise adjustment of sound than Bass and
Treble Controls. By default the Equalizer is active for
all Input Sources however, any Input Source may be
assigned to bypass the Equalizer. To bypass the Equal-
izer for a given Input Source, perform the following
steps:
Note: The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT
Jacks is unaffected by the Equalizer settings.
1. Select the desired Input Source.
2. Select “EQUALIZER, On” as indicated on the
Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figure
72.
______
Figu re 70
Figure 71
On
Figu re 72
3. To select “EQUALIZER, Off” adjust the TRIM
LEVEL. Refer to figure 73.
Off
Figu re 73
21
Page 22
How to Operate the C52, con’t
METER LIGHTS
MC PHONO LOAD
MM PHONO LOAD
After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
METER ILLUMINATION
The C52 Front Panel Meter Illumination may be
switched On or Off by performing the following:
1. Select “METER LIGHTS, On” as indicated on the
Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figures
60, 63 (on page 20) and 74.
METER LIGHTS
On
Fig u re 74
2. Switch Off the Meter Illumination. Refer to
figure 75.
Off
Fig u re 75
After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
Notes: 1. Meter Illumination of recent McIntosh Power
Amplifiers will also switch On/Off when connected to the C52 via a power control cable.
2. Some A/V Processors will provide an On/Off
Control Signal when the C52 Passthru Input
Jack is connected to the A/V Processor via
the power control cable.
INFORMATION DISPLAY ILLUMINATION
The Brightness Level of C52 Front Panel Information
Display can be adjusted from bright to dim by performing the following:
1. Select “DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS” as indicated
on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to
figures 60, 63 (on page 20) and 76.
DISPLAY
BRIGHTNESS
Figure 76
2. Reduce the Brightness level by adjusting the
TRIM LEVEL. Refer to figure 77.
DISPLAY
BRIGHTNESS
Figu re 77
After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
PHONO ADJUSTMENTS
When the Phono MC or Phono MM Input is selected
an additional TRIM SELECT FUNCTION becomes
available for adjustment. Perform the following steps
to make the Phono Trim Adjustments:
1. Select either the Phono MM or Phono MC Source
Input.
2. Select “MC PHONO LOAD, 400Ω (ohms)” or
“MM PHONO LOAD, 50pF” as indicated on the
Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figures
78 and 79.
400O
Figu re 78
22
50pF
Figu re 79
3. Set the desired phono cartridge loading value
(Ohms for a Moving Coil Cartridge or Capacitance for a Moving Magnet Cartridge) that comes
closest to the Phono Cartridge Makers recom-
mended value.
Figure 60
Page 23
How to Operate the C52, con’t
After approximately 6 seconds the Alphanumeric
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.
Mute
Press the MUTE Push-button, on the C52 Front Panel
or on the Remote Control, to Mute the Audio in all
outputs (Main, Output 1, Output 2 and Headphones)
except the FIXED OUTPUT. The Front Panel Infor-
mation Display will indicate the Source Name and
the word MUTE in place of the actual volume setting.
Refer to figure 80.
INPUT: BAL 1
MUTE
Figu re 80
Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or
adjusting the volume control (either the Front Panel or
Remote Control) will unmute the C52.
Equalizer
Press the Front Panel EQUALIZER Push-button to
activate the C52 Equalizer Circuitry for the currently
selected Input Source. The LED above the EQUALIZER Push-button will illuminate. To bypass the
Equalizer for the currently selected Input Source press
the EQUALIZER Push-button. The LED above the
EQUALIZER Push-button will extinguished.
Refer to figure 60. The C52 remembers for each selected Input whether the Equalizer Circuitry is active
or bypassed.
Note. The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT
Jacks is unaffected by the Equalizer Circuitry.
Equalizer Controls
The C52 Equalizer has eight Frequency Controls
which will raise or lower by 12dB, the amplitude of
the band of frequencies centered at the frequency
marked above the controls. The center frequencies
of these controls are at 25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz,
400Hz, 1,000Hz, 2,500Hz and 10,000Hz. Both Left
and Right Channels are affected. At the center detent
or flat position of the controls, the tone circuit components are removed from the signal path.
Referring to figure 85 on page 24, the illustration
shows the fundamental frequency range of acoustical musical instruments and the human voice. It also
shows the range of adjustment of frequencies for each
of the Equalizer Controls of the C52 at the +6dB and
-6dB points.
Output 1 and 2
Press the Front Panel OUTPUT 1 or OUTPUT 2
Push-button or use the Remote Control and press the
SETUP/BLUE Push-button followed by the OUTPUT
1 or OUTPUT 2 Push-button, to send audio to separate Power Amplifiers connected to the rear panel
OUTPUT 1 or 2 Jacks. It also activates the POWER
CONTROL TRIGger 1 or 2 Jacks on the rear panel of
the C52. To stop the Audio and Power Control Signals
from going to the separate Power Amplifiers, press the
same Push-button(s) a second time.
Trim
Momentarily press the Front Panel INPUT Control to
activate the C52 Trim Functions. Rotate the INPUT
Control to select the desired Trim Function and then
use the VOLUME (adjust) Control to change the Trim
setting. Refer to figure 60. The Remote Control TRIM
and LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons may also be
used. Approximately 6 seconds after Trim Function
Selection and/or adjustments have stopped, the C52
will switch the Trim Mode Off.
Output Meters
The C52 Output Meters indicate the Output Level in
Decibels (dB) available at the MAIN and OUTPUT 1,
2 and 3 Connectors/Jacks to drive Power Amplifiers.
Refer to figure 81. The Meters are calibrated in dB
(decibels) and respond to all the peaks contained in the
musical information. A meter reading of 0dB indicates
the C52 is delivering its rated output.
Fig u r e 81
Passthru
The C52 will automatically turn On and switch to the
previously setup Passthru Input when the McIntosh
A/V Processor or Multichannel Surround Decoder is
turned-on. The Audio Preamplifier Front Panel Alpha-
numeric Display will indicate “PASSTHRU”. Refer to
figure 82.
Figu re 82
The C52 OUTPUT 1 and 2 along with the EQUALIZER Front Panel Push-buttons are active when in the
Passthru Mode. The other Front Panel Controls and
Push-buttons are deactivated as long as the Passthru
Mode is active.
23
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How to Operate the C52, con’t
STRINGS
KETTLE DRUMS
BRASS
WOODWINDS
SINGING VOICE
HEADPHONES HXD
Headphones Jack
Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the Head-
phones Jack with a 1/4” (0.635cm) stereo phone type
plug for private listening. The default setting is for all
of the Power Amplifier Output Connections (Main, 1,
2, and 3) to automatically mute.
When headphones are connected to the C52 Front
Panel Jack, an additional TRIM function becomes
available. McIntosh’s HXD brings the acoustical
depth and spatiality of music normally heard with
loudspeakers, to your headphones. Momentarily press
the INPUT Control, then rotate it to select “HEAD-
PHONE HXD, Off”. To activate the HXD Mode
rotate the VOLUME Adjust Control until the Front
Panel Display indicates “HEADPHONE HXD, On”.
Refer to figures 83 and 84
Off
Figu re 83
HEADPHONES HXD
On
Note: The Headphone Output is optimized for imped-
ances ranging from 100 to 600 ohms.
How To Make a Recording
1. Select the desired signal source you wish to record
by using the Front Panel INPUT Control or using the INPUT UP / DOWN Push-button on the
Remote Control.
2. Adjust the record level using the recorder level control and proceed with the recording process.
3. Listen to the playback of the program source just
recorded by selecting the Input Source connected to
the recorder component output.
Figu re 84
Fundamental Frequencies of Acoustical Musical Instruments and the Human Voice
SOPRANO
CONTRALTO
TENOR
BARITONE
BASS
PICCOLO
FLUTE
OBOE
ENGLISH HORN
B CLARINET
BASS CLARINET
ALTO SAXOPHONE IN B
BASSOON
CONTRABASSOON
B TRUMPET
FRENCH HORN IN F
TENOR TROMBONE
BASS TROMBONE IN F
TUBA
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
HARP
GUITAR
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS
PIANO
25Hz
50Hz
100Hz
200Hz
400Hz
Figu re 85
1kHz
2.5kHz
10kHz
24
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How to Operate the C52, con’t
Optical and Digital Inputs
When a Digital Input (Optical or Coxial Connection)
on the C52 is selected, the Front Panel Information
Display indicates the sampling frequency when a
signal is present. Refer to figure 86. During the time
there is no Digital Signal present the display will indicate “SILENT”. Refer to figure 87.
Figu re 86
INPUT: COAX 1
30% SILENT
Figu re 87
USB Input Operation and Driver Installation
The C52 USB Input provides the capability to playback music from a computer, when the computer is
connected to the rear panel USB connector.
Note: The USB Input is for direct connection to a com-
puter only. To playback music from an USB Drive,
connect the USB Drive to another USB Port on
the computer and select the USB Drive with the
Media Playback Program.
The C52 USB Input is compatible with PC Com-
puters using Microsoft®, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows
8.1 and Windows 10. It is also compatible with Ap-
ple® Macintosh® Computers using OS-10.6.8 or later.
When using a PC Computer with Windows, a spe-
cial McIntosh USB Audio Software Driver needs to be
installed on the PC Computer. The driver needs to be
installed before connecting the C52 USB Input to the
USB Port on the computer.
Note: If an Apple Macintosh computer is used with the
C52, no additional driver is required.
The McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver is
available for download from the McIntosh Web Site:
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Support/Pages/
Manuals.aspx
Under “PRODUCT CATEGORY” select “Pre-
amplifiers” then under “MODEL NUMBER” select
“C52”. Click on “SEARCH” then select “McIntoshHD USB Audio Windows Drive D v1.0 and download
the PC Windows Driver. Follow the instructions below
to install the McIntosh C52 Driver:
Purpose: To Install the McIntosh
USB Audio Windows Driver for use with
McIntosh Products with an USB-Digital
Audio Input.
Requirements: 1. A PC Computer with a functioning
USB Port.
2. Windows 7 (SP1 or greater),
Windows 8 (8.1) or Windows 10
Operating System.
3. An USB Cable with Type A to
Type B Connectors.
Installing the Software
It is important to first install the downloaded software
on your computer before connecting the McIntosh
Product to the computer. The USB Driver is included
in the downloaded software package.
Note: Before installing this software, please check to see
if the McIntosh Product(s) with the USB-Digital
Audio Input has the latest firmware version, if not
update the firmware first.
1. Unzip the downloaded McIntosh Windows USB
Driver Software Package.
2. Run
“McIntoshHDSwPkg _20150814_v1p9p110p2.
. Refer to figures 90 thru 97.
zip”
Figu re 90
Figu re 92
Figu re 94
Figu re 96
Fig ur e 91
Figu re 93
Figu re 95
Figu re 97
25
Page 26
3. When the Windows Security window appears
check the
Co r p .”
Always trust software from “Savitech
box and then the Install button. When the
software has been installed, it is necessary to reboot the computer. Refer to figure 96.
After rebooting, a McIntosh-HD icon will
appear on the desktop. Refer to figure 98.
USB Connection
Figu re 98
Connect the USB Cable with Type A to Type B connectors between the PC Computer and the McIntosh
Product with the USB-Digital Audio Input. An Icon
will appear On-Screen
indicating Windows has
found new hardware.
Figu re 99
Refer to figure 99.
Upon completion of installing the driver, figure
Fig u re 10 0
100 will appear.
Windows Sound Settings
For proper operation of the McIntosh Product via the
Computer USB Connection, it is required to make
changes to Windows Sound Settings:
1. From the Windows
START button, click on
“CONTROL PANEL”
followed by selecting
“SOUND”. Refer to
figure 101.
2. Referring to figure 102,
first select “McIntoshHD HS USB Audio” and
than click on the “Set
Fig u re 101
Default” button.
Notes: 1. When the McIntosh USB Audio Product is
not connected to
your computer,
the previous
default Audio
Device will be
selected.
2. If other McIntosh Products
with USB Audio
Connections are
also connected
to the computer, an additional “McIntosh
USB Audio” playback device will appear in
the listing. Make sure to select the “McIntosh-HD HS USB Audio” from available
playback devices listed when using this
McIntosh Product for USB Audio.
Fig u re 102
Control Panel Settings
To activate the McIntosh-HD USB Audio Control
Panel Click on the “McIntosh Icon” (located in the
Windows notification area on the right side of the
taskbar) or click on the Windows “Show hidden
icons”, then select the “McIntosh Icon”. Refer to fig-
ures 103 and 104.
Notes: 1. It is not necessary for the McIntosh-HD USB
Audio Control Panel to be running, unless it is
desired to make changes to the default settings.
2. The McIntosh-HD USB Audio Control Panel
displays the current Sampling
Rate, Bit-Rate
and Buffer Size
for the music
streaming from
the computer
into the C52.
Figure 103
Fig u re 10 4
26
Page 27
How to Operate the C52, con’t
3. When the Media Stream Program on the computer is set to output in the “ASIO” format, the
McIntosh -HD USB Audio Control Panel allows
for changing the settings parameters on the fly.
USB Music Playback
When the USB Input is selected on the McIntosh
C52, the Front Panel Display indicates the Sampling
Rate (refer to figures 105 and 106 for PCM Signals).
Fig u re 105
Fig u re 10 6
Figures 107 and 108 indicate a Sampling Rate of 128
or 256 times the Sampling Rate of a CD Disc for the
incoming DSD Digital Audio Signal.
age space. The Sample Rate usually should be set
to match the Sample Rate of the music recording
being played back.
There are many third party Applications (besides Ap-
plications like Windows Media Player) for steaming
music from the computer to McIntosh C52 USB Input.
An example of just one of the available applications is
“JRiver Media Center”.
Reset of Microprocessors
In the unlikely event the controls of the C52 stop functioning, the microprocessors can be reset by performing the following:
1. Press and hold in the STANDBY/ON Push-button
until the LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-
button illumination is extinguished. Then release
the STANDBY/ON Push-button.
2. To switch the C52 back On, press the STANDBY/
ON Push-button.
Note: This can be performed with the C52 On or in the
Standby Mode.
Fig u re 107
Fig u re 10 8
The Sampling Rate and the Bit Rate are determined by
the original recording, the Application Output Format
(when available) and the McIntosh-HD Control Panel
Settings.
Note: In general, when the original music is recorded
at a higher Sampling Rate, the result is usually
more detail in the music. However, this higher
rate results in consuming larger amounts of stor-
27
Page 28
28
Page 29
Photos
29
Page 30
Specifications
Specifications
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.003% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Rated Output
2.5V Unbalanced, 5V Balanced (Main)
450mV (Fixed Output)
Maximum Voltage Output
8V RMS Unbalanced, 16V RMS Balanced
Sensitivity (for rated output)
High Level, 450mV Unbalanced, 900mV Balanced
Phono MM, 4.5mV
Phono MC, 0.45mV
Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)
High Level - 100dB (Below rated output)
MM Phono - 82dB (Below 5mV input)
MC Phono - 80dB (Below 0.5mV input)
Equalizer Controls
+15
A
+10
M
P
L
I
T
+ 5
U
D
E
I
0
N
D
E
- 5
C
I
B
E
L
-10
S
-15
20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
Input Impedance
High Level - 22K ohms Unbalanced
44k ohms Balanced
Phono MM - 50 to 800pF, in 50pF steps;
47K ohms
Phono MC - 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 or 1,000 ohms;
100pF
Maximum Input Signal
High Level, 5V Unbalanced, 10V Balanced
Phono MM, 50mV
Phono MC, 5mV
Voltage Gain
High Level to Fixed Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
Phono MM to Record Output: 40dB
Phono MC to Record Output: 60dB
Output Impedance
100 ohms Unbalanced
200 ohms Balanced
Headphone Load Impedance
100 ohms to 600 ohms
Digital Input Sample Rates
Optical: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
Coaxial: PCM -16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
MCT: PCM, SACD, -16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz
USB: PCM - 16Bit, 24Bit, 32Bit - 32kHz to 384kHz
DXD - DX D352.8k Hz, DXD384k Hz
DSD - DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Power Control and Trigger Output
12VDC, 25m A
Power Requirements
Field AC Voltage conversion of the C52 is not possible. The C52 is factory configured for one of the
following AC Voltages:
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 30 watts
Standby Power, less than 0.5 watts
Note: Refer to the rear panel of the C52 for the correct
voltage.
Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 7-5/8 inches (19.37cm) including feet
Depth is 18 inches (45.72cm) including the Front
Panel, Knobs and Cables
Weight
27.5 pounds (12.5 kg) net, 43 pounds (19.5 kg) in shipping carton
Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 27 inches (68.6cm)
Height is 14 inches (35.6cm)
Depth is 25 inches (63.5cm)
30
Page 31
Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as
shown below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment.
This will ensure the proper equipment location on the
bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping
damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts
only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If
a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are
needed, please call or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 3. Please
see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
( )
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033888 Shipping carton only
4 033887 End cap
1 033697 Inside carton only
1 034414 Top pad (foam)
1 034301 Bottom pad
4 017937 Plastic foot
4 400159 #10-32 x 3/4” screw
4 404080 #10-7/16” Flat washer
31
Page 32
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
www.mcintoshlabs.com
The continuous improvement of its products is the
policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who
reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.
McIntosh Part No. 04157801
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