McIntosh C100 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 139 3-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
OWNERS
MANUAL
C100
Preamplifier/Controller

2
Table of Contents
Thank You .......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Customer Service ............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ........................................................................ 4
Performance eatures ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
C100C Rear Panel Connections ......................................... 6
How to Connect the C100C ............................................... 7
C100P Rear Panel Switches and Connections ................... 8
How to Connect the C100P with Balanced Connections ... 9
How to Connect the C100P with Unbalanced
Connections ...................................................................... 10
C100P ront Panel Display and Connection .................... 11
C100C ront Panel Controls, Displays, Push-Buttons,
and Switches .................................................................... 12
How to Trim Input Volume Levels ................................... 13
How to Operate the C100 ................................................ 14
HR-100 Push-Buttons ...................................................... 16
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................. 17
Specifications ................................................................... 18
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 19
NOTES:
1. The C100 Preamplifier/Controller consist of two
separate chassis. The C100 Controller chassis will
be referred to as the C100C throu h out this
owners manual. In a similar manor the C100
Preamplifier chassis will be refereed to as the
C100P throu h out this owners manual.
2. dB is an abbreviation of the word decibel, which
is a unit measure of sound intensity.
3. Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can
be mixed. For example, you may connect si nal
sources to Unbalanced Inputs and feed si nals out
from the Balanced Outputs. You can also use
Balanced and Unbalanced outputs simultaneously,
connected to different power amplifiers.
4. Due to re ulations in certain countries, the C100C
may not include rear panel AC outlets.
Serial Number:
Purchase ate:
ealer Name:
Customer Service
If at any time you have questions about your C100 Pream-
plifier/Controller, please contact:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
AX: 607-724-0549
Copyright 1998 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
or your decision to own this McIntosh C100 Preamplifier/
Controller 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 C100.
This will ensure that you receive all the performance ben-
efits this equipment can offer you, and that it will become a
highly valued part of your home entertainment system.
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 serial number is located on the rear panel of the
equipment. The spaces below have been provided for you to
record that information:

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Safety Instructions
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD -
DO NOT OPEN.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC -
NE PAS OUVRIR.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, contained
in this owners manual, before operating this equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. ollow all operating and use instructions.
5. Warning: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock,
do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
This unit is capable of producing high sound pressure
levels. Continued exposure to high sound pressure
levels can cause permanent hearing impairment or
loss. ser caution is advised and ear protection is
recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. Caution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or
other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
Attention: pour pevenir les chocs elecriques pas
utiliser cette fiche polarisee avec un prolongateur, une
prise de courant ou un autre sortie de courant, sauf si
les lames peuvent etre inserees afond ans en laisser
aucune partie a decouvert.
7. or added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and dis-
connect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning or power line
surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recommended in this
owners manual as they may cause hazards.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. or ex-
ample, the equipment should not be placed on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
10. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (in-
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as de-
scribed in this owners manual
12. Do not use this equipment near water; for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
13. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, caus-
ing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to
the product.
Connection:
14. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
15. Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, con-
venience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the instrument.
16. Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polar-
ized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat
the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the
plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to re-
place your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety pur-
pose of the grounding-type plug.
17. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
Care of Equipment:
18. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Un-
plug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the
panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
19. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or
fall into the equipment through enclosure openings.

4
Performance Features
·Dual Chassis
Dual-chassis design completely separates all power supply,
microprocessor and control circuits from the pure audio cir-
cuits for total noise isolation.
·Balanced and nbalanced Inputs/Outputs
Three balanced high level inputs, three balanced main out-
puts and one balanced tape output. are provided. Eight un-
balanced inputs, three unbalanced outputs as well as listen
and record processor loops are included.
·Precision Tracking Volume Control
Volume levels are controlled by a microprocessor controlled
logarithmic attenuator with a tracking accuracy of 0.1dB.
Levels change in 213 individual 0.5dB steps.
·Precision Volume Display
The front panel digital Volume display indicates the pream-
plifier gain in dB or percentage of available volume.
·Precision Parts
Only the finest precision 1% tolerance resistors and
polypropylene capacitors are used throughout.
·ltra Low Distortion
Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.002%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.
·Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Input
Separate shielded precision RIAA phono preamplifier for
low output moving coil phono cartridges, utilizes two
double mu metal shielded, silver wire, step-up transformers.
Precision RIAA phono preamplifier for moving magnet car-
tridges.
·Full featured Remote Control
ull featured Remote Control is included that will allow
complete control of all front panel controls and switches.
·Power Control Output
A Power Control connection for convenient turn on of
McIntosh power amplifiers and accessories is included.
Safety Instructions cont,
Introduction and Performance Features
Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclosure
openings.
20. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet when
left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
21. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to a qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
A. The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged,
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the equipment,
C. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water,
D. The equipment does not operate normally by follow-
ing the operating instructions contained within this
owners manual. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions, as an im-
proper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its nor-
mal operation,
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way,
. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
22. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
23. When replacement parts are required, be sure the ser-
vice technician has used replacement parts specified by
McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the origi-
nal part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
24. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this prod-
uct, ask the service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper operating con-
dition.
Introduction
The McIntosh C100 Preamplifier/Controller is without
question the finest audio preamplifier ever created. No de-
sign compromises were allowed in the quest for a preampli-
fier with absolute accuracy, total sonic purity and virtual
elimination of distortion and audible noise. or those who
have been searching for their Last Preamplifier, your
search is over.

5
Installation
The C100 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, stand-
ing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece
of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The required panel
cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your C100.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the C100 di-
rectly 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 defi-
nite asset in maintaining all the system components at the
coolest possible operating temperature.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the follow-
ing minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow
at least 1-1/2 inches (3.8cm) above the unit so airflow is not
obstructed. Allow 17-1/2 inches (44.5cm) depth behind the
mounting panel, which includes clearance for connectors.
Allow 1-1/8 inches (2.9cm) 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 draw-
ing.
ront View of both the
C100C and C100P custom
installed
Side View of both the
C100C and C100P
custom installed
Bottom View of both the
C100C and C100P custom
installed
Installation
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6
C100C Rear Panel Connections
C100C Rear Panel Connections
Connect the C100C
power cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to informa-
tion on the back panel
of your C100C to deter-
mine the correct voltage
for your unit.
SW TCHED AC outlets
turn on when the C100
turns on and are used to
supply AC power to ac-
cessory components.
UNSW TCHED AC
outlet stays on at all
times when the C100
power cord is con-
nected to a live AC
outlet.
Main Fuse
holder, refer to
infromation on
the back panel of
your C100C to
determine the
correct fuse size
and rating.
The EXT (external)
Sensor jack allows you
to connect a Mc ntosh
Keypad or R sensor
for remote operation.
DATA PORTs send signals to
compatible source components
to allow you to control them
with HR100 remote control.
SUM DATA PORT
send remote signals
to a Mc ntosh RCT
Translator.
AMPL F ER POWER
CONTROL Outputs send
turn-on signal to a Mc n-
tosh Power Amplifier when
the C100C is turned on.
AMPL F ER POWER CON-
TROL Outputs send turn-on
signal to a Mc ntosh Power
Amplifier when the C100C
Front Panel Spk/Amp 1 and/
or 2 is on.
TO C100P Connector
accepts a DB25, 25
conductor cable that
connects all control
signals and power sup-
ply voltages from the
C100C to the C100P.

7
How to Connect the C100C
How to Connect the C100C
1. Connect a DB25 (25 conductor, shielded straight
through male-to-female) cable from the C100C socket
to the matching socket on the C100P.
2. Connect the C100C power cord to an AC outlet.
3. Connect a Power Control cable from the top MAIN
AMPLI IER POWER CONTROL jack to one McIn-
tosh Power Amplifier and the bottom jack to a second
McIntosh Power Amplifier. If you are connecting to a
McIntosh Stereo Power Amplifier use the top jack.
NOTE: Turn on signals will come first from the top jack, and
then the bottom jack approximately second later.
4. Connect the AC power cords of source components to
the SWITCHED AC outlets, if you want them to come
on and off with the C100.
5. Connect components that require AC power at all times,
to the UNSWITCHED AC outlet.
6. Connect the McIntosh Remote Controllable Components
Data Ports to the approiate C100 Data Port Jack using
a Data Cable.
7. Connect the McIntosh RCT Translator to the SUM
DATA PORT using a Data Cable.
8. Connect an RG6 or RG59U coaxial cable from the EXT
(external) Sensor jack to a McIntosh Keypad or IR sen-
sor.
NOTE: A Data cable consists of a mono or stereo shielded
cable with 1/8 inch mini phone plugs on each end.
Connections are to the tip (+) and sleeve (-) of the
plugs. (McIntosh Part No. 170-202)
Power Amplifier
Top View
insert
To AC Outlet
To AC Outlet
McIntosh
Sensor or
Keypad
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Right Channel)
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Left Channel)
McIntosh Tuner
McIntosh CD Player
McIntosh C1 P

8
C100P Rear Panel Switches and
Connections
TO C100C Connector
accepts a DB25, 25
conductor cable that
connects all control
signals and power sup-
ply voltages from the
C100C to the C100P.
MA N Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
Listen program
signals at all times.
AMPL F ER 1 and 2
Balanced OUTPUTS
contain Listen signals
and turn on/off with the
front panel SPKR/AMP
push-buttons.
TAPE 1 Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
record out signals
L STEN MA N un-bal-
anced OUTPUTS con-
tain Listen program sig-
nals at all times.
L STEN un-balanced OUT-
PUTS 1 and 2 contain Listen
signals and turn on/off with the
front panel SPKR/AMP push-
buttons.
L STEN PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allows an
external signal processor to
be connected for use in the
Listen mode.
RECORD PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allows an
external signal processor to
be connected for use in the
Record mode.
L NE 1, L NE 2 and TAPE 1
Balanced NPUTS accept high
level program source signals.
TAPE 2, Tuner, and CD un-
balanced NPUTS accept
high level program source
signals.
TAPE 1, TAPE 2
un-balanced OUT-
PUTS contain
record out signals
AUX 1 accepts high level program
source signals. PH 1 (MC) accepts low
level signals from a Moving Coil phono
cartridge and PH 1 (MM) accepts sig-
nals from a Moving Magnet phono car-
tridge. The small slide switch selects
which one of these three inputs is active
when either front panel L STEN or
RECORD switch is set to PHX/AUX 1.
AUX 2 accepts high level program
source signals. PH 2 (MM) accepts
signals from a Moving Magnet phono
cartridge. The small slide switch se-
lects which one of these inputs is ac-
tive when the front panel L STEN or
RECORD Selector switch is set to PH/
AUX2.

9
McIntosh CD Player
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Right Channel)
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Left Channel)
How to Connect the C100P with Balanced
Connectors
How to Connect the C100P with
Balanced Connectors
1. Connect Balanced XLR cables from the Balanced
MAIN OUTPUTS to Balanced power amplifier inputs.
2. Connect Balanced XLR cables from the Balanced TAPE
1 OUTPUTS to the Balanced high level record inputs
of a tape recorder.
3. Connect Balanced XLR cables from the Balanced TAPE
1 INPUTS to the Balanced high level record outputs of
a tape recorder.
4. Connect Balanced XLR cables from high level Balanced
outputs of a component to LINE 1 Balanced inputs.
Power Amplifier
Top View
insert
Tape Recorder
In Out
NOTE: Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be
mixed. For example, you may connect signal sources to
Unbalanced Inputs and feed signals out from the
Balanced Outputs. You can also use Balanced and
Unbalanced outputs simultaneously, connected to
different power amplifiers.

1
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Right Channel)
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Left Channel)
How to Connect the C100P with Unbalanced
Connectors
How to Connect the C100P with
Unbalanced Connectors
1. Connect Unbalanced cables from the LISTEN MAIN
OUTPUTS to unbalanced power amplifier inputs.
2. Connect cables from the C100 LISTEN PROCESSOR
ROM jacks to the outputs of a signal processor. Con-
nect cables from the C100 LISTEN PROCESSOR TO
jacks to the signal processor inputs.
3. Connect cables from the C100 RECORD PROCESSOR
ROM jacks to the outputs of a signal processor. Con-
nect cables from the C100 RECORD PROCESSOR
TO jacks to the signal processor inputs.
5. Connect cables from RECORD TAPE 2 OUTPUTS to
high level record inputs of the tape recorder.
6. Connect cables from the outputs of a DVD Audio Player
to the AUX 2 inputs.
7. Connect cables from the outputs of Tuner to the
TUNER inputs.
8. Connect cables from a record player or turntable with a
low output moving coil phono cartridge to the PH
1(MC) inputs.
9. Connect the ground wire from a record player or turn-
table to either of the GND terminals.
NOTE: Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be
mixed. For example, you may connect signal sources to
Unbalanced Inputs and feed signals out from the
Balanced Outputs. You can also use Balanced and
Unbalanced outputs simultaneously, connected to
different power amplifiers.
Power Amplifier
Top View
insert
Turntable
McIntosh CD Player
McIntosh Tuner
In Out
Tape Recorder
InOut
Record Signal
Processor
DVD Audio Player
InOut
Listen Signal
Processor

11
C100P Front Panel isplay and Connection
C100P Front Panel isplay and
Connection
HEADPHONES
jack accepts dy-
namic headphones.
POWER ON
indicator.

12
C100C Front Panel Controls, isplays,
Push-Buttons, and Switches
BALANCE control
allows you to adjust
the relative volume
levels of each channel
signal in 1dB steps.
POWER
switch turns
all AC power
completely
ON or OFF.
RECORD switch selects
the program signals that
are fed to the balanced
and unbalanced TAPE
outputs.
L S PROCESSOR
push-button turns
the Listen Processor
loop on or off.
L STEN switch selects
the program signals
that are fed to the bal-
anced and unbalanced
outputs.
VOLUME control
adjusts the volume
level at the balanced
and unbalanced out-
puts as well as adjust-
ing input level cali-
bration.
D SPLAY indicates the volume level in dB
with 0.5dB or 1.0dB steps, or percentage of
maximum volume from 1 to 100. The dis-
play also indicates input level calibration as
well as Balance adjustments.
REC PROCESSOR
push-button turns the
Record Processor
loop on or off.
REC MON TOR
push-button switches
the RECORD Output
signals to the Listen
circuit so you can
hear the program
signals sent to the
Record outputs.
MONO push-
button com-
bines left and
right stereo
signals to
mono at all
Main, Ampli-
fier and Lis-
ten Outputs.
NPUT TR M allows
input levels of any pro-
gram source to be
matched to the level of
the Tuner input.
D SPLAY push-button
switches the display to
indicate either volume
level in dB, or percent
of maximum volume.
MUTE push-button
mutes audio in all
Listen outputs.
SPKR/AMP 1 and 2
push-buttons allow
the C100 to switch
AC power control
and audio to two
separate stereo
power amplifiers.
STANDBY/ON push-
button turns the C100
ON, or OFF (Standby).
t is also used to reset
all the C100 micropro-
cessors.
C100C Front Panel Controls, isplays, Push-
Buttons, and Switches

13
How to Trim Input Volume Levels
How to Trim Input Volume Levels
Various components can have slightly different volume
levels. This results in the constant need to readjust the
C100 volume control when listening to different program
sources. A volume trim feature on the C100 allows you to
adjust or trim the volume levels of the various inputs so
they are the same. The trimmed volume levels for all the
inputs are based on the reference volume level of the
TUNER input, which is fixed. Refer to igure 1 during the
following steps:
NOTE: Trimmed volume levels will affect only the LISTEN
signals. The RECORD output levels are not affected by
the trim procedure and do not change. Any TRIM
adjustments made are retained in permanent memory
and can be changed only by performing a new TRIM
procedure.
1. Switch the
C100 LIS-
TEN selector
to TUNER
and adjust the
volume con-
trol to the de-
sired listening
level.
2. Press the IN-
PUT TRIM
push-button.
The VOL-
UME display will read 00 and the Red LED above
the push-button will turn ON.
3. Switch to another input such as CD.
4. Adjust the volume control either up or down as needed
until the listening level of the second input source is
the same as the Tuner level. The display will automati-
cally switch to dB and indicate the new setting for vol-
ume level with a range of ± 12dB.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to trim the volume levels for other
LISTEN input sources.
6. Press the INPUT TRIM push-button a second time to
exit the TRIM mode and the Red LED will turn O .
NOTE: Whenever you select a program source with trimmed
volume levels, the volume DISPLAY will automatically
move up or down to reflect the desired volume level set
for that source.
Optional Trim Procedure
1. Switch the RECORD selector to TUNER.
2. Switch the LISTEN selector to a different input source
such as CD.
3. Press the REC MONITOR push-button and adjust the
volume control to the desired listening level.
4. Press the INPUT TRIM push-button. The VOLUME
display will read 00 and the Red LED above the
push-button will turn ON.
5. Press the REC MONITOR a second, time to return to
the LISTEN mode.
6. Adjust the volume control up or down as needed until
the listening level of the second input source is the
same as the Tuner level. The VOLUME display will
automatically switch to dB and indicate the new setting
for volume level with a range of ± 12dB.
7. Make an instant comparison between the two volume
levels by switch-
ing REC MONI-
TOR ON or O
and make further
adjustments as
needed to match
the volume lev-
els.
8. Press INPUT
TRIM a second
time to exit the
TRIM mode.
NOTE: The following table may be used to record your level
trim adjustments for the various inputs.
Figure 1
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14
Power On
Press the POWER switch to ON. The Red LED to the right
of the switch lights to indicate the C100 is in Standby
mode. To turn on the C100 press the STANDBY/ON push-
button. Refer to igure 2.
NOTE: You may also turn on the C100 using the HR100 remote
control.
Source Selection
Select the desired listening source with the LISTEN
Switch.
Volume Control
Adjust the VOLUME control for the desired lis-
tening level.
Volume Level Display
Press the DISPLAY push-button to select either
dB or % volume display. The dB readings range
from -92dB to +15dB, in 0.5dB or 1dB steps. The
% volume display reads from 0 to 100.
Reset of Microprocessors
In the event that the controls of the C100 stop
functioning, there is a user reset function built in.
While the C100 is on depress and hold in the
STANDBY/ON/RESET push button for five sec-
onds, this will reset the C100 microprocessors.
NOTE: The above condition is usually caused by either
interruptions in AC power and/or major changes in
voltage.
How to Operate the C100
How to Operate the C100
Balance Control
Adjust the BALANCE control as needed to achieve ap-
proximately equal listening volume levels in each loud-
speaker. Turn the BALANCE to the Left to emphasize the
left channel by reducing the level of the right channel. Turn
the BALANCE to the right to emphasize the right channel
by reducing the level of the left channel.
Balance Display
As soon as the BALANCE control is turned,
the Volume Display reads the balance change
from 1 to 107 in one dB steps. After approxi-
mately 3 seconds the Volume Display returns
to the Volume reading. To verify the balance
setting without changing it, move the control
one detent in either direction. The display will
indicate the selected balance changes for ap-
proximately 3 seconds and then return to the
volume display. Refer to igure 3.
The L or R will illuminate red to indi-
cate which channel has been emphasized by
the BALANCE control. It is perfectly natural
for the BALANCE control to be off the center
to achieve the correct listening volume from each loud-
speaker in many listening rooms. Listening balance can
also vary with different program sources, room acoustics
and listening positions relative to the loudspeakers.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at all MAIN, AMPLI IER, LISTEN
and HEADPHONES Outputs.
Figure 3
Figure 2

15
How to Operate the C100
cont
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio in all Listen
outputs.
How to change dB volume Steps
The Volume Control can adjust volume level in either 1dB
or 0.5dB steps. Refer To igure 5.
1. To change from one volume step mode to the other, first
press the Input Trim Push-button and then the Display
push-button.
2. To return to the previ-
ous step mode, press
the Input Trim and
Display push-buttons
a second time.
NOTE: The display will
indicate the dB
level change modes
according to your
selection. This
procedure does not
affect the % volume
display.
How To Make A Tape Recording
The separate RECORD and LISTEN switches allow you to
make a tape recording from one program source while lis-
tening to another. You can also listen (monitor) to the re-
corded signal off the tape, a fraction of a second later, dur-
ing recording when a three head tape recorder is used. You
can also listen to the signal being fed to the tape recorder
by pressing the REC MONITOR push-button. Refer to ig-
ure 4.
1. Select the de-
sired program
source to record
with the front
panel RECORD
selector switch.
2. Adjust the
record level us-
ing the tape re-
corder volume
control.
3. To listen to the signal being fed to the tape recorder,
press the REC (Record) MONITOR push-button.
4. To listen to the tape playback of the program source just
recorded, turn the LISTEN switch to the desired input.
NOTE: The C100 RECORD OUTPUTS are not affected by the
VOLUME or BALANCE controls. To listen to a different
program source while recording, turn the LISTEN
switch to the desired source. The recording process will
not be affected and will continue.
How to use a Signal Processor
Access and operate a signal processor connected to the
LISTEN PROCESSOR jacks by pressing the front panel
LIS (Listen) PROCESSOR push-button. This processor
will affect only the LISTEN signals. Refer to igure 6.
Access and operate a signal processor connected to the
RECORD PROCESSOR jacks by pressing the front panel
REC (Record) processor push-button. This processor will
affect only the RECORD signals sent to tape recorders.
Figure 6
Figure 5
Figure 4

16
HR100 Push-Buttons
HR100 Push-Buttons
Selects discs or tracks
of a CD/LV/DVD
player or changer.
Select any of the eight high
level, (or phono), inputs.
Selects transport func-
tions of a CD player, CD
changer or tape recorder.
Turns the C100
ON or OFF.
Turns power ON or OFF
to a component con-
nected via the Data Port.
Selects tuner presets,
track selection or any
numbered operation.
Tunes to the next
radio station.
Mutes the audio.
Adjusts the vol-
ume level up or
down.
Turn L STEN or
RECORD PRO-
CESSOR circuits
ON or OFF.
Press to listen to sig-
nals fed to RECORD
OUTPUTS.
Selects the input
TR M functions.
Select dB or %
Volume display
mode.
Use together with the
number keys to select
track numbers above
10.
Selects the FM
or AM tuner
Functions.
Selects SPKR/
AMP 1 and 2 Out-
puts either sepa-
rately, or both si-
multaneously.
Combines the left
and right channels.
Selects tuner sta-
tions presets.

17
How to Operate the HR100
How to Operate HR100
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio in all LISTEN
outputs.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at all MAIN, AMPLI IER, LISTEN
and HEADPHONES Outputs.
Audio
Press any of the eight Audio push-buttons to select a LIS-
TEN program source.
CD/Tape
Use these push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer
or tape recorder, when the component is connected to the
C100 with a McIntosh RCT Translator.
Numbered and +10 Push-buttons
Press push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre-
sets, CD tracks or CD discs. When using a McIntosh
MCD7009 CD player, access track numbers higher than 10
by first pressing +10 and then a number push-button.
Disc and Track
Use the DISC and TRACK push-buttons when a CD player
or changer is being used.
Tuner Push-buttons
Use with a McIntosh tuner. Select AM or M broadcast
band. Press and release SEEK Up or Down to move from
station to station. Press and hold a SEEK push-button to
move continuously from station to station. Press REVIEW
to start the automatic brief audition of each of the presets
stored in the tuner memory. Press REVIEW a second time
to stop on a station preset and exit the Review process.
Processors
Press the LISTEN PROCESSOR push-button to activate
rear panel processor connections to add signal processing
from an external processor to the LISTEN Outputs. Press
the RECORD PROCESSOR push-button to activate rear
panel connections to add signal processing from an external
processor to the RECORD outputs.
Record Monitor
Press the REC (Record) Monitor push-button to listen to the
signals being fed to the RECORD OUTPUTS.
Volume
Press the Up or Down VOLUME push-button to raise or
lower the listening volume level. The Record Outputs are
not affected.
Trim
Press TRIM to enter the Input Volume Level Trim mode.
Press a second time to exit the Trim mode.
Display
Press the DISPLAY push-button to cycle the Volume Dis-
play between dB and % of volume indications.
ACC ON - OFF
Press ACC ON or ACC O to turn power ON and O of
components that are connected with a McIntosh RCT
Translator - Repeater. Only the ACC ON push-button is
active with the McIntosh LV or DVD Disc Player.
NOTE: When other brands of components are connected with a
McIntosh RCT Translator, refer to the RCT Owners
Manual for further information on alternate HR100
push-button functions.

18
Specifications
Specifications
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 40,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% from 10Hz to 40,000Hz
Signal To Noise Ratio
Phono, 86dB
High Level, 100dB
Maximum Voltage Output
12V RMS Unbalanced, 25V RMS Balanced
Output Impedance
50 ohms, Balanced and Unbalanced
Sensitivity
Phono MM, 4.4mV for 2.5V rated output (1mV IH )
Phono MC, 100uV for 2.5V rated output
High Level, 450mV for 2.5V rated output
Input Impedance
Phono MC, 10 ohms
Phono MM, 47K ohms, 65p
High Level, 22K Unbalanced, 44K Balanced
Maximum Input Signal
Phono MM, 50mV
High Level, 5V Unbalanced, 5V Balanced
Power Requirements
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.
NOTE: Refer to the rear panel of the C100C for the correct
voltage
Dimensions
17-1/2 (44.5cm) W, 5-3/8 (13.7cm) H, 17-1/2 (44.5cm)
D, (Both Enclosures, including clearance for connectors)

19
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for ship-
ment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown be-
low. It is very important that the four plastic feet are at-
tached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the
proper equipment location on the bottom pad. ailure 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 car-
ton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or
write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labora-
tory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033829 Shipping carton only
2 033771 End Cap
4 033772 Corner Pad
1 033590 Inside carton only
1 033602 oam Pad
1 034003 Bottom pad
4 018578 Plastic foot
4 100159 #10-32 x 3/4 screw
1 048082 Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
Packing Instructions

McIntosh Part No. 040484
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903