Owners Manual C200 Preamplifier/Controller C200 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT. General: 1. Read these instructions. 2.
Safety Instructions 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. 18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. 19.
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 ..................................
Introduction and Performance Features Introduction The McIntosh C200 Preamplifier/Controller is without question the finest audio preamplifier ever created. No design compromises were allowed in the quest for a preamplifier 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.
Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for the C200C Controller and C200P Preamplifier. There is additional information on the following pages pertaining to installing the C200C and C200P into cabinets. 17-1/2" 44.45cm 5 -3/8" Front View of the C200C 13.69cm 6" 15.24cm 12 -1/4" 31.12cm 17" 43.18cm 4 -5/8" Rear View of the C200C 11.75cm 13 -1/4" 33.65cm 18-3/8" 46.67cm 5/8" 17" 1.59cm 43.18cm 3/16" Side View of the C200C 0.48cm 12.22cm 13/16" 2.
Dimensions 17-1/2" 44.45cm 5 -3/8" Front View of the C200P 13.69cm 6" 15.24cm 12 -1/4" 31.12cm 17" 43.18cm 4 -5/8" Rear View of the C200P 11.75cm 13 -1/4" 33.65cm 18-3/8" 46.67cm 17" 43.18cm 3/16" Side View of the C200P 0.48cm 4-13/16" 12.22cm 13/16" 2.06cm 12-1/2" 1-3/8" 31.75cm 3.
Installation The C200C and C200P can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet.The four feet may be removed from the bottom of both units when it is custom installed 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 can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice.
Installation 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 following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow at least 2 inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.
C200C Rear Panel Connections Connect the C200C power cord to a live AC outlet.
C200P Rear Panel Switches and Connections MAIN Balanced OUTPUTS contain Listen program signals at all times SPKR/AMP 1 and 2 Balanced OUTPUTS contain Listen signals and turn On/Off with the front panel OUTPUTS 1 and 2 pushbuttons RECORD PROCESSOR FROM and TO allows an external signal processor to be connected for use in the Record mode LINE 1, LINE 2 and TAPE 1 Balanced INPUTS accept high level program source signals TAPE 1 Balanced OUTPUTS contain Record Out Signals TO C200C CONTROLLER connector accep
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 Control In Socket on one of the two McIntosh Power Amplifiers. Then connect from that Power Amplifier Power Control Out Socket to the second McIntosh Power Amplifier Power Control In Socket.
How to Connect the C200 To AC Outlet out Processor McIntosh Power Amplifier (Right Channel) in in Tape Deck out Turntable McIntosh Power Amplifier (Left Channel) 13
How to Connect the C200 with Passthru Mode 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 Multichannel 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 Control In Socket on one of the two McIntosh Power Amplifiers.
How to Connect the C200 with Passthru Mode To AC Outlet out Processor McIntosh Power Amplifier (Right Channel) in in Tape Deck out Turntable McIntosh Power Amplifier (Left Channel) 15
C200P Front Panel Display and Connection HEADPHONE jack accepts dynamic headphones POWER ON indicator 16
C200C Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-Buttons, and Switches DISPLAY indicates the Listen and Record Sources, Listening Volume Level and Setup Functions LIS PROCESSOR push-button turns the Listen Processor loop On or Off BALANCE control allows the adjustment of the relative volume levels for each channel and is used for setup functions IR Sensor for Remote Control Operation REC PROCESSOR push-button turns the Record Processor loop On or Off RECORD switch selects the program signals that are availa
How to Operate the Setup Mode Display Brightness Your McIntosh C200 has been factory configured for default operating settings that will allow you to immediately enjoy superb audio without the need for further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the factory default settings (refer to the adjacent page), a Setup Feature is provided to customize the operating settings using the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display on the C200C Controller. 1.
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.
5. Rotate the RECORD Switch Knob one position. The display should indicate INPUT -- PH1.Refer to figure 13. Figure 15 4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode. 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 reverse the settings for steps 4 and 5. To switch Off any other non-used Inputs, follow steps 1 through 6.
Setup, cont Firmware Version 1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup Mode. 2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words PASSTHRU OFF appears. Refer to figure 18. Figure 18 The C200 functionality is controlled by internal software that is know as Firmware. The Version of the Firmware in the C200 can be identified at any time by utilizing the Setup Mode. 1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup Mode. 2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the word VERSION _. _ _ appears.
How to Operate the C200 Power On Press the POWER switch to ON. The Red LED above 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 23. Note: The POWER Switch is only intended to be switched Off when the C200 Controller/Preamplifier is not used for extended periods of time, like while away on vacation. During normal operation, the POWER Switch should stay in the On Position.
How to Operate the C200 Mono Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right stereo signals to mono at the LISTEN MAIN, LISTEN OUTPUTs 1&2 , OUTPUTS (Balanced) MAIN, SPKR/ AMP 1&2 and HEADPHONES Outputs. Setup Pressing the SETUP Push-button activates the Setup Mode of the C200 and allows customizing the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display, Input Selection and Trim Levels, Volume and Balance Controls Rate-of-Change, Passthru Mode, Remote Control Type and Firmware Version.
Remote Control Push-Buttons Select any of the eight Inputs Selects transport functions of a CD player, CD changer or tape recorder Selects the AM Tuner Functions Selects the FM Tuner Functions Selects tuner presets, track selection or any numbered operation Selects Tuner Stations Presets Selects discs or tracks of a CD/LV/DVD player or changer Use together with the number keys to select track numbers above 10 Activates the RECORD PROCESSOR circuits ON or OFF Combines the left and right channels Acti
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 stereo signals to mono at all MAIN, AMPLIFIER, LISTEN and HEADPHONES Outputs. Input Selection Press any of the eight Input push-buttons to select a LISTEN program source. Transport Functions Use the Transport Function Push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer or tape recorder.
Specifications Specifications Frequency Response +0, -0.5dB from 10Hz to 40,000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.002% from 20Hz to 20,000Hz Signal To Noise Ratio Phono, 86dB High Level, 100dB Maximum Voltage Output 12V RMS Unbalanced, 25V RMS Balanced Output Impedance 50 ohms, Balanced and Unbalanced Sensitivity Phono MM, 4.4mV for 2.5V rated output (1mV IHF) Phono MC, 140uV for 2.5V rated output High Level, 450mV for 2.
Packing Instructions 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 attached 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.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 McIntosh Part No.