C52 & MEN220 Wiring?

[Ruger2]

My current setup C52 direct to my 601's using XLR connections. I would like to connect my MEN220 as an "external processor" not in the direct path of the current set up, just the ability to switch in or out from the C52 preamp.

Not sure this is possible as the preamp doesn't show a "processor loop" per the McIntosh published diagram. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

[GeAllan70]

[jdandy]

Ruger2.......The C52 does provide a fixed pair of unbalanced outputs, unfortunately it does not provide a processor or tape monitor input, so you will not be able to add the MEN220 in the manner you wish.

[Ruger2]

Thanks Dan I did my reading on the subject and thought maybe I was missing something. I'll just use the MEN220 in my wife's system as I originally planned.

[62caddy]

Why not simply insert between the preamplifier and power amplifier and use the bypass function when correction isn't desired? I sincerely doubt you'll ever hear a difference.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 62caddy

Why not simply insert between the preamplifier and power amplifier and use the bypass function when correction isn't desired? I sincerely doubt you'll ever hear a difference.

Eric.......That's how I had my MEN220 installed when I had it. Unfortunately the MEN220 Bypass function does not route the analog input to the output, it merely shuts off the Room Perfect EQ process. The input signal is still converted to digital, then back to analog at the outputs. There is no way to truly remove the A to D and D to A process when the MEN220 is installed between the preamp output and the amplifier input. If a processor loop or tape monitor loop is available on a preamp or integrated amplifier then the MEN220 can be introduced through that loop and completely removed from the signal path if you wish to bypass its processing.

There is a feature that becomes unusable when the MEN220 is installed in a processor loop, that is the High and Low frequency electronic crossover function. Since the output signal from a processor loop or tape monitor loop is fixed you lose the ability to control the volume of the MEN220 outputs. This means you won't be able to control a subwoofer's volume from the Low Frequency outputs of the MEN220 like you can when it is installed between the preamplifier and amplifier. It is something to consider when deciding how you wish to use the MEN220 in a system.

[TWInsall]

Then people wonder why I stick with my C-34. Love those processors loops. And yes I use a MP100 for my phono inputs as I use a MC cartridge. I'd prefer a C-40, but I don't have the width or depth for the unit. I guess you could build a switch box with two hermetically sealed 4pDt relays and switch and an external 12 volt DC power supply to bypass the men220. You might have to add some caps to prevent noise from the switch contacts and possibly diodes across the relay coils to keep the noise down when switching on the fly.

You might investigate Accuphase's 1/6th octave EQ. It might have a total by pass. It works differently that Room Perfect. Room Perfect assumes your speakers are perfect out of the box and corrects for Room issues to give your speakers the best they can be. But what if the speakers aren't perfect out of the box. Well the 220 has built in parametric filters that you can use to correct those issues. But then you need a FFT/spectrum analyzer and a PC computer to get everything just right. The Accuphase won't correct all the room issues but will correct the majority of them and the speaker issues too, And you don't need all the analyzers or PC. All you need is time and a lot more money. Personally I would go Pre-amp shopping. Maybe you want to try a C-22III.

[TWInsall]

Maybe you should go back to a C50, it has a processor loop. though its unbalanced

[Ruger2]

I discovered the bypass issue Dan described in an older system as a result I was asking the question and got my answer. Have a new home with a dedicated man cave my system is now installed and I am enjoying it very much. In addition I have an entire room acoustic treatment coming from GIK that hopefully will make it even better. As those ML 15a speakers are very lively currently

[62caddy]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Eric.......That's how I had my MEN220 installed when I had it. Unfortunately the MEN220 Bypass function does not route the analog input to the output, it merely shuts off the Room Perfect EQ process. The input signal is still converted to digital, then back to analog at the outputs. There is no way to truly remove the A to D and D to A process when the MEN220 is installed between the preamp output and the amplifier input. If a processor loop or tape monitor loop is available on a preamp or integrated amplifier then the MEN220 can be introduced through that loop and completely removed from the signal path if you wish to bypass its processing.

There is a feature that becomes unusable when the MEN220 is installed in a processor loop, that is the High and Low frequency electronic crossover function. Since the output signal from a processor loop or tape monitor loop is fixed you lose the ability to control the volume of the MEN220 outputs. This means you won't be able to control a subwoofer's volume from the Low Frequency outputs of the MEN220 like you can when it is installed between the preamplifier and amplifier. It is something to consider when deciding how you wish to use the MEN220 in a system.

Thank you Dan for the clarification.