McIntosh C100 User manual

C100 Preamplifier/Controller

See “SYSTEMS ENGINEERING”
in main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
C100
Preamplifier/Controller
FULLY BALANCED DUAL-CHASSIS DESIGN. The extraordinary C100 is fully balanced from
input to output – a configuration that essentially cancels all distortion. The precision volume
control has four matched sections and the main gain stage uses four matched amplifiers oper-
ating in push-pull. Even unbalanced signals are converted to and processed as balanced signals.
The Preamplifier chassis, which contains only audio circuits and inputs/outputs, is completely
isolated from the power supply and the microprocessors, ensuring total noise rejection. The
Controller chassis contains the selector switches, digital display, all control microprocessors,
and the power supply. After any switching operation, the control circuits are automatically
turned off to eliminate any possibility of microprocessor noise reaching the audio circuits. The
only connection between the Preamplifier and Controller is a 25-pin shielded cable.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING. In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels
to a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel,
the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add to
the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input.
The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal
leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and
the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the
coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the
leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion
of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning.
Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly “off,” eliminating potential sources of
interference.
It embodies the expertise of famously uncompromising engineers. It is a fully
balanced design with a separate chassis for total isolation of the audio signal.
It uses the finest one-percent resistors and capacitors and internal gold-plated
contacts with solid-soldered joints. No details are overlooked in the design of a
preamplifier virtually devoid of any measurable noise. The McIntosh C100 awaits
those who may be searching for their last preamplifier.
Featured Technologies

PRECISION, OPTICALLY REGULATED VOLUME CONTROL. If McIntosh electromagnetic
switching brings the switch to the input, then the C100’s volume control brings the attenuator
to the input. The volume knob actually operates an optical rotary encoder with 128 steps; it
sends instructions at the speed of light to the digitally controlled attenuator located near the
inputs. Together they provide 0.5dB resolution with 0.05dB accuracy.
PROGRAMMABLE SOURCE TRIM. A traditional McIntosh feature that allows matching the
output levels of different source components, source trim in the C100 establishes new standards
for audio purity and operating convenience. Instead of adjusting individual potentiometers, the
trim for each input is stored electronically as a volume offset, using the tuner level as the standard.
ADVANCED PHONO SECTION. Phono inputs are provided for both moving magnet and
moving coil phono cartridges. The MC inputs have a dedicated RIAA preamplifier and double
mu-metal-shielded step-up transformers wound with silver wire.
CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the C100 outputs control data for
source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh components either by direct
connection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator.
BALANCED CONNECTIONS. Balanced connections guard against induced noise. A balanced
connection between the C100 and the MC1000 amp provides 40dB more noise protection
than would an unbalanced (“single-ended”) connection.
REMOTE POWER CONTROL. The C100 has four individual remote power jacks (two main,
plus switched 1 and switched 2) that enable it to turn connected power amps on/off.
Featured Technologies (cont’d.)
About the C100 Companion Products
The McIntosh products shown at right are logical companions for the C100. Separate literature
is available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for any late additions. McIntosh speaker systems
are also covered in detail in separate literature.
MC1000 Power Amplifier, MDA700 D/A Converter, and MCD751 CD Transport. The MC1000
double-balanced power amp and the C100 both hail from the no-compromise school of design.
Add the MDA700 converter with balanced output plus the MCD751 transport for a totally balanced
audio system without peer.
MR85 AM/FM Tuner. A natural companion, the MR85 tuner is a thoroughly engineered broad-
cast monitor that reveals the upper limits of AM and FM performance.
RCT4 Remote Translator. The Translator allows non-McIntosh components to be operated with
a McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller. It connects to the data outputs on the C100.
PC4 AC Power Controller. The PC4 provides five AC outlets (four switched) for turning non-
McIntosh components on and off automatically when it is connected to the power control output
of a Control Center or Integrated Amplifier.
R649 IR Sensor. With switching for three additional stereo power amplifiers and a connector for
an external IR sensor, the C100 can supply music to other areas, with remote operation via the
R649 wall-mount IR sensor.
C100 Companions
MC1000 MONOBLOCK POWER AMP
MR85 AM/FM TUNER
MDA700 D/A CONVERTER
MCD751 CD TRANSPORT
RCT4 REMOTE TRANSLATOR
PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLER
R649 IR SENSOR
The input selectors on McIntosh Control
Centers actually control state-of-the-art
silent electromagnetic switches.
lead
coil
sealed glass tube
circuit completes
when leads touch
lead
switching command causes DC voltage at coil
Most consumer electronics products are necessarily viewed
as short-term investments because either they don’t last
or they quickly become obsolete in some way. Coincidentally,
manufacturers supply a steady stream of “new-and-improved”
products that you can buy. Again.
Behind every McIntosh is a fifty-year heritage of excellence,
proudly carried forward by every employee. No production
lines, no “price-point” engineering, no planned obsolescence.
McIntosh equipment is made to sound better and last longer.
When McIntosh products are presented to customers, the
criteria they have been conditioned to overlook – reliability,
longevity, craftsmanship, ease-of-use, adaptability, pride of
ownership – suddenly leap to the top of their list.
The choice becomes clear: There is nothing like a McIntosh.

C100 Preamplifier/Controller
Fully balanced circuitry from input to output
Dual chassis isolates audio signals from power and switching
Extra-wide dynamic range
Ultra-low distortion
Silent electromagnetic switching
Precision, optically regulated volume control with digital readout
in decibels or percent
Programmable source trim
10 source selections including separate MM and MC phono
3 balanced inputs (includes balanced tape loop)
4 balanced outputs (Main, Tape1, Line 1, Line 2)
Independent listen and record selection
Dual processor loops
Control data output for source components
Remote power control (2 main, 2 switched)
Separate electronic regulators for each preamplifier section
Discrete output stage
Polyester coupling capacitors
Low-noise 1% metal film resistors throughout
Ultra-precision (.5%) metal film resistors and 1% polypropylene
capacitors for phono equalization
Gold-plated input and output jacks
Modular construction with steel chassis
Glass front panel with illuminated nomenclature
Infrared remote control (all circuitry in power supply chassis)
Connector for external IR sensor
Headphone jack
Frequency Response
10Hz to 40kHz, +0 / -0.5dB
Rated Voltage Output
2.5Vrms
Maximum Voltage Output
Balanced: 25Vrms
Unbalanced: 12Vrms
Output Impedance
50 ohms balanced and unbalanced
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 40kHz
Input Sensitivity
Phono: 4.4mV for rated output
High level: 450mV for rated output
FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903
tel [phone] •U.S. toll-free (888) 979–3737 •fax [phone] •www.mcintoshlabs.com
AC Outlets
4 switched, 1 unswitched
Power Requirements
120V 50/60Hz, 30W
Dimensions (h x w x d)
inch: 5.375 x 17.5 x 17.5 for each chassis
cm: 13.7 x 44.5 x 44.5 for each chassis
Controller knob clearance: 1.125" (2.9 cm)
Weight
70 lbs. (31.8kg) shipping total in two cartons
Maximum Input Signal
MM phono: 50mV
High level: 5V balanced and unbalanced
A-Weighted Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono: 86dB
High level: 100dB
Input Impedance
MC phono: 10 ohms
MM phono: 47k ohms, 65pf
High level:
44k ohms balanced
22k ohms unbalanced
Voltage Gain
MC phono to tape: 70dB
MM phono to tape: 40dB
High level to tape: 0dB
High level to main: 15dB
0700.C100.5M.MSP