McIntosh C46 User manual

c46 Audio Control Center
legendary
With eight source input selections, one of them a balanced input, all fully assignable
and programmable, plus separate processor loops for both listen and record sections
and enough outputs, both balanced and unbalanced, to drive multiple amplifiers, the
C46 Preamplifier is a control center that can easily coordinate even the most complex
audio system.
Sonic integrity is enhanced through use of digital logic controlled electromagnetic switches
which provide the most reliable, lowest distortion signal switching in existence. Master
volume control is accomplished through an ultra-precision digitally controlled attenuator,
enhanced with Variable Rate Volume circuitry and adjusted through an optical rotary
encoder that results in resolution and tracking accuracy within 0.5 dB. The exclusive
McIntosh equalization circuitry allows “tailoring” the sonic performance over 8 frequency
bands and a separate programmable bypass control totally eliminates the equalizer from
the signal path when not in use.
Behind McIntosh’s signature black glass front panel, LED-driven Fiber Optic Light Diffuser
Panels provide all illumination – reducing heat and power consumption and increasing the
lighting’s life span many times over that of ordinary light bulbs.
Programmable Balanced Input
Eight Programmable Source
Selections
One Main and Two Switched Outputs
Logic Driven Electromagnetic
Switching
Fiber-Optic Light Diffuser Illumination
Exclusive McIntosh Eight Frequency
Equalizer Circuit
Input Level Matching
Separate Listen and Record Input
Selection
Dual Programmable Processor Loops
Precision Digitally Controlled
Volume Attenuator
Blue 16 Character VF Display
Gold Plated Connectors
Precision Resistors and Capacitors
Wide Dynamic Range
Remote Power Control
Data Output Ports
Front Panel Headphone Jack

c46 Audio Control Center
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.25dB
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
0.002% max. from 20Hz to 20kHz
A-WEIGHTED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
Phono: 86dB, High Level: 97dB
RATED OUTPUT VOLTAGE
5 Vrms at balanced outputs
2.5 Vrms at unbalanced outputs
INPUT IMPEDANCE
Phono, MM: 47K Ohms, 65pf
High Level: 47K Ohms balanced
22K Ohms unbalanced
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
240 Ohms unbalanced
480 Ohms balanced
VOLTAGE GAIN
Phono to Tape Out: 40dB
High Level to Tape Out: 0dB
High Level to Main Output: 15dB
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT
10.0 Vrms unbalanced
20 Vrms balanced
SENSITIVITY (for rated output)
High Level: 450mV unbalanced, 900mV balanced
Phono: 4.5mV
POWER REQUIREMENTS
120V 50/60Hz, 50 watts
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D)
5 3/8” (13.65 cm) x 17 1/2” (44.45 cm) x 19”
(48.26 cm) Panel clearance required in front of
mounting panel is 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) for
connectors
WEIGHT
26 lbs. (11.79kg) net
40.41 lbs. (18.33kg) boxed
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC
SWITCHING
McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic
Switches, located literally at the input
panel, eliminate the need for audio
signals to travel through any internal
wiring where it would be subject to
noise pickup. The state-of-the-art
switches consist of ruthenium contacts—
the finest conducting material known—
which are sealed within a glass tube
containing an inert oxygen-free gas that
eliminates all possibility of contamination
and results in a distortion-free switch that
never needs cleaning. The glass tube
is enclosed within a multi-layer copper
coil, which provides the means to actuate
the switch and also provides additional
shielding.
The entire assembly is finally encased
in a shock-absorbent plastic housing for
protection.
VRV (VARIAbLE RATE VOLUME)
DIGITALLY 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 the 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
35005100 C46