Page 1
2
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products en-
closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK
OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. To prevent the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover or
back. No user-serviceable parts inside.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instruc -
tions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa -
ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar -
ized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manu -
facturer, or sold with the appa-
ratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service person -
nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power- supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.
17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Page 2
3
Your decision to own this McIntosh C2500 Tube Pre -
amplifier ranks you at the very top among discrimi -
nating music listeners. You now have the best. The
McIntosh dedication to precision performance assures
many years of musical enjoyment.
Please take a short time to read the information in
this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos -
sible with all the features and functions of your new
McIntosh.
Copyright 2013 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Table of Contents
Thank You
Please Take A Moment
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Ph o n e: 6 0 7-72 3 -3512
Fax: 607-724-0549
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Ph o n e: 6 0 7-72 3 -3515
Fa x : 6 0 7-72 3 -1917
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number:
_______________________________
Purchase Date: _______________________________
Dealer Name: ________________________________
Safety Instructions ..................................................... 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment
...................... 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service
............. 3
Table of Contents
....................................................... 3
General Information
.................................................. 4
Connector and Cable Information
............................. 4
Introduction
................................................................ 5
Performance Features
................................................ 5
Dimensions
................................................................ 6
Installation
................................................................. 7
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections
.............................................. 8
(Separate Sheet)
.................................................. Mc2B
Connecting Components
............................................. 9
Connection Diagrams
(Separate Sheets)
.................. Mc1A, Mc1B and Mc2A
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons
................................... 10
How to use the Remote Control
................................. 11 Front Panel:
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons
and Jack
..................................................................... 12
Setup:
How to Operate the Setup Mode
.............................. 13
Default Settings......................................................... 13
Fi r m w a r e Ve r s i o n
...................................................... 14
Reassign Source Inputs
............................................. 14
Source Input Renaming
............................................ 15
Input Level Adjustment
............................................ 16
Power Mode
.............................................................. 16
Display Brightness
.................................................... 17
Tube Lights
............................................................... 17
Passthr u
..................................................................... 17
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2
................................ 18
Comm Port Baud Rate
.............................................. 19
Remote Control Codes
.............................................. 19
Operation:
How to Operate the C2500
.................................. 20 -26
Tr i m Fu nct ion s
..................................................... 20 -24
Processor Loop
......................................................... 24
To n e B y p a s s
.............................................................. 24
Output Meters
........................................................... 25
Passthr u
..................................................................... 25
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
........................... 25
USB Input Operation with a Computer
.................... 25
Reset of Microprocessors
.......................................... 26
Resetting the C2500 to default settings
.................... 26
Additional Information:
Photos
................................................................... 27-28
Specifications
....................................................... 29 -30
Packing Instr uction
................................................... 31
