Tube Preamplifier C220 Owner’s Manual 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 product’s 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. 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3.
Thank You Table of Contents Your decision to own this McIntosh C220 Tube Preamplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music 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. Safety Instructions ............................
General, Connector and Cable Information General Information Connector and Cable Information 1. The C220 uses Vacuum Tubes for amplifying the audio signal. The C220 is designed to have only qualified Service Personnel perform any part(s) replacement including all the vacuum tubes. 2. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the C220 Tube Preamplifier. 3.
Introduction and Performance Features Introduction The McIntosh C220 Tube Preamplifier is one of the finest Tube Preamplifiers ever created. The versatile Preamplifier provides connections for various input sources and outputs to drive multiple Power Amplifiers. The C220 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your C220. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the C220 into cabinets. 17-1/2" 44.45cm 5-3/8" 13.69cm Front View of the C220 6" 15.24cm 17" 43.18cm 75 WATTS Rear View of the C220 4-5/8" 11.75cm T630maAL 250V 13-1/4" 33.65cm 15-7/8" 40.32cm 5/8" 1.59cm 14-1/2" 36.83cm 3/16" 0.48cm Side View of the C220 12.22cm 13/16" 2.06cm 11-1/2" 29.
Installation Installation The C220 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 four feet may be removed from the bottom of the C220 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 C220 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing.
Rear Panel Connections MAIN OUTPUTS (Balanced) send signals to a Power Amplifier Connect the C220 power cord to a live AC outlet.
How to Connect the C220 How to Connect the C220 The C220 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via the Power Control connections. The Data Port Connections allow for the remote operation of basic functions using the C220 Remote Control. With an external sensor connected to the C220, remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and/or when the C220 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack BASS Control provides 12dB boost or cut with a flat center position TREBLE Control provides 12dB boost or cut with a flat center position TONE BYPASS with indicator, when activated the audio signal totally bypasses the Tone Control Circuitry. It is also used in the setup mode for various functions Connection for low impedance dynamic headphones with 1/4” (0.
Setup How to Operate the Setup Modes Your McIntosh C220 has been factory configured for default operating settings that will allow immediate enjoyment of superb audio without the need for further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the factory default settings, a Setup Feature is provided to customize the operating settings using the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display. 1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button to switch On the C220.
1. Rotate the INPUT Control to select the Tuner Input and adjust the VOLUME Control to the desired listening level. 2. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup Mode. 3. Press the Menu or Menu Push-button until “TRIM 0.0 TUN” appears on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display. Refer to figure 3 Note: If necessary, rotate the INPUT Control for “TUN” and press the SELECT or Push-buttons for ”0.0”.
Setup, con’t 3. Press the TRIM LEVEL Down Push-button until the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates “Display 3”. 4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode. Power Control Triggers The SPKR1(A) and SPKR2(B) Power Control Outputs are reassignable to activate only when a given Input is selected. In the following example, the Power Control SPKR1(A) Jack will be set to function as TRIGGER A for the DVD Input. 1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup Mode. 2.
Remote Control Push-Buttons LED illuminates during the time a remote command is sent to the C220 Press to Power the C220 ON or OFF Press MODE to switch between Stereo and Mono Modes Turns AC Power ON or OFF to certain McIntosh Components when connected via the Data Port Press to Power ON the C220 Selects Functions for McIntosh Home Controller and as a “shift” key when used with the AM or FM push-buttons to select Output (Spkr) 1 or 2 Press to Power OFF the C220 Switches OFF the entire C220 System S
How to use the Remote Control How to use the Remote Control The supplied Remote Control is capable of directly controlling the functions of contemporary McIntosh Source Components connected to the C220 Tube Preamplifier. Earlier McIntosh source components and other brand source components can be controlled by the C220 Remote Control with the addition of a McIntosh Remote Control Translator (RCT).
How to Operate the C220 Power On The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button lights to indicate the C220 is in Standby mode. To Switch ON the C220, press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front Panel or the Power Push-button on the Remote Control. The title TUBE WARMUP will appear on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display after Turn-On, with the Audio Outputs muted. Refer to figures 10, 11, 12 and 18.
How to Operate the C220 Mono Press the Front Panel MONO Push-button or the MODE Push-button on the Remote Control to combine left and right stereo signals to a Monophonic Signal. The Front Panel LED will illuninate indicating the MONO Mode is active. The C220 automatically stores into memory for each Input, the Selection of the Stereo or Mono Mode. Note: The signals at the TAPE OUT Jacks are not affected.
Specifications Specifications 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.
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 The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice. Printed in the U.S.A. McIntosh Part No.
