McIntosh C220 User manual

c220 vacuum tube preamplifier
legendary
The McIntosh C220 is an amalgamation of McIntosh’s many years expertise in tube
design and newly developed control circuits. It has all the flexibility modern systems
require while maintaining the highest quality two channel performance.
As an example, all signal switching is done inside glass cylinders filled with inert gas.
These switches are located adjacent to the input/output jacks, virtually eliminating
crosstalk. Switch cleaning is a thing of the past.
The C220 allows for electronic, independent adjustment level settings for each of the
eight source inputs from either the front panel or remote control. Channel Balance is
electronically adjusted and stored in memory.
Particular attention has been paid to the MM Phono Input. Its innovative circuit
incorporates time-proven 12AX7 vacuum tubes. The brilliance of its design is
reflected in both its simplicity and superior performance.
Bass and Treble controls are included and will prove invaluable for older recordings
or may be bypassed when not needed.
Complete Input Versatility
7 Unbalanced High-Level Inputs
2 Balanced (XLR) Inputs
Moving Magnet Phono Input
Multi-Output Flexibility
3 Pairs of Unbalanced Outputs
2 Pairs Switched plus 1 Pair Fixed
1 Pair Balanced (XLR) Outputs
1/4” Headphone Jack
Front Panel Headphone Mute Mode
Hand Held System Remote
External Remote Sensor Jack
Fiber Optic Panel Illumination
“a flexible yet purist
design that maintains
the highest quality
two channel audio
performance”

To experience the legendary performance of McIntosh, please call on us at 1-800-538-6576
legendary
www.mcintoshlabs.com
35008800 C220
c220 vacuum tube preamplifier
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.08% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
MAIN OUTPUT
2.5V for rated input
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT
8V RMS Unbalanced, 16V RMS Balanced
SENSITIVITY (for rated output)
High Level: 450mV Unbalanced, 900mV Balanced
Phono: 4.5mV
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (A-Rated)
High Level, 90dB below rated output
Phono: 80dB below 10mV input
INPUT IMPEDANCE
High Level: 22K Ohms
Phono: 47K Ohms; 65pF
MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL
High Level: 5V Unbalanced, 10V Balanced
Phono: 50mV (@1,000Hz)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
250 Ohms
VOLTAGE GAIN
High Level to Tape Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
Phono to Main Output: 55dB
HEADPHONE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
16 Ohms to 250 Ohms
TUBE COMPLIMENT
Phono Circuitry: 2-12AX7A
High Level Circuitry: 2-12AX7A
POWER REQUIREMENTS
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 75 Watts
OVERALL DIMENSIONS (H x W x D including
front panel, knobs and cables)
6” (15.24cm) x 17-1/2” (44.45cm) x 18” (45.72cm)
WEIGHT
21 lbs. (9.59Kg) net
37.5 lbs. (17.1Kg) in shipping carton
ADVANCED VOLUME CONTROL
The McIntosh two stage VRV (Variable
Rate Volume) Control is electronic in
action. It never wears or needs cleaning,
and keeps channels matched to within
an amazing 1/10th of 1dB.
CUSTOMIZABLE INPUTS
The inputs can be renamed from an
internal list to match the needs of the
user. Unused inputs can be deleted from
the display and level matching between
inputs is provided.
POWER SUPPLY DESIGN
Multiple stages of regulation ensure
top performance unaffected by power
fluctuations. The R-Core transformer
radiates no hum that could otherwise
compromise the preamplifier’s low
noise floor.
COMPANION PRODUCTS
The MC275 Tube Amplifier and the
MCD201 SACD/CD Player are logical
companions for the C220. Your Authorized
Dealer can provide additional information
on other McIntosh product combinations.
FOR THE CONSUMER’S
PROTECTION
In order to ensure the highest level
of customer satisfaction, “new” McIntosh
products may only be purchased over-the-
counter or delivered and installed by an
Authorized McIntosh Dealer.
McIntosh products that are purchased
over the Internet, by phone or mail order
are presumed to be “used” and do not
qualify for any McIntosh Warranty.
McIntosh does not warrant, in any way,
products that are purchased from anyone
who is not an Authorized Dealer or prod-
ucts that have had their serial number
altered or defaced.