McIntosh C42

Commentary

Based on the C40, this control amplifier has been improved by further refining the technology and know-how accumulated so far.

Using an equalizer circuit with the latest design of an operational amplifier, the distortion and noise characteristics are driven by the optimum NFB, and high-precision metal-coated resistors and high-quality polypropylene capacitors are used to achieve the strict RIAA curve characteristics.

A read relay-type electromagnetic switch that controls digital signals is used for the switching elements of nine input / output signals to reduce signal degradation.
This relay is gold-plated and then re-plated with rhodium and rhenium to improve the reliability of the contacts. In addition, a glass tube filled with inert gas is used to prevent an increase in contact resistance due to corrosion.
The C42 takes advantage of the input selector function and separates the controller and signal processing circuit to provide a layout with the shortest distance from the input to the output for signal purification.

It is equipped with an 8-band equalizer function which is an extension of the conventional 5-band equalizer function.
This equalization function can be used by switching between the playback and recording channels. In the center position, the equalizer circuit is completely off so that a flat frequency response can be obtained.

A fully balanced digital control attenuator provides 0.5 dB, 213 step fine control and a wide dynamic range of 116 dB.
The control circuit uses four attenuators for balanced transmission and a dual monolithic circuit driven by 16-bit serial data. This realizes a precision of less than 0.05 dB step error in a 0.5 dB variable range.
The built-in 0 crossing detector reduces digital noise when the volume is up or down.

The blue 4-digit fluorescent indicator displays the volume in dB or% in the center of the panel, as well as left and right balance adjustments.

A source trim function is built in to align the input levels.

It is equipped with a locker switch. When it is not used for a long period of time, if this switch is turned on, it becomes a standby state and the value stored in the body can also be kept.

With two input selectors, you can record one source and listen to other sources at the same time. This is equipped with an individual listening function and a recording input selection function.

The dual processor loop function allows you to connect an equalizer for sound field correction to each of the playback and recording systems.
The front panel also has a processor loop on/off switch.

Wireless remote control is included.

Model Rating

Type	Audio Control Center
Frequency characteristic	20 Hz ~ 20 kHz + 0 -0.5 dB
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.002% or Less (20 Hz to 20 kHz at Rated Output)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)	Phono:86dB High Level:97dB
Rated output	2.5 Vrms (Main, Output1, 2)
Maximum output voltage	10 vrms (Main, Output1, 2)
Output impedance	240 Ω
Input impedance	Phono : 47k Ω, 65 pF High Level : 22k Ω
Input sensitivity (at rated output)	Phono:4.5mV High Level:450mv
Maximum input signal	Phono:50mV High Level:5V
Voltage gain (gain)	Phono → Tape out : 40 dB High Level → Tape out : 0 dB High Level → Main out : 15 dB
8-band program equalizer	20 Hz, 35 Hz, 70 Hz, 150 Hz, 300 Hz, 600 Hz, 1.2 kHz, 4 kHz ± 12 dB
AC Remote Power	Includes RCT translator (remote power terminal)
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	30W
External dimensions	Width 445x Height 150x Depth 470 mm (including knob and terminal)
Weight	11.5kg
Attachment	Wireless Remote Control HR-100