Mcintosh C53 User Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www.mcintoshlabs.com

C53

Audio Preamplifier

Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh C53 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]

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Table of Contents

Safety Instrections .............................................................. 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

Trademark and License 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

Set up:

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

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

Fi rmwa r e Ver sion .............................................................. 13

Input Settings ..................................................................... 13

Rename Input ..................................................................... 14

Output Settings .................................................................. 15

Power Control Triggers 1, 2, 3 and 4 ................................. 16

Data Ports........................................................................... 17

Passthr u .............................................................................. 17

HDMI (ARC) and (CEC) ................................................... 17

Lip Sync Mode (ARC) ....................................................... 18

Digital Gain ....................................................................... 18

Comm Port Baud Rate ....................................................... 19

Remote Control Codes, IR Sensor .................................... 19

Power Mode, Factory Reset, ............................................. 20

Operation:

How to Operate the C53 ....................................................22

Trim Functions..............................................................22-24

Mute, Equalizer Controls and Fundamental

Frequencies of Acoustical Music ..................................24-25

Output 1&2, ...................................................................... 25

Trim, and Passthru Headphone Jack and
How to make a Recording Optical

and Coaxial Inputs ............................................................. 26

USB Input Operation and Driver Installation,
Installing the Software, USB Connection,

Windows Sound Setting ............................................... 27-28

Control Panel Settings, USB Music Playback ................... 28

Reset of Microprocessors ..................................................28

Additional Information:

Specifications................................................................29-30

Packing Instruction ............................................................ 31

Copyright 2019 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2

General Information, Trademark and License Information, and Connector Information

PIN 3

Ground

General Information

1. Refer to pages 7-8 for component(s) connection to
the C53 Preamplifier.

2. Do not apply AC Power to the C53 and other
Component(s) until they are connected to the C53
so operational malfunctioning does not occur.

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 C53 internal Digital to Analog Converter Cir­cuitry is designed to decode PCM, DSD and DTS
Digital Signals. The Coaxial and Optical Digital
Audio Inputs are for PCM Digital Signals, Dolby
Signals and DTS Signals. The C53 also decodes
USB and HDMI (ARC) Digital Signals. Other Digi­tal Audio Signal Format Types will cause the Audio
Outputs of the C53 to be muted and the Front Panel
Information Display will indicate an error message.

5. The Audio Sound is measured in units called Deci­bels and “dB” is the abbreviation.

6. The McIntosh C53 is factory configured for imme­diate use. It can also be customized to complement
the components making up your system. Refer to
the C53 “Setup Mode” starting on page 13 for ad­ditional information.

7. The Remote Control Supplied with the C53 Pream­plifier is capable of operating other components.
For additional information go to www.mcintosh­labs.com.

8. The IR Input 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 C53. The signal from a connected External

IR Sensor will have priority over the signal from
the Front Panel IR Sensor.

9. For additional information on the C53 and other
McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web
Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

Trademark and License Information

The McIntosh C53 incorporates copyright protected
technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other
intellectual property rights. The C53 uses the follow­ing Technologies:

Trademark License Information

ASIO is a trademark and
software of Steinberg Media
Technologies GmbH

Manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby,
Dolby Audio, and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.

For DTS patents, see http://
patents.dts.com. Manufactured
under license from DTS, Inc.
DTS, the Symbol, DTS and
the Symbol together, and
Digital Surround are registered
trademarks and/or trademarks
of DTS, Inc. in the United
States and/or other countries.
DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The terms HDMI, HDMI

High-Denition Multimedia

TM

HIGH-DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE

Interface, and the HDMI Logo
are trademarks or registered
trademarks of HDMI Licensing
Administrator, Inc.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input and Out­put Connector. Refer to the diagrams for connections:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground

PIN 2: + Input/Output
PIN 3: - Input/Output

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The C53 Power Control Out, Trigger and PASSTHRU
Output Jacks send Power On/Off Sig­nals (+12 volt/0 volt) when connected
to other Components. An additional
connection is for controlling McIn­tosh Power Amplifiers Output Meters.
A 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection to the Power Control (Trigger) and
PASSTHRU Output.

Note: The Six Foot Cables are available from the McIn-

tosh Parts Department. Part No. 170-202.

Data Port Connectors

The C53 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
C53.

RS232 Data Port Cable

The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug to a subminiature DB 9 connector:

Data In
(DB9-pin2)

Data Out
(DB9-pin3)

Ground
(DB9-pin5)

PIN 2 PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 1

PIN 6

PIN 1

PIN 2

Main, Triggers 1- 4

an d PA S S T H RU

Power
Control

Meter
Illumination
Control

Data
Signal

N/C

IR Data
Control

N/C

DB9

(male connector)

Ground

Data
Ground

PIN 5

PIN 9

3

Introduction

The McIntosh C53 Audio Preamplifier is one of the
finest Preamplifiers ever created with connections for
both analog and digital sources. The C53 Outputs have
the ability to drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The
C53 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso­lutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of
the Music Itself.”

Signals and DXD 24Bit with a sampling rate up to
384kHz.

• Balanced Inputs
The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source

component using long cable lengths without a loss in
sound q ua lit y.

Introduction and Performance Features

Source Selection, Volume/Balance Levels and Setup
Mode Selections. The display intensity is adjustable.

• PASSTHRU Mode

The Automatic PASSTHRU Mode allows the C53 to
become part of a Home Theater Multichannel Sound
System.

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 C53 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 and HDMI Input for stream­ing audio processes Digital Signals up to 384kHz
with 32Bit resolution, decodes up to DSD256 Digital

• 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 C53 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
C53 remembers the Equalizer Circuitry ON/OFF Set­ting for each input.

®

• HXD

for Headphones

The C53 Headphone Crossfeed Director Circuitry
(HXD® )improves the sound localization for Head­phone Listening. HXD

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

• Remote Control with External Sensor Input

The Remote Control provides control of the C53
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 C53 will be retained for
many years.

HXD® is a registered trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

4

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your C53. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the C53 into cabinets.

Front View of the C53

17-1/2"

44.5cm

Dimensions

USB 35%

DSD256

Rear View of the C53

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 C53

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

5

Installation

The C53 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 C53 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 C53
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 C53.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
C53 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.

C53 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

C53 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

C53 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Support
Shelf

17-3/16"

43.66cm

USB 35%

DSD256

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

1-1/16"

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.

6

2.70cm

12-5/16"

31.27cm

Rear Panel Connections

The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the
C53 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.

C53 Audio Preamplifer Rear Panel

Connecting Components

The C53 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
C53 Remote Control HR085. With an external sensor
connected to the C53, remote control operation of the
system is possible from another room and/or when the
C53 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.

The connection instructions below, together with
the C53 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 C53 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 “Rename 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 C53 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 C53 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 C53
OUTPUT 1 and/or 2 is selected by the Front
Panel or Remote Control Push-buttons.

7. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the C53
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 C53 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 C53 CD DATA
PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD Transport Data In
Jack.

11. Connect a Control Cable from the C53 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 C53 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 C53 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 C53 MCT
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT connector to the SACD/
CD Transport DIN Output connector.

16. Connect an XLR Audio Cable from the C53 BAL­ANCED INPUT 1 connectors to the Media Bridge
Balanced Output connectors.

17. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the C53
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 C53 MC PHONO INPUT Jacks.

Note: If the Turntable has a Moving Magnet Car-

tridge, connect the audio cables to the C53
MM PHONO INPUT instead of the MC Input.

19. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the C53 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
C53 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 C53 BALANCED IN­PUT 2 connectors.

Note: Refer to Setup “PASSTHRU” on page 17 to acti-

vate the BALANCED 2 Input.

23. Connect a Control Cable from the C53
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 C53 USB DIGITAL AUDIO
INPUT connector to an available USB connector
on the computer.

Optional HDMI (ARC) Connection:

25. Connect a HDMI cable with connectors from the
C53 HDMI (ARC) DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT con­nector to an available HDMI (ARC) connector on
the TV/Monitor.

Ground Connections:

26. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turn­table to the C53 PHONO INPUT GND Binding
Post.

AC Power Cord Connections:

27. Connect the C53 to a live AC Outlet using the sup­plied Power Supply Cord.

8

9

HR085 Remote Control Push-Buttons

LEDs illuminate during the time a remote command
is sent and when programming the remote control

Select the DEVICE to issue a remote
control command to

SETUP Push-button is used as a
“Shift Key” to select a function
with blue color nomenclature

Selects AM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output
1 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and
Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players

Press the Trim Push-button and then the
LEVEL UP Push-button to select and adjust
various functions. MENU is used with Mc­Intosh Models displaying choices on a video
screen

Activates the TRIM Mode. GUIDE is
used with McIntosh Models displaying
instructions on a video screen

Press the Trim Push-button and then the
LEVEL DOWN Push-button to select and
adjust various functions. INFO is used with
McIntosh Models displaying information on
a video screen

Scrolls through the available INPUTS

Mutes the audio

Press to Power the Preamplifier ON

Use to select tuner presets, direct ac­cess an AM/FM Station Frequency,
disc tracks or any numbered operation

Press to Power the Preamplifier OFF

Direct access to stored Tuner PRESETS when
used with the numeric Push-buttons (0 thru 9)

Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions, select Output
2 when used with the SETUP/shift Push-button and
Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players

Use p and q to tune Up or Down the AM/FM
Dial, use u and t for the next or previous HD
Radio Program (where applicable)

EXIT the TRIM Menu and is used with McIntosh
Models displaying information or choices on a video
screen

Used to SELECT/Enter the indicated choice

Press to change broadcast bands on a
connected Tuner. Select certain functions
on a variety of McIntosh Models

Adjusts the VOLume level up or down

10

Selects transport functions of STOP,
PLAY/PAUSE, RECORD, BACK for
the previous-selection, FAST-RE­VERSE, FAST-FORWARD and NEXT
for the next selection

Selects Previous Tuner Station PRESET

Tuner scans Down the dial
to SEEK the next Station

Selects Next Tuner Station PRESET

Tuner scans Up the dial to
SEEK the next Station

Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified

above are for use with other McIntosh Products.

How to use the Remote Control

The supplied C53 Remote Control (HR085) is capable
of directly controlling the functions of contemporary
McIntosh Source Components connected to the C53
via the Data Ports.

Notes: 1. If at any time the C53 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 22.

3. For additional information on assigning the
Data Ports, refer to “How to Setup” on page

13.

Trim

Press the TRIM Push-button until the desired Trim
function (Balance, Trim Level, etc.) appears on the
C53 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” pages 22-24.

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

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

USB 35%

DSD256

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 Loud­speakers and Headphones

STANDBY/ON Push-button
with indicator, switches the C53
ON or OFF (Standby) and resets
the microprocessors

How to Operate the Setup Mode

SETUP: Inputs
(Hold INPUT)

S/N: AHH____

DA2 FIRMWARE

Your McIntosh C53 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 C53 Front Panel Il­lustration on the previous page while performing the
following steps.

Note: If the C53 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 C53. The C53
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.

BAL 1 15%

Figu re 1

2. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until the
Front Panel Information Display indicates “C53
V1.00 - S/N: AHH_ _ __” (or higher Firmware
version). Refer to figure 2.

C53 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.

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.

C53 V_._ _ 13

DA2 V_._ _ 13

INPU TS On / Rena me 13-15

OUTPU TS (1 & 2 & Headpho nes) Switched 15

POWER CONTOL TRIG GERS Various Settings 16

DATA PO RTS
(1 thru 4)

PAS STH RU OFF 17

HDMI CE C (Consu mer Elec tron ic Cont rol) Control Command 17

HDMI CE C Power Power On or Of f 17

Lip Synch ronize Mode ( Video a nd Audio) Activate or Deactivate 18

Digita l Gain (for H DMI, O ptica l 1 & Optic al 2) Input Comparison 18

Comm Por t Baud Rate 115200 Baud 18

Remote C ontrol C odes Normal 19

IR Sensor Enabled 19

Power Mode Enabled 19

Factory Reset Default Settings 20

All Dat a 16

Firmware Version

The C53 functionality is controlled by internal soft­ware that is know as Firmware. There are two Firm­ware Identification Numbers for the C53. The first
Firmware Number is for the Main Circuitry of the
C53 and can be identified at any time by utilizing the

Setup

Setup Mode.

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.

To view the second Firmware Number, which is for
the Digital Audio Circuitry of the C53, perform the
following steps:

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to enter
Setup Mode.

4. Rotate the INPUT Control until the Front Panel
Information Display indicates “DA2 Firmware,
V1.00” (or higher Digital Audio Firmware ver­sion). Refer to figure 4.

V1.00

Figu re 4

5. To exit the Setup Mode, press the INPUT Control.

Input Settings

The C53 provides the ability to switch unused IN­PUTS 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 3 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.

13

Input Settings, con’t

SETUP: UNBAL 3

SETUP: Inputs
(Hold INPUT)

SETUP: UNBAL 3
On/Name (Hold INPUT)

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Inputs,
(Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information Dis­play. Refer to figure 3 on page 13.

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SET­UP: UBAL 3, On/Name (Hold INPUT)” appears
on the Display. If necessary rotate the INPUT Con­trol to select the UNBAL 3 Input. Refer to figure 5.

Figu re 5

4. To switch the UNBAL 3 Input Off, rotate the
VOLUME Control Couterclockwise until the dis­play indicates “SETUP: UNBAL 3, Off”. Refer to
figure 6.

Off

Figu re 6

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

In the following example, the UNBAL 3 Input will be
switched On.

Notes: 1. When an INPUT is switched 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: UNBAL 3, Off” appears on the Display. If
necessary rotate the INPUT Control to select the
UNBAL 3 Input. Refer to figure 6.

14

9. To switch the UNBAL 3 Input On, rotate the VOL­UME Control until the display indicates “SETUP:
UNBAL 3, On / Rename”

10. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

R E NA M E IN PU T:
In the following example, the BALANCED 1 (BAL

1) Input will be renamed to match up with the compo-

nent connected (refer to page 8, step 16).
The C53 Default Input Names (UNBAL 1, BAL 1,
COAX 1, etc.) as indicated on the Front Panel Dis­play 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 Dis­play. Refer to figure 7.

Figu re 7

13. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SET­UP: BAL 1, On/Name (Hold INPUT)” appears on
the Display. If necessary rotate the INPUT Control
to select the BAL 1 Input. Refer to figure 8.

SETUP: BAL 1
On/Name (Hold INPUT)

Figu re 8

14. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “RE­NAME: BAL 1, >BAL 1 < ” appears on the

Display. The character “B” is flashing to indicate
it is ready to be changed. Refer to figure 9.

RENAME: BAL 1
>BAL 1 <

Figu re 9

15. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to change
the character “B” to “M”. Refer to figure 10.

RENAME: BAL 1
>MAL 1 <

Fig u r e 10

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 11.

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEL 1 <

Fi g u re 11

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 12.

RENAME: BAL 1
>MED 1 <

Figu re 12

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
figures 13 and 14.

RENAME: BAL 1
>MED <

Figure 13

RENAME: BAL 1

SETUP: Outputs

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

SETUP: OUTPUT 2

SETUP: HEADPHONES

>MEDI <

Figu re 14

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 thru

20.

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA <

Fig ure 15

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA <

Figu re 16

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA B <

Fig u re 17

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BR <

Figu re 18

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BRD <

Figure 19

RENAME: BAL 1
>MEDIA BRDG <

Figu re 20

20. To save the new name, press and hold in the IN­PUT Control until “SETUP: MEDIA BRDG , ON
/ Name (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Front Panel
Information Display. Refer to figure 21.

SETUP: MEDIA BRDG
On/Name (Hold INPUT)

Fig ure 21

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 C53 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.

(Hold INPUT)

Fig ure 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

Setup, con’t

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.

Switched

Figu re 24

Unswitched

Figu re 25

The C53 Default Setting for using Headphones is to
automatically mute all the Output Connectors when
the Headphone Cable Plug is inserted into the C53
Front Panel HEADPHONES Jack. There are two
available settings:
Mute All Outputs
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 “SETUP:
HEADPHONES, Mute No Outputs”. Refer to
f i gu r es 27.

15

SETUP: HEADPHONES

Mute No Outputs

SETUP: Triggers

Figu re 27

8. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

Power Control Triggers

The C53 has four Power Control Triggers Connec­tions. When the C53 Is On, the Triggers are either
activated or deactivated. Trigger 1, 2, 3 and 4 settings
can be set for a variety of selected Inputs and differ­ent Internal Operation Functions. These settings will
control the Operational Power to the components
connected to the various C53 Trigger Output Connec­tors. Perform the following steps to setup the Trigger
Functions:

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 28.

4. Rotate the INPUT Control to return the “SETUP:
TRIGGER 1, Main”.

5. Rotate the VOLUME Control and the Information
Display will now indicate “SETUP: TRIGGER 1,
Output 1”. Refer to figure 30.

SETUP: TRIGGER 1
Output 1

Figu re 30

6. Then rotate the VOLUME Control again and the
Information display will now indicate “SETUP:
TRIGGER 1 , Output 2” followed by “SETUP:
TRIGGER 1 , Input (Hold INPUT)”. Refer to
f i g ur e 31.

SETUP: TRIGGER 1
Input (Hold INPUT)

Fig u re 31

7. Now Press and hold in the INPUT Control again,
“SETUP: TRIGGER 1, BAL 1: OFF” appears on
the Information Display. Refer to figure 32. BAL
1 is one of the C53 Input Sources.

BAL 2, BAL 3, UNBAL 1, UNBAL 2, UNBAL 3,

UNBAL 4, MM PHONO, MC PHONO, COAX 1,
COAX 2, OPTI 1, OPTI 2, USB, MCT, HDMI(ARC).

10. The other TRIGGERs can be selected by first
returning to “SETUP: TRIGGER 1 , Input (Hold
INPUT)”, refer to figure 31. Then rotate the IN­PUT Control to select TRIGGER 2, TRIGGER 3
or TRIGGER 4.

11. Then repeat steps 8 and 9 to select the desired the
desired inputs for TRIGGER 2, TRIGGER 3 or
TRIGGER 4.

(Hold INPUT)

Figu re 28

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control, “SETUP:
TRIGGER 1, Main” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 29.

SETUP: TRIGGER 1
Main

Figu re 29

Rotating the INPUT Control allows selection of
“SETUP: TRIGGER 2, Main”, “SETUP: TRIG­GER 3, Main” or “SETUP: TRIGGER 4, Main”.

16

SETUP: TRIGGER 1
BAL 1: OFF

Figure 32

8. To active the “BAL 1” Source, rotate the VOL­UME Control so the Information Display indicates
“SETUP: TRIGGER 1, BAL 1: ON”. Refer to
figu re 33.

SETUP: TRIGGER 1
BAL 1: ON

Figure 33

9. The other inputs that can be assigned for TRIG­GER 1 include the following:

SETUP: Data Ports

Setup, con’t

SETUP: Passthru

SETUP: Passthru

Data Ports

Data Ports Connections between the C53 and a Mc­Intosh Source Component allow for basic function
control of the source component using the C53 sup­plied HR085 Remote Control. By default, all of the
four 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 34.

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 34

3. Press and hold in the INPUT Control until “SET­UP: DATA PORT 1, All Data” appears on the
Display. Refer to figure 35.

Passthru

When the C53 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 C53 and onto its associ­ated Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows
selection of the specified C53 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
2 Input Connectors on the C53. Refer to pages 7 and 8
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: Passth­ru, OFF” appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 37.

OFF

Figure 37

HDMI (ARC) and (CEC)

The C53 HDMI Input Connector has (ARC) Audio
Return Channel Circuitry, allowing the Audio Selec­tion and Control Command of HDMI TV/Monitor De­vices. To deactivate the Consumer Electronics Control
(CEC) of the HDMI Devices connected to TV/Monitor
HDMI inputs, perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to change
the SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: HDMI
CEC, ON” which is the default setting, appears
on the Information Display. Refer to figure 41.

Figu r e 41

3. To deactivate the Consumer Electronics Control
(CEC) of the HDMI Devices connected to the TV/
Monitor, rotate the VOLUME Control until “SET­UP: HDMI CEC, OFF” appears on the Informa­tion Display. Refer to figure 42.

SETUP: DATA PORT 1
All Data

Figure 35

4. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“BAL 1” Input. Refer to figure 36.

SETUP: DATA PORT 1
BAL 1

Figu re 36

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.

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“BAL 2” Input. Refer to figure 38.

BAL 2

Figu re 38

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

Figu re 42

To prevent the (CEC) Circuitry from switching AC
Power Off to the C53, change the C53 “SETUP:
HDMI CEC PWR, ON” to “SETUP: HDMI CEC
PWR, OFF”. Refer to figures 43 and 44:

Figure 43

Figu re 44

17

SETUP: Digital Gain

SETUP: HDMI Gain

SETUP: HDMI Gain

SETUP: HDMI Gain

SETUP: OPTI 1 Gain

SETUP: OPTI 1 Gain

SETUP: OPTI 2 Gain

SETUP: Digital Gain

Lip Sync Mode (ARC)

Digital Gain

The C53 HDMI Input Connector (ARC) Audio Return
Channel Circuitry, also has another control function.
When listening and viewing a TV/Monitor HDMI In­put Signal, the ARC circuitry provides a synchronized
Video and Audio TV/Monitor Signal. To switch Off
the AUTO Synchronised Video and Audio TV/Moni­tor Signal, perform the following steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to change
the SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Lip
Sync Mode, Auto” which is the default setting,
appears on the Information Display. Refer to
figure 45.

Figure 45

3. To deactivate the (CEC) Consumer Electronics
Control of the Lip Sync Mode, rotate the VOL­UME Control until “SETUP: Lip Sync Mode,
Manual” appears on the Information Display.
Refer to figure 46.

Figure 46

The C53 offer Digital Gain Adjustments for the
HDMI, OPTICAL 1 (OPT1) and OPTICAL 2 (OPT2)
Inputs. The change in gain of a specific Digital Input,
will produce a change in playback volume of the mu­sic. To change the gain for the HDMI Input perform
the following steps:

1. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to change
the SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.

2. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Digital
Gain (Hold INPUT)” which is the default set­ting, appears on the Information Display. Refer to
f i gu r e 47.

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 47

3. Press the INPUT Control to first select the HDMI
Digital Gain Setting of which the default is +15
dB with 1dB Gain Steps. Refer to figure 48.

+15 dB

Figu re 48

4. The gain can be reduced by rotating the Volume
Control counterclockwise to reduce the gain
downway from +15 dB all the way to 0dB. Refer
to figures 49 & 50.

The OPT1 and OPT2 Inputs adjustments operate dif­ferently then how the past HDMI Digtal Gain adjust­ment operates. Perform the following steps:

5. Press and hold in the INPUT Control to change
the SETUP MODE. Refer to figure 2 on page 13.

6. Rotate the INPUT Control until “SETUP: Digital
Gain (Hold INPUT)” which is the default set­ting, appears on the Information Display. Refer to
f i gu r e 47.

(Hold INPUT)

Figure 47

7. Press the INPUT Control and then rotate the IN­PUT Control Clockwise to select the OPTI 1 0 dB
Gain or OPTI 2 0 dB and the gain is adjustable
with 1dB Gain steps. Refer to figure 51. 0 dB is
the default setting for the Optical 1 and Optical 2.

0 dB

Fig ure 51

8. The gain can for OPTI 1 or OPTI 2 Inputs can be
increased by rotating Volume Control clockwise
to increase the gain from 0 dB with an increase
all the way up to +15 dB from 0 dB. Refer to
figures 52 & 53.

18

+ 8dB

Figu re 49

0dB

Figure 50

+ 15 dB

Figure 52

+ 8 dB

Figure 53

SETUP: Front IR

SETUP: Front IR

SETUP: IR Codes

SETUP: RS232

Setup, con’t

Comm Port Baud Rate

The C53 may be remotely controlled from other equip­ment connected to the Rear Panel RS232 Jack. The
speed at which the C53 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 54.

115200 Baud

Figu re 54

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 C53 utilizes the
NORMAL McIntosh Control Codes. The Second Set
of Control Codes the C53 will respond to is referred
to as the ALTERNATE Codes. The Alternate Codes
are used when the C53 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 48.

Normal

Figu re 48

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to the
Alternate Codes. Refer to figure 49.

IR Sensor

The C53 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 50.

Enabled

Figure 50

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“Disabled”. Refer to figure 51.

Disabled

Fig ure 51

4. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

Figu re 49

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= C53

5. Exit the SETUP Mode by several presses of the
INPUT Control.

19

FACTORY RESET

FACTORY RESET

FACTORY RESET

Setup, con’t

Power Mode

The C53 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 Func­tions 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 52.

Figure 52

3. Rotate the VOLUME (ADJUST) Control to select
“Disabled”. Refer to figure 53.

Factory Reset

If it becomes desirable to reset all the adjustable set­tings (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 RE­SET, (Hold INPUT)” appears on the Information
Display. Refer to figure 54.

(Hold INPUT)

Figu re 54

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 55 and 56.

In Progress!

Fig u re 55

Figure 53

20

Completed!

Figu re 56

4. Press the Front Panel STAND/BY Push-button to
switch the C53 on.

21

How to Operate the C53

Power On and Off

The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button
lights to indicate the C53 is in Standby mode. To
switch ON the C53, press the STANDBY/ON Push­button on the Front Panel or the (Power - Green)
Push-button on the Remote Control. The C53 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 C53 press
the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front Panel
or the (Power - Red) OFF Push-button on the Remote
Control.

Note: For an explanation of the Remote Control

Push-button functions, refer to pages 10 and 11.

BAL 1 15%

Figure 61

USB 35%

Source Selection

Rotate the INPUT Control to select the desired source
or press the INPUT Upp or Downq Push-button on
the Remote Control. Refer to figures 60, 62 and 63.

MC PHONO 37%
200Ω

Figu re 62

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 C53 has nine different Trim Selections with Ad­justments. The Trim Selections include Balance, Input
Trim Level, Equalizer Mode, Mono/Stereo Mode,
Amplifier Meter Lights, Display Brightness, Phono
Cartridge (MC & MM) Loading (when the Input is

DSD256

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 / LEVEL DN
Push-button may also be used.
Refer to figures 60 and 63.

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
Balance perform the following:

1. Press the TRIM Push-button
repeatedly on the Remote Con-

Figure 63

22

Figure 60

||

Figu re 64

How to Operate the C53

INPUT TRIM

INPUT TRIM

L BALANCE R

INPUT TRIM

PHONO RESISTANCE

PHONO CAPACITANCE

trol until “L BALANCE R” appears on the Front
Panel Information Display. Refer to figure 64.

Note: The Front Panel INPUT Trim and VOLUME Adjust

Controls may also be used.

Figu re 65

¦¦¦

¦¦¦¦¦

Figu re 66

2. Press the LEVEL UP / DOWN Push-buttons on
the Remote Control to emphasize the Right Chan­nel (refer to figure 65) or the Left Channel (refer to
figure 66).

The Front Panel Display indicates the Balance changes
are from 0 to 50 dB. 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 C53 Volume
Control when switching between different sources.
The C53 allows the adjustment of levels for each of the
Source Inputs for the same relative volume. To adjust

0.0 dB

Figu re 67

the Trim Level for the currently selected Input Source
perform the following steps:

1. Select “INPUT TRIM, 0.0 dB” as indicated on the

-2.5 dB

Figu re 68

+4.0 dB

Figu re 69

Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figures
60, 63 and 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 ± 6.0 dB in
half dB steps. Refer to figures 68 and 69.

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 standard Bass
and Treble Controls. By default, the Equalizer is Off
for all Input Sources and the Equalizer Circuitry is by­passed. Any Input Source may be assigned to have the
Equalizer On when selected. To activate the Equalizer
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, Off” as indicated on
the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to
figure 70.

Figu re 70

3. Set the EQUALIZER On for the desired Input by
using the Front Panel Volume Control or the Re­mote Control Push-buttons. Refer to figure 71.

Figure 71

After approximately 5 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.

PHONO ADJUSTMENTS
First select the Phono MC or Phono MM Input for the
type of Phono Cartridge installed on the Turntable
currently used. Then press and rotate the INPUT Con­trol to display the active type of load setting for the
Phono Cartridge Selected. Refer to figures 72 (Mov­ing Coil Cartridge) or 73 (Moving Magnet Cartridge).

100O

Figu re 72

50 pF

Figu re 73

Then rotate the VOLUME Control to adjust the Phono
Cartridge load value. After approximately 6 seconds,
the Alphanumeric 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
the Mono Mode of operation. To change Stereo Mode
to Mono for a given Input Source, perform the same

23

How to Operate the C53, con’t

METER LIGHTS

METER LIGHTS
Off

BRIGHTNESS

BRIGHTNESS

MONO / STEREO

MONO / STEREO

______

type of steps by using the Front Panel Controls or the
Remote Control Pushbuttons as done for EQUAL­IZER Settings:

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 74.

Fig u r e 74

3. To select MONO Mode adjust the TRIM LEVEL.
Refer to figure 75.

____

After approximately 6 seconds the Information

Fig u re 75

______

” as

Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.

METER ILLUMINATION
The Meter Illumination of McIntosh Power Ampli­fiers, when connected to the C53 (refer to pages 7-8),
may be switched On or Off by performing the same
type of operational steps for adjusting the EQUAL­IZER and MODE Selection:

1. Select “METER LIGHTS, On” as indicated on the
Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figure

76.

On

Figure 76

2. Switch Off the Meter Illumination by using the
Front Panel INPUT/VOLUME Controls or Remote
Control Push-buttons. Refer to figure 77.

Figu re 77

After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.

INFOR M ATION DISPLAY ILLUM I NATION
The Brightness Level of the C53 Front Panel Infor­mation Display can be adjusted from bright to dim
by performing the same type of operational steps for
adjusting the EQUALIZER, MODE, etc:

1. Select “DISPLAY, BRIGHTNESS” as indicated
on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer to
figure 78.

DISPLAY

Figu re 78

2. Reduce the Brightness level by adjusting the
TRIM LEVEL. Refer to figure 79.

24

USB 35%

DSD256

Figure 60

DISPLAY

Figu re 79

After approximately 6 seconds the Information
Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and
Volume Level.

Mute

Press the MUTE Push-button, on the C53 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-

How to Operate the C53, con’t

STRINGS

KETTLE DRUMS

BRASS

WOODWINDS

SINGING VOICE

mation Display will indicate the Source Name and
the word MUTE in place of the actual volume setting.

Figu re 80

Refer to figure 80.

Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or
adjusting the Volume Control (either the Front Panel
or Remote Control) will unmute the C53.

Equalizer Controls

The C53 Equalizer has eight Frequency Controls
which will raise or lower by 12 dB, 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.

The illustration to the right 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 C53 at the +6 dB and -6 dB points.

Note. The audio signal present at the FIXED OUT

Jacks is unaffected by the Equalizer Circuitry.

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

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

1kHz

2.5kHz

10kHz

25

How to Operate the C53, con’t

HEADPHONES HXD

HEADPHONES HXD

the C53. 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 C53 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 on page 22. 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 C53 will switch the Trim Mode Off.

Passthru

Refer to Passthru Information in the C53 Setup Sec­tion on page 17 to activate the function and select the
desired Input on the C53.
The C53 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 Alpha­numeric Display will indicate “PASSTHRU”. Refer to
figu re 81.

Fig ure 81

The C53 OUTPUT 1 and 2 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.

Headphones Jack

Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the Head­phones Jack with a 1/4” (0.635cm) stereo phone type

26

plug for private listening. The default setting is for all
of the Power Amplifier Output Connections (1 and 2)
to automatically mute.

When headphones are connected to the C53 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 “HEAD­PHONE HXD, On”. To deactivate the HXD Mode
rotate the VOLUME Adjust Control until the Front
Panel Display indicates “HEADPHONE HXD, Off”.
Refer to figures 82 and 83.

On

Figure 82

Off

Figu re 83

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.

Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

When a Digital Input (Optical or Coaxial Connec-

tion) on the C53 is selected, the Front Panel Informa­tion Display indicates the sampling frequency when a
signal is present.
Refer to figure 84. During the time there is no Digital
Signal present the display will indicate “______”.
Refer to figure 85.

15%

Figu re 84

15%

Figu re 85

USB Input Operation and Driver Installation

The C53 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 C53 USB Input is compatible with PC Com-

puters using Microsoft®, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows

8.1 and Windows 10. It is also compatible with Ap­ple® Macintosh® Computers using OS-10.6.8 or later.

When using a PC Computer with Windows, a spe­cial McIntosh USB Audio Software Driver needs to be
installed on the PC Computer. The driver needs to be
installed before connecting the C53 USB Input to the
USB Port on the computer.

Note: If an Apple Macintosh computer is used with the

C53, no additional driver is required.

The McIntosh USB Audio Windows Driver is
available for download from the McIntosh Web Site:

http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/support/product-

support

How to Operate the C53, con’t

Refer to figure 92.

Under “PRODUCT CATEGORY” select “Pre-

amplifiers” then under “MODEL NUMBER” select

Figu re 92

“C53”. Click on “SEARCH” then select McIntosh-HD
USB Audio Windows Drive D v1.0 and download the
PC Windows Driver. Follow the instructions below to
install the McIntosh C53 Driver:

Refer to figure 93.

Figu re 93

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. Install the unziped McIntosh Windows USB
Driver Software.

USB Connection

Connect the USB Cable with Type A to Type B con­nectors between the PC Computer and the McIntosh
Product with the USB­Digital Audio Input.
An Icon will appear

Figu re 94

On-Screen indicating
Windows has found new
hardware. Refer to figures
94 and 95.

Figu re 95

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 96.

2. Referring to figure 97, first select “McIntosh-HD
HS

Figure 96

Figure 97

27

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 Task
Bar) or click on the Windows “Show hidden icons”,
then select the “McIntosh Icon”. Refer to figures 98 -

101.

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 C53.

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 f ly.

Figu re 98

Figu re 99

Fig u r e 100

Fig u r e 101

USB Music Playback

When the USB When the Input is selected on the
McIntosh C53, the Front Panel Display indicates the
Sampling Rate (refer to figures 102 and 103 for PCM
Sign a l s).

46%

Fig u r e 102

51%

Fig u r e 103

Figures 104 and 105 indicate a Sampling Rate of 128
or 256 times the Sampling Rate of a CD Disc for the
incoming DSD Digital Audio Signal.

How to Operate the C53, con’t

46%

Fig u r e 104

51%

Fig u r e 105

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 stor­age 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 Ap­plications like Windows Media Player) for steaming
music from the computer to McIntosh C53 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 C53 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 Push­button illumination is extinguished. Then release
the STAN DBY/ON Push-but ton.

2. To switch the C53 back On, press the STANDBY/
ON Push-button.

Note: This can be performed with the C53 On or in the

Standby Mode.

28

Specifications

Frequency Response

+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.005% 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

25Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 1,000Hz,
2,500Hz and 10,000Hz

Volt age G ain

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

+15

A

+10

M

P
L

I

T

+ 5

U
D

E

Specifications

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 - DXD352.8k Hz , DXD384k H z
DSD - DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
HDMI: PCM 24bit, 44.1kHz - 192kHz
DTS
Dolby Digital

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, 80mV
Phono MC, 8mV

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

29

Specifications, con’t

Power Control and Trigger Output

12VDC, 25mA

Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the C53 is not pos­sible. The C53 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 C53 for the correct

voltage.

Overall Dimensions

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.4cm)
Height is 7-5/8 inches (19.4cm) including feet
Depth is 18 inches (45.72cm) including the Front
Panel, Knobs and Cables

Specifications, con’t

Weight

28 pounds (12.5 kg) net, 43.5 pounds (19.7 kg) in ship­ping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 27 inches (68.6cm)
Height is 12 inches (30.5cm
Depth is 25 inches (63.5cm)

30

)

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 2. 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 034576 Bottom pad

4 017937 Plastic foot
4 400159 #10-32 x 3/4” screw
4 404080 #10-7/16” Flat washer

31

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. 24100200