McIntosh C2300 User manual

c2300 Tube Preamplifier
legendary
The C2300 tube preamplifier delivers a new level of performance and value. Potent
engineering enhancements combine with smart, user-programmable features to deliver
a truly extraordinary audio preamplifier.
The two phono preamplifiers, moving coil and moving magnet, are both 12AX7A tube
based. Programmable Load and Resistance is selectable by remote control so the adjust-
ments can be made from the listening position.
Bass and Treble controls are also adjustable by remote control. Individual tone settings
and mono/stereo may be stored in memory for each of the 8 inputs. Tone Bypass may also
be assigned which completely removes the tone controls from any designated input.
The C2300 is both beautiful to look at as well as listen to. The custom top cover features
a silk-screened glass window which reveals a unique, slant-mount tube array. With its
classic McIntosh glass faceplate, twin blue output meters and ergonomically pleasing
rotary controls, the C2300 is poised to serve as the centerpiece of any fine music system.
Six Vacuum Tube Design
Variable Rate Volume with Multi-
Stage Precision Digitally Controlled
Attenuator
Vacuum Tube Moving Coil and Moving
Magnet Phono Preamplifiers
Custom top cover with lighted
tube view
Custom R-Core Power Transformer
IR Remote control
Headphone Jack
Pass-Thru Integration

c2300 Tube Preamplifier
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0, -0.50dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -1dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
RATED OUTPUT
Balanced: 5VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
Unbalanced: 2.5VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
250 Ohms
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Balanced: 16VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
Unbalanced: 8VRMS at MAIN, 1 and 2
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.08% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
SENSITIVITY
Phono, MC: 0.45mV for 2.5V
Phono, MM: 4.5mV for 2.5V
High Level: 450mV for 2.5V
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO (A-Rated)
Phono: 80dBHigh Level: 93dB
MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL
Phono, MC: 5mVPhono, MM: 50mV
High Level: 5V Balanced
INPUT IMPEDANCE
Phono: MC: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000 Ohms
MM: 47k Ohms, 50 to 750pF, 50pF steps
High Level:
Balanced: 40k Ohms
Unbalanced: 20k Ohms
VOLTAGE GAIN
Phono, Moving Coil to Record Output: 60dB
Phono, Moving Magnet to Record Output: 40dB
High Level to Record Output: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
OVERALL DIMENSIONS (H x W x D)
7-1/8” (18.1 cm) X 17-1/2” (44.4 cm) X 14-1/2”
(36.8 cm) including clearance for connectors.
Knob clearance in front of the mounting panel
is ¾” (1.9 cm)
WEIGHT
29.5 lbs (13.41 kg) net
44.9 lbs. (20.41 kg) in shipping carton
EIGHT PROGRAMMABLE
SOURCE SELECTIONS
All eight source elections accommodate
unbalanced inputs while four of the either
also accommodate balanced inputs. Any
of 12 standard names can be assigned to
a source selection and the panel display
can be customized to indicate only
available sources.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC
SWITCHING
Signal routing is accomplished through
digitally controlled electromagnet
switching devices. Precision switch
contacts, isolated from environmental
contamination inside inert gas-filled glass
tubes, provide the most reliable, quietest
and lowest distortion switching
possible.
VRV (VARIABLE RATE VOLUME)
DIGIALLY CONTROLLED
ATTENUATOR
The output attenuator controls volume
over 214 steps of .5dB each with accuracy
within .1dB. The volume vs. rotation rate
varies as preamplifier gain varies and
attenuation changes occur at eh zero
crossings of the audio signal to prevent
audible artifacts during adjustment.
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.
To experience the legendary performance of McIntosh, please call on us at 1-800-538-6576
legendary
www.mcintoshlabs.com
35009900 C2300