McIntosh D1100 Owner's Manual

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

D1100

Digital 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 D1100 Digital
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 Instructions ..................................................... 2

(Separate Sheet) ................... Important Additional

Operation Information Guide

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...................... 2

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ............. 2

Table of Contents ....................................................... 2

General Information .................................................. 3

Connector and Cable Information ............................. 3

Introduction ................................................................ 4

Performance Features ................................................ 4

Dimensions ................................................................ 5

Installation ................................................................. 6

Connections:

Rear Panel Connections .............................................. 7

(Separate Sheet) .................................................Mc3A

Connecting Components for DAC Operation and

Preamplifier Operation ............................................ 8-9

(Separate Sheets) ..........Mc1A, Mc1B, Mc2A, MC2B

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, Firmware Version .......................... 13

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

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

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

Power Control Triggers ............................................. 16

Data Ports, Comm Port Baud Rate ........................... 17

Remote Control Codes .............................................. 17

IR Sensor, Power Mode and Factory Reset .............. 18

Operation:

How to Operate when in DAC Mode ........................ 19

How to Operate when in Preamplifier Mode............20

Trim Functions ..................................................... 20 -21

Mute, Outputs 1&2, Trim, Output Meters ................ 22

Headphone Jack ........................................................ 22

How to make a Recording ......................................... 23

Digital Input Display ................................................. 23

USB Input and Installing Software ...................... 23-24

Windows Sound and Control Panel Settings ............ 24

USB Music Playback............................................ 24-25

Reset of Microprocessors .......................................... 25

Additional Information:

Specifications ............................................................ 26

Packing Instruction ................................................... 27

Copyright 2016 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the D1100 Digital Preamplifier.

2. The Main AC Power going to the D1100 and any
other McIntosh Component(s) should not be ap­plied until all the system components are connect­ed together. Failure to do so could result in mal­functioning of some or all of the system’s normal
operations. When the D1100 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. The Output 1 and 2 Connections (Balanced and
Unbalanced) can be used simultaneously, connect­ed to different Power Amplifiers.

4. The D1100 internal Digital Circuitry is designed to
decode 2-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)
and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Digital Signals.
The Coaxial, Optical and AES/EBU Digital Audio
Inputs are for PCM Digital Signals. The Digital
MCT and USB Audio Inputs are for PCM and
DSD Digital Signals. Other Digital Audio Signal
Format Types will cause the Audio Outputs of the
D1100 to be muted and the Front Panel Information
Display will indicate an error message.

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

6. The McIntosh D1100 is factory configured for im­mediate use. It can also be customized to comple­ment the components making up your system.
Refer to the D1100 “Setup Mode” starting on page
13 for additional information.

7. The Remote Control Supplied with the D1100
Preamplifier is capable of operating other com-

General Information and Connector Information

ponents. 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
D110 0. The signal from a connected External IR
Sensor will have priority over the signal from the
Front Panel IR Sensor.

9. When the D1100 is connected to an Analog only
Preamplifier via the supplied compatible External
Digital Control Cable, Remote Control Operation
via RS232 Connection should be made only to the
Analog only Preamplifier, not the D1100.

10. 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.

11. For additional information on the D1100
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 D1100. Refer to
the diagrams for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output

PIN 2 PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 2

Power Control /Trigger Connectors

The D1100 POWER CONTROL / TRIGger Output
Jacks send Power On/Off Signals
(+12 volt/0 volt) when connected
to other McIntosh Components.
An additional connection is for
controlling the illumination of the

Power
Control

Meter
Illumination
Control

Ground

Power Output Meters on McIntosh
Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug
is used for connection to the Power Control / Trigger
Outputs on the D1100.

Data Port Connectors

The D1100 Data Out Ports send
Remote Control Signals to
Source Components. A 3.5mm

Data
Signal

N/C

Data
Ground

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

IR Data
Control

N/C

Ground

Receivers to the D1100.

RS232 Data Port Cable

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

DB9

Data In
(DB9-pin2)

Data Out
(DB9-pin3)

Ground
(DB9-pin5)

(male connector)

PIN 1

PIN 6

PIN 5

PIN 9

3

Introduction

The McIntosh D1100 Digital Preamplifier is one of the
finest Preamplifiers ever created with connections for
digital sources. The D1100 Outputs have the ability to
drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The D1100 reproduc­tion is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate.
The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music
It self.”

Performance Features

• Electromagnetic Output Switching

Digital Logic Circuits drive Electromagnetic Switches
for the Balance and Unbalanced Outputs 1 and Out­puts 2 for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.

• Digital Audio Inputs

The Digital Inputs decode PCM and DSD Signals
from external sources. Coaxial, Optical, BNC and
AES/EBU 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 32-Bit resolution, decodes up to DSD256
Digital Signals and DXD 24-Bit with a sampling rate
up to 384kHz.

• 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 D1100 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Con­trol Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with
control rotation.

®

• HXD

for Headphones

The D1100 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

• 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.

• Dual Special Power Supply

Two fully separate and regulated Power Supplies with
special R-Core Power Transformers ensure stable
noise free operation even though the power line varies.

• LED Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom­plished 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 D1100 will be
retained for many years.

• Dual Operating Modes

The D1100 has two modes of operation. One mode is
as a high performance full function Digital Pream­plifier. The second mode is as a high performance
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) which integrates
with an Analog only Preamplifier via a special Digital
Control Interface.

4

• Remote Control with External Sensor Input

The Remote Control provides control of the D1100
operating functions and McIntosh Source Components
connected to it. Enjoy your McIntosh System from
another room in your home by connecting an external
sensor.

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

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your D1100. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the D1100 into cabinets.

Front View of the D1100

17-1/2"

44.4cm

Dimensions

Rear View of the D1100

17-1/8"

43.5cm

13 -1/4"

33.7cm

5-3/8"

13.7cm

4-5/8"

11.8cm

6"

15.2cm

13/16"

2.1cm

2"

5.1cm

Side View of the D1100

15-7/8"

40.3cm

14-1/2"

36.8cm

10-9/16"

26.8cm

3/16"

0.48cm

1-15/16"

4.9cm

4-13/16"

12.22cm

5

Installation

is not drawn to scale.

The D1100 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 D1100 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
D1100 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
D1100. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the D1100 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 19 inches (48.3cm) 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.

D1100 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

D1100 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

D1100 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet Front Panel

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Support
Shelf

17-3/16"

43.7cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

2-7/8"

7.3cm

8-1/8"

23.2cm

13

Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

-1/8"

33.3cm

Installation

4-7/8"

12.4cm

Chassis
Spacers

15-1/16"

39.6cm

6

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration

1-1/8"

2.9cm

12-5/16"

31.3cm

Rear Panel Connections

The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the
D1100 Digital Preamplifier is located on a separate
folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet.
Refer to separate sheet “Mc3A” for the Rear Panel
Connections.

Rear Panel Connections

D1100 Digital Preamplifer Rear Panel

7

Connecting Components

The D1100 has two modes of operation. The first
mode is as a Preamplifier. The second operating mode
is as a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) when con­nected to a compatible Analog only Preamplifier with
a special control interface.

The first set of connecting instructions is for con­necting the D1100 for use as a DAC and the second set
is for when the D1100 is used as a Preamplifier.

D1100 CONNECTIONS FOR DAC OPERATION:
The connection instructions below, together with the
D1100 Input/Output/Control Connection Diagrams,
are located on the separate folded sheets “Mc1A and
Mc2A”. 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 D1100 allows renaming of the Audio Inputs

Names as indicated on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display. Example, “MCT” may be changed
to “CD- 1” or your own personal preference.
Refer to Setup “Renaming Input” on page 14.

2. For convenience, an “Input Assignment Chart”
on a separate sheet “Mc5B” has been provided
to keep track of changes.

Power Control Connections:

1. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 POWER
CONTROL TRIG 1 Jack to the Digital Audio
Player Trigger In Jack.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the Digital Audio
Player Trigger Out Jack to the SACD Transport
Power Control In Jack.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the SACD Trans­port Power Control Out Jack to the Tuner Power
Control In Jack.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the Tuner Power

Control Out Jack to the Media Server Pwr Ctrl
(Power Control) In Jack.

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

Data Control Connections:

6. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 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 17.

7. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 CD
DATA PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD Transport
Data In Jack.

8. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 DATA
PORT 1 Jack to the Media Server Data In Jack.

9. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 6 thru 8.

Digital Audio Connections:

10. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the D1100
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT COAX 1 Connector to
the Digital Audio Player Digital Coax Output Jack.

11. Using the “DIN Cable-Twisted Pair” cable (sup­plied with a MCT Transport) from the D1100
MCT DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT Connector to the
SACD/CD Transport DIN Output Connector.

12. Connect a Digital Optical Cable from the D1100

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT OPTI 2 Connector to
the AM/FM Tuner Digital OPTICAL Output Con­nector.

13. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the D1100

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT OPTI 1 Connector to
the Media Server Digital Optical Output Connec­tor.

14. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 10 thru 13.

Optional USB Connection:

15. Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B) con­nectors from the D1100 USB DIGITAL AUDIO
INPUT Connector to an available USB connector
on the computer.

Audio Output Connection:

16. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the D1100
FIXED Balanced RIGHT and LEFT OUTPUTs to
the Analog only Preamplifier Balanced Number 6
(Left and Right) Inputs.

Preamplifier Control Interconnection:

17. Connect the Data Control Cable (supplied with
the compatible Analog only Preamplifier) from
the D1100 EXTERNAL CONTROL ANALOG
PREAMPLIFIER connector to the Analog only
Preamplifier Digital Preamplifier Connector.

AC Power Cord Connections:

18. Connect the D1100 to a live AC Outlet using the
supplied Power Supply Cord.

D1100 CONNECTIONS FOR PREAMPLIFIER
OPER ATION:

The D1100 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
D1100 Remote Control HR085. With an external sen­sor connected to the D1100, remote control operation
of the system is possible from another room and/or
when the D1100 is located in a cabinet with the doors
closed.

The connection instructions below, together with
the D1100 Input/Output/Control Connection Dia­grams located on the separate folded sheets “Mc1B

8

Connecting Components

and Mc2B”, 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 D1100 allows renaming of the Audio Inputs

Names as indicated on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display. Example, “MCT” may be changed
to “CD- 1” 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” has been provided
to keep track of changes.

Power Control Connections:

1. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 POWER
CONTROL TRIG 1 Jack to the Digital Audio
Player Trigger In Jack.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the Digital Audio
Player Trigger Out Jack to the SACD Transport
Power Control In Jack.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the Tuner Power
Control Out Jack to the Media Server Pwr Ctrl
(Power Control) In Jack.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the Media Server
Pwr Ctr Out Jack to the Power Amplifier Power
Control In Jack.

5. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 POWER
CONTROL TRIG 3 Jack to the Phono Preamplifier
Pwr Ctrl Trig In Jack.

6. Connect a Control Cable from the Phono Pream­plifier Pwr Ctrl Trig Out Jack to the Turntable
Power Control In Jack.

Notes: 1. To active the TRIGger 3 Automatic Power

On/Off for the OPTical 3 Input, refer to
“Setup, Power Control Triggers” on page 16.

2. 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.

7. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the
D1100 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 6.

Data Control Connections:

9. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 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 17.

10. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 CD
DATA PORT 3 Jack to the SACD/CD Transport
Data In Jack.

11. Connect a Control Cable from the D1100 DATA
PORT 1 Jack to the Media Server 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 D1100 IR Input

Connector to the external Sensor. For additional
information, refer to “General Information” note 8
on page 3.

Digital Audio Connections:

14. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the D1100
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT COAX 1 Connector to
the Digital Audio Player Digital Coax Output Jack.

15. Connect the “DIN Cable-Twisted Pair” cable
(supplied with a MCT Transport) from the D1100
MCT DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT Connector to the
SACD/CD Transport DIN Output Connector.

16. Connect a Digital Optical Cable from the D1100
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT OPTI 2 Connector to
the AM/FM Tuner Digital OPTICAL Output Con­nector.

17. Connect a Digital Coaxial Cable from the D1100
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT OPTI 1 Connector to
the Media Server Digital Optical Output Connec­tor.

18. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 14 thru 17.

Optional USB Connection:

19. Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B) Con­nectors from the D1100 USB DIGITAL AUDIO
INPUT connector to an available USB Connector
on the computer.

Audio Output Connection:

20. Connect XLR Audio Cables from the D1100 OUT­PUT 1 Balanced RIGHT and LEFT OUTPUTs to
the Power Amplifier (Primary Room) Balanced
(Left and Right) Inputs.

21. Optionally, connect XLR Audio Cables from the
D1100 OUTPUT 2 Balanced RIGHT and LEFT
OUTPUTs to the Power Amplifier (Secondary
Room) Balanced (Left and Right) Inputs.

22. Optionally, connect XLR Audio Cables or Audio
Cables from the D1100 FIXED OUTPUTs Bal­anced or Unbalanced, Right and Left Connectors/
or Jacks to an Analog Recording Device or another
component with Analog Audio Input.

AC Power Cord Connections:

23. Connect the D1100 to a live AC Outlet using the
supplied Power Supply Cord.

9