McIntosh C200 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 139 3-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Owners
Manual
C200
C200 Preamplifier/Controller

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within
the products enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or
back. No user serviceable parts inside.
The e clamation point within an equi-
lateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servic-
ing) instructions in the literature ac-
companying the appliance.
General:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all 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 pres-
sure levels. ontinued exposure to high sound pres-
sure levels can cause permanent hearing impair-
ment or loss. User caution is advised and ear protec-
tion is recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. aution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle
or other outlet unless the blades can be fully in-
serted 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. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Installation:
9. The equipment shall be installed near the AC Socket
Outlet and the disconnect device shall be easily acces-
sible.
10. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accor-
dance with the manufacturers instructions.
11. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
12. Do not use this equipment near water.
13. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
14. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manu-
facturer, or sold with the equipment.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/equipment combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
onnection:
15. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
16. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the equipment.
17. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.

3
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
1 . Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
are of Equipment:
20. Clean only with a dry cloth.
21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.
22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Ser-
vicing is required when the equipment has been dam-
aged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
25. 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.
26. 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
condition.
Customer Service
Technical Assistance
Please Take A Moment
Thank You
Copyright 2000 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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:
Your decision to own this McIntosh C200 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.
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
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 as-
sistance 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]
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 addi-
tional help concerning a suspected problem, you can re-
ceive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Safet Instructions

4
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 5
Performance Features ....................................................... 5
Dimensions ....................................................................... 6
Installation ........................................................................
onnections
C200C Rear Panel Connections ...................................... 10
C200P Rear Panel Switches and Connections ................. 11
How to Connect the C200 ............................................... 12
How to Connect the C200 with Passthru Mode .............. 14
Front Panel Features
C200P Front Panel Display and Connection ................... 16
C200C Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-Buttons,
and Switches .................................................................... 17
Setup
How to Operate the Setup Mode ..................................... 1
Default Settings ............................................................... 1
Display Brightness ........................................................... 1
Text Display Options ....................................................... 1
Input Trim Level .............................................................. 19
Input Selection ................................................................. 19
Volume Control Rate-of-Change ..................................... 20
Balance Control Rate-of-Change .................................... 20
Passthru Mode ................................................................. 20
Remote Control Selection ................................................ 21
Firmware Version ............................................................ 21
Operation
How to Operate the C200 ................................................ 22
Remote Control Push-buttons .......................................... 24
How to operate the Remote Control ................................ 25
Additional Information
Specifications .................................................................. 26
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 27
General Notes
1. The C200 consist of two separate chassis. The C200
Controller Chassis will be referred to as the C200C
throughout this Owners Manual. In a similar manner, the
C200 reamplifier Chassis will be referred to as the C200
throughout this Owners Manual.
2. For additional information on Audio Connections, refer to
the Owners Manual(s) for the component(s).
3. Connecting Cables and Connectors are available from the
McIntosh arts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug on each end.
Controller to Preamplifier Cable Part No. 170-631
Six foot, DB25, shielded, straight through, 25 conductor
male-to-female cable.
4. The Main AC ower going to the C200C and any other
McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the
system components are connected together. When the C200C
and other McIntosh Components are in their Standby ower
Off Mode, the Microprocessors Circuitry inside each
component is active and communication is occurring
between them. Failure to do so could result in
malfunctioning of some or all of the systems normal
operations.
5. Up to four sensors can be wired in parallel for Remote
Control of the C200 from other rooms.
6. 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.
7. A McIntosh ower Controller may be added to the C200 to
provide AC ower Switching to components that do not have
ower Control Connections. See your McIntosh Dealer for
additional information.
8. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Decibels and
dB is the abbreviation.
9. in configuration for the XLR Balanced Input and Output
Connectors on the C200 . Refer to the diagram for
connection:
IN 1: Shield or ground
IN 2: + input
IN 3: - input
Pin 1Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 2

5
·Dual hassis
Dual Chassis design completely separates all power supply,
microprocessor and control circuits from the pure audio
circuits for total noise isolation.
·Balanced and Unbalanced 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 ontrol
Volume levels are controlled by a new Multi-Stage Preci-
sion Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with a track-
ing accuracy of 0.1dB. Levels change in 213 individual
0.5dB steps.
·Variable Rate Volume and Balance ontrol Selection
The Volume and Balance Control Circuitry allows for user
selected rate-of-change from loud to quiet and from left to
right level adjustments.
·Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display
The Multifunction Front Panel Display indicates the Listen
and Record Source Selection, Volume and Balance Levels.
Setup Mode Selections and Adjustments are also displayed.
The display intensity is fully adjustable.
·Precision Volume Display
The front panel digital Volume Display indicates the
preamplifier gain in dB or percentage of available volume.
·Input Level Trim Adjustment
All eleven Inputs on the C200 can be matched in level, so
that there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between
the different inputs.
The McIntosh C200 Preamplifier/Controller is without
question the finest audio preamplifier ever created. No de-
sign compromises were allowed in the quest for a pream-
plifier with absolute accuracy, total sonic purity and virtual
elimination of distortion and audible noise. For those who
have been searching for their Last Preamplifier, your
search is over.
Introduction
Performance Features
·Precision Parts
Only the finest precision 1% tolerance resistors and
polypropylene capacitors are used throughout.
·Ultra Low Distortion
Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.002%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.
·Moving oil and Moving Magnet Phono Input
There is a special, separately shielded precision Phono
Preamplifier for low output Moving Coil Phono Cartridges,
that utilizes two step-up transformers which contain coils
wound with silver wire and double mu metal shielding.
There is also a Precision Phono Preamplifier for Moving
Magnet Cartridges.
·Multichannel Passthru Mode
The Automatic Passthru Mode allows the C200 to become
part of a Multichannel Sound System for DVD-Audio and
Home Theater. The Left and Right Channels of the C200
become the two front channels, simply by turning on the
Multichannel Processor.
·Full featured Remote ontrol
The C200 includes a Remote Control that allows remote
operation of the front panel controls and push-buttons.
·Optional External Sensor Input
There are provisions for connecting external sensors,
which allow for enjoying your McIntosh System from
other room(s) in your home via the remote control.
·Power ontrol Output
A Power Control connection for convenient turn-on of
McIntosh power amplifiers and accessories is included.
Introduction and Performance Features

6
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for the C200C Controller and C200P Pream-
plifier. There is additional information on the following
pages pertaining to installing the C200C and C200P into
cabinets.
Dimensions
17-1/2"
44.45cm
4-5/8"
11.75cm
6"
15.24cm
17"
43.18cm
18-3/8"
46.67cm
3/16"
0.48cm 4-13/16"
12.22cm
12-1/2"
31.75cm 1-3/8"
3.49cm
13 -1/4"
33.65cm
17"
43.18cm
5/8"
1.59cm
Front View of the C200C
Rear View of the C200C
Side View of the C200C
5-3/8"
13.69cm
13/16"
2.06cm
12 -1/4"
31.12cm

7
Dimensions
17-1/2"
44.45cm
4-5/8"
11.75cm
6"
15.24cm
17"
43.18cm
18-3/8"
46.67cm
3/16"
0.48cm 4-13/16"
12.22cm
12-1/2"
31.75cm 1-3/8"
3.49cm
13 -1/4"
33.65cm
17"
43.18cm
Front View of the C200P
Rear View of the C200P
Side View of the C200P
5-3/8"
13.69cm
13/16"
2.06cm
12 -1/4"
31.12cm

8
Installation
The C200C and C200P can be placed upright on a table or
shelf, standing on its four feet.The four feet may be re-
moved from the bottom of both units when it is custom in-
stalled as outlined below. The four feet together with the
mounting screws should be retained for possible future use
if the C200 Controller and Preamplifier are removed from
the custom installation and used free standing. They also
4-7/8"
12.38cm
17-1/16"
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
C200C Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
14"
35.56cm
14"
35.56cm
15-1/16"
38.26cm
17/32"
1.35cm
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
C200C Side View
in Custom Cabinet
C200C Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
1"
2.54cm
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 C200.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the C200 di-
rectly above a heat generating component such as a high

9
Installation
4-7/8"
12.38cm
17-1/16"
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
C200P Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
14"
35.56cm
14"
35.56cm
15-1/16"
38.26cm
17/32"
1.35cm
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
C200P Side View
in Custom Cabinet
C200P Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
1"
2.54cm
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 2 inches (5.0 cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.0 cm)
below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each side of the
Controller and Preamplifier, so that airflow is not ob-
structed. Allow 20 inches (50. cm) depth behind the front
panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) 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.

1
C200C Rear Panel Connections
Connect the C200C
power cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to informa-
tion on the back panel of
the C200C to determine
the correct voltage for
your unit
Main Fu e holder,
refer to information
on the back panel of
the C200C to deter-
mine the correct
fu e ize and rating
The EXTernal SENSOR
jack permit the connection
of a McInto h IR en or for
remote operation
DATA PORT end ignal to
compatible ource component
and allow remote control opera-
tion
PASSTHRU Power
Control input receive
a turn-on ignal from
a McInto h Home
Theater Controller
MAIN POWER CONTROL
Output end a turn-on ignal
to a McInto h Power Amplifier
when the C200C i turned On
AMPLIFIER POWER CONTROL
Output end a turn-on ignal to a
McInto h Power Amplifier when
the C200C Front Panel OUTPUT 1
and/or 2 i On
TO C200 PREAMPLIFIER
Connector accept a 25 con-
ductor cable that connect
all control ignal and power
upply voltage from the
C200C to the C200P
ACCe ory POWER CONTROL
Output end a turn-on ignal to
McInto h Source Component( )
and/or Power Controller when the
C200C i On

11
C200P Rear Panel Switches and Connections
TO C200C CONTROLLER
connector accept a 25 con-
ductor cable that connect
all control ignal and power
upply voltage from the
C200C to the C200P
MAIN Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
Li ten program
ignal at all time
SPKR/AMP 1 and 2
Balanced OUTPUTS
contain Li ten ignal
and turn On/Off with
the front panel OUT-
PUTS 1 and 2 pu h-
button
TAPE 1 Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
Record Out Signal
LISTEN MAIN unbalanced
OUTPUTS contain Li ten
program ignal at all time
LISTEN unbalanced OUT-
PUTS 1 and 2 contain Li ten
ignal and turn on/off with the
front panel SPKR/AMP pu h-
button
LISTEN PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allow an
external ignal proce or to
be connected for u e in the
Li ten mode
RECORD PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allow an
external ignal proce or to
be connected for u e in the
Record mode
LINE 1, LINE 2 and TAPE 1
Balanced INPUTS accept high
level program ource ignal
TAPE 2, Tuner, and CD un-
balanced INPUTS accept high
level program ource ignal
TAPE 1, TAPE 2
unbalanced OUT-
PUTS contain
record out ignal
AUX 1 accept high level program
ource ignal . PH 1 (MC) accept low
level ignal from a Moving Coil Phono
Cartridge and PH 1 (MM) accept ig-
nal from a Moving Magnet Phono Car-
tridge. The mall lide witch elect
which one of the e three input i active
when either front panel LISTEN or
RECORD witch i et to PHX/AUX 1
AUX 2 accept high level program
ource ignal . PH 2 (MM) accept
ignal from a Moving Magnet Phono
Cartridge. The mall lide witch e-
lect which one of the e input i ac-
tive when the front panel LISTEN or
RECORD Selector witch i et to PH/
AUX 2
Gound connection
for turntable

12
How to Connect the C200
1. Connect the supplied DB25 cable from the C200C
socket to the matching socket on the C200P.
2. Connect a Power Control Cable from the C200C
POWER CONTROL MAIN Socket to the Power Con-
trol In Socket on one of the two McIntosh Power Am-
plifiers. Then connect from that Power Amplifier
Power Control Out Socket to the second McIntosh
Power Amplifier Power Control In Socket.
Note: There is approximately a one-half second delay in
the turn-on of the second ower Amplifier, so as
not to tax the AC ower Line.
3. Connect a Power Control Cable from the C200C
POWER CONTROL ACCessory Socket to the Power
Control In of a McIntosh Tuner.
4. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh
Tuner Power Control Out Socket to the Power Control
In of a McIntosh DVD Player and then onto the next
McIntosh Source Component.
5. Connect a Data Cable from the C200C TUNER DATA
PORT to the Data In of a McIntosh Tuner.
6. Connect a Data Cable from the C200C DVD DATA
PORT to the Data In of a McIntosh DVD Player.
7. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh Tuner Au-
dio Outputs to the C200P TUNER INPUTS.
. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh DVD
Player Audio Outputs to the C200P CD INPUTS.
9. Connect the remaining Audio Source and Processing
Components to the matching C200P Inputs.
Note: It is important to make sure that the two C200
Rear anel Slide Switches are set to the
appropriate Input that a Source Component has
been connected to. Example, if a second turntable
is connected to the H 2(mm) Input, then the Slide
Switch must be set to the H2 position and not
AUX 2.
10. Connect XLR Cables from the C200P MAIN OUT-
PUTS (Balanced) to the Balanced Inputs on the two
McIntosh Power Amplifiers.
Note: Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can
be mixed. For example, you may connect signal
sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals out
from the Balanced Outputs. You can also use
Balanced and Unbalanced outputs simultaneously,
connected to different power amplifiers.
11. Connect the C200C power cord to a live AC outlet.
McIntosh CD/DVD Player
McIntosh AM/FM Tuner

13
How to Connect the C200
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Left Channel)
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Right Channel)
Turntable
Tape Deck
Processor inout
To AC Outlet
in out

14
How to Connect the C200 with Passthru Mode
McIntosh CD/DVD Player
McIntosh AM/FM Tuner
The Passthrough Mode on the C200 allows it to be part of
a Multichannel System for the Left and Right Front
Channels, when it is connected to a McIntosh Multi-
channel Processor such as the MX132, MSD4 or
MAC-3.
1. Connect the supplied DB25 cable from the C200C
socket to the matching socket on the C200P.
2. Connect a Power Control Cable from the C200C
POWER CONTROL MAIN Socket to the Power Con-
trol In Socket on one of the two McIntosh Power Am-
plifiers. Then connect from that Power Amplifier
Power Control Out Socket to the second McIntosh
Power Amplifier Power Control In Socket.
Note: There is approximately a one-half second delay in
the turn-on of the second ower Amplifier, so as
not to tax the AC ower Line.
3. Connect a Power Control Cable from the C200C
POWER CONTROL ACCessory Socket to the Power
Control In of a McIntosh Tuner.
4. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh
Tuner Power Control Out Socket to the Power Control
In of a McIntosh DVD Player and then onto the next
McIntosh Source Component.
5. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh A/V
Controller Power Control Zone A to the C200C
PASSTHRU Socket.
6. Connect a Data Cable from the C200C TUNER DATA
PORT to the Data In of a McIntosh Tuner.
7. Connect a Data Cable from the C200C DVD DATA
PORT to the Data In of a McIntosh DVD Player.
. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh A/V Con-
troller Zone A Front Left and Right Audio Outputs to
the C200P AUX 2 INPUTS.
9. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh Tuner Au-
dio Outputs to the C200P TUNER INPUTS.
10. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh DVD
Player Audio Outputs to the C200P CD INPUTS.
11. Connect the remaining Audio Source and Processing
Components to the matching C200P Inputs.
Note: It is important to make sure that the two C200
Rear anel Slide Switches are set to the
appropriate Input that a Source Component has
been connected to. Example, if a second turntable
is connected to the H 2(mm) Input, then the Slide
Switch must be set to the H2 position and not
AUX 2, in order for the sound of the Turntable to
be heard.
12. Connect XLR Cables from the C200P MAIN OUT-
PUTS (Balanced) to the Balanced Inputs on the two
McIntosh Power Amplifiers.
Note: Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can
McIntosh A/V Control Center
be mixed. For example, you may connect signal
sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals out
from the Balanced Outputs. You can also use
Balanced and Unbalanced outputs simultaneously,
connected to different power amplifiers.
13. Connect the C200C power cord to a live AC outlet.

15
How to Connect the C200 with Passthru Mode
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Left Channel)
McIntosh Power Amplifier
(Right Channel)
Turntable
Tape Deck
Processor inout
To AC Outlet
in out

16
C200P Front Panel Displa and Connection
HEADPHONE jack accept
dynamic headphone
POWER ON indicator

17
C200C Front Panel Controls, Displa s, Push-Buttons, and Switches
BALANCE control
allow the adju tment
of the relative volume
level for each channel
and i u ed for etup
function
POWER
witch turn
all AC power
completely On
or Off
RECORD witch elect
the program ignal that
are available to record
from and i u ed for etup
function
LIS PROCESSOR
pu h-button turn
the Li ten Proce or
loop On or Off
LISTEN witch elect
the program ignal
that are li tened to and
unbalanced output
VOLUME control
adju t the li tening
volume level and i
u ed for etup func-
tion
DISPLAY indicate the Li ten and
Record Source , Li tening Volume
Level and Setup Function
REC PROCESSOR
pu h-button turn the
Record Proce or
loop On or Off
REC MONITOR
pu h-button
witche the
RECORD Output
ignal to the Li ten
circuit o the Pro-
gram Signal ent to
the Record output
are audible
MONO pu h-button
combine left and
right tereo ignal to
mono at all Main,
Amplifier and Li ten
Output
SETUP allow the
changing of the
default etting for
Input , Level and
the Di play
DISPLAY pu h-button
witche the di play to
indicate either volume
level in dB, or percent of
maximum volume
MUTE pu h-button
mute audio in all
Li ten Output
OUTPUTS 1 and 2 pu h-button
allow the C200 to witch Power
Control and Audio to two epa-
rate tereo power amplifier
STANDBY/ON pu h-button
turn the C200 On, or Off
(Standby)
IR Sen or for
Remote Con-
trol Operation

18
How to Operate the Setup Mode
Your McIntosh C200 has been factory configured for de-
fault operating settings that will allow you to immediately
enjoy superb audio without the need for further adjust-
ments. If you wish to make changes to the factory default
settings (refer to the adjacent page), a Setup Feature is pro-
vided to customize the operating settings using the Front
Panel Alphanumeric Display on the C200C Controller.
1. Press the POWER switch to ON, the Red LED above
the STANDBY/ON push-button
lights to indicate the C200 is in
Standby mode. To turn on the
C200 press the STANDBY/ON
push-button. Refer to figure 1.
2. Press the C200 Front Panel
SETUP push-button. The LED above the SETUP Push-
button will illuminate and the Front Panel Display will
indicate DISPLAY 20. Refer to figure 2.
Note: The Front anel Display will indicate DIS LAY 20
the first time, after then it will display what ever
Setup Mode was last accessed.
3. Rotate the BALANCE Control and notice that the
Setup Mode advances through eight different possible
adjustment selections and one informational display.
4. To exit from a specific Setup Mode press the SETUP
Push-button a second time, the LED above the SETUP
Push-button will extinguish and the Front Panel Dis-
play will revert back to its normal display. Refer to fig-
ures 3.
The following listings indicate the default settings and the
page number for instructions on how to change a setting.
Default Settings
Setup Function Name Setting Page Number
Brightness (Display) 20 1
Text (Display Options) Full 1
Trim (Input Level) 00 19
Input (On/Off) On 19
Volume (Rate-of-Change) VRV 20
Balance (Rate-of-Change) VRB 20
Passthru (Multichannel) Off 20
Remote (Control Type) Norm 21
Version (C200 Firmware) _ . _ _ 21
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 2
Displa Brightness
The Front Panel Alphanumeric DISPLAY Brightness may
be varied from a setting of 1(Dim) to 31(Bright), follow the
steps below for changing the brightness. Refer to figure 4.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the word
DISPLAY 20 appears.
3. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob until the desired Dis-
play Brightness is achieved.
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
Figure 4
Text Displa Options
There are two choices for the displaying of Input Names on
Front Panel Alphanumeric Display, TEXT FULL or TEXT
SHORT. The TEXT FULL Mode displays the Volume Set-
ting together with the name of the Listen Input Selected.
Refer to figure 5. The TEXT SHORT Mode displays the
name of Record Input Selected, the Volume Setting and the
name of the Listen Input Selected. Refer to figure 6.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
TEXT FULL appears. Refer to figure 7.
3. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob until the display indi-
cates TEXT SHORT. Refer to figure .
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
Figure 6
Figure 5
Figure 8
Figure 7

19
Setup
Input Trim Level
Various components can have slightly different volume
levels. This could result in the constant need to readjust the
C200 volume control when switching between different
Listen Program Sources. A volume trim feature on the
C200 allows you to adjust or trim the levels of the various
inputs so that they have the same relative volume. The
Phono1 Input is used in the example below.
Note: The possible range of adjustment in volume level is ±
12dB. The Record Output Levels are uneffected by any
changes in the Trim Settings. Any TRIM adjustments
made are retained in permanent memory and can be
changed only by performing a new TRIM procedure.
1. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob to select the Phono1
Input and adjust the VOLUME Control to the desired
listening level.
2. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
3. The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will change
and the Red LED above the SETUP Push-button will
turn On.
4. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
TRIM 00 PH1 appears. Refer to figure 9.
5. Rotate the VOLUME Control until the desired volume
level is achieved. Refer to figures 10 and 11. Figure 10
indicates a +3dB increase in the PH1 Level and figure
11 has a -5dB decrease in level.
Note: Choose a Input Source that is frequently listened to
as the reference. The reference Input Source should
be set to a Trim Level of 00.
6. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob until the next desired
Input Source Name is displayed.
7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all the Inputs with sources
connected to the C200 have the same relative volume
levels when switching between them.
. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
Note: Whenever a program source selected has trimmed
volume levels, the Front anel Display Volume
Figure 11
Figure 1
,QSXW6RXUFH 'HIDXOW6HWWLQJ 1HZ6HWWLQJ
7XQHU 
7DSH 
7DSH 
/LQH 
/LQH 
3KRQR$X[ 
3KRQR$X[ 
Figure 9
Indication will automatically move up or down
when changing between Input Sources to reflect the
differences in trim levels. The Trim Level can also
be set via the remote control. The following table
may be used to record your level trim adjustments
for the various inputs.
Input Selection
The C200 allows the turning off of unused Input Sources.
This prevents having to go through all the eight positions
on the LISTEN and RECORD Switches when there may
only be four Input Sources Connected to the C200. The
Phono 1 Input is used in the example below.
Note: If all the Input Sources have been turned Off and the
C200 is no longer in the Setup Mode, the Front anel
Display will Indicate NO SOURCE. Two Input ositions
on the C200 have a Rear anel Slide Switch associated
with them. This allows selection of three additional
component sources to be connected, however only eight
possible Input Sources can be selected from at any one
time.
1. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob to select the Phono1
Tuner Input.
2. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
3. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
INPUT ON PH1 appears. Refer to figure 12.
4. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob until the desired In-
put Source Name that you want to turn Off is dis-
played.
Figure 12

2
The C200 offers three choices for the rate-of-change in
volume levels as the Volume Control Knob is rotated. The
VOLUME SLOW Setting permits the smallest changes in
volume per degree of rotation, as the Volume Control Knob
is rotated. The VOLUME FAST Setting permits larger
changes in volume per degree of rotation, as the Volume
Control Knob is rotated. The VOLUME VRV (Variable
Rate Volume), which is the default setting, combines the
best of the Volume Fast and Slow Settings, plus adds an
additional Super Fast rate-of-change at the very beginning
of rotation. At the start of the Volume Control Rotation, the
changes in volume per degree of rotation are very rapid and
then the changes in volume become smaller as the rotation
of the Volume Control continues.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
VOLUME VRV appears. Refer to figure 13.
3. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob and select either
VOLUME SLOW or VOLUME FAST setting. Refer to
figures 14 and 15.
Volume Control Rate-of-Change
5. Rotate the RECORD Switch Knob one position. The
display should indicate INPUT -- PH1.Refer to
figure 13.
6. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
The Phono1 Input is now switched Off. To switch the
Phono1 Input back On, repeat steps 1 through 6 except re-
verse the settings for steps 4 and 5. To switch Off any other
non-used Inputs, follow steps 1 through 6.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Figure 17
Figure 16
Figure 14
Figure 15
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
Balance Control Rate-of-Change
There are two choices for the rate-of-change in the Left and
Right Channel Volume Levels as the Balance Control Knob
is rotated. The BALANCE SLOW Setting permits the
smallest changes in channel balance, with the changes be-
ing proportional to the speed of rotation, as the Balance
Control Knob is turned. The BALANCE VRB (Variable
Rate Balance), which is the default setting, the changes in
channel volume level are accelerated as the speed of the
Balance Control Knob is increased.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
BALANCE VRB appears. Refer to figure 16.
3. Rotate the LISTEN Switch Knob and select the BAL-
ANCE SLOW setting. Refer to figure 17.
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.
Passthru Mode
The C200 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System for
DVD-Audio and Home Theater. The Right and Left Front
Channels from a McIntosh A/V Control Center or Surround
Decoder can Passthru the C200 and onto its associated
Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows the activation
of the Passthru Mode and the Selection of the C200 Input
that will be used for the Right and Left Front Channels. In
the example below, the Right and Left Front Channels from
the Multichannel Processor/Decoder will be connected to
the AUX 2 Input Sockets on the C200.