EasyManua.ls Logo

McIntosh C500 User Manual

McIntosh C500
40 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image
C500
Owner’s Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
Controller/Preamplifier/Tube Preamplifier

Other manuals for McIntosh C500

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the McIntosh C500 and is the answer not in the manual?

McIntosh C500 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Channels2
Total Harmonic Distortion0.005%
Balanced Inputs2
TypePreamplifier
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz (+0, -0.5dB)
Phono Inputs1
Digital Inputs1
Digital Input TypeUSB
Maximum Output Voltage16V (Balanced), 8V (Unbalanced)
InputsPhono, Digital
Signal-to-Noise Ratio100dB (High Level)
Gain40dB (MM Phono), 60dB (MC Phono)
High Level Inputs6

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

Safety Instructions Overview

Comprehensive safety guidelines and warnings for operating the equipment.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Instructions to prevent electrical shock and fire hazards, including proper grounding.

Usage and Environment Guidelines

Advice on proper placement, cleaning, and avoiding moisture or heat.

Servicing and User Maintenance

Guidance on when to refer servicing to qualified personnel and parts.

Technical Assistance

Technical Support Contact Information

Details on how to contact McIntosh for product support and inquiries.

Customer Service

Repair and Return Procedures

Information on how to return the product for service or repair.

Important Information

System Component Identification

Defines the C500 Controller, C500P, and C500T chassis and their interactions.

Connector Information

XLR Connector Pinout

Details the pin configuration for XLR balanced audio connectors.

Main Power Control Connectors

Explains the 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug for power control.

Trigger Control Connectors

Describes connections for trigger signals, providing +5 or +12 volt output.

Data and IR Port Connectors

Details on ports for remote control signals and data transfer.

Performance Features

Dual Chassis and Dual Mono Design

Explains the benefits of separate chassis for noise isolation and dual mono operation.

Input and Output Versatility

Describes balanced/unbalanced I/O, phono stages, and processor loops.

Precision Controls and Displays

Details on volume, balance, display, and parts used for accuracy.

Special Operational Modes

Covers Passthru Mode, Remote Control, and Power Control Output features.

Dimensions

C500C Unit Dimensions

Front, rear, and side views with measurements for the C500 Controller.

C500P Unit Dimensions

Front, rear, and side views with measurements for the C500 Preamplifier.

C500T Unit Dimensions

Front, rear, and side views with measurements for the C500 Tube Preamplifier.

Installation

Unit Placement and Mounting Options

Guidance on upright placement, foot removal, and custom cabinet installation.

Ventilation and Spacing Requirements

Recommendations for adequate airflow and clearance for optimal operation.

Rear Panel Connections

C500 Controller Rear Connections

Details on the rear panel interface for the C500 Controller unit.

C500 Preamplifier Rear Connections

Details on the rear panel interface for the C500 Preamplifier unit.

C500 Tube Preamplifier Rear Connections

Details on the rear panel interface for the C500 Tube Preamplifier.

How to connect the C500

Power Control and Trigger Connections

Instructions for connecting power control and trigger signals between components.

Data Port and IR Connections

Guidance on connecting data ports for remote control and system integration.

Audio Signal Connections

Instructions for connecting various audio sources and outputs.

Passthru and AC Power Connections

Details on setting up multichannel passthru and main AC power.

C500 Controller Front Panel Controls

Front Panel Controls Overview

Description of all buttons, knobs, and the display on the C500 Controller.

Balance, Volume, and Source Selection

Detailed functions of Balance, Volume, Record, and Listen controls.

Setup, Mute, and Standby Functions

Explanation of Setup, Rec Monitor, Mute, and Standby/On push-buttons.

C500 Preamplifier Front Panel Displays

Output Level Meters

Explanation of the meters indicating left and right channel output levels.

Headphone Jack Functionality

Description of the headphone jack for private listening.

How to Operate the Setup Modes

Accessing Setup Modes

Steps to enter and navigate the Controller and Preamp setup menus.

Default Settings Overview

Details on default settings and how to check firmware version.

Display Brightness Adjustment

Procedure to adjust the front panel display's brightness.

Remote Control Type Configuration

Setting the C500 to work with different remote controls.

Meter Illumination Control

Turning the front panel meter illumination on or off.

Volume Display Format Selection

Choosing between percentage or decibel display for volume.

Trigger A Output Voltage Setting

Configuring the voltage output for Trigger A for power control.

Trigger B Output Voltage Setting

Configuring the voltage output for Trigger B for power control.

Triamp Balanced Output Modes

Setting Triamp outputs for different amplifier configurations.

D/A Converter Control Setup

Enabling special functions for D/A converters like MDA1000.

Input Title Reassignment

Customizing input names displayed on the front panel.

Data Port Assignment Configuration

Assigning data ports to control specific source components.

Input Level Trim Adjustment

Matching volume levels between different input sources.

Trigger Input Selection

Assigning specific inputs to activate Trigger A or B.

Accessory Control Assignment

Configuring which trigger can be controlled remotely.

Listen Processor Loop Activation

Enabling and assigning inputs for the external listen processor.

Record Processor Loop Activation

Enabling and assigning inputs for the external record processor.

Moving Magnet Cartridge Capacitance

Adjusting capacitance loading for MM phono cartridges.

Moving Coil Cartridge Resistance

Adjusting resistance loading for MC phono cartridges.

Passthru Mode Configuration

Setting up the passthru mode for multichannel audio systems.

Remote Control Push-Buttons

Power and System Control Buttons

Buttons for powering the unit on/off and controlling system functions.

Source and Input Selection

Buttons to select audio sources and navigate inputs.

Volume and Trim Adjustments

Buttons to control listening volume and fine-tune settings.

Function and Mode Selection

Buttons for accessing display functions, modes, and special features.

How to Operate the Remote Control

Mute, Mono, and Trim Operations

Controlling audio muting, mono mode, and trim adjustments remotely.

Input Source and Disc Functions

Selecting sources, operating disc players, servers, and tuners.

Amplifier and Accessory Control

Managing amplifier output selection and accessory power.

Pause and Menu Navigation

Using the pause button and navigating menus remotely.

How to Operate the C500

Power On and Standby Operation

Starting the unit and understanding its standby mode indicator.

Balance Control Adjustment

Fine-tuning left and right channel balance for optimal listening.

Source and Record Selection

Choosing listening sources and setting record outputs.

How to Operate the C500

Volume Control and Display Modes

Adjusting volume and understanding display options (percentage/dB).

External Processor and Monitor Functions

Using listen/record processors and monitoring signals.

Setup Mode and Mute Functions

Accessing setup menus and muting audio output.

Recording Procedures

Steps for making audio recordings using the C500.

How to Operate the C500, con't

Output Meter Interpretation

Understanding the dB output level indicators on the front panel.

Mono Mode Activation

Switching between stereo and mono playback.

Remote Trim Functionality

Using the remote's trim button for quick adjustments.

How to Operate the C500, con't

Passthru Mode Usage

Operating the C500 in passthru mode for multichannel systems.

Reset of Microprocessors

System Reset Procedure

Steps to reset the C500's internal microprocessors if controls become unresponsive.

Configuration Change

Handling Preamplifier Type Changes

Procedure for reconfiguring the system after changing the preamplifier type.

Technical Description

McIntosh C500 Design Philosophy

Overview of the C500's advanced design and high-fidelity engineering.

Silent Audio Switching Technology

Explanation of the electro-magnetic switching used for signal routing.

Technical Description, con't

Advanced Volume Control System

Details on the digital optical encoder volume control for precise adjustment.

Technical Description, con't

Logic Controlled Circuitry and Microprocessor

Explanation of the C500's internal logic and microprocessor control.

Moving Coil Preamplifier Module

Description of the specialized MC phono stage and its impedance matching.

Meter Performance and Circuitry

Discussion on the meter's accuracy and electronic time-stretching capabilities.

Technical Description, con't

Power Supply Circuit Design

Details on the dual, regulated power supplies and R-Core transformers.

Power Control and Trigger Signals

How the C500 controls other components via power control signals.

Specifications C500 Preamplifier

C500 Preamplifier Technical Specs

Detailed electrical and performance specifications for the C500 Preamplifier.

Specifications C500 Tube Preamplifier

C500 Tube Preamplifier Technical Specs

Detailed electrical and performance specifications for the C500 Tube Preamplifier.

Specifications C500 Controller

C500 Controller Power Requirements

Electrical power input specifications for the C500 Controller.

General Specifications

Overall Unit Dimensions and Weight

Physical dimensions and weight for C500C, C500P, and C500T units.

Packing Instructions

Equipment Repackaging Guidelines

Instructions for safely repacking the unit for shipment or storage.

Related product manuals