Owner's Manual

4
Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
Performance Features
The McIntosh C22 Stereophonic Preamplifier is one
of the finest Tube Preamplifiers ever created. The
versatile Preamplifier provides connections for vari-
ous input sources and outputs to drive multiple Power
Amplifiers. The C22 reproduction is sonically trans-
parent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is
“The Sound of the Music Itself.”
• Electromagentic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnet-
ic Switches on all Inputs and operating functions for
reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.
• Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs
The C22 contains two different precision Phono Pre-
amplifier Circuits. One for low output Moving Coil
Phono Cartridges with selectable resistance loading,
the other is for Moving Magnet Cartridges with select-
able capacitive loading. Both circuits use the latest de-
signs to provide the lowest possible noise and distor-
tion. The RIAA Equalization Circuitry utilizes close
tolerance resistors and capacitors for an extremely flat
frequency response.
• Balanced Inputs
The Balanced Inputs allow the connection of a source
component using long cable lengths without a loss in
sound quality.
• Low Distortion
Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.08%. Mu-
sic is amplified with total transparency and accuracy.
• Variable Rate Volume and Balance Control
The C22 Preamplifier’s Volume and Balance Control
Circuitry provides an ideal rate of change with control
rotation.
• Tone Controls with Bypass
The C22 allows for bypassing the Bass and Treble
Tone Circuitry.
• Output Switching
Front panel Output Push-buttons control two Switched
Outputs that allow sending signals to two separate
Power Amplifiers.
• HXD
®
for Headphones
The C22 Headphone Crossfeed Director Circuitry
(HXD
® )
improves the sound localization for Head-
phone Listening. HXD
®
restores the directionality
component of the spatial sound stage normally heard
with Loudspeaker listening.
• Remote Control
The Remote Control provides basic control of the C22
operating functions and any McIntosh Source Compo-
nents connected to it.
• Power Control Output
A Power Control connection for convenient Turn-On
of McIntosh Power Amplifiers, Source Components
and Accessories is included.
• Precision Parts
Only the finest precision 1% tolerance resistors are
used throughout.
• Special Power Supply
Fully regulated Power Supplies and a special R-Core
Power Transformer ensure stable noise free operation
even though the power line varies.
• Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished
by extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
and the Lower Chassis are Stainless Steel with a Mir-
ror Finish. The Upper Chassis and Top Cover have a
glass window to view the amplifying vacuum tubes.
This will ensure the pristine beauty of the C22 will be
retained for many years to come.