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McIntosh C500T audio amplifier

1. el The C500 Preamplifier has a Record Processor Loop for connecting an external sound processor The Record Proces sor may be assigned to be active for only those Inputs de sired To activate the Record Proccessor Loop and assign Inputs perform the following steps Note If the Record Processor is set active for a given Input and no Record Processor is connected to the C500 no sound signal output will be available for recording purposes when that Input is selected Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates RPROC NONE Refer to figure 45 m XE NN IM LIINIL Figure 45 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word PRESENT appears in the Display RPROC PRESENT Refer to figure 46 Figure 46 4 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates RPROC TUN Refer to figure Figure 47 5 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word ON ap pears in the Display RPROC TUN ON Refer to figure 48 Figure 48 6 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the Title of the next desired Input is displayed and then set the Record Pro cessor to On 7 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word ON ap pears in right side of the Display Repeat steps 6 and 7 until all Inputs requ
2. ap 50 40 30 20 10 05 T REAMPLIFIER amp 2 E dd iW i LY DES m B M EM wo umo ege ommo om C500 Owner s Manual McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 2699 Phone 607 723 3512 FAX 607 724 0549 The lightning flash with arrowhead within an equilateral triangle is in tended 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 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 Heed all warnings 4 Follow all instructions 5 Do not use this apparatus near water 6 Clean only with a dry cloth 7 Do not block any ventilation openings Install in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions 8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat 9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug 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
3. Note Push buttons whose function is not indentified above are for use with other McIntosh Products Requires a Data Cable Connection between the C500C and the MDA1000 26 How to Operate the Remote Control How to Operate by Remote Control a a The supplied Remote Control is capable of directly control ling the functions of contemporary McIntosh Source Com ponents connected to the C500 Mute Press the MUTE Push button to mute audio The Record Signals present at the CDR and SRVR OUTPUTS are not affected by the MUTE function The C500 Front Panel AI phanumeric Display will indicate the word MUTE Press MUTE a second time to unmute audio Mono Press the MODE Push button to switch Mono Mode On or Off for the selected Listen Signal Trim Press the TRIM Push button followed by the LEVEL UpA or Down WV Push button to select various sound adjustments and functions Note Refer to How to Operate the C500 starting on page 28 for additional information Input Source Selection Press one of the appropriate Source Push buttons or the In put lt or gt Push buttons to select the desired program source Note When directly selecting sources with Title names ending with a 2 or 3 the appropriate Numbered Push button needs to be pressed after the push button with the Titled Name is pressed e g for Input DVD32 press the DVD Push button followed by the 2 Push button Disc Server and Tape Functions
4. Power Requirements 100 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts 110 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts 120 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts 220 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts 230 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts 240 Volts 50 60Hz at 75 watts Note Refer to the rear panel of the C500 Controller for the correct voltage 38 Specifications C500 Controller and General General Specifications Overall Dimensions C500C Width is 17 1 2 inches 44 45cm Height is 6 inches 15 24cm including feet Depth is 24 inches 61 00cm including the Front Panel Knobs and Interconnect Cables CSOOP Width is 17 1 2 inches 44 45cm Height is 6 inches 15 24cm including feet Depth is 23 inches 58 42cm including the Front Panel and Interconnect Cables CSOOT Width is 17 1 2 inches 44 45cm Height is 6 inches 15 24cm including feet Depth is 23 inches 58 42cm including the Front Panel and Interconnect Cables Weight C500C 30 1 pounds 17 7 kg net 46 5 pounds 27 9 kg in shipping carton C500P 25 1 pounds 15 0 kg net 41 5 pounds 24 3 kg in shipping carton C500T 26 4 pounds 15 4 kg net 42 8 pounds 24 8 kg in shipping carton The Custom Interconnect Cables are supplied with the C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier They are the ONLY cables to be used for connecting a C500 Controller to the C500 Preamplifier or C500 Tube Preamplifier Packing Instructions Packing Instructions SS eT In the event it is necessary to repack
5. Push button the LED above the SETUP Push button will extinguish and the Front Panel Display will revert back to its normal display Refer to figure 3 Default Settings SS SSS ES MM The following listings indicate the Setup Menu Mode Con troller or Preamp Menu Name Default Setting and the page number for instructions on how to change a setting Menu Function Name Setting Page No Control Version C500 Firmware Le 17 Control Display Brightness 7 17 Control Remote Control HR061 17 Control Meter Illumination ON 18 Control Volume Display Percent 18 Control Trigger A Lvl Rear Panel Jack 5V 18 Control Trigger B Lvl Rear Panel Jack 5V 19 Control Triamp Balanced Outputs OFF 18 Control D A Ctrl MDA1000 OFF 19 Preamp Input 3 Title of Inputs TUN 20 Preamp D Port Assignment to Input Note 2 20 Preamp Trim Input Source Level 0 0 21 Preamp Trigger Input Source 22 Preamp ACC Control Remote Con 22 Preamp LPROC Listen Processor NONE 23 Preamp RPROC Record Processor NONE 23 Preamp MM Phono Capacitance SOPF 24 Preamp MC Phono Resistance 25O0HM 24 Preamp Passthru Multichannel OFF 24 Notes 1 Charts on page 25 allow for recording any changes made to the default settings 2 The D Port default assignment is the same as the C500 Controller Rear Panel Data Port Labeling Firmware Version The C500 functionality is controlled by internal software that is know as Firmware The Version of the
6. Refer to figure 101 The C500 utilizies a double filtered power supply design just for the Moving Coil Preamplifier Module It offers the ability to change the input impedance Figure 101 from 25 ohms to 1000 ohms in six steps to match a wide variety of Moving Coil Cartridges Balanced Logic Controlled Circuitry All Inputs Outputs Data Ports Power Control Outputs and Trigger Outputs are controlled by Logic Circuits in the C500C The microprocessor is the heart of the Logic Cir cuits and is controlled by McIntosh developed software It implements all commands received from the Front Panel Controls or the supplied Remote Controls and indicates them on the Alphanumeric Display Refer to figure 102 CTITITTITITITIDIR OI Peer OVOP eer ia P G Ys vy oere When McIntosh Source Components are connected to C500C Data Ports basic command functions from the C500 Remote Control are passed on to those components thus allowing one Remote Control to operate an entire McIntosh Audio System The Logic Circuits also sense whether the C500 Preamplifier or C500 Tube Preamplifier is connected to the C500 Controller and adjusts the opera tional functions automatically Meter and Circuitry The lack of accurate performance in ordinary meters has presented difficult and complex problems Ordinary meters are incapable of indicating the short interval information in a sound wave Refer to figure 103 The mass of the mete
7. Turn BALANCE Melntosh the BALANCE to the right to emphasize the right channel by reducing the level of the left channel As soon as the BALANCE control is turned the Volume Display reads the balance change from 1 to 107 in one dB steps Refer to figure 65 After approximately 3 seconds the E BALANCE Figure 65 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 se lected balance changes for approximately 3 seconds and then return to the volume display The L or R will illuminate to indicate which channel has been emphasized by the BALANCE control It is per fectly normal for the BALANCE control to be off the center to achieve the correct listening volume from each loud speaker in many listening rooms Listening balance can also vary with different program sources room acoustics and listening positions relative to the loudspeakers Source Selection Select the desired Listening Source with the Front Panel LISTEN Control or the appropriate Push Button s on the Remote Control In a similar manner select the Record Out put Source with the Front Panel RECORD Control When the RECORD Control is rotated the Front Panel Alphanu meric Display will change to indicate the Title of the Record Input on the left side the volume level in the center and the Title of the Listen Input on the ri
8. controlling the illumination of a Power Control 1l Amplifier Output Meter Use a 1 8 Meter P di inch stereo mini phone plug to connect en M to the Power Control Input on other round McIntosh Components Trigger Control Connectors The C500 s Trigger Control Outputs provide either a 5 volt default or 12 volt signal refer to page 18 Use a 1 8 inch stereo mini phone plug to connect to the Power Control Input on McIntosh and or non McIntosh components Trigger Control 7j N C Ground Data and IR Port Connectors The C500 s Data Port Output provides Remote Control Sig nals Use a 1 8 inch stereo mini M phone plug to connect to the Data Pata Signal o Port Inputs on McIntosh Source N C Data Groun J Introduction Units EE The C500 Preamplifier with a Controller is one of the finest audio preamplifiers McIntosh has ever created No design compromises were allowed in the quest for a preamplifier both Solid State and Tube with absolute accuracy total sonic purity and virtual elimination of distortion and audible noise For those who have been searching for the Best in Preamplifiers your wait is over Introduction and Performance Features Performance Features Dual Chassis with Dual Mono Design The Dual Chassis design completely separates all power supply microprocessor and control circuits from the pure audio circuits for total noise isolation To further aid in
9. 3 12 5 8 1 3 8 7 62cm 32 07cm 3 49cm Dimensions SSS 17 1 2 44 45cm 4 _dlleIntosh 4 E ad a 5 3 8 Front View of the C500P 13 69cm 6 15 24cm QO 4 5 8 Rear View of the C500P 11 75cm 18 3 8 46 67cm PEE 17 O 43 18cm 3 16 Side View of the C500P 0 460m 4 1346 12 22cm 13 16 E 3 12 5 8 E 1 3 8 7 62cm 32 07cm 3 49cm 2 06cm Dimensions con t 17 1 2 44 45cm soo leIntosh pet s 2 SS aed 5 3 8 Front View of the C500T B B n 7 13 69cm 15 24cm E pe s 17 1 16 43 34cm 4 5 8 Rear View of the C500T 11 75cm 13 1 4 33 65cm 18 3 8 46 67 cm 1 T 43 18cm 3 16 Side View of the C500T 0 48cm 4 43746 12 22cm 13 16 2 06cm 3 12 5 8 LL 1 38 7 62cm 32 07cm 3 49cm Installation Installation ar aa SS The C500C C500P and C500T can be placed upright on a table or shelf standing on their four feet The four feet may be removed from the bottom of the C500C C500P and C500T when they are custom installed as
10. 500 or 1 000 ohms 100pF Maximum Input Signal High Level 5V Unbalanced 10V Balanced Phono MM 50mV MC 51V Voltage Gain High Level Input to Record Output OdB High Level Input to Main Output 15dB Phono Moving Magnet to Record Output 40dB Phono Moving Coil to Record Output 60dB Specifications C500 Tube Preamplifier mE Frequency Response 0 0 5dB from 10Hz to 20 000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0 05 maximum from 20Hz to 20 000Hz Signal To Noise Ratio High Level 93dB Phono 80dB Maximum Voltage Output 10V RMS Unbalanced Spkrl and Spkr2 Outputs 20V RMS Balanced Main Spkrl and Spkr2 Outputs Output Impedance 220 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced Outputs Sensitivity High Level 450mV for 2 5V rated output Phono MM 4 5mV for 2 5V rated output Phono MC 0 45mV for 2 5V rated output Input Impedance High Level 22K ohms Phono MM 47K ohms 50 to 750pF in SOpF steps MC 25 50 100 200 500 or 1 000 ohms 100pF Maximum Input Signal High Level 5V Unbalanced 10V Balanced Phono MM 50mV MC 51V Voltage Gain High Level Input to Record Output OdB High Level Input to Main Output 15dB Phono Moving Magnet to Record Output 40dB Phono Moving Coil to Record Output 60dB Tube Compliment Phono Circuitry 4 12AX7A High Level Circuitry 4 12AX7A Specifications C500 Controller
11. 5V appears Refer to figure 14 TIBI z L I Figure 14 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI phanumeric Display indicates TRIGA LVL 12V Refer to figure 15 Figure 15 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Trigger B Voltage Power Control The Rear Panel Trigger B Jack can provide either a 5 or 12 Volt Output when activated with 5 Volts as the default McIntosh Components with Power Control utilize 5 Volts non McIntosh components when connected to the C500C might required a higher voltage to switch them On or Off To change the output voltage to 12 volts follow the steps below 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words TRIGB LVL 5V appears Refer to figure 16 T THT T ind LI 4 Figure 16 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI phanumeric Display indicates TRIGB LVL 12V Re fer to figure 17 Rigg Figure 17 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Triamp Balanced Outputs The C500P and C500T Preamplifiers provide th
12. Dis play indicates INPUT 3 TUNe appears Refer to figure 26a 3 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the Display indi cates INPUT 2 AUXe Refer to figure 26b Figure 26b 4 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Display indi cates INPUT 2 DVD2 Refer to figure 27 T meire T mer LIE L Figure 27 5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all the Inputs have the de sired Title or are switched Off 6 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Data Port Assigment The Data Control Ports on the C500 Controller by default are assigned to control just one input 1 thru 7 on the Preamplifier In the following example there are two McIntosh CD Players one connected to the CD Balanced Input number 6 and the other CD Player connected to the CDR Unbalanced Input number 5 on the Preamplifier Both CD Players will share the same DATA PORT number 6 by performing the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates D PORT Setup con t Figure 29 3 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the desired Input Title to be changed appears in the Display e g D PORT CDR 5 Refer to figure 29 4 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control unt
13. Firmware in the C500 can be identified at any time by utilizing the Setup Controller Mode 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until VERSION 1 0 or higher appears Refer to figure 7 Figure 7 3 The number after the character V is the Firmware num ber Setup 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Display Brightness The Front Panel Alphanumeric DISPLAY Brightness may be varied from a setting of 1 Dim to 7 Bright Follow the steps below for reducing the Display Brightness 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the word DISPLAY 7 appears Refer to figure 8 DISPLAY 7 Figure 8 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI phanumeric Display indicates DISPLAY 5 or the de sired Brightness is achived Refer to figure 9 TSP NEL C Ud L F1 I Figure 9 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Remote Control The C500 Preamplifier default setting for remote control operation is for the supplied
14. Listen and Record External Processors The activation of both the Listen and Record Processors 1s fully automatic on a Input per Input basis To activate the Listen or Record Processor refer to page 23 Record Monitor Press the Front Panel REC MONITOR Push button or the REC MONITOR Push button on the Remote Control to hear the Signal Source that is available at the Record Out Jacks for recording The LED above the REC MONITOR Push button on the Front Panel will Illuminate Note The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will display the Input Title on the Left side of the Display with the Volume Level on the right side Refer to figure 66 Figure 68 Setup Mode Pressing the SETUP Push button activates the Setup Mode of the C500 and allows customizing of the various Operat ing Modes Front Panel Alphanumeric Display and indica tion of the Firmware Version The LED above the SETUP Push button will Illuminate Refer to page 16 for additional information on the SETUP Mode Mute Press the MUTE Push button to mute audio in all Listen Outputs including headphones and the Front Panel Alphanu meric Display will indicate MUTE in place of the actual volume setting Refer to figure 69a Press the MUTE again MUTE to resume listening If it is desirable to listen privately with headphones connected to the Preamplifier Front Jack press and hold the MUTE Push button until the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates HDPH MODE ON
15. achieved in one of McIntosh s famous Power Amplifiers with Quad ar ECC NN Balanced Circuitry the C500 Pream Volume Level dB plifier also utilizes fully balanced cir m xe o o z o c Oo on Figure 99 34 Technical Description con t Example A QA Unbalanced Input Output Ground Example 5 Balanced Input Output Ground Figure 100 to the unbalanced Inputs of the C500 are first converted to a balanced signal before they are amplified In a similar man ner the balanced audio signals are converted to unbalanced signals before they are available to the unbalanced outputs jacks Moving Coil Preamplifier One of the popular types of Phono Cartridges for Turn tables used today are Moving Coil Due to their design the Moving Coil Cartridge s output voltage is typically in the range of 300 to 500 microvolts millionth of a volt and thus requires additional amplification in order to match the output voltage of a Moving Magnet Induced Moving Mag net cartridge type with 2 5 to 10 millivolts thousandths of a volt The lower the output voltage of the cartridge the greater the level of amplification required and thus the greater potential for higher noise levels being generated by the circuitry McIntosh has designed a new Totally Shielded Moving Coil Preamplifier Module us ing special ultra low noise circuitry with out the need for a step up transformer
16. activate Trigger A 5 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment 22 Accessory Control When the Trigger A or B Power Control Outputs on the C500 Controller are used one of the Triggers may be as signed to switched On or Off by using the ACCessory Push button on the supplied Remote Control To select either Trigger A or B for remote operation perform the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates ACC CONTROL Refer to figure 38 Figure 38 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the desired Trigger A or B appears in the Display e g ACC CONTROL A Refer to figure 39 Figure 39 Note Devices connected to the Trigger A or B Jacks will be effected when Trigger A or B in SETUP is changed 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Listen Processor The C500 Preamplifier has a Listen Processor Loop for connecting an external sound processor The Listen Proces sor may be assigned to be active for only those Inputs de sired To activate the Listen Proccessor Loop
17. and assign Inputs perform the following steps Note If the Listen Processor is set active for a given Input and no Listen Processor is connected to the C500 no sound will be heard when that Input is selected Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates LPROC NONE Refer to figure 40 m AMEN NM L ANT EL Figure 40 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word PRESENT appears in the Display LPROC PRESENT Refer to figure 41 vnu RN LPROC P Figure 41 4 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates LPROC TUN Refer to figure 42 G2 Figure 42 GN Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word ON ap pears in the Display LPROC TUN ON Refer to figure 43 Figure 43 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the Title of the next desired Input is displayed and then set the Listen Pro cessor to On Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word ON ap pears in right side of the Display Repeat steps 6 and 7 until all Inputs requiring the Listen Processor have been set active If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment ON N oo MO Record Processor D
18. channel isolation the circuitry for both channels 1s totally separate physically isolated and shielded The C500 incor porates two identical power supplies one for each channel to help assure total channel isolation Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs Outputs Four balanced high level inputs and three balanced main outputs are provided Four high level unbalanced inputs two unbalanced outputs as well as listen and record proces sor loops are included Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs The C500 contains two different shielded precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits One is designed for low output Mov ing Coil Phono Cartridges and has selectable resistance loading The second Phono Preamplifier is for Moving Magnet Cartridges and has selectable capacitive loading Both circuits use the latest designs to provide the lowest possible noise and distortion The RIAA Correction Equal ization Circuitry utilizies 0 5 tolerance resistors and 1 capacitors for an extremely flat frequency response Input Level Trim Adjustment All the C500 Inputs can be matched in volume level so there are no abrupt changes in volume levels between the different inputs Precision Tracking Variable Rate Volume Control Volume levels are controlled by a Multi Stage Precision Digitally Controlled Attenuator System with an Optical En coder Rotary Control This helps to assure a tracking accu racy between channels of 0 1dB while providing 21
19. configured for de fault operating settings that will allow immediately enjoy ment of superb audio without the need for further adjust ments If you wish to make changes to the factory default settings a Setup Feature 1s provided to customize the oper ating settings using the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display on the C500C Controller The setup fuctions available for change and or adjustments are dependent upon connection of the Preamplifier s C500P or C500T connected to the C500C Controller 1 The Red LED above the STANDBY ON push button lights to indicate the C500 is in Standby mode and is connected to a live AC Outlet To switch On the C500 press the STANDBY ON push button Refer to figure 2 The Alphanumeric Display will indicate the last input listened to If this 1s the first time the C500 1s switched on the display will indicate 15 TUNER refer to fig ure 3 Figure 3 Note Dependent upon which Preamplifier C500P or C500T is connected to the C500C the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate different operational messages when switched On refer to page 28 for additional information If the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates CABLE ERROR remove the AC Power Cord from the Rear Panel of the C500C Refer to figure 4 Then check to verify that both interconnect cables coming from the C500P or C500T are connected to the correct sockets on the Rear Panel of the C500C Refer to page 12 After correctin
20. for use in the C500 as it does not match the classic McIntosh Volume Control Audio Taper The C500 incorporates electronic circuitry together with sophisticated firmware to produce electronically the classic McIntosh Vol ume Control Audio Taper while maintaining the channel 33 vite balance and freedom from control noise cuitry This design topology allows for the virtual cancela The Volume Control tion of all forms of distortion both audible and measurable on the Front Panel of along with extremely low background noise levels the C500 is actually a In the typical Preamplifier one set of circuits have to special digital optical amplify the positive and negative going parts of the audio encoder As the Volume sound wave form In the C500 the implementation of fully Control is rotated a balanced circuitry has the positive going audio sound waves beam of Infra Red Light amplified by one set of circuits In a similar manner the is picked up by two in Ww Sensors negative going audio sound waves are amplified by another ternal sensors as a series set of circuits Refer to figure 100 Audio signals connected of digital pulses Refer Figure 97 to figure 97 The number of and time between pulses are counted by a Microprocessor which in turn controls the McIntosh designed Preci sion Electronic Attenuator that provides 213 steps in 0 5dB increments and maintains the channel balance to within 0 1dB Optical Disc Infrared LED Ex
21. signals to separate power amplifi ers connected to the Rear Panel Balanced MAIN SPKRI and Unbalanced SPKR1 or MAIN SPKR2 and Unbalanced SPKR2 It also activates the TRIGGER Jacks SPKR1 amp SPKR2 Jacks on the Rear panel of the C500C Press the desired Push button 2nd Push button followed by pressing the OUTPUTI SPKR1 or OUTPUT2 SPKR2 once to activate the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicating the current Speaker Setting Pressing the Push button com bination a second time while the display 1s indicating the SPEAKERI or SPEAKER2 On or Off will change to the opposite setting Refer to figures 73 and 74 GPEARKER Figure 73 OFF SPEAKER Figure 74 T Trim The Trim Push button on the Remote Control allow for various function and level changes to be made while listen ing without having to go into the SETUP Mode Any changes made using the Remote Control Trim Push buttons will change the previous adjustments made in SETUP By repeated pressing the TRIM Push button on the Remote Control the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will step through the possible adjustments These include Input Trim Volume Level Balance Level Adjustments Stereo or Mono Mode Speaker 1 On Off Speaker 2 On Off Display Brightness 1 7 Meter Illumination On Off the Moving Magnet Phono Input Capacitance and Moving Coil Phono Input Resistance Once the desired Trim function is se lected use the LEVEL UpA or Down V Push button to
22. sures the pristine beauty of the C500 will be retained for many years The Illumination of the Front Panel is accom plished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and Light Emitting Diodes LEDs This provides even Front Panel Illumination together with the extra long life LEDs e Extruded Side Panels The sides of the VP1000 are extruded aluminum panels with a bead blast textured surface and a black anodized fin ish Special Power Supply Fully regulated Power Supplies one for each channel uti lize special R Core Power Transformers helping to ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line var ies vite Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for the C500 Controller C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier There is additional information on page 8 pertaining to installing the C500 System into cabinets 17 1 2 44 45cm PEN iInfosh A TP 285 Ce 9 3 8 Front View of the C500C er MM 13 69cm 6 ao mae am ena 15 24cm O 17 1 16 43 34cm e err CDR SRVR TUNER AUX DVD 4 5 18 Rear View of the C500C 11 75cm A NEN E 18 3 8 46 67cm 5 8 17 1 al 43 18cm 3 16 Side View of the C500C 0 460m 4 13 16 12 22cm 13 16 3 2 06cm
23. the playing of a disc or tape player The Push button will also allow for quick exiting from the active menu when in the setup mode The l Push button is also used as an Enter Push but ton with some McIntosh components How to Operate the C500 Power On The Red LED above the STANDBY ON push button lights to indicate the C500 is in Standby mode and is connected to a live AC Outlet To switch On the C500 press the STANDBY ON push button Refer to figure 64 The AI phanumeric Display will indicate the last input listened to If this is the first time the C500 is switched on the display will indicate 15 TUNER refer to figure 61 uw T Prep p Lt L Figure 61 Notes 1 Dependent upon which Preamplifier C500P or C500T is connected to the C500C the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate different operational messages when switched On refer to page 32 for additional information 2 With the C500 Tube Preamplifier connected to the C500C the first display on the Alphanumeric Numeric will be TUBE WARMUP Refer to figure 63 The amount of time the display will indicate TUBE WARMUP is dependent upon the temperature of the Tubes inside the C500T TURE WARMUP Figure 63 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
24. the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet 10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN AVI S RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of im portant operating and maintenance servicing instructions in the litera ture accompanying the appliance A NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL To prevent the risk of electric shock do not remove cover or 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 back No user serviceable parts inside Only use attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer Use only with the cart stand tripod bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus When a cart is used use caution when moving the cart apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus h
25. together in a tough shock absorbing material The switch and coil connectors extend from the bottom in the form of printed circuit board terminals When a DC voltage is applied to the coil current flows and creates a magnetic field The force of the field causes the leads to bend and contact one another inside the sealed glass tube The inert gas eliminates corrosion of the contacts and insures a low resistance distortion free switch Figure 93 Volume Adjustments The most frequently operated control on a Preamplifier is the Volume Control The desired volume level can vary by the type of music size of our listening room and even the time of day with which we listen So it is no surprise that McIntosh has devoted a substantial amount of time in pur suit of the Perfect Volume Control System A conventional Mechanical Potentiometer for a volume control is totally unacceptable for use in the C500 Pream plifier Mechanical Controls have poor tracking especially when it comes to maintaining channel balance and after a period of time they tend to introduce noise into the audio signal as they are rotated The one desirable thing they have is the rate of change in volume for degrees of rotation known as the audio taper Using Electronic Circuitry for controlling the volume can be designed to be free from noise and maintain channel balance however the audio taper pro duced by the typical Electronical Volume Control Circuit 1s unacceptable
26. 3 indi vidual 0 5dB steps of change in the volume level and all of this with no noise as the volume level is changed Balance Control The Balance Control Circuitry allows for precise and re peatable change in channel balance in 1dB steps Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display The Multifunction Front Panel Display indicates the Listen and Record Source Selection with Volume indicated in dB or percentage and Balance Levels in dB Setup Mode Selec tions and Adjustments are also displayed 9 Precision Parts All resistors are precision metal film type Low dielectric absorption film capacitors are used 1n all critical circuit lo cations Passthru Mode The Automatic Passthru Mode allows the C500 to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for DVD Audio SACD and Home Theater Movies e Remote Control The Remote Control included with the C500 allows remote operation of the Preamplifier along with controlling various other McIntosh Source Components and Processors Optional External Sensor Input There are provisions for connecting external sensors which allow for enjoying your McIntosh System from another room s in your home via the remote control Power Control Output A Power Control connection for convenient turn on of McIntosh Source Components McIntosh Power Amplifiers and accessories 1s included Glass Front Panel with Fiber Optic Illumination The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel en
27. 4 Figure 104 Most owners desire one power switch for the whole au dio system The C500 Controller is equipped with circuits providing remote Power Control On Off signals to McIn tosh Source Components and Power Amplifiers When the C500C is switched On a digital 1 5V signal changes the operational state of digital control circuitry and a DC voltage is sent to the Power Control Main Jacks There are also special Power Control Jacks Triggers and Passthru and together with options in SETUP allow for the customiz ing of the Power Control Control Signals In for specific functions Block Diagrams Refer to folded sheet Mc2B for the C500 Controller and C500 Preamplifier Block Diagrams 36 Technical Description con t Specifications C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier Specifications C500 Preamplifier Frequency Response 0 0 5dB from 10Hz to 40 000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0 002 maximum from 20Hz to 20 000Hz Signal To Noise Ratio High Level 100dB Phono 88dB Maximum Voltage Output 12V RMS Unbalanced Spkrl and Spkr2 Outputs 25V RMS Balanced Main Spkrl and Spkr2 Outputs Output Impedance 220 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced Outputs Sensitivity High Level 450mV for 2 5V rated output Phono MM 4 5mV for 2 5V rated output Phono MC 0 45mV for 2 5V rated output Input Impedance High Level 22K ohms Phono MM 47K ohms 50 to 750pF in SOpF steps MC 25 50 100 200
28. CONTROL ee MAIN MAIN THRU SPKR2 SPKR1 gt lt Figure B Connect to a live AC Outlet 120V v 50 60Hz 20W N Melntosh mcv1000 CD TRANSPORT H LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY MADE IN USA POWER CONTROL DATA IR IN OUT IN IN oO 9 p oO CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH DH S RULES CFR 1040 10 ANI 1040 11 COAXIAL OPTICAL D o o 9 v DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT XLR DATA PORTS EXT POWER SENSOR TRIGGERS CONTROL pass SPKR2 SPKR1 S00mAL 250V RIGHT OUTPUT t MeIntosh C500 CONTROLLER McINTOSH LABORATORY INC LEFT OUTPUT TO C500 PREAMPLIFIER RIGHT INPUT PROG 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 SUM D A cD CDR SRVR TUNER AUX DVD TO C500 PREAMPLIFIER LEFT INPUT Figure A Ic C500 Controller Front Panel Controls Displays and Push Buttons RECORD Switch selects LISTEN Switch selects the program signals that the program signals are available to record that are listened to and from and is used for setup is used for setup func functions tions BALANCE Control VOLUME Control allows the adjustment adjusts the listening of the relative volume volume level and is levels for each channel used for setup func and is used for setup DISPLAY indicates tions the Listen and Record Sources Listening Volume Level and Setup Functions functions i BALANCE McIntosh VOLUME p C500 CONTROLL
29. Connect Cables from the Turntable with a Moving Magnet Cartridge to the C500 Preamplifier Unbal anced MM 8 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS Note If the Turntable has a Moving Coil Cartridge connect the cables to the MC 9 Inputs 17 Connect the Turntable Ground Cable to the GND bind ing post located between the C500 Preamplifier MM 8 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS 18 Connect Cables from the External Sound Processor Left and Right Inputs to the C500 Preamplifier PROCES SOR TO LEFT and RIGHT Output Jacks How to connect the C500 19 Connect Cables from the External Sound Processor Left and Right Outputs to the C500 Preamplifier PROCES SOR FROM LEFT and RIGHT Input Jacks 20 Connect Cables from the Music Server Left and Right Outputs to the C500 Preamplifier Unbalanced SRVR 4 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS Jacks 21 Connect Cables from the Music Server Left and Right Inputs to the C500 Preamplifier Unbalanced SRVR 4 LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS Jacks 22 Connect XLR Cables from the C500 Preamplifier MAIN LEFT and RIGHT Balanced OUTPUTS to one of the Balanced Inputs on the Left and Right McIntosh Power Amplifiers Note If the C500 is not part of a Multichannel Audio System proceed to step 25 Passthru Connections The C500 Preamplifier has a special operating mode known as Passthru when it is used as part of a McIntosh Multi channel Sound System The Front Left and Right Channels coming from the McIntosh A V Control Center connect to
30. ER o r TUE CLIE IJ E MENU RECORD LISTEN 7 SETUP REC MONITOR MUTE STANDBY ON RESET po IR Sensor for STANDBY ON Push button Remote Control with ON indicator Switches Operation the C500 On or Off Standby it is also used to RESET the internal micro SETUP Push button MUTE Push button open with ON indicator al mutes audio in all lows the changing of the Listen Outputs default settings for In puts Levels and the Dis play REC MONITOR Push but ton with ON indicator switches the RECORD Out put signals to the Listen Out put so the Program Signals sent to the Record Outputs are audible C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier Front Panel Displays and Jack METER indicates the METER indicates the Preamplifier s Left Preamplifier s Right Channel relative Channel relative Out Output Level put Level McIntosh C500 PREAMPLIFIER go 50 40 9 P 10 pg To I dB OUTPUT EVEL OUTPUT LEVEL HEADPHONES HEADPHONES jack accepts dynamic headphones METER indicates the METER indicates the Preamplifier s Left Preamplifier s Right Channel relative Channel relative Out Output Level put Level Melntosh so 50 40 30 ao o C500 TUBE PREAMPLIFIER p 50 40 30 do 40 o ee e dB dB rm L_ HEADHHONES HEADPHONES jack ac cepts dynamic headphones How to Operate the Setup Modes Your McIntosh C500 has been factory
31. McIntosh HR061 Remote Con trol The setting may be changed to allow the C500 to work with the legacy HR054 Remote Control by performing the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words REMOTE HR061 appears Refer to figure 9A Figure 9A 17 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control counterclockwise until the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates RE MOTE HR0654 Refer to figure 9B Figure 9B 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Meter Illumination _ t The Front Panel Meter Illumination of the C500P or C500T Preamplifiers may be switched Off Follow the steps below 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words METER ON appears Refer to figure 10 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI METER Figure 10 phanumeric Display indicates METER OFF Refer to figure 11 4 If no other adjustements are to be made at this time TER Figure 11 press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed t
32. Refer to figure 69b Only the Headphones will be active for TUNER Figure 69a HIFA Figure 69b listening Return to regular listening of Loudspeaker or Headphones by pressing and hold the MUTE Push button until the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates HDPH MODE OFF Refer to figure 69c HIPH Figure 69c How To Make A Recording The separate RECORD and LISTEN Controls allow the recording from one program source while listening to an other You can also listen monitor to the recorded signal off the recording media a fraction of a second later You can also listen to the signal at the record outputs by pressing the REC MONITOR push button 1 Select the desired program source to record with the Front Panel RECORD Control 2 Adjust the record level using the recorders volume con trol 3 To listen to the signal at the record outputs going to the recorder press the REC Record MONITOR push button 29 4 To listen to the playback of the program source just re corded rotate the LISTEN Control to the desired input Note The C500 RECORD OUTPUTS are not affected by the VOLUME or BALANCE Controls To listen to a different program source while recording turn the LISTEN Control to the desired source The recording process will not be affected and will continue Output Meters The C500 s Output Meters indicate the Output Voltage available at the MAIN and SPKR OUTPUT 1 amp 2 Jacks to drive Power Amplifi
33. This will reset the C500 microprocessors Refer to figure 85 Figure 85 Note The above condition is usually caused by either interruptions in AC power and or major changes in voltage Configuration Change When a change is made to a C500 System Controller and Preamplifier by changing the current Preamplifier type C500P or C500T the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate CONFIG CHANGE and the LED indicators above the SETUP and REC MONITOR Push buttons will be flashing Refer to figures 86 and 87 If there is not to be any changes to the C500 System ini but rather reconnecting a Preamplifier that was previ Figure 86 REC MONITOR ously connected to the C500 Controller perform the follow ing CONFIG CHANGE Figure 87 1 Remove the AC Power Cord from the Rear Panel of the C500 Controller 2 Reconnect the previously connected Preamplifier 3 Reattach the AC Power Cord 4 The C500 System will automatically reset itself and will retain any changes that where previously made in the SETUP Mode If the change to the C500 System is a result of changing Preamplifier Types C500P or C500T then perform the fol lowing steps 1 Remove the AC Power Cord from the Rear Panel of C500 Controller 2 Connected the Preamplifier s to the C500 Controller 32 3 Reteach the AC Power Cord 4 Press and hold the SETUP and REC MONITOR Front Panel Push buttons until the Alphanumeric Display i
34. Use these push buttons to operate a DVD Player CD Player CD Changer Music Server or Tape Recorder Numbered Push buttons Press Push buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre sets tracks on discs or selections on a Music Server Disc and Track Use the DISC and TRACK Push buttons when a Disc Player or Music Server is being used Tuner Push buttons Press the AM or FM Push button to select the desired broadcast band Press and release the Channel Up A or Down VW Push button to move from station to station Press and hold a Channel UpA or Down WV Push button to move continuously from station to station Press 10 to start the automatic brief audition of each of the presets stored in the tuner memory Press 10 a second time to stop on a station preset and exit the Review process Volume Press the UpA or Down W VOLUME Push button to raise or lower the listening volume level Note The Record Signals present at CDR and SRVR QUTPUTS are not affected by volume changes Amplifier Selection Press the 2nd push button followed by the OUTPUT 1 or 2 push buttons to control the rear panel OUTPUTS 1 2 which can feed signals to a power amplifier or other acces sory component Acc On Press ACC ON to turn the power ON to a McIntosh Disc Player Acc Off Press ACC OFF to turn the power OFF to a McIntosh Disc Player Pause Press Pushbutton to perform various functions on a vari ety of McIntosh Components It will also pause
35. a predetermined input at a preset volume level and then onto the Left and Right Main Power Amplifiers Loudspeakers Passthru requires several extra connections and activation by using the SETUP Mode of the C500 The following connection instructions together with the In put and Output Connection Diagrams located on the sepa rate folded sheet Mc1B are an example of a typical audio system Your system may vary from this however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner For additional information refer to Connector and Cable Information on page 4 23 Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh A V Control Center Zone A Power Control Output Jack to the C500C PASSTHRU Input Jack Note The Passthru Mode will also work non McIntosh Multichannel Processors the voltage required to activate the Passthru feature is 5 to 12 Volts D C 24 Connect XLR Cables from the McIntosh A V Control Center Zone A Outputs Front Left and Right to the C500P CDR 5 LEFT and RIGHT INPUT Balanced Connectors Note Any of the C500C Inputs except for the MM 8 MC 9 and Record Link Inputs both Balanced or Unbalanced may be used for the Passthru Mode A C Power Connections 25 Connect the supplied AC Power Cord between the C500C AC Power Cord Socket and a live AC outlet Refer to figure B 26 Proceed to page 23 for customizing the SETUP Fea tures of the C500 Preamplifier EXT SENSOR TRIGGERS
36. ample 1 With most Preamplifiers the Volume Con Dynamic Background trol is placed ahead of the Amplifying Cir cuitry refer to figure 98 on the next page ex Example 2 ample No 1 This design provides a great dy namic range and freedom from input overload VAST but the background noise level is higher espe cially at lower settings of the volume control In example No 2 by placing the Volume Con a Dynamic Background trol after the Amplifying Circuitry there is a Range Noise reduction in dynamic range and input overload of the Preamplifier but has the benefit of Example 3 lower background noise levels The only cor rect way to design a high performance Pream dns plifier is with two volume controls refer to example No 3 This provides the benefits of N aso wide dynamic range freedom from Input over j p SS load and a background noise level that actu iid A ally goes down as the volume control setting 1s Figure 98 reduced The actual improvements in this McIntosh design achieve a noise Signal to Noise vs Volume Level of the floor of 118 dB refer to figure 99 C500 Preamplifier versus High Performance i Mechanical and Electronic Volume Controls The special controlling circuitry for this dual volume control design is known as the McIntosh Dynamic Control Multiplexer Mechanical Electronic C500 Fully Balanced Circuitry To compliment the level of perfor mance
37. as been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids such as vases are placed on the equipment To completely disconnect this equipment from the a c mains disconnect the power supply cord plug from the a c receptacle The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine fire or the like Thank You Your decision to own this McIntosh C500 Controller to gether with the Preamplifier or Tube Preamplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners You now have The Best The McIntosh dedication to Qual ity 1s assurance that you will receive many years of musi cal 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 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 Dealer Name Purchase Model Serial Date Number Number Technical Assistance If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh product contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with your McIntosh equipment an
38. d any other brands that may be part of your system If you or your Dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem you can receive tech nical assistance for all McIntosh products at McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 Phone 607 723 1545 Fax 607 724 0549 Customer Service 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 Department For as sistance on factory repair return procedure contact the McIntosh Service Department at McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 Phone 607 723 3515 Fax 607 723 1917 Copyright 2007 by McIntosh Laboratory Inc Table of Contents UGLY Suc HONS sessi TP Eis 2 Thank You and Please Take a Moment 3 Technical Assistance and Customer Service 3 Table OF C ODIGHES enseres lonis tovto sedet ier i 3 Important Information and Connector Information 4 lng CVE CLAIM secip EEEE EAER 4 Perlormance CAVES secencesert lt tacercutetercesisentecteaxasauannecaeuaes 9 ifr STOPS eese itebre R E EES 6 8 Iristall dt EIAN AE A OA EA A MIS NUS 9 Connections C500 Rear Panels aae erara A IU AEEA 1 C500 Controller Rear Panel Connections Sebarate SDeel occiced acaucecaenedaveptavarontadessiaeteeteeneeedees Mc1A C500 Preamplifier and Tube Preamplifier Rea
39. e 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 04105400
40. ear Panel Connections CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR 120V u 50 60Hz 75 WATTS TRIGGERS B A SPKR2 SPKR1 EXT SENSOR T 500mAL 250V RIGHT OUTPUT SLO BLO o0ooooooooooooo ooo0oo0o00000000 TO C500 PREAMPLIFIER RIGHT INPUT POWER CONTROL DATA PORTS PASS MAIN MAIN THRU PROG 74 6 5 4 3 2 1 SUM D A CD CDR SRVR TUNER AUX DVD LEFT OUTPUT IltInfosh C500 CONTROLLER 4 McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA SERIAL NUMBER 0000000000000 4 000000000000 TO C500 PREAMPLIFIER LEFT INPUT gt lt 7 INPUTS ce OUTPUTS MAIN CDR 5 PROCESSOR SPKR1 SRVR 4 LISTEN RECORD SERIAL NUMBER CDR 5 TUNER 3 DVD 1 4 E RIGHT INPUT LEFT INPUT 8 2 2 0000000000000 4 eoo00000000000 4 000000000000 000000000000 TO C500 CONTROLLER TO C500 CONTROLLER RIGHT OUTPUT LEFT OUTPUT oH RIGHT PHONO INPUTS LEFT DVD 1 TUNER 3 RECORD LISTEN SRVR 4 8 j S i MM 8 SRVR 4 INPUTS 00 T LEFT S OUTPUTS MAN CDR 5 MeIntosh C500 PREAMPLIFIER McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE OUTPUTS RIGHT INPUTS MAIN CDR 5 CD 6 CDR 5 PROCESSOR SPKR1 SRVR 4 LISTEN RECORD SERIAL NUMBER TUNER 3 DVD 1 LEFT OUTPUTS e
41. epeat steps 6 7 and 8 until all the Inputs with sources connected to the C500 have the same relative volume levels when switching between them ZA 10 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Trigger Selection SSS SSS a rti The Trigger A and B Power Control Outputs on the C500 Controller are reassignable from their default settings to ac tivate only when a given Input s 1s selected To change ei ther Trigger A or B from the default setting perform the fol lowing steps Note Power Control Cables coming from the components to be controlled need to be connected to the correct Trigger Jack on the Rear Panel of the C500C to function 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates TRIG TUN Refer to figure 36 TUN Figure 36 3 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the desired Input Title to be changed appears in the Display e g TRIG DVD 4 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the desired Trigger A or B in this example the DVD Input will activate the Trigger A Jack appears in the Display e g TRIG DVD A Refer to figure 37 TDPT Lu Figure 37 Note Additional Inputs may also be assigned in the same manner to also
42. er Control Out Jack to the Power Control In of a McIntosh Audio Video Player 7 Connect any remaining McIntosh Source Components in a similar manner Data Control Connections 8 Connect a Cable from the C500C D A 7 DATA PORT to the Data In Jack of the McIntosh MDA1000 D A Converter Note If a McIntosh MCD1000 is part of the system connect the SUM DATA PORT Jack to the Data Port In Jack on the MCD1000 using a Data Cable Refer to figure A 9 Connect a Cable from the C500C TUNER 3 DATA PORT to the Data In Jack of the McIntosh Tuner 10 Connect a Cable from the C500C DVD 1 DATA PORT to the Data In Jack of the McIntosh Audio Video Player 11 Connect any remaining McIntosh Source Components in a similar manner 12 Optionally connect a RG 59 or RG 6 Cable from the C500C Rear Panel EXT Sensor connector to the McIn tosh Sensor Audio Connections 13 Connect XLR Cables from the McIntosh D A Converter to the C500 Preamplifier Balanced XLR D A 7 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS 14 Connect Cables from the McIntosh Tuner Fixed Audio Outputs to the C500 Preamplifier Unbalanced TUNER 3 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS 15 Connect Cables from the McIntosh Audio Video Player 2CH Unbalanced Audio Outputs to the C500 Preampli fier Unbalanced DVD 1 LEFT and RIGHT INPUTS Note The 2CH Balanced Audio Outputs of the McIntosh Audio Video Player may be connected to the C500 Preamplifier CD 6 INPUTS instead of the Unbalanced Connections 16
43. ers Refer to figure 70 The Meters are calibrated in dB decibels and re spond to all the peaks contained in the musical infor mation They indi cate to an accuracy of at least 95 of a single cycle from a 2000Hz tone burst The Meter Electronic Circuitry Time Stretches the Meter Drive Signal so the Meter Pointer pauses just long enough for the human eye to see it and is followed by a moderate decay rate OUTPUT LEVEL Figure 70 The following C500 Operating Functions are performed us ing the supplied Remote Control Mono Mode Press the MODE Push button once to activate the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicating the current mode setting Pressing the MODE Push button a second time while the display is indicating the MONO On or Off will change to the opposite Mode With the MONO Mode On the left and right stereo signals will be combined to a mono signal at all Outputs except the Record Outputs Re fer to figures 71 and 72 MONT Hag Figure 71 ON Note The C500 automatically stores into memory for each Listen Input the Selection of the Mono Mode On or Off After a Listen Input has been Selected the Front MONO Figure 72 Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate the words MONO ON for those Inputs where MONO was previously selected Speaker Output 1 and 2 The 2nd Push button and OUTPUT1 SPKR1 or OUT PUT2 SPKR2 Push buttons on the Remote Control allow the sending of the audio
44. g the cable connection error reconnect the AC Power Cord to the Rear Panel of the C500C Perform Step one again Figure 4 2 Press the C500C Front Panel SETUP push button once The LED above the SETUP Push button will illuminate and the Front Panel Display will indicate CONTROL LER The Controller is the first of the two main menus The second main menu is named Preamp and will be accessed in step 5 Refer to figures 2 and 5 Figure 5 3 Rotate the BALANCE Menu Control and notice that the Setup Controller Setup Mode advances through seven different possible adjustment selections and one informational display Note When in SETUP MODE it may be necessary to rotate the Controls BALANCE Menu RECORD Select 1 and LISTEN Select 2 either clockwise or counter clockwise to the desired function or setting 4 Press the SETUP Push button to exit the CONTROL LER Menu the LED above the SETUP Push button will extinguish and the Front Panel Display will revert back to its normal display Refer to figure 3 5 Now Press the SETUP Push button twice to enter the PREAMP Setup Menu Refer to figure 6 EL EL C wt 1 PPL eevee Figure 6 6 Rotate the BALANCE Menu Control and notice that the Setup Preamp Mode advances through nine different possible adjustment selections McIntosh C500 CONTROLLER SELECT 1 LISTEN SELECT 2 Figure 2 16 7 To exit from the Setup Preamp Mode press the SETUP
45. ght side Both Titles will be the short text form and the display will revert back to the regular display in about six seconds after the rotation of the VOLUME C500 CONTROLLER MENU RECORD SETUP REC MONITOR O Oo SELECT 1 C IN 7 LISTEN MUTE STANDBY ON O RESET Figure 64 28 How to Operate the C500 RECORD Selector has stopped Refer to figure 66 dc TUN a Note When the McIntosh MDA1000 is connected to the C500 Controller refer to page 12 and the D A Control is active refer to the Setup Controller Mode page 19 the LISTEN Control and the INPUT Push buttons and on the Remote Control will step thru the active MDA1000 Inputs automatically when the D A Input is selected When recording from the D A Input care should be exercised not to select the D A for Listening as the MDA1000 Input can change The D A Control feature may also be temporarily switched Off refer to the Setup Controller Mode page 19 when recording the D A Input Figure 66 Volume Control Adjust the Front Panel VOLUME control or the VOLUME Push buttons on the Remote Control for the desired listen ing level Note The default setting of the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indication of the volume level is percentage Refer to figure 61 The other choice is decibels and a change in Setup on page 16 is required for the display to indicate decibels Refer to figure 67 TUNER Figure 67 31 5
46. ide View in a coolest possible operating Partially Open temperature Cabinet A custom cabinet in stallation should provide Cutout Opening for Ventilation the following minimum 54 8 Chassis Support spacing dimensions for 1 1 8 43 02cm Spacers Shelf cool operation refer to the 2 860m illustration Allow at least BEEN 2 inches 5 08 cm above the top of the C500C 14 3 4 C500P and C500T 2 pene 37 47cm inches 5 08cm below the C500P bottom and 1 inch 2 54 C500T bien 14 1 4 15 l pening 36 20cm 38 10cm cm on each side of the Support Shelf ior Controller Preamplifier so in Cabinet Ventilation that airflow is not ob structed Allow 24 inches 61 0cm depth behind the front panel for Intercon nect Cables Allow 1 inch 2 54 cm in front of the For purposes of clarity the above illustration is not drawn to scale Notes Center the Cutout Horizontally on the unit 9 1 2 24 13cm Notes Rear Panel Connections The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the C500 Controller C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier are located on separate folded sheets contained in the Rear Panel Connections P Owner s Manual Packet C500 Controller Refer to folded sheet Mc1A C500 Controller Rear Panel Connections C500 Preamplifier Refer to folded sheet Mc2A C500 Preamplifier Rear Panel Connections C500 Tube Preamplifier Refer to folded sheet Mc2A C500 Tube Preamplifier R
47. il the number 2 ap pears in the Display e g D PORT CDR 6 Refer to figure 30 Figure 30 Note Connect a 1 8 inch Stereo Mini Y adapter to Data Port number 6 on the C500 Controller From each leg of the Y adapter connect a Cable to the Data In jacks on each CD Player 5 If there are any other Data Port re assignments to be made repeat steps 3 and 4 Note DATA PORTS may also be switched off by selecting using the SELECT 2 Control Refer to figure 31 Figure 31 6 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Trim Level Adjustment Various source components can have slightly different vol ume levels This could result in the constant need to readjust the C500 Volume Control when switching between different Input Sources The Level Input Trim Feature on the C500 Controller allows the adjustment of levels for each of the Source Inputs so that they have the same relative volume The Tuner and CD Inputs are used in the following ex ample Notes The possible range of adjustment in volume level is 6dB The Tape Record Output Levels are unaffected by any changes in the Level Trim Settings Any LEVEL Trim adjustments made are retained in permanent memory and can be changed only by performing a new Level Trim Procedure The Tuner Input Volume Level can serve as a reference or choose a
48. iring the Record Processor have been set active 9 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time oo 23 press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Moving Magnet Cartridge Capacitance The C500 allows the adjustment of the Moving Magnet Ca pacitive Loading to accommodate a wide variety of car tridge types and turntable cabling combinations The range of adjustment is from 50pf to 750pf in 50pf increments To change the capacitance from the default value of 50pf set ting perform the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates MM 50 PF Refer to figure 50 Figure 50 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the desired capaci tance appears in the Display e g MM 150 PF Re fer to figure 51 Figure 51 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Moving Coil Cartridge Resistance E AA AAAZX AAAA C EE EAXEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZET The C500 allows the adjustment of the Moving Coil Resis tive Loading to accommodate a wide variety of cartridge types and turntable cabling combinations The range of ad justme
49. make the change Refer to the chart on the next page For additional information on these functions refer to SETUP starting on page 16 neces cere Numbers 75a and b 82a and b Figure 75b BALANCE MOND OFF MONO ON SPERKER DN OFF Figure 78a GPERRERI Figure 78b GPERKERZ UN Figure 79a GPEARRERZ Figure 79b OFF How to Operate the C500 con t 7 Figure 81b Figure 82a iS Figure 82b Figure 83a t 200 UH Figure 83b How to use the Passthru Mode When the C500 is connected together with a McIntosh Mul tichannel A V Control Center or Surround Decoder and has the PASSTHRU MODE activated it will automatically turn on when the A V Control Center or Surround Decoder is turned On It will indicate on the Front Panel Alphanu meric Display PASSTHRU Refer to figure 84 PRASSTARU Figure 84 The C500C Front Panel Controls Push buttons and the Re mote Control Push buttons are deactivated as long as the Passthru Mode 1s active The settings for the LISTEN and RECORD Processor and OUTPUTS 1 amp 2 remain un changed when the C500 is in the Passthru Mode 3l Mc Reset of Microprocessors In the event that the controls of the C500 stop functioning press and hold the STANDBY ON Push button Three to four seconds later the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate DETECT SYSTEM at this point release the STANDBY ON Push button
50. mple you may connect signal sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals out from the Balanced Outputs You can also use Balanced and Unbalanced outputs simultaneously connected to different power amplifiers Power Control Connections 1 Connect one of the supplied custom 23 Conductor Cables from the C500C RIGHT OUTPUT Socket to the C500P or C500T RIGHT INPUT Socket Note After the cable connector is firmly seated into the chassis socket rotate the two locking screws on either side until they are finger tight 2 Ina similar manner connect the other 23 Conductor Cable from the C500C LEFT OUTPUT Socket to the LEFT INPUT Socket on the Preamplifier Connect a Cable from the C500C POWER CONTROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control In Jack on the McIn tosh Left Channel Power Amplifier and another Control Cable from the McIntosh Left Channel Power Amplifier Power Control Out Jack to the McIntosh Right Channel Power Amplifier Power Control In Jack Note There is approximately a one half second delay added to the Power Control Out Jack signal going to the next McIntosh Power Amplifier to reduce the strain on the AC Power Line 4 Connect a Cable from the other C500C POWER CON TROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control In of the McIntosh D A Converter Connect a Cable from the McIntosh D A Converter Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In of a G2 N 12 McIntosh AM FM Tuner 6 Connect a Cable from the McIntosh AM FM Tun
51. n dicates DETECT SYSTEM then release the two Push buttons At this point several messages will ap pear on the Alphanumeric Display depending on the C500 System makeup Refer to figures 88 thru 91 Figure 91 5 For any changes from the default settings that are de sired go to page 16 SETUP to perform them at this time How to Operate the C500 con t and Technical Description U SSS SSS SS SSS SS SS SESS Technical Description McIntosh Laboratory the company who introduced the world s first amplifier that could be called High Fidelity has done it again The McIntosh Engineering Staff has cre ated a Preamplifier without compromise using the most ad vanced McIntosh circuit design concepts The C500 is the third generation of a two chassis design with fully balanced circuitry that started with the introduc tion of the C100 in 1997 In the two chassis design the power supplies and digital control circuitry are contained in the Controller Chassis and the second chassis contains the Preamplifier Circuitry This prevents the possible introduc tion of hum and noise into the audio signal In the C500 an additional refinement has been added to help assure total channel isolation dual mono design There are two indepen dent power supplies one for each channel and the Pream plifier also contains two totally independent preamplifier circuits Creating an Preamplifier with this level of performance did not come easily Ma
52. nent is active and communication is occurring between them Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the system s normal operations Up to two sensors can be wired in parallel for Remote Control of the C500 from other rooms Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be mixed For example you may connect signal sources to Unbalanced Inputs and send signals from the Balanced Outputs You can also use Balanced and Unbalanced outputs simultaneously connected to different power amplifiers Sound Intensity is measured in units called Decibels and dB is the abbreviation 8 If the C500P and or C500T Preamplifiers 23 conductor custom interconnect cable s becomes temporarily disconnected from the C500C when it is On or in Stand by Mode a cable error message will appear on the C500C Remove the AC Power Cord from the C500C connect the disconnected 23 conductor custom interconnect cable s and then reconnect the AC Power Cord The C500 System will automatically reset itself to the previous configuration Connector Information XLR Connectors Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input and Output Connectors on the C500 Preamplifier Refer to the diagram for connection PIN I Shield Ground PIN 2 Signal PIN 3 Signal NANA Pin 3 Main Power Control Connectors The C500 s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig nal An additional connection is for Power
53. nother Input Source that is frequently listened to as the reference The reference Input Source should be set to a Level of 00 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control to select the Tuner Input and adjust the VOLUME Control to the desired listen ing level Refer to figure 32 m Tiiwt oO pw L7 FT Lt Figure 32 Note If the C500 Controller is in the SETUP Mode exit before proceeding 2 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 3 Rotate the MENU Control until the words TRIM 0 0 TUN appears Refer to figure 33 Figure 33 Note The Level Input Trim can also be set via the Remote Control 4 If necessary rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word TUN appears on the right side of the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display TRIM 0 0 TUN 5 If necessary rotate the SELECT 1 Control until two zeros appears in the center of the Front Panel Alphanu meric Display TRIM 0 0 TUN 6 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the word CD ap pears on the right side of the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display TRIM 0 0 CD Refer to figure 34 Figure 34 7 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control until the Volume Level of the CD Input is the same as the Tuner Volume Level Figure 35 indicates a 3 0dB decrease in the CD Level AE TRIM 30 LJ Figure 35 8 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the next desired In put Source Name is displayed 9 R
54. nt is from 25 ohms to 1 000 ohms in six increments To change the resistive load from the default value of 25 ohms setting perform the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates MC 25 OHM Refer to figure 52 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the desired resis 24 Figure 52 tance appears in the Display e g MC 200 OHM Refer to figure 53 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time cCUU TE Figure 53 press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Passthru Mode The C500 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System for SACD DVD Audio and Home Theater The Right and Left Front Channels from a McIntosh A V Control Center or surround Decoder can Passthru the C500 and onto its associated Power Amplifier s The Setup Mode allows the activation of the Passthru Mode and the Selection of the C500 Input that will be used for the Right and Left Front Channels In the example below the Right and Left Front Channels from the Multichannel Processor Decoder will be connected to the CDR Input Jacks on the C500 Refer to page 13 for additional connection information 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is alread
55. ntosh Components Press to Power ON when connected via the Data Port the C500 Selects Functions for McIntosh Press to Power OFF the C500 Home Controller and as a shift key when used with the AM or FM push buttons to select Output 1 or 2 Switches OFF the entire C500 System except in Passthru Mode Use to select tuner pre sets disc tracks or any numbered operation Selects Switched Output 1 AM Tuner Operating Func tions and Disc Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players Press TRIM and then the LEVEL Push but tons to select and ad just various functions Mutes the audio Selects Disc Player Mu sic Server or Tape Re corder Functions and also performs various func tions on a variety of McIntosh Components Selects one of the seven High Level Audio Video Sources or Phono Input Press to listen to the se lected Record out signal Selects Switched Output 2 FM Tuner Operating Functions and Track Se lection on certain McIn tosh CD Players Press 10 to Review Tuner Station Presets and select certain functions on McIn tosh CD Players Adjusts the volume level up or down Selects On Screen Func tions for McIntosh DVD Players and certain CD Players Selects the FF Fast For ward or REWind Mode on a Disc Player Music Server or Tape Recorder tunes Up or Down the AM FM Dial Scrolls through the available C500 Inputs and the McIntosh MDA1000 Digital Sources when connected to the D A Input
56. ny months of design testing and measuring were required Extensive controlled listening tests the ultimate form of measuring were made before the final design was accepted Silent Audio Switching All of the Audio Signal Switching in the C500 is performed by 50 Electro Magnetic devices This includes the selection of the desired Audio Input Source for Listening for Record ing Outputs External Signal Processing Loop Final Audio Output Selection and the Audio Muting Function These Electro Magnetic devices switch silently without adding noise to the Audio Signal for the lifetime of the C500 Preamplifier The Balanced Input Switching Printed Circuit Boards for one channel of the C500 are shown in figure 92 Figure 92 Electro Magnetic Switching is a proven technology that uses the latest in materials and manufacturing methods Each switch consists of a glass tube filled with an inert oxy gen free atmosphere and sealed with tiny leads protruding from either end These leads extend into the tube and over lap one another with a separation of a few thousandths of an inch The leads are made from a fer rous material that is influenced by a magnetic field They are first plated with gold as a base material then with rhodium and finally ruthe nium Ruthenium is the best contact material known Refer to figure 93 The glass assembly is then placed in the center of a multilayer coil of copper wire The entire assembly is molded
57. o access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words D A CTRL OFF appears Refer to figure 20 Figure 20 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI phanumeric Display indicates D A CTRL ON Refer to figure 21 Figure 21 4 Rotate the Menu Control until the words D A INPI ON appears Refer to figure 22 rr e Hr Figure 22 In the following step the memory of the C500C will be up dated to reflect the assigment of active Digital Inputs on the MDA1000 This will prevent having to go through unused inputs when changing the D A Inputs by using either the C500 Front Panel Controls or the Remote Control 19 Mc Rotate the SELECT 2 Control to select On or Off for D A INPut 1 Rotate the SELECT 1 Control to select the next input D A INPut 2 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control to select On or Off for the next D A INPut 2 Repeat steps 6 and7 until all seven of the MDA1000 Input Assignments have been entered into the C500 Memory Rotate the MENU Control until the words PROG DP SUM appears Refer to figure 23 Lt oonr 4 H LJ LI Figure 23 10 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control to select the Digital Input of the MDA1000 that the MCD1000 is connected to Refer to figure 24 GN ON N oo MO n t en ur nam A Figure 24 11 Press the SETUP Push button to exit
58. o the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Volume Display The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display of the current vol ume setting may be indicated either as a Percentage of the maximum volume 0 100 or in Decibels 92 0dB to 15 0dB To change the display to Decibels follow the steps below 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words VOL PER CENT appears Refer to figure 12 18 Figure 12 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel AI phanumeric Display indicates VOL DECIBEL Re fer to figure 13 Figure 13 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment Trigger A Voltage Power Control The Rear Panel Trigger A Jack can provide either a 5 or 12 Volt Output when activated with 5 Volts as the default McIntosh Components with Power Control utilize 5 Volts non McIntosh components when connected to the C500C might required a higher voltage to switch them On or Off To change the output voltage to 12 volts follow the steps below 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words TRIGA LVL
59. outlined below The four feet together with the mounting screws should be retained for possible future use if the C500C C500P and C500T are removed from the custom installation and used mounting panel for clearance When the C500C C500P and C500T are to be installed in cabinets refer to the illustra tion below Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing Interconnect Cables are supplied with the C500P and C500T Preamplifiers and connect to the free standing They also can be custom installed in a piece C500 Controller of furniture or cabinet of your choice The required panel cutout ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are 17 1 16 shown 43 34cm Always provide ad BT equate ventilation for the C500C N MtIntosh a C500C C500P and Conor C500T TP 285 Cie 4 7 8 C500T Cool operation en Front Panel 12 38cm sures the longest possible NES operating life for any elec d E MN v e u MEE tronic instrument Do not install the units directly above a heat generating Gainer l 2 Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting component such as a high Front 5 08cm powered amplifier If all Panel the components are in ut stalled in a single cabinet vod I aquiet running ventilation C500C fan can be a definite asset C500P in maintaining all the sys C500T tem components at the S
60. r movement is too great to respond to the nearly instan taneous changes in music program material That short interval information can have a du ration less than as one half of one thousandth of a second Even if the meter were capable of such high velocity movement the human eye could not perceive the displayed information McIntosh solved both EET A _ YU zi r X n 7 Te a Vasile Hiir dA i asthe zz tut t zc LEI as 1 Figure 103 35 problems electrically By developing electronic circuits the meters are made to respond to short intervals with an accu racy of 95 To permit the eye to see such high speed mo tion the electronic circuits that drive the meter pointer are time stretched Special logarithmic circuitry allows the meter to indicate a 60dB plus range without resorting to a Meter Range Switch Power Supply Circuits To compliment the design of the C500 there are two indentical fully regulated power supplies one for each chan nel The C500 Contoller contains both low and high voltage regulated power supplies for each channel It also supplies the appropriate voltages to meet the different requirements of the C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier The special R core transformers one for each channel supply the necessary voltage current for the low and high voltage regulated circuitry and are housed in shielded enclosures Refer to figure 10
61. r Panel Connections Separate Sheet Mc2A How to Connect the C500 Controller and Preamplifier and Pasthru Mode 12 13 Connection Diagrams Separate Sheet Mc3A Mc3B Connection Diagrams Separate Sheet Mc1B Front Panel Features C500 Controller Front Panel Controls Displays and Push buttons sorore HE Tete ERR nets 14 C500 Preamplifier and C500 Tube Preamplifier Front Panel Displays and Jack ueste 15 Setup How to Operate the Setup Modes 16 25 Remote Control Remote Control Push buttons sait eio eI Eee o pP Ra d rRepUS 26 How to operate the Remote Control ttes 21 Operation How to Operate the C500 ss ai erret sin 28 32 Additional Information Technical Description csi cssssessetersicisaxsasteessesaciessecsees 33 36 Block Diagrams Separate Sheet Mc2B By STG AE ONS aer dense meii eite Urin SUP HDI 37 38 Packing NS ECON sienen 39 vite Im ortant Information WARNING The McIntosh C500 is a two chassis design L p Sa 4 N with separate Preamplifier and Controller chassis There are custom interconnecting cables and custom chassis sockets used to connect the two chassis together Use ONLY the custom interconnect cables supplied with the C500 to connect the chassis together DO NOT connect the C500 Left and Right 25 Pin Chassis Sockets to any othe
62. r component Failure to observe the above warnings will result in damage to the components connected The C500 System consists of two separate chassis one Controller and one Preamplifier The C500 Controller Chassis will be referred to as the C500C throughout this Owner s Manual In a similar manner the C500 Preamplifier Solid State Chassis will be referred to as the C500P and the C500 Tube Preamplifier Chassis will be referred to as the C500T throughout this Owner s Manual For additional information on Audio Connections refer to the Owner s Manual s for the component s Connecting Cables and Connectors are available from the McIntosh Parts Department Data Power Control and Trigger Cable Part No 170 202 Six foot shielded 2 conductor with 1 8 inch stereo mini phone plug on each end Controller to Preamplifier Cable Part No 171 872 Three foot shielded 23 conductor male to female custom cable two required between Controller and Preamplifier Do not use any other cable when connecting the C500 Controller to the C500 Preamplifier or C500 Tube Preamplifier This cable is for use only with the C500 Controller and Preamplifier The Main AC Power Cable going to the C500C and any other McIntosh Component s should not be connected to an AC Power Outlet until all the system components are connected together When the C500C and other McIntosh Components are in their Standby Power Off Mode the Microprocessor s Circuitry inside each compo
63. ree Bal anced XLR Output Connectors for each channel One Out put is labeled MAIN non switched and two additional Outputs MAIN SPKRI and MAIN SPKR2 switched On or Off by using the Remote Control Outputs MAIN SPKRI and MAIN SPKR2 may be configured to remain On along with the MAIN Output for use in systems with three Power Amplifiers per channel To change the MAIN SPKRI and MAIN SPKR2 Outputs perform the following steps 1 Press the SETUP Push button once to access the Setup Controller Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Controller Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the words TRIAMP OFF appears Refer to figure 18 RIAN P ri T l Figure 18 Setup con t 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the Front Panel Al phanumeric Display indicates TRIAMP ON Refer to figure 19 Note The Unbalanced SPKRI and SPKR2 Main Outputs are still controllable On or Off with the Remote Control TRIAMNP Figure 19 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Control ler Mode or proceed to the next desired Setup Control ler Mode for adjustment D A Control Mcintosh MDA1000 When the McIntosh MDA1000 D A Converter and MCD1000 CD Player are connected to the C500 Controller there are special functions to enhanced operation of the D A Converter with the C500 The following steps activate these functions 1 Press the SETUP Push button once t
64. s NPUTS d Mel t h CDR 5 CD 6 CDR 5 MAIN EI NIOSI C500 TUBE PREAMPLIFIER McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA 8 E FH RIGHT INPUT LEFT INPUT 28 MAIN SPKR2 MAIN SPKR1 o2 ge 0000000000000 4 0000000000000 4 zu o00000oooooooQo o000ooooooooo TO C500 CONTROLLER TO C500 CONTROLLER RIGHT OUTPUT LEFT OUTPUT PROCESSOR RIGHT PHONO INPUTS LEFT DVD 1 TUNER 3 RECORD LISTEN SRVR 4 SPKR1 11 How to connect the C500 E This page contains information for connecting the McIntosh C500C to the C500P or C500T and to other audio compo nents The C500 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 C500 Re mote Control With an external sensor connected to the C500 remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and or when the C500 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed The connection instructions below together with the In put and Output Connection Diagrams located on the sepa rate folded sheet Mc3A 3B are an example of a typical audio system Your system may vary from this however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner For additional information refer to Connector and Cable Information on page 4 Note Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs can be mixed For exa
65. the Setup Control ler Mode PROG Input Selection and Title Reassignment T The C500 has nine Audio Inputs which includes seven high level inputs two dedicated Phono Inputs and two external processor loops These inputs already have assigned titles that will allow for immediate hookup operation and enjoy ment If the default Input Titles for the High Level Inputs do not match up with components in your system they may be reassigned The following example will illustrate how to re name the AUX Input to DVD2 When the Input Selector is rotated to select what was originally the AUX Input DV D2 will now appear on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display Notes 1 Unused Inputs may be switched Off so they will not appear when going through the input source choices using the LISTEN Control RECORD Control or when using the Remote Control Refer to figure 25 Figure 25 2 The Alphanumeric Display will indicate the default Title for the Input number selected with a dot appearing to the right of the Title Refer to figure 26a 20 Figure 26a 3 The Input Titles choices available for the High Level Inputs start with DVD2 AUX2 TUN2 SVR2 CDR2 or CD2 4 The PHONO MM and PHONO MC Inputs Titles are fixed however they may be switched On or Off 1 Press the SETUP Push button twice to access the Setup Preamp Mode unless the C500C is already in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric
66. the equipment for ship ment the equipment must be packed exactly as shown be low It is very important that the four feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment This will ensure the proper equip ment location on the bottom pad Failure to do this will re sult in shipping damage Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition If a shipping car ton or any of the interior part s are needed please call or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labora tory Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers Note Unless instructed otherwise please return the McIntosh Custom Interconnect Cables along with the C500 Preamplifier and or C500 Tube Preamplifier Please do not return the Remote Controls or Accessories unless instructed otherwise TOP PAD ee UNIT WITH 4 FEET ON BOTTOM COVER PLASTIC FOOT 4 Tii MR 10 32 x 3 4 SCREW WITH WASHER 4 BOTTOM PAD INSIDE a CARTON Quantity l 4 Part Number 033838 033837 033836 034414 034301 017937 400159 404080 Description Shipping carton only End cap Inside carton only Top pad foam Bottom pad Plastic foot 10 32 x 3 4 screw 10 7 16 Flat washer END CAPS INSIDE CARTON SHIPPING CARTON 39 gt 1 o N Y 7 z Il wan 1 d N 7 McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton NY 13903 Th
67. y in the Setup Preamp Mode 2 Rotate the MENU Control until the Alphanumeric Dis play indicates PASSTHRU OFF Refer to figure 54 NE L THRU UFF Figure 54 3 Rotate the SELECT 2 Control until the desired Input appears in the Display e g PASSTHRU CDR Re fer to figure 55 fs fa a445 G THAL Figure 55 4 If no other adjustments are to be made at this time press the SETUP Push button to exit the Setup Preamp Mode or proceed to a previous desired Setup Preamp Mode for adjustment Setup con t and Setup Settings Charts De fault N Tri List R d Default New Trim sad rigger nnd dad Passthru Title Title Level Data Data Select Processor Processor insu Port ON or OFF ON or OFF pu C500 Preamplifier or C500 Tube Preamplifier LS Lv a 1D l1 eee Additional Settings Listen Record Processor Processor Present Present Yes or No Yes or No Moving Moving Coil OHMS Settings for the C500 Controller Dis play Volume i i Accessory Brightness Illumination Dis play Voltage Voltage Outputs Control 1 7 ON or OFF or dB 50r 12 5or 12 On or OFF Trigger A or B McIntosh MDA1000 and MCD1000 Settings MCD1000 Data Port Number Inputs On or OFF 23 i Remote Control Push Buttons LED illuminates durin l ihe ias ronis som a pee owe ine Press MODE to switch the mand is sent to the C500 MONO Mode On or Off Turns AC Power ON or OFF to certain McI

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