4
nation of the Power Output Meters
on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection to the Power
Control, Trigger and PASSTHRU
Outputs on the C52.
Note: The Power Control, Trigger,
PASSTHRU and Data Connecting Cable is avail-
able from the McIntosh Parts Department:
Power Control, Trigger, PASSTHRU and Data
Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plugs on each end.
Data Port Connectors
The C52 Data Out Ports send Re-
mote Control Signals to Source
Components. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for con-
nection.
IR IN Port Connectors
The IR IN Port also uses a 3.5mm
stereo mini phone plug and allows
the connection of other brand IR
Receivers to the C52.
RS232 Data Port Cable
The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug to a sub miniature DB 9 connector:
General Information and Connector Information
Connector and Cable Information
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input and Output Connectors on the C52. Refer to the
diagrams for connections:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The C52 Power Control Out, Trigger and PASSTHRU
Output Jacks send Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0
volt) when connected to other McIntosh Components.
An additional connection is for controlling the illumi-
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
PIN 2
PIN 1
PIN 3
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the C52 Audio Preamplifier.
2. The Main AC Power going to the C52 and any
other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied
until all the system components are connected
together. Failure to do so could result in malfunc-
tioning of some or all of the system’s normal opera-
tions. When the C52 and other McIntosh Compo-
nents are in their Standby Power Off Mode, the
Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each component
is active and communication is occurring between
them.
3. 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 Bal-
anced and Unbalanced Outputs simultaneously,
connected to different Power Amplifiers.
4. The C52 internal Digital to Analog Converter
Circuitry is designed to decode 2-channel PCM
(Pulse Code Modulation) and DSD (Direct Stream
Digital) Digital Signals. The Coaxial and Optical
Digital Audio Inputs are for PCM Digital Signals.
The Digital DIN and USB Audio Inputs are for
PCM and DSD Digital Signals. Other Digital Audio
Signal Format Types will cause the Audio Outputs
of the C52 to be muted and the Front Panel Infor-
mation Display will indicate an error message.
5. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Deci-
bels and “dB” is the abbreviation.
6. The McIntosh C52 is factory configured for imme-
diate use. It can also be customized to complement
the components making up your system. Refer to
the C52 “Setup Mode” starting on page 13 for ad-
ditional information.
General Information
Power
Control
Meter
Illumination
Control Ground
Main, Triggers 1-4
and PASSTHRU
7. The Remote Control Supplied with the C52
Preamplifier is capable of operating other com-
ponents. For additional information go to www.
mcintoshlabs.com.
8. The IR Input, with a 1/8inch mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two or
more IR sensors need to be connected to the C52.
The signal from a connected External IR Sensor
will have priority over the signal from the Front
Panel IR Sensor.
9. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regula-
tions concerning battery disposal.
10. For additional information on the C52 and other
McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web
Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.
IR Data
Control
Ground
N/C
PIN 1
PIN 6
PIN 5
PIN 9
Data In
(DB9-pin2)
Ground
(DB9-pin5)
Data Out
(DB9-pin3)
DB9
(male connector)
