User manual MCINTOSH C104

[. . . ] The precision volume control has four matched sections and the main gain stage uses four matched amplifiers operating in push-pull. Even unbalanced signals are converted to and processed as balanced signals. The Preamplifier chassis, which contains only audio circuits and inputs/outputs, is completely isolated from the power supply and the microprocessors, ensuring total noise rejection. [. . . ] After any switching operation, the control circuits are automatically turned off to eliminate any possibility of microprocessor noise reaching the audio circuits. The only connection between the Preamplifier and Controller is a 25-pin shielded cable. 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. Instead of adjusting individual potentiometers, the trim for each input is stored electronically as a volume offset, using the tuner level as the standard. Phono inputs are provided for both moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges. The MC inputs have a dedicated RIAA preamplifier and double mu-metal-shielded step-up transformers wound with silver wire. To facilitate system integration, the C104 outputs control data for source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh components either by direct connection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator. Balanced connections guard against induced noise. A balanced connection between the C104 and the MC1040 amp provides 40dB more noise protection than would an unbalanced ("single-ended") connection. The C104 has four individual remote power jacks (two main, plus switched 1 and switched 2) that enable it to turn connected power amps on/off. R649 IR SENSOR RCT4 REMOTE TRANSLATOR PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLER M ost consumer electronics products are necessarily viewed as short-term investments because either they don't last or they quickly become obsolete in some way. Coincidentally, manufacturers supply a steady stream of "new-and-improved" products that you can buy. [. . . ] Coincidentally, manufacturers supply a steady stream of "new-and-improved" products that you can buy. Behind every McIntosh is a fifty-year heritage of excellence, proudly carried forward by every employee. No production lines, no "price-point" engineering, no planned obsolescence. [. . . ]