Power Control
A McIntosh preamplifier can coordinate a compatible power amplifier through a dedicated control connection. Study the C55 and MC462 rear panels to see the exact connection.
The black factory-style cable runs from C55 POWER CONTROL MAIN to MC462 POWER CONTROL IN. Gold plug ends meet the actual jacks.
Local shutdown
The MC462 remains off regardless of the C55’s state. Use this position when the amplifier should not respond to a remote command.
Normal system operation
The C55 sends the command through POWER CONTROL MAIN. The MC462 receives it at POWER CONTROL IN and follows the preamplifier on or off.
Manual operation
The MC462 stays on independently of the C55. This is useful for testing, but REMOTE is the coordinated everyday setting.
McIntosh Power Control Cable
One three-conductor control cable carries the on/off command and the meter-illumination command between compatible McIntosh components.
McIntosh Power Control Cables are available from Pearl Audio in several factory lengths. We can help select the correct length for your system.
View available lengths and prices →Technical basis and illustration scope
Based on the McIntosh C55 and MC462 owner manuals and the current McIntosh Power Control Cable product page. The demonstration simplifies the connection for clarity and does not depict the balanced audio interconnects or loudspeaker cables.