McIntosh C42 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
OWNERS
MANUAL
C42
C42 Audio Control Center

2
Table of Contents
Thank You.......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Technical Support .............................................................. 2
Customer Service............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Connections and Switch .................................. 6
How to Connect the C42 ................................................... 7
Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-Buttons,
and Switch ......................................................................... 8
How to Trim Input Volume Levels .................................... 9
How to Operate the C42 .................................................. 10
Remote Control Push-Buttons ......................................... 11
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................ 12
Specifications and Performance Chart ............................ 14
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15
NOTES:
1. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the C42 Audio
Control Center.
3. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the outputs
for approximately two seconds when turned on.
4. dB is an abbreviation of the word decibel, which is a unit
measure of sound intensity.
5. Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be mixed.
For example, you may connect signal sources to Unbalanced
Inputs and feed signals out from the Balanced Outputs. You
can also use Balanced and Unbalanced outputs
simultaneously, connected to different power amplifiers.
6. Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input/Output
connectors on the C42: PIN 1: Shield or ground.
PIN 2: + input.
PIN 3: - input.
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
Technical Assistance
Customer Service
Copyright 1998 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Please Take A Moment
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 C42 Audio Control
Center ranks you at the very top among discriminating mu-
sic 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 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 Sales Corporation
661 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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 Repair department.
For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact
the McIntosh Repair Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Safety Instructions
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD -
DO NOT OPEN.
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 consti-
tute a risk of electric shock to persons.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC -
NE PAS OUVRIR.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
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. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, con-
tained in this owners manual, before operating this
equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. Follow all operating and use 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. Continued 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. Caution: 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. For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This
will prevent damage to the product due to lightning or
power line surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recommended in this
owners manual as they may cause hazards.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. For ex-
ample, the equipment should not be placed on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
10. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (in-
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as de-
scribed in this owners manual.
12. Do not use this equipment near water; for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
13. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, caus-
ing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to
the product.
Connection:
14. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
15. Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, con-
venience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the instrument.
16. Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polar-
ized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat
the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the
plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to re-
place your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding-type plug.

4
·Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs/Outputs
Eight unbalanced inputs, and three unbalanced outputs are
provided. One balanced input, and three balanced outputs
are also included. The Aux input can be switched to accept
a moving magnet phono cartridge.
·Precision Tracking Volume Control and Display
A microprocessor logarithmic attenuator controls volume
levels with a tracking accuracy of 0.1dB. Levels change in
213 individual steps of 0.5dB. The front panel digital dis-
play indicates the preamplifier gain in dB or percentage of
available volume.
·Input Level Matching
Adjust the input volume levels of source components so
they match the tuner input level.
·Ultra Low Distortion
Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.002%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.
·Full Featured Remote Control
Full Featured Remote Control is included that will allow
complete control of major front panel controls and
switches.
·Eight Band Program Equalizer
The equalizer provides 10dB of boost or cut at center fre-
quencies of 20, 35, 70, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 4000Hz.
When an equalizer control is in the center or flat position,
all equalizer circuit components are removed from the sig-
nal path.
·Two Signal Processor Loops
Separate front panel switched signal processor loops are
provided for the listen and record circuits.
Safety Instructions cont,
Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
17. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
Care of Equipment:
18. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Un-
plug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the
panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
19. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or
fall into the equipment through enclosure openings.
Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclo-
sure openings.
20. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
21. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to a qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
a. The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged.
b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the equipment.
c. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water.
d. The equipment does not operate normally by fol-
lowing the operating instructions contained within
this owners manual. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions, as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result
in damage and will often require extensive work by
a qualified technician to restore the product to its
normal operation.
e. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
f. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
22. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
23. 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.
24. 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.
The new McIntosh C42 Stereo Preamplifier offers a highly
refined combination of useful operating features with to-
tally transparent electronic performance. For example you
can take advantage of the eight-band equalizer to achieve
the finest possible reproduction of digital source music as
well as valuable music from earlier recording technology.
Combine a C42 with a McIntosh Power Amplifier and you
will enjoy a stereo system of unparalleled performance.
Performance Features

5
Installation
The C42 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing
on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of
furniture or cabinet of your choice. The required panel cut-
out, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your C42. Cool
operation ensures the longest possible operating life for
any electronic instrument. Do not install the C42 directly
above a heat generating component such as a high powered
amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single
cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite
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 (5.1cm) above the unit and 1 inch
(2.54cm) on each side of the control center, so that airflow
is not obstructed. Allow 21 inches (53.3cm) depth behind
the mounting panel, which includes clearance for connec-
tors. Allow 1-1/8 inches (2.9cm) 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.
Front View of C42 custom
installed
Side View of the C42
custom installed
Bottom View of the C42
custom installed
Installation
17-1/2"
444mm
17-1/16"
433.4mm
7/32"
5.3mm
Support Shelf
Outline of Front Panel
Edge of Cutout
Panel Height
5-5/16"
134.9mm
4-7/8"
123.8mm
1/4"
6mm
3/16"
5.1mm
End Caps
5-3/8"
136.9mm
Bottom of Cutout and Top
of Support Shelf Must
Coincide
Mounting Surface
Outline of Unit
(Side View)
Support Shelf
Mounting Bracket at Both Sides of the Rear Panel.
Fasten with 6-32 x 3/8 Machine Screw and Washer to Chassis.
Fasten with 6 x 1/2 Wood Screw and Washer to Support Shelf
6"
15"
9"
Mounting Surface
Cut Out Center
for Ventilation
(Bottom View)
(Front View)

6
C42 Rear Panel Connections
and Switch
Connect the C42
power cord to a live
AC outlet. Refer to
information on the
back panel of your
C42 to determine
the correct voltage
for your unit
Main Fuse holder,
refer to
infromation on the
back panel of your
C42 to determine
the correct fuse
size and rating
The EXT (exter-
nal) Sensor jack
allows you to
connect a McIn-
tosh IR sensor
for remote op-
eration
DATA PORTs send
signals to compatible
source components to
allow you to control
them with the remote
control
POWER CONTROL
MAIN Output sends a
turn-on signal to a
McIntosh Power Am-
plifier when the C42
is turned on
POWER CONTROL
1and 2 Outputs
send turn-on signal
to a McIntosh Power
Amplifier when the
C42 Front Panel
Output 1 and/or 2 is
on
MAIN Balanced
OUTPUTS contain
Listen program
signals at all times
1 and 2 Balanced OUT-
PUTS contain Listen
signals and turn on/off
with the front panel
OUTPUTS push-but-
tons
LISTEN MAIN
OUTPUTS con-
tain Listen pro-
gram signals at
all times
LISTEN OUTPUTS
1 and 2 contain Lis-
ten signals and turn
on/off with the front
panel OUTPUTS
push-buttons
LISTEN PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allows an
external signal processor
to be connected for use in
the Listen mode
RECORD PROCESSOR
FROM and TO allows an
external signal processor
to be connected for use in
the Record mode
LINE 1 balanced INPUTS
accept high level program
source signals
TAPE 1, TAPE 2,
TUNER, CD, LINE
2 and AUX2 IN-
PUTS accept high
level program source
signals
TAPE 1 and
TAPE 2
OUTPUTS
contain record
out signals
AUX 1 accepts high
level program source
signals, PH accepts
signals from a Moving
Magnet phono car-
tridge, and the small
slide switch selects
which one of these two
inputs is active when
either front panel LIS-
TEN or RECORD
switch is set to PH/
AUX 1
C42 Rear Panel Connections and Switch
POWER CONTROL
ACC Output sends a
turn-on signal to a
McIntosh Power
Control unit when the
C42 is turned on

7
How to Connect the C42
How to Connect the C42
InOut
Listen Signal
Processor
McIntosh CD Player
McIntosh Tuner
Tape Recorder
In Out
McIntosh Power Amplifier
To AC Outlet
1. Plug the C42 AC power cord into a live AC outlet.
2. Connect balanced cables from the balanced MAIN
OUTPUTS to balanced power amplifier inputs.
3. Connect cables from the C42 LISTEN PROCESSOR
FROM jacks to the outputs of a signal processor. Con-
nect cables from the C42 LISTEN PROCESSOR TO
jacks to the signal processor inputs.
Note: Connect a signal processor to the RECORD
PROCESSOR jacks in a similar manner.
4. Connect cables from RECORD TAPE 1 OUTPUTS to
high level record inputs of a tape recorder. Connect
cables from the C42 TAPE 1 INPUTS to the outputs of
a tape recorder.
5. Connect cables from the C42 CD INPUTS to the out-
puts of a CD Player.
6. Connect cables from the C42 TUNER INPUTS to the
outputs of a tuner.
7. Connect a Power Control cable from the C42 MAIN
POWER CONTROL jack to the POWER CONTROL
IN of a McIntosh power amplifier.
8. Connect a Power Control cable from the C42 POWER
CONTROL ACC jack to the Power Control In of a
McIntosh tuner.
9. Connect a Data cable from the C42 CD DATA PORT to
the DATA IN of a McIntosh CD player.
10. Connect a Data cable from the C42 TUNER DATA
PORT to the DATA IN of a McIntosh tuner.
11. Connect an RG6 or RG59U coaxial cable from the
EXT (external) Sensor jack to an IR sensor.
NOTE: Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be
mixed. For example, you may connect signal sources to
Unbalanced Inputs and feed signals out from the
Balanced Outputs. You can also use Balanced and
Unbalanced outputs simultaneously, connected to
different power amplifiers.

8
C42 Front Panel Controls, Displays,
Push-Buttons, and Switch
BALANCE control
allows you to adjust
the relative volume
levels of each channel
signal in 1dB steps
POWER switch
turns all AC
power completely
ON or OFF
RECORD switch
selects the program
signals that are fed
to the TAPE Outputs
LIS PROCESSOR
push-button turns
the Listen Proces-
sor loop on or off
LISTEN switch selects
the program signals that
are fed to the MAIN and
OUTPUTS 1&2
VOLUME control adjusts
the volume level at the
balanced and unbalanced
outputs as well as adjust-
ing input level calibration
DISPLAY indicates the volume level in dB with
0.5dB or 1.0dB steps, or percentage of maximum
volume from 1 to 100. The display also indicates in-
put level calibration as well as Balance adjustments
REC PROCESSOR
push-button turns
the Record Proces-
sor loop on or off
REC MONITOR push-button
switches the RECORD Output
signals to the Listen circuit so
you can hear the program signals
sent to the Record outputs
MONO push-
button combines
left and right ste-
reo signals to
mono at all
MAIN and OUT-
PUTS 1&2
INPUT TRIM allows
input levels of any pro-
gram source to be
matched to the level of
the Tuner input
DISPLAY push-button
switches the display to
indicate either volume
level in dB, or percent of
maximum volume
MUTE push-
button mutes
audio in all
Listen outputs
OUTPUTS 1 and
2 push-buttons
allow the C42 to
switch AC power
control and audio
to two separate
stereo power am-
plifiers
STANDBY/ON
push-button turns
the C42 ON or
OFF (Standby),
and it is also used
to reset all the
C42 microproces-
sors
C42 Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-
Buttons, and Switch
HEADPHONES
jack accepts dy-
namic head-
phones
IR Sensor
receives
commands
from a
remote
control
Equalizer provides
10dB of boost or cut
at the center frequen-
cies indicated above
each control
Equalizer provides
10dB of boost or cut
at the center frequen-
cies indicated above
each control

9
How to Trim Input Volume Levels
How to Trim Input Volume Levels
Various components can have slightly different volume
levels. This results in the constant need to readjust the C42
volume control when listening to different program
sources. A volume trim feature on the C42 allows you to
adjust or trim the volume levels of the various inputs so
they are the same. The trimmed volume levels for all the
inputs are based on the reference volume level of the
TUNER input, which is fixed. Refer to Figure 1 during the
following steps:
NOTE: Trimmed volume levels will affect only the LISTEN
signals. The RECORD output levels are not affected by
the trim procedure and do not change. Any TRIM
adjustments made are retained in permanent memory
and can be changed only by performing a new TRIM
procedure.
1. Switch the C42
LISTEN selec-
tor to TUNER
and adjust the
volume control
to the desired
listening level.
2. Press the IN-
PUT TRIM
push-button.
The VOLUME
display will
read 00 and
the Red LED
above the push-button will turn ON.
3. Switch to another input such as CD.
4. Adjust the volume control either up or down as needed
until the listening level of the second input source is
the same as the Tuner level. The display will automati-
cally switch to dB and indicate the new setting for vol-
ume level with a range of ± 12dB.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to trim the volume levels for other
LISTEN input sources.
6. Press the INPUT TRIM push-button a second time to
exit the TRIM mode and the Red LED will turn OFF.
NOTE: Whenever you select a program source with trimmed
volume levels, the volume DISPLAY will automatically
move up or down to reflect the desired volume level set
for that source.
Optional Trim Procedure
1. Switch the RECORD selector to TUNER.
2. Switch the LISTEN selector to a different input source
such as CD.
3. Press the REC MONITOR push-button and adjust the
volume control to the desired listening level.
4. Press the INPUT TRIM push-button. The VOLUME
display will read 00 and the Red LED above the
push-button will turn ON.
5. Press the REC MONITOR a second time to return to
the LISTEN mode.
6. Adjust the volume control up or down as needed until
the listening level of the second input source is the
same as the Tuner level. The VOLUME display will
automatically switch to dB and indicate the new setting
for volume level with a range of ± 12dB.
7. Make an instant comparison between the two volume
levels by
switching REC
MONITOR ON
or OFF and
make further
adjustments as
needed to match
the volume lev-
els.
8. Press INPUT
TRIM a second
time to exit the
TRIM mode.
NOTE: The following table may be used to record your level
trim adjustments for the various inputs.
ecruoStupnIgnitteStluafeDgnitteSweN
renuT0
1epaT0
2epaT0
1eniL0
2eniL0
1xuA/hP0
2xuA0
DC0
Figure 1

10
Power On
Press the POWER switch to ON. The Red LED, above the
STANDBY/ON Pushbutton, lights to indicate the C42 is in
Standby Mode. To turn on the C42 press the STANDBY/
ON push-button. Refer to Figure 2.
NOTE: You may also turn on the C42 using the remote control.
Source Selection
Select the desired listening source with the LISTEN
Switch.
Volume Control
Adjust the VOLUME control for the desired lis-
tening level.
Volume Level Display
Press the DISPLAY push-button to select either
dB or % volume display. The dB readings range
from -92dB to +15dB, in 0.5dB or 1dB steps.
The % volume display reads from 0 to 100.
Reset of Microprocessors
In the event that the controls of the C42 stop
functioning, there is a user reset function built in.
While the C42 is on depress and hold in the
STANDBY/ON/RESET push button for five sec-
onds, this will reset the C42 microprocessors.
NOTE: The above condition is usually caused by either
interruptions in AC power and/or major changes in
voltage.
How to Operate the C42
How to Operate the C42
Balance Control
Adjust the BALANCE control as needed to achieve ap-
proximately equal listening volume levels in each loud-
speaker. Turn the BALANCE to the Left to emphasize the
left channel by reducing the level of the right channel. Turn
the BALANCE to the right to emphasize the right channel
by reducing the level of the left channel.
Balance Display
As soon as the BALANCE control is turned,
the Volume Display reads the balance change
from 1 to 107 in one dB steps. After approxi-
mately 3 seconds the Volume Display returns
to the Volume reading. To verify the balance
setting without changing it, move the control
one detent in either direction. The display will
indicate the selected balance changes for ap-
proximately 3 seconds and then return to the
volume display. Refer to Figure 3.
The L or R will illuminate red to indi-
cate which channel has been emphasized by
the BALANCE control. It is perfectly natural
for the BALANCE control to be off the center to achieve
the correct listening volume from each loudspeaker in
many listening rooms. Listening balance can also vary with
different program sources, room acoustics and listening po-
sitions relative to the loudspeakers.
Equalizer Controls
Each of the eight Equalizer Frequency controls will raise or
lower by approximately10dB, the amplitude of the band of
frequencies centered at the frequency marked above the
Figure 2
Figure 3
00

11
How to Operate the C42
cont
controls. Both left and right channels are affected. At the
center detent or flat position of the controls, all equalizer
circuit components are removed from the signal path.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at all MAIN, OUTPUT 1&2 and
HEADPHONES Outputs.
Mute
Press the MUTE push-
button to mute audio in all
Listen outputs.
How to change dB
volume Steps
The Volume Control can
adjust volume level in ei-
ther 1dB or 0.5dB steps.
Refer To Figure 5.
1. To change from one
volume step mode to
the other, first press
the Input Trim Push-
button and then the Display push-button.
2. To return to the previous step mode, press the Input
Trim and Display push-buttons a second time.
NOTE: The display will indicate the dB level change modes
according to your selection. This procedure does not
affect the % volume display.
How To Make A Tape Recording
The separate
RECORD and
LISTEN
switches allow
you to make a
tape recording
from one pro-
gram source
while listening to
another. You can
also listen (moni-
tor) to the re-
corded signal off
the tape, a fraction of a second later, during recording when
a three head tape recorder is used. You can also listen to the
signal being fed to the tape recorder by pressing the REC
MONITOR push-button. Refer to Figure 4.
1. Select the desired program source to record with the
front panel RECORD selector switch.
2. Adjust the record level using the tape recorder volume
control.
3. To listen to the signal being fed to the tape recorder,
press the REC (Record) MONITOR push-button.
4. To listen to the tape playback of the program source just
recorded, turn the LISTEN switch to the desired input.
NOTE: The C42 RECORD OUTPUTS are not affected by the
VOLUME or BALANCE controls. To listen to a different
program source while recording, turn the LISTEN
switch to the desired source. The recording process will
not be affected and will continue.
How to use a Signal Processor
Access and operate a signal processor connected to the
LISTEN PROCESSOR jacks by pressing the front panel
LIS (Listen) PROCESSOR push-button. This processor
will affect only the LISTEN signals. Refer to Figure 6.
Access and operate a signal processor connected to the
RECORD PROCESSOR jacks by pressing the front panel
REC (Record) processor push-button. This processor will
affect only the RECORD signals sent to tape recorders.
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 6

12
Remote Control Push-Buttons
Remote Control Push-Buttons
Selects discs or tracks
of a CD/LV/DVD
player or changer
Select any of the eight high
level, (or phono), inputs
Selects transport func-
tions of a CD player, CD
changer or tape recorder
Turns the C42
ON or OFF
Turns power ON or OFF
to a component con-
nected via the Data Port
Selects tuner presets,
track selection or any
numbered operation
Tunes to the next
radio station
Mutes the audio
Adjusts the vol-
ume level up or
down
Turn LISTEN or
RECORD PRO-
CESSOR circuits
ON or OFF
Press to listen to sig-
nals fed to RECORD
OUTPUTS
Selects the input
TRIM functions
Select dB or %
Volume display
mode
Use together with the
number keys to select
track numbers above
10
Selects FM or
AM tuner
Functions
Combines the left
and right channels
Selects tuner sta-
tions presets
Selects OUTPUTS
1 and 2 either sepa-
rately, or both si-
multaneously

13
How to Operate the Remote Control
How to Operate the Remote Control
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio in all LISTEN
outputs.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at all MAIN, AMPLIFIER, LISTEN
and HEADPHONES Outputs.
Audio
Press any of the eight Audio push-buttons to select a LIS-
TEN program source.
CD/Tape
Use these push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer
or tape recorder, when the component is connected to the
C100 with a McIntosh RCT Translator.
Numbered and +10 Push-buttons
Press push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre-
sets, CD tracks or CD discs. When using a McIntosh
MCD7010 CD player, access track numbers higher than 10
by first pressing +10 and then a number push-button.
Disc and Track
Use the DISC and TRACK push-buttons when a CD player
or changer is being used.
Tuner Push-buttons
Use with a McIntosh tuner. Select AM or FM broadcast
band. Press and release SEEK Up or Down to move from
station to station. Press and hold a SEEK push-button to
move continuously from station to station. Press REVIEW
to start the automatic brief audition of each of the presets
stored in the tuner memory. Press REVIEW a second time
to stop on a station preset and exit the Review process.
Processors
Press the LISTEN PROCESSOR push-button to activate
rear panel processor connections to add signal processing
from an external processor to the LISTEN Outputs. Press
the RECORD PROCESSOR push-button to activate rear
panel connections to add signal processing from an exter-
nal processor to the RECORD outputs.
Record Monitor
Press the REC (Record) Monitor push-button to listen to
the signals being fed to the RECORD OUTPUTS.
Volume
Press the Up or Down VOLUME push-button to raise or
lower the listening volume level. The Record Outputs are
not affected.
Trim
Press TRIM to enter the Input Volume Level Trim mode.
Press a second time to exit the Trim mode.
Display
Press the DISPLAY push-button to cycle the Volume Dis-
play between dB and % of volume indications.
ACC ON - OFF
Press ACC ON or ACC OFF to turn power ON and OFF of
components that are connected with a McIntosh RCT
Translator - Repeater. Only the ACC ON push-button is
active with the McIntosh LV or DVD Disc Player.
NOTE: When other brands of components are connected with a
McIntosh RCT Translator, refer to the RCT Owners
Manual for further information on alternate remote
control push-button functions.

14
Specifications
Specifications and
Performance Chart
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Signal To Noise Ratio
Phono: 86dB (A Weighted)
High Level: 97dB (A Weighted)
Rated Output Voltage
Main and Outputs 1 and 2: 2.5Vrms
Maximum Voltage Output
Main and Outputs 1 and 2: 10Vrms
Output Impedance
240 ohms
Input Impedance
Phono: 47K ohms, 65pf
High Level: 22K ohms
Sensitivity
Phono: 4.5mV for rated output
High Level: 450mV for rated output
Maximum Input Signal
Phono: 50mV
High Level: 5V
Voltage Gain
Phono to Tape Out: 40dB
High Level to Tape Out: 0dB
High Level to Main Out: 15dB
Power Requirements
100 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
110 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
120 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
220 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
230 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
240 Volts 50/60Hz, 30 watts
Note: Refer to the rear panel of the C42 for the correct voltage.
Dimensions
17-1/2 inches (44.5cm) W, 5-3/8 inches (13.7cm) H, 17.5
inches (44.5cm) D, including clearance for connectors
-15
+15
-10
-5
+0
+5
+10
20 20k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
Equalizer Frequency Response
dB
(Decibel)
Hz (Hertz)
Performance Chart

15
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are at-
tached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the
proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do
this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only
if they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping
carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call
or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labo-
ratory. Please see the Parts List for the correct part num-
bers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033838 Shipping carton only
2 033837 End Cap
1 033836 Inside carton only
1 033725 Top Pad
1 034008 Bottom pad
1 034037 Inner carton pad
4 017218 Plastic foot
4 100159 #10-32 x 3/4 Machine screw
4 104083 #10 x 7/16 Flat washer
1 049259 Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
Packing Instructions

McIntosh Part No. 040627
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903