McIntosh MA6500 User Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MA6500 Integrated Amplifier

			W A T T S										W A T T S
	. 0 2 . 2 0 2 .0 2 0				2 0 0	00				. 0 2 . 2 0 2.0 2 0					2 0 0	00
	- 4 0	- 3 0	- 2 0	-1 0		4				- 4 0		- 3 0	- 2 0	- 10		4
					0										0
			D E C I B E L S										D E C I B E L S
		P O W E R O U T P U T										P O W E R O U T P U T
	10BB			CA41;4			?>F4A 6D0A3			10;0=24				E>;D<4
							;45C	A867C	1		7
23	23 !		CD=4A	E834>		?7 0DG	C0?4	7403?7>=4B	<>=>	B?40:4AB	!		<DC4	;>D3	BC0=31H >=
B4=B>A

MA6500

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

Thank You, Please Take A Moment, Customer Service and Table of Contents

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MA6500 Integrated Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.

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]

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 Repair department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Repair Department at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, New York 13903

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Copyright 1999 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Table of Contents
Thank You..........................................................................	2
Please Take a Moment .......................................................	2
Customer Service...............................................................	2
Table of Contents ...............................................................	2
Safety Instructions .............................................................	3
Introduction .......................................................................	4
Performance Features ........................................................	4
Installation .........................................................................	5
Rear Panel Connections .....................................................	6
How to Connect .................................................................	7
How to Connect for Video Switching................................	8
Front Panel Controls, Display, Indicator Push-Button and
Switch ................................................................................	9
How to Operate................................................................	10
Remote Control Push-Buttons .........................................	12
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................	13
Performance Charts .........................................................	16
Specifications ..................................................................	18
Packing Instruction ..........................................................	19

NOTES:

1.Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plugs on each end.

2.For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MA6500 Integrated Amplifier.

3.There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker outputs for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is turned on.

4.It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size be used in your music system, to ensure that there will be no power loss or heating. Cable size is specified in Gauge numbers or AWG, (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size:

If your loudspeaker cables are 25 feet (7.62m) or less, use 16 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.

If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less, use 14 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.

If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less, use 10 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.

5.In the event that MA6500 Integrated Amplifier over heats, due to improper ventilation and/or extremely high ambient temperature, the built in protection circuits will activate. The MA6500 Front Panel Power Guard LED’s will both continuously indicate On and the audio output signal will be muted. When the temperature of the MA6500 has returned to a safe condition, sound will return and the Power Guard Indicators will return to normal operation.

2

Safety Instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE

OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

WARNING SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN.

The lightning flash 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 sufficient magnitude to consti-

tute a risk of electric shock to persons.

AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC - NE PAS OUVRIR.

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.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

General:

1.Read all the safety and operating instructions, contained in this owner’s manual, before operating this equipment.

2.Retain this owner’s manual for future reference about safety and operating instructions.

3.Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.

4.Follow all operating and use instructions.

5.Warning: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. This unit is capable of producing high sound pressure levels. Continued exposure to high sound pressure levels can cause permanent hearing impairment or loss. User caution is advised and ear protection is recommended when playing at high volumes.

6.Caution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this (polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Attention: pour pevenir les chocs elecriques pas utiliser cette fiche polarisee avec un prolongateur, une prise de courant ou un autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent etre inserees afond ans en laisser aucune partie a decouvert.

7.For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning or power line surges.

8.Do not use attachments not recommended in this owner’s manual as they may cause hazards.

Installation:

9.Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. For example, the equipment should not be placed on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air

through the ventilation openings.

10.Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

11.Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as described in this owner’s manual.

12.Do not use this equipment near water; for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.

13.Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, causing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to the product.

Connection:

14.Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power source as marked on the unit.

15.Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the instrument.

16.Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polarized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.

3

Safety Instructions con’t, Introduction and Performance Features

17.Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

Care of Equipment:

18.Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner.

Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.

19.Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or fall into the equipment through enclosure openings. Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclosure openings.

20.Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

Repair of Equipment:

21.Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer servicing to a qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

A.The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged.

B.Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the equipment.

C.The equipment has been exposed to rain or water.

D.The equipment does not operate normally by following the operating instructions contained within this owner’s manual. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

E.The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any way.

F.The equipment exhibits a distinct change in performance - this indicates a need for service.

22.Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.

23.When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

24.Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

Introduction

The MA6500 Remote Controlled Integrated Amplifier is a simple but elegant instrument that allows you to enjoy outstanding music reproduction. It includes a wide range of convenient operating functions to enhance your listening experience. The classic McIntosh MA6500 will perfectly complement a McIntosh Loudspeaker System for a stereo system of incomparable performance and style.

Performance Features

· Power Output

The MA6500 combines a 200 watts per channel power amplifier and a sophisticated control center in one compact unit with less than 0.005% distortion.

· Power Guard

Both channels include the patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit that prevents the amplifier from being overdriven into clipping with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loudspeakers.

· Electronic Input Switching

Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.

· Speaker Switching

Front panel Speaker push-buttons control two switched outputs that allow you to send signals to two separate pairs of loudspeakers.

·Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MA6500 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against overheating.

·Illuminated Power Meters

The illuminated power output watt meters on the MA6500 are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the amplifier.

4

Installation

Installation

The MA6500 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 required panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your MA6500. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MA6500 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.

Front View of the MA6500

custom installed

Side View of the MA6500

custom installed

Bottom View of the MA6500

custom installed

A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54 cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 21 inches (53.3 cm) depth behind the mounting panel, which includes clearance for connectors. Allow 1-1/8 inches (2.9 cm) 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.

NOTE: In Europe, if the MA6500 is custom mounted, an additional ventilation opening of 6 inches (15.24 cm) in height, running the full width of the front panel, needs to be directly above the front top of the MA6500.

5

MA6500 Rear Panel Connections

MA6500 Rear Panel Connections

	The EXT		SPEAKERS 1 and 2	TUNER inputs		GND terminal
	(external)		the signal output	accept signals		accepts a
	SENSORS		controlled by the	from the output		ground wire
	for a McIn-		front panel	of a tuner		from a turn-
	tosh Key-		SPEAKER push-			table
	pad or IR		buttons
Connect the	Sensor	POWER	VIDEO inputs		PH (Phono)/AUX IN-
MA6500 power		CONTROL	for audio signals		PUTS accept signals
cord to a live AC		Output sends	from a LV, VCR,		from a Moving Magnet
outlet. Refer to in-		turn-on sig-	TV or the op-		phono cartridge or an
formation on the		nal to a	tional MVS-3 A/		audio high level signal,
back panel to deter-		McIntosh	V Selector		depending on the posi-
mine the correct		Component			tion of the PH/AUX
voltage					Switch

Fuse holder, refer

The PH/AUX

to information on

Switch selects

the back panel to

signals from a

determine the

Moving Magnet

correct fuse size

phono cartridge

and rating

or an audio high

level signal

SUM Data Port

DATA PORTs

POWER AMP

TAPE OUT-

CD1 and CD2

connects to a

send signals to

INPUT Switch

PUTS supply

inputs accept

McIntosh Re-

compatible

allows an exter-

record signals

signals from

mote Control

source compo-

nal preamplifier

for tape re-

separate CD

Translator

nents to allow

connection to the

corders

players

you to remote

MA6500 Power

control them

Amplifier

HOME Data Port is for use with the optional HC-1 Home Controller

POWER AMP IN inputs accept signals from separate external preamplifier

MAIN OUTPUTS supply	TAPE inputs
the Preamplifier Output	are for tape
to an external power am-	recorders
plifier

6