McIntosh MA-5200 Owners Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www mcintoshlabs.com

MA5200

Integrated Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en­closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK

OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-

ratus (including ampliers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar­ized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If

the provided plug does not t into your outlet,

consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by

the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manu­facturer, or sold with the appa­ratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualied service person­nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-

To prevent the risk of electric

shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts

inside.

supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or

splashing and ensure that no objects lled

with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from
the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such

as sunshine, re or the like.

19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a
mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.

2

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MA5200 Inte­grated Amplifier ranks you at the very top among
discriminating music listeners. You now have the best.
The McIntosh dedication to precision performance
assures many years of musical enjoyment.
Please take a short time to read the information in
this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos­sible with all the features and functions of your new
McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:

Serial Number: _______________________________

Purchase Date: _______________________________

Dealer Name: ________________________________

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright 2013 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ............................................................... 2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...............................3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ....................... 3

Table of Contents ................................................................. 3

General Information ............................................................ 4

Connector and Cable Information ....................................... 4

Introduction ......................................................................... 5

Performance Features .......................................................... 5

Dimensions .......................................................................... 6

Installation ........................................................................... 7

Connections:

Rear Panel Connections ....................................................... 8

Connecting Components ..................................................... 9

Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) .................Mc2A/2B

Passthru Connections ........................................................ 10

Connecting for Bi-Amplification ...................................... 11

Connecting Loudspeakers ............................................ 12-13

Remote Control and Front Panel:

Remote Control Push-buttons ........................................... 14

How to use the Remote Control .........................................15

Front Panel Displays, Controls,

Push-button and Jack ......................................................... 16

Setup Mode:

How to Operate the Setup Mode ....................................... 17

Default Settings .......................................................... 17

Fi r mware Ve r sio n ....................................................... 18

Source Input Reassigment .......................................... 18

Source Input Renaming .............................................. 19

Passthru ...................................................................... 20

Comm Port Baud Rate ................................................20

Remote Control Codes ............................................... 20

Power Mode ................................................................ 21

Operation:

How to Operate the MA5200 ............................................ 22

Power On/Off ............................................................. 22

Source Selection ......................................................... 22

Volume Control ..........................................................22

Trim Functions:

Balance .............................................................. 22

Trim Level .........................................................23

Output Mode ..................................................... 23

Mono/Stereo Mode ........................................... 23

Display Brightness ............................................ 24

Digital Audio Display ....................................... 24

Meter Backlight ................................................24

Trim, Mute, Headphone Jack ..................................... 25

Power Output Meters and Power Guard .....................25

Using a Separate Power Amplifier ............................. 25

Passthru .................................................................25-26

Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs ............................ 26

USB Input Operation with a Computer ...................... 26

Reset of Microprocessors ......................................26 -27

Resetting the MA5200 to default settings .................. 27

Photos ................................................................... 28-29

Specifications ............................................................ 30

Packing Instructions ................................................. 31

3

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected

to the MA5200.

2. Apply AC Power to the MA5200 and other McIn­tosh Component(s) only after all the system compo­nents are connected together. Failure to do so may
cause a malfunction of system operations as the
Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside the components
is active when AC Power is applied.

3. The MA5200 includes an Auto Off Power Save
Feature and the default setting is enabled. For
additional information including how to disable it,
refer to page 21.

4. The MA5200 Phono MM (Moving Magnet) Input

is compatible with high output Moving Coil Phono
Cartridges such as the Sumiko Blue Point No.2.

5. When Power Amplifier Protection Circuitry of
the MA5200 has activated, the Front Panel Power
Guard LEDs are illuminated continuously and the
sound will be muted.

6. When the Power Transformer has overheated due
to improper ventilation and/or high ambient operat­ing temperature, AC Power is removed from the
MA5200. Normal operation will resume when the
operating temperature is in a safe range again.

7. For the best performance and safety, it is important
to always match the impedance of the Loudspeaker
to the Power Amplifier connections. Refer to pages
12 and 13.

Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually var-

ies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different
frequencies. As a result, the nominal impedance
rating of the Loudspeaker (usually measured at
a midrange frequency) might not always agree
with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low
frequencies where the greatest amount of power
is required. Contact the Loudspeaker Manufac-

General Information, Connector and Cable Information

turer for additional information about the actual
impedance of the Loudspeaker before connecting

it to the McIntosh MA5200.

8. The MA5200 Remote Control is capable of operat­ing other components. For additional information
go to www.mcintoshlabs.com.

9. The IR Input, with a 1/8 inch mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two
or more IR sensors need to be connected to the
MA5200. The signal from a connected External
IR Sensor will have priority over the signal from
the Front Panel IR Sensor.

10. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be thrown
away or incinerated but disposed of in
accordance with the local regulations
concerning battery disposal.

11. For additional information on the

MA5200 and other McIntosh Products
please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcin­toshlabs.com.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input Connectors on the MA5200. Refer to the dia­gram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output

Power Control Connectors

The Power Control Output Jack sends and Passthru
Input Jack receives Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0

volt) when connected to other McIntosh Components.

PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 2

An additional connection is for
controlling the illumination of the
Power Output Meters on McIntosh
Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for connec-

Power
Control

Meter
Illumination
Control

Ground

tion to the Power Control and the Passthru jacks.

Data Port Connectors

The Data Out Ports send Remote Control Signals to
Source Components. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for connec­tion.

IR IN Port Connectors

Data
Signal

N/C

Data
Ground

The IR IN Port also uses a 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug and allows the connection of
other brand IR Receivers to the
MA5200.

IR Data
Control

N/C

Ground

RS232-C Data Port Cable

The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug to a subminiature DB 9 connector:

DB9

Data In
(DB9-pin2)

Data Out
(DB9-pin3)

Ground
(DB9-pin5)

(male connector)

PIN 1

PIN 6

PIN 5

PIN 9

McIntosh Plug-In Jumper Connector

The MA5200 utilizes a phono style Plug-In Jumper to
connect the Preamplifier Output to the
Power Amplifier Input, one Jumper for
each channel.

Note: The Jumper Connector is available from the McIn-

tosh Parts Department:

McIntosh Jumper Connector Part No. 117781

4

Introduction

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh
standards of excellence in the MA5200 Integrated
Amplifier. The Power Amplifier section of the
MA5200, with a power output of 100 watts per chan­nel, will drive a pair of quality Loudspeakers to a high
level of performance.

The flexible Preamplifier section provides connec-

tions for various input sources and may also be used to

drive an external Power Amplifier(s).

The MA5200 reproduction is sonically transparent
and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The
Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

• Power Output

The MA5200 consists of a 100 watts per channel ste­reo Power Amplifier with less than 0.005% distortion.
The McIntosh MA5200 is designed for connection of
a single 8 ohm Loudspeaker per channel. The Power
Amplifier uses ThermalTrak1 Output Transistors for
lower distortion and cool operation.

• Electronic Switching and Balanced Connections

The Preamplifier uses Logic Circuits controlling
Electromagnetic Switches on all inputs and operating
functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switch­ing. There is a Balanced Input for connection of a
source component.

• Digital Audio Inputs

The MA5200 has Coaxial, Optical and USB Digi­tal Inputs to decode PCM Signals from an external
source. The MA5200 Up Samples the Digital Signal
to 192kHz with 32Bit resolution before the Digital to
Analog process begins.

• Multifunction Fluorescent Display

The Front Panel Display indicates source selection,
volume levels and setup functions.

• Illuminated Power Meters

The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the
MA5200 are peak responding, and indicate the power
output of the amplifier.

Introduction and Performance Features

• Special Power Supply

The large Power Transformer, multiple filter capaci­tors with 60 Joules of Energy Storage and regulated
Power Supply ensures stable noise free operation even
though the power line varies.

• McIntosh Custom Binding Posts

McIntosh Patented gold plated output terminals deliver
high current output. They accept large diameter wire
and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be used only in
the United States and Canada.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom­plished by the combination of custom designed Fiber
Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit-

ting Diodes (LEDs). The glass Front Panel ensures the

pristine beauty of the MA5200 will be retained for
many years.

• Power Guard

The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents
amplifier clipping and protects your valuable Loud­speakers.

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec­tion circuits ensure the MA5200 will have a long and
trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection
Circuits guard against overheating.

1

ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semi-

conductor Components Industries, LLC

• PassThru Mode

The Automatic PassThru Mode allows the MA5200
to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for
DVD-Audio, SACD and Home Theater Movies.

• Power Control and Remote Control

The Power Control Output connection provides conve­nient Turn-On/Off of McIntosh Source Components.
The Data Ports together with the supplied Remote
Control provide control of McIntosh Source Compo­nents connected to the MA5200.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MA5200. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the MA5200 into cabinets.

Front View of the MA5200

1/2"

17-

44.5cm

Dimensions

Rear View of the MA5200

16-1/16"

40.8cm

5-3/8"

13.7cm

4-5/8"

11.8cm

6"

15.2cm

1-1/6"

2.7cm

29/32

1.8cm

1-5/8"

4.1cm

Side View of the MA5200

18-3/4"

47.6cm

16-1/2"

41.9cm

3/16

"

0.5cm

4-13/16"

12.2cm

"

13"

33cm

1"

2.5cm

13-1/4"

33.7cm

6

Installation

Installation

The MA5200 can be placed upright on a table or
shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom
installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your
choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom
of the MA5200 when it is custom installed as out­lined below. The four feet together with the mounting
screws should be retained for possible future use if the
MA5200 is removed from the custom installation and
used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila­tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your
MA5200. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the MA5200 directly above a heat generat­ing component such as a high powered amplifier. If
all the components are installed in a single cabinet, a
quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in
maintaining all the system components at the coolest
possible operating temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the
following minimum spacing dimensions for cool
operation.

Allow at least 6 inches (15.2cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 2 inches (5.1cm)

on each side of the Integrated Amplifier, so that

airf low is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm)
depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-1/6 inch (2.7cm)

in front of the mounting panel for knob clearance. Be
sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf
according to the dimensions in the drawing.

MA5200 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

MA5200 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

MA5200 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Opening
for Ventilation

Support
Shelf

2"

5.1cm

17-3/16"

43.7cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

6"

15.2cm

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

1"

2.5cm

14-1/2"

36.8cm

13"

33cm

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

4-7/8"

12.9cm

Chassis
Spacers

15-1/16"

38.3cm

13-5/16"

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above

33.8cm

7

MA5200 Rear Panel Connections

RIGHT OUTPUT
connections for
an 8 ohm
Loudspeaker

Connect the MA5200 power cord
to a live AC outlet. Refer to infor­mation on the back panel of your
MA5200 to determine the correct
voltage for your unit

DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS
for components with Digital

Optical (1) and Coaxial (2)

Outputs sending digital
audio signals

USB D/A Digital Audio
Input for connection to
a computer

DATA PORTS send signals
to Source Components
to allow control with the
MA5200 Remote Control

IR INput for
signals from a
compatible IR
Room Sensor

RS232-C connector1
for connection to a
computer or other
control device

POWER CONTROL MAIN Output
sends turn On/Off signals to a
McIntosh Component when the
MA5200 is switched On/Off

LEFT OUTPUT
connections for
an 8 ohm
Loudspeaker

Main Fuse holder, refer to
information on the back panel of
your MA5200 to determine the
correct fuse size and rating

PREAMP OUTPUT sends
signals to the internal Power
Amplifier or to an external
Power Amplifier

8

JUMPER PLUGS connect
the Preamp Output to the
PWR AMP Input and are
required for normal operation

PWR AMP INPUT accepts
signals from the internal
Preamplifier or a separate
external Preamplifier

CD2, CD, AUX and
TUNER INPUTS accept
high level program source
signals

PHONO MM accepts signals
from a Moving Magnet Phono
Cartridge or a high output
Moving Coil Cartridges

GND terminal
accepts a ground
wire from a
turntable

PASSTHRU Power Control
Input receives turn On/
Off signals from an Audio/
Video Control Center

BALanced INPUTS
accept high level pro­gram source signals

1

Refer to page 4 for additional

cable information.

Connecting Components

The MA5200 has the ability to automatically switch
power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via
the Power Control connection. The Data Port Connec­tions allow for the remote operation of basic functions
using the MA5200 Remote Control. With an external
sensor connected to the MA5200, remote control
operation of the system is possible from another room
and/or when the MA5200 is located in a cabinet with
the doors closed.

The connection instructions below, together with
the MA5200 Input and Output Connection Diagrams
located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2A/2B”, are
an example of a typical audio system. Your system
may vary from this, however the actual components
would be connected in a similar manner. For addition­al information refer to “Connector and Cable Informa­tion” on page 4.

Note: Source components may be connected to the

MA5200 Balanced Inputs or Digital Inputs in­stead of Unbalanced Inputs. Refer to Setup “Re­assigning Inputs” to activate them on page 18.

Power Control Connections:

1. Connect a Control Cable from the MA5200 PWR

CTRL (Power Control) MAIN Jack to the Power

Control In on the Turntable.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh
Turntable Power Control Out Jack to the AM/FM
Tuner Power Control In Jack.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the AM/FM Tuner
Power Control Out Jack to the SACD/CD Player
Power Control In Jack.

4. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in
a similar manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 3.

Data Control Connections:

5. Connect a Control Cable from the MA5200 CD
DATA PORT Jack to the SACD/CD Player Data In
Jack.

6. Connect a Control Cable from the MA5200
TUNER DATA PORT Jack to the AM/FM Tuner
Data In Jack.

7. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in
a similar manner, as outlined in steps 5 thru 6.

Sensor Connection:

8. Optionally, connect the cable with stereo mini
plug coming from the compatible External Sensor

to the EXT CTRL (External Control) IR IN Jack

on the MA5200. Refer to page 4 “General Infor­mation, note 8” for additional information.

Audio Connections:

9. Connect Balanced Cables from the MA5200 BAL

(Balanced) L & R Connectors to the SACD/CD

Player Fixed Audio Output Balanced Connectors.

10. Connect Audio Cables from the MA5200 TUNER
INPUT Jacks to the AM/FM Tuner Output Jacks.

11. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turn­table to the MA5200 Phono MM Input Jacks for a
Moving Magnet Cartridge or high output Moving
Coil Cartridge.

Note: For additional information refer to “General

Information” note 4 on page 4.

12. Connect any additional Components in a similar
manner, as outlined in steps 9 thru 11.

Optional Digital Audio Connections:

13. Connect an Optical Cable from the MA5200

DIG (Digital) 2 Digital Audio Input connector to

the Digital Audio Out Optical Connector on the
SACD/CD Player.

Optional USB Connection:

14. Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B) con­nectors from the MA5200 USB D/A Digital Audio
Input to an available USB connector.

Connecting Components

Ground Connections:

15. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turn­table to the MA5200 GND Binding Post.

Notes: 1. If the MA5200 is part of a Home Theater

System, proceed to “PassThru” connection on
page 10.

2. When the MA5200 will be used together with a
separate Power Amplifier for Bi-Amplification
of a Loudspeaker System, proceed to page 11.

9

Passthru Connections

The MA5200 can be part of a Multichannel Sound
System for SACD, DVD-Audio and Home Theater.
The Right and Left Front Channels from an Audio/
Video Control Center can “Passthru” the MA5200. In
the following example the AUX Input will become the
“Passthru” input:

1. Connect Audio Cables from the A/V Control
Center Front Left and Right Channel Outputs to
the MA5200 AUX Input Left and Right Jacks.

2. Connect a Control Cable from the A/V Control

Center ZA (Zone A) PC (Power Control) Output
to the MA5200 PWR CTRL (Power Control)

PASSTHRU Input Jack.

Note: Refer to Setup “Passthru” on page 20 to assign

the AUX Input as the “Passthru” Input.

3. Proceed to “Connecting Loudspeaker” on
Page 12.

Passthru Connections

A/V Control Center

10