C46 Preamplifier Features

Silent Electromagnetic Switching

McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switches, located literally at the input

panel, eliminate the need for audio signals to travel through any internal

wiring where it would be subject to noise pickup. The state-of-the-art

switches consist of ruthenium contacts— the finest conducting material known—

which are sealed within a glass tube containing an inert oxygen-free gas that

eliminates all possibility of contamination and results in a distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning. The glass tube is enclosed within a multi-layer copper coil, which provides the means to actuate the switch and also provides additional shielding. The entire assembly is finally encased in a shock-absorbent plastic housing for protection.

VRV (Variable Rate Volume) Digitally Controled Attenuator

The output attenuator controls volume over 214 steps of 0.5dB each with accuracy

within 0.1dB. The volume vs. rotation rate varies as preamplifier gain varies and

attenuation changes occur at the zero crossings of the audio signal to prevent

audible artifacts during adjustment.

• Programmable Balanced Input
• Eight Programmable Source
• Selections
• One Main and Two Switched Outputs
• Logic Driven Electromagnetic
• Switching
• Fiber-Optic Light Diffuser Illumination
• Exclusive McIntosh Eight Frequency
• Equalizer Circuit
• Input Level Matching
• Separate Listen and Record Input
• Selection
• Dual Programmable Processor Loops
• Precision Digitally Controlled
• Volume Attenuator
• Blue 16 Character VF Display
• Gold Plated Connectors
• Precision Resistors and Capacitors
• Wide Dynamic Range
• Remote Power Control
• Data Output Ports
• Front Panel Headphone Jack