SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.5dB
Rated Voltage Output
2.5Vrms (balanced and unbalanced)
Maximum Voltage Output
10Vrms
Output Impedance
240 ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 20KHz
Input Sensitivity
Phono: 4.5mV for rated output
High level: 450mV for rated output
Maximum Input Signal
MM phono: 50mV
High level: 5V
A-Weighted Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono: 86dB
High level: 97dB
Input Impedance
Phono: 47k ohms, 65pf
High level: 22k ohms
Voltage Gain
Phono to tape: 40dB
High level to tape: 0dB
High level to main: 15dB
Power Requirements
100V 50/60Hz, 30W
110V 50/60Hz, 30W
120V 50/60Hz, 30W
220V 50/60Hz, 30W
230V 50/60Hz, 30W
240V 50/60Hz, 30W
Dimensions (h x w x d)
inch: 5.375 x 17.5 x 17.5
cm: 13.7 x 44.5 x 44.5
includes clearance for connectors
Weight
25.5 lbs. (11.6kg) net
40 lbs. (18.2kg) shipping
Featured Technologies
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH 8-BAND EQUALIZER
The equalizer provides 12dB of boost or cut at center frequencies of 20, 35, 70, 150, 300, 600, 1200, and 4000Hz. Notice that the center frequencies are clustered at the lower end of the spectrum where room correction is most often needed. When an equalizer control is in the center or flat position, its circuit components are completely removed from the signal path.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING
In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels to a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel, the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add to the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input. The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning. Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly “off,” eliminating potential sources of interference.
PRECISION, OPTICALLY REGULATED VOLUME CONTROL
If McIntosh electromagnetic switching brings the switch to the input, then the C42’s volume control brings the attenuator to the input. The volume knob actually operates an optical rotary encoder with 128 steps; it sends instructions at the speed of light to the digitally controlled attenuator located near the inputs. Together they provide 0.5dB resolution with 0.05dB accuracy.
PROGRAMMABLE SOURCE TRIM
A traditional McIntosh feature that allows matching the output levels of different source components, source trim in the C42 establishes new standards for audio purity and operating convenience. Instead of adjusting individual potentiometers, the trim for each input is stored electronically as a volume offset, using the tuner level as the standard.
FEATURES
Extra-wide dynamic range
Ultra-low distortion
Exclusive McIntosh 8-band equalizer
Silent electromagnetic switching
Precision, optically regulated volume control with digital readout in decibels or percent
Programmable source trim
9 source selections including MM phono
Balanced input
3 balanced outputs (Main, Line 1, Line 2)
Independent listen and record selection
Dual processor loops
Control data output for source components
Remote power control (1 main, 1 accessory, 2 switched)
Separate electronic regulators for each preamplifier section
Polyester coupling capacitors
Low-noise 1% metal film resistors throughout
Ultra-precision (.5%) metal film resistors and 1% polypropylene capacitors for phono equalization
Gold-plated input and output jacks
Modular construction with steel chassis
Glass front panel with illuminated nomenclature Infrared remote control
Connector for external IR sensor
Headphone jack
