McIntosh C41 (2000–2003)

Two-channel solid state preamplifier from McIntosh Labs with analog circuitry, phono input, and remote control.

Overview

The McIntosh C41 is a 2-channel solid state audio control center from McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., built from 2000 to 2003. It is a full-featured analog preamp with phono and high-level inputs, tone and trim controls, and processor loops for listening and recording. It has XLR inputs and outputs and three pre-outs for driving multiple amplifiers. Volume and balance use real potentiometers. It was originally priced at $3,500 and sits in the C4x series between the C40 and C42. It lacks the 8-band equalizer of the C42, but otherwise the two sound similar.

Specifications

Frequency Response	20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.5dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.002% maximum from 20Hz to 20kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio	10 mV input : 90 dB; Phono(IHF):84dB; Output:103dB; High level (IHF) : 93 dB
Gain	Phono:60dB; High level : 20 dB
Rated Voltage Output	2.5Vrms (balanced and unbalanced)
Maximum Voltage Output	8Vrms
Maximum power output	3 pre-out (Main, 1, 2) : 10 v
Input impedance	Phono : 47k Ω / 65 pF; High level : 22k Ω
Output Impedance	250 ohms
Tone control	± 12 dB (Bass @ 20Hz, Treble @ 10kHz)
Input Sensitivity Phono	2.5mV for rated output (0.5mV IHF)
Input Sensitivity High level	250mV for rated output (50mV IHF)
Maximum Input Signal Phono	90mV
Maximum Input Signal High level	10V
Voltage Gain Phono to tape	40dB
Voltage Gain High level to tape	0dB
Power Requirements	120V 50/60Hz, 20W
External dimensions	Width 445 x Height 137 x Depth 445 mm
Dimensions (h x w x d) inch	5.44 x 17.5 x 17.5
Knob clearance	0.75" (1.9 cm)
Weight	23 lbs. (10.5kg) net

Design

The C41 is completely analog and solid state, with real potentiometers for volume and balance. It has a phono input, XLR inputs and outputs, and processor loops for listening and recording. The loudness circuit runs off a relay. Normally the relay is closed and bypasses the circuit. When it opens, it engages a high-cut filter that attenuates high frequencies, which gives the effect of low-frequency boost at low volumes. A remote comes with the unit, and the pre-outs are meant to run three separate amplifiers.

Product Family

The McIntosh C41 belongs to the C4x series of preamplifiers: the C40, C41, C42 and C43. It sits above the C40 and below the C42. Its sound is similar to the C42, but it doesn't have that model's 8-band EQ.

Market

The power supply is the most common source of failure in McIntosh preamps. A fault relay stuck open in one channel can leave the loudness circuit engaged, which shows up as perceived bass loss in the other channel. SkyFi Audio's testing process includes lubricating and cleaning switches and potentiometers with high-quality contact cleaner, and the loudness control relay can be replaced if it's faulty. One listing noted a Physical Condition of 8 and Working Condition of 10 on SkyFi’s scale. It included the remote, power cord, and manual, but no original box.