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See SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
in main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
C41
Audio Control Center
Featured Technologies
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-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL. Level differences among channels in a stereo or
surround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of the C41s volume
control are electronically trimmed for superior tracking.
W
hat is the difference between state-of-the-artand traditional? For a
McIntosh Control Center-¦ everything. And nothing. The qualities that
define the C41 as a traditional McIntosh -“ ultra-wide dynamic range, near-zero
distortion, superior electronic and mechanical design -“ transcend any fleeting
description. The C41s audio excellence will never go out of style.
The input selectors on McIntosh Control
Centers actually control state-of-the-art
silent electromagnetic switches.
leadcoil sealed glass tube
circuit completes
when leads touch lead
switching command causes DC voltage at coil
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EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH TONE CONTROLS. Judicious use of well-designed bass and treble controls
can compensate for acoustical irregularities. The C41s tone controls offer ±12dB adjustments
with fine resolution, yet in the flat position are completelyremoved from the signal path.
CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the C41 outputs control data for
sourcecomponents. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh components either by
direct connection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator, a learning
device that makes it possible to operate virtually any component with the C41s remote.
BALANCED CONNECTIONS. A premium feature not usually found in consumer audio gear,
balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without com-
promising sound quality. A balanced connection between the C41 and the MC202 Power Amp
provides 40dB more noise protection than would an unbalanced (single-ended) connection.
REMOTE POWER CONTROL. The C41 has four separate remote power jacks (main, accessory,
switched 1, switched 2) that enable it to turn connected power amps on/off.
Featured Technologies (contd.)
About the C41 Companion Products
The McIntosh products shown at right are logical companions for the C41. Separate literature is
available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for any late additions. McIntosh speaker systems are
also covered in detail in separate literature.
MC202 Power Amplifier, MDA700 D/A Converter, and MCD751 CD Transport. The MC202
has a balanced input that complements the C41s balanced output. Add the MDA700 converter
plus the MCD751 transport to create an affordable, high-resolution audio system.
MR85 AM/FM Tuner. A natural companion, the MR85 tuner is a thoroughly engineered broad-
cast monitor that reveals the upper limits of AM and FM performance. A second, independent
tuner (TM1) can be installed into the MR85 for multizone applications.
MVS3 A/V Selector. The MVS3 connects to the C41s VIDEO data output and accommodates
five additional A/V sources, resulting in a very capable A/V Control Center.
RCT3 Remote Translator. The Translator allows non-McIntosh components to be operated with
a McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller. It connects to the data outputs on the C41.
PC4 AC Power Controller. The PC4 provides five AC outlets (four switched) for turning non-
McIntosh components on and off automatically when it is connected to the power control output
of a Control Center or Integrated Amplifier.
R649 IR Sensor. With switching for two power amps and a connector for an external sensor, the
C41 can supply music to a second area with remote operation via the R649 wall-mount sensor.
C41 Companions
MC202 POWER AMPLIFIER
MR85 AM/FM TUNER MDA700 D/A CONVERTER
MCD751 CD TRANSPORT
RCT3 REMOTE TRANSLATOR
PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLER
R649 IR SENSOR
M
ost consumer electronics products are necessarily viewed
as short-term investments because either they dont last
or they quickly become obsolete in some way. Coincidentally,
manufacturers supply a steady stream of new-and-improved
products that you can buy. Again.
Behind every McIntosh is a fifty-year heritage of excellence,
proudly carried forward by every employee. No productionlines, no price-point engineering, no planned obsolescence.
McIntosh equipment is made to sound better and last longer.
When McIntosh products are presented to customers, the
criteria they have been conditioned to overlook -“ reliability,
longevity, craftsmanship, ease-of-use, adaptability, pride of
ownership -“ suddenly leap to the top of their list.
The choice becomes clear: There is nothing like a McIntosh.
MVS3 A/V SELECTOR
As seen on the inside surface of this demonstration
piece, the screening processfor a McIntosh glass
panel entails as many as 12 individual layers.
The glass panels are cut
using a computer-controlled
high-pressure water jet.
