The C1100 preamplifier brings a new level of performance and luxury to McIntosh’s heralded preamplifier offerings – evidenced by its high level inputs having the lowest noise of any McIntosh preamplifier ever produced. It utilizes a two-chassis design where the control and power sections are completely separate from the audio section.
Absolute isolation of a preamplifier’s two main functions – control and sound – is achieved by this unusual but effective design and will provide you with the purest sound reproduction possible for generations of listening enjoyment.
OVERVIEW
The C1100 is comprised of the C1100 Controller and the C1100 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier. Inside each, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other to allow true dual mono operation – resulting in the ultimate stereo separation and sonic purity.
The two units are connected together via a pair of specially designed, high performance umbilical cables that are shielded to prevent outside noise from leaking into the audio signal. While they are two separate units, when connected they act as one and are easy to control and operate from the included remote control or the C1100 Controller front panel.
Both units’ chassis are comprised of polished stainless steel and hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel, offering a new degree of richness and refinement. All power control, data ports and external control connections are located in the C1100 Controller; the introduction of a dual microprocessor allows for an improved robustness of the control system.
The C1100 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry, featuring a total of 12 analog inputs: 6 balanced, 4 unbalanced, plus adjustable loading Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono inputs. For outputs, 2 sets of balanced and 2 sets of unbalanced connections provide flexibility in connecting to your amplifier.
Twelve vacuum tubes (6 each of 12AX7a and 12AT7) power the tube preamplifier. Compared to the C1000 preamplifier which had 8 tubes, the additional 4 tubes in the C1100 lowers its dependency on any solid-state support. The amplifier circuit has much higher common mode rejection, so any noise introduced by interconnect cables is significantly reduced.
For personal listening, the headphone jack features a higher output than any of McIntosh’s other preamplifiers, while Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings a new depth and spatiality to your music. The Home Theater Pass Through feature allows for seamless integration into your existing multi-channel home theater system.
The C1100 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to match the level of performance achieved in any of McIntosh’s Quad Balanced amplifiers. With classic McIntosh black glass front panels, blue meters, knobs, stainless steel chassis, illuminated logos and custom machined brushed aluminum end caps, the C1100 makes a visual statement in addition to its audio prowess. It can be paired with a variety of McIntosh amplifiers, speakers, room correction devices, CD players, turntables, tuners and other source components to make a complete home audio system.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Total Harmonic Distortion: High Level: 0.005%; Phono: 0.05%
- Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz; +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
- Maximum Volts Out (Balanced/Unbalanced): 20/10 V RMS
- Input Impedance (Balanced/Unbalanced): 50K ohms, 25K ohms
- Phono Voltage Gain: Moving Magnet: 40dB; Moving Coil: 60dB
- High Level Voltage Gain: To Main Output and Outputs 1 & 2: 15dB; To REC/FIXED Output: 0dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 107dB
- Dual Mono Power Supply: Yes
- Dual Mono, Fully Balanced: Yes
- Headphone Output: Yes 1/4″, High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD), Selectable headphone impedances of: 16 ohms – 40 ohms, 40 – 150 ohms, 150 – 600 ohms
- Inputs Balanced: 6 Stereo
- Inputs Unbalanced: 4 Stereo + 2 Phono
- Variable Outputs Balanced: 2 Stereo
- Variable Outputs Unbalanced: 2 Stereo
- Digital USB Input: 1 (for system update only)
- Phono Moving Magnet: Yes, adjustable
- Phono Moving Coil: Yes, adjustable
- Record Processor Loop: Yes
- Input Level Match: Yes, +/- 6dB
- Home Theater Pass Through: Yes
- RS232 Control Input: Yes
- Power Control Output: 1 Main, 2 Output, 4 Trigger
- Rear Panel Data Ports: Yes, 8
- Rear Panel IR Sensor Input: Yes
- Multi-Chassis or Single: Multi Chassis (C1100C plus C1100T)
- Output Meters C1100C: No; C1100T: Yes
- Tube or Solid State: Tube, (6) 12AX7a and (6) 12AT7
- On, Power Consumption: 75 watts
- Dimensions: Each chassis: 17.5″ (44.45cm) x 6″ (15.24cm) x 18″ (45.7cm)
- Weight: C1100C: 27 lbs (12.3 kg); C1100T: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
- Shipping Weight: C1100C: 43.5 lbs (19.7 kg); C1100T: 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg)
