McIntosh C15 User manual

C15 Preamplifier

See “SYSTEMS ENGINEERING”
in main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
C15
Preamplifier
Featured Technologies
Nothing about the performance and features of the C15 suggest that it is the
most affordable McIntosh Control Center. The C15’s extensive capabilities
make it the ideal centerpiece for what may begin as a pure stereo system and
evolve into a multizone audio/video system.
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.
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

C15 Companions
About the C15 Companion Products
The McIntosh products shown at right are logical companions for the C15. Separate literature is
available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for any late additions. McIntosh speaker systems are
also covered in detail in separate literature.
MC162 Power Amplifier. In terms of power and flexibility, the MC162 is a smart choice for a
C15-based system that’s expected to grow. If power needs go up, the MC162 can be bridged,
upping power to 500W from 160W (4Ω). And its affordability makes it a reasonable choice to also
power a second music zone via the C15’s additional switched output.
MR7084 AM/FM Tuner. A natural companion, the MR7084 tuner is a thoroughly engineered
broadcast monitor that reveals the upper limits of AM and FM performance.
MVS3 A/V Selector. The MVS3 connects to the C15’s VIDEO data output and accommodates
five additional A/V sources, resulting in a very capable A/V Control Center.
RCT3 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 C15 or
the MVS3.
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.
HC1 Home Controller. The HC1 connects to the C15’s HOME data output and allows operation
of other home devices such as lights and movie screens via a McIntosh handheld remote or key-
pad controller.
WK2 Keypad Controller or R649 IR Sensor. With switching for two power amplifiers and a
connector for an external IR sensor, the C15 can supply music to a second zone, with operation
via keypad or IR sensor.
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.
As seen on the inside surface of this demonstration
piece, the screening process for a McIntosh glass
panel entails as many as 12 individual layers.
The glass panels are cut
using a computer-controlled
high-pressure water jet.
MC162 POWER AMPLIFIER
MR7084 AM/FM TUNER
MVS3 A/V SELECTOR
RCT3 REMOTE TRANSLATOR
PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLER
HC1 HOME CONTROLLER
WK2 KEYPAD CONTROLLER
R649 IR SENSOR
PRECISION-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL. Level differences among channels in a stereo or
surround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of the C15’s volume
control are electronically trimmed for superior tracking.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH TONE CONTROLS. Judicious use of well-designed bass and treble controls
can compensate for acoustical irregularities. The C15’s tone controls offer ±12dB adjustments
with fine resolution, yet in the “flat” position are completely removed from the signal path.
CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the C15 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, a “learning”
device that makes it possible to operate virtually any component with the C15’s remote.
REMOTE POWER CONTROL. This enables the C15 to turn connected power amps on/off.
Featured Technologies (cont’d.)

C15 Preamplifier
Ultra-low distortion
Silent electromagnetic switching
Precision-trimmed volume control
6 source selections including MM phono
2 switched main outputs
Processor loop
Control data output for source components
Remote operation of lights, screens, and drapes with McIntosh
HC1 Home Controller
Remote power control
Accommodates more sources with McIntosh MVS3 A/V Selector
Exclusive McIntosh tone controls
Switchable loudness compensation
Electronically regulated power supply with double-shielded
transformer
Gold-plated input and output jacks
Modular construction with steel chassis
Glass front panel with illuminated nomenclature
Infrared remote control
Connector for external IR sensor or keypad controller
Headphone jack
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.5dB
Maximum Voltage Output
Phono: 90mV
High level: 10V
Output Impedance
600 ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 20KHz
Input Sensitivity
Phono: 2.5mV for 2.5V rated output
(0.5mV IHF)
High level: 250mV for 2.5V rated output
(50mV IHF)
Maximum Input Signal
Phono: 90mV
High level: 10V
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
Power Requirements
100V 50/60Hz, 25W
110V 50/60Hz, 25W
120V 50/60Hz, 25W
220V 50/60Hz, 25W
230V 50/60Hz, 25W
240V 50/60Hz, 25W
Dimensions (h x w x d)
inch: 4.125 x 17.5 x 17.5
cm: 10.5 x 44.5 x 44.5
includes clearance for connectors
Weight
14.5 lbs. (6.6kg) net
29.5 lbs. (13.4kg) shipping
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono: 84dB IHF (90dB below a
10mV input)
High level: 95dB IHF (105dB below
rated output)
Input Impedance
Phono: 47k ohms, 65pf
High level: 22k ohms
Voltage Gain
Phono to tape: 40dB
High level to tape: 0dB
High level to main: 20dB
Tone Controls
Bass @ 20Hz: ±12dB
Treble @ 10kHz: ±12dB
0999.C15.10k.essecomm