McIntosh MA6600 Owner's Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
The HD Radio Ready logo
is a proprietar y trademark
MA6600
of iBiquity Digital Corp.
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 sufcient 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 ampliers) 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 specied by
the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied 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 qualied 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 MA6600 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: 607-723-3512
Fax: 607-724-0549
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: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
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 ................................................... 3
Connector and Cable Information .............................. 4
Introduction ................................................................. 4
Performance Features ................................................. 4
Dimensions ................................................................. 5
Installation .................................................................. 6
Rear Panel Connections .............................................. 7
Connecting Components .............................................8
Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) ........ Mc1A/1B
Connecting Loudspeakers .......................................... 9
Remote Control Push-buttons ................................... 10
How to use the Remote Control .................................11
Front Panel Displays, Controls,
Push-buttons and Jack ............................................... 12
Setup .................................................................... 13-16
How to Operate the MA6600 .............................. 18-22
Photos ................................................................... 24-25
Specifications ............................................................ 26
Packing Instructions ................................................. 27
General Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the MA6600 Integrated Amplifier.
2. Apply AC Power to the MA6600 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 type and availability of tuner module(s) for the
MA6600 varies from country to country. Contact
your McIntosh Dealer for additional information.
4. When the Front Panel Power Guard LEDs are
illuminated continuously and along with muted
sound, the Power Amplifier Protection Circuitry of
the MA6600 has activated. When the Front Panel
Output 1 and 2 LEDs are f lashing and along with
muted sound, the Power Transformer Protection
Circuitry of the MA6600 has activated. These conditions are due to improper ventilation and/or high
ambient operating temperature. Normal operation
will resume when the operating temperature of the
MA6600 is in a safe range again.
5. The MA6600 Remote Control is capable of operating other components. For additional information
go to www.mcintoshlabs.com.
6. 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.
7. For additional information on the MA6600
and other McIntosh Products please visit
the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.
Copyright 2009, 2011 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Connector Information, Introduction and Performance Features
Power
Control
Ground
N/C
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
PIN 2 PIN 1
PIN 3
Connector and Cable Information
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input Connectors on the MA6600. Refer
to the diagram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
Power Control Connector
The MA6600 Power Control Output Jack sends Power
On/Off Signals when connected
to other McIntosh Components. A
1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection to the Power
Control Output on the MA6600.
Note: The Data and Power Control Connecting Cable is
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.
Data Port Connectors
The MA6600 Data Out Ports send Remote Control
Signals to McIntosh Source Components. A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone
plug is used for connection.
McIntosh Plug-In Jumper Connector
The MA6600 utilizes a phono style Plug-In Jumper to
connect the OUTPUT 1 (Preamplifier Output) Jack to
the PWR AMP (Power Amplifier Input)
Jack for each channel.
Note: The Jumper Connector is available
from the McIntosh Parts Department:
4
McIntosh Jumper Connector Part No. 117-781
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MA6600 Integrated Amplifier. The Power Amplifier section of
the MA6600, with a power output of 200 watts per
channel, will drive a pair of quality Loudspeakers to
a high level of performance. The flexible Preamplifier
section provides connections for various input sources
and may also be used to drive an external Power Amplifier. The MA6600 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is
“The Sound of the Music Itself.”
Performance Features
• Power Output with Patented Autoformer
The MA6600 consists of a 200 watts per channel stereo Power Amplifier with less than 0.005% distortion.
The McIntosh designed and manufactured Autoformer
allows connection of 2, 4 or 8 ohm Loudspeakers. The
Power Amplifier uses Thermal Trak1 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
source components.
• Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents
amplifier clipping and protects your valuable Loudspeakers.
1
ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semi-
conductor Components Industries, LLC
2
The type and availability of tuner module(s) for the MA6600
varies from country to country.
• Multifunction Fluorescent Display
The Front Panel Display indicates source selection,
volume levels, tone adjustments, setup functions and
tuner functions when the optional Tuner Module2 is
installed.
• Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the
MA6600 are peak responding, and indicate the power
output of the amplifier.
• 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 provides control of McIntosh Source Components connected to the MA6600.
• Special Power Supply
The large Power Transformer, multiple filter capacitors with 100 Jules of Energy Storage and regulated
Power Supply ensures stable noise free operation even
though the power line varies.
• 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 MA6600 will be retained for
many years.
Dimensions
Side View of the MA6600
Front View of the MA6600
Rear View of the MA6600
17-1/2"
44.45cm
7 -5/8"
19.37cm
7 -1/8"
18.10cm
SOURCE: CD1
15%
12-1/4"
31.11cm
16-1/16"
40.8cm
6"
15.24cm
13-1/4"
33.65cm
3/16"
0.48cm
13/16"
2.06cm
18-3/4"
47.63cm
16-1/2"
41.91cm
6-1/4"
15.88cm
1"
2.54cm
12-5/8"
32.07cm
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MA6600. There is additional
information on the next page pertaining to installing
the MA6600 into cabinets.
Dimensions
5
Installation
SOURCE: CD1
15%
6 -5/8"
16.83cm
17-1/16"
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
MA6600 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
Cutout
Opening
for
Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
MA6600 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MA6600 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
14-1/2"
36.83cm
1"
2.54cm
6"
15.24cm
Opening
for Ventilation
13"
33.02cm
15-1/16"
38.26cm
2"
5.08cm
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.
13-5/16"
33.81cm
The MA6600 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 MA6600 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
MA6600 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
MA6600. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the MA6600 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 (15.24cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm)
on each side of the Integrated Amplifier, so that air-
flow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth
behind the front panel. Allow 2-1/4 inch (5.72cm) in
front of the mounting panel for handle clearance. Be
sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf
according to the dimensions in the drawing.
Installation
6
Rear Panel Connections
POWER CONTROL
MAIN Output sends a
turn-on signal to a McIntosh Component when the
MA6600 is turned On
Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel
of your MA6600 to
determine the correct fuse size and
rating
Connect the
MA6600 power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to
information on
the back panel
of your MA6600
to determine the
correct voltage
for your unit
RIGHT OUTPUT
connections for a
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeaker
DATA PORTS send
signals to McIntosh
Source Components
to allow control with
the MA6600 Remote
Control
CD1 Balanced INPUTS
accept high level program
source signals
Reserved for the
installation of
optional Tuner
Module
CD2, DVD, TV, SERVER
and REC INPUTS accept
high level program source
signals
LEFT OUTPUT
connections for a
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeaker
RECord OUTPUT
sends signals to
the input of a
recording device
POWER CONTROL ACC
Output sends a turn-On,
turn-Off signal to a McIntosh Component when using
the MA6600 Remote Control
ACC On/Off Push-buttons
POWER CONTROL
1 and 2 Output sends
a turn-on signal to a
McIntosh Component
when the Outputs 1
and 2 Push-buttons
are used
EXT SENSOR
connector permits
the connection
of a McIntosh IR
Sensor for remote
operation
PHONO accepts
signals from a
Moving Magnet
phono cartridge
GND
terminal
accepts
a ground
wire from a
turntable
PWR AMP input
accepts signals
from the internal
Preamplifier or a
separate external
Preamplifier
JUMPER PLUGS
connect the Preamplifier OUTPUT 1
Jacks to the PWR
AMP IN Jacks and
are needed for normal operation
OUTPUT 1 sends signals to the
internal Power Amplifier or a
separate external Power Amplifier; OUTPUT 2 sends signals
to a separate external Power
Amplifier input
7
Connecting Components
The MA6600 has the ability to automatically switch
power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via
the Power Control connections. The Data Port Connections allow for the remote operation of basic
functions using the MA6600 Remote Control. With
an external sensor connected to the MA6600, remote control operation of the system is possible from
another room and/or when the MA6600 is located in a
cabinet with the doors closed.
The connection instructions below, together with
the MA6600 Input and Output Connection Diagrams
located on the separate folded sheet “Mc1A/1B”, 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.
Power Control Connections:
1. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6600 POWER CONTROL MAIN Jack to the Power Control
In on the McIntosh Turntable.
2. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh
Turntable Power Control Out Jack to the McIntosh
Audio/Video Player Power Control In Jack.
3. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh
Audio/Video Player Power Control Out Jack to the
McIntosh SACD/CD Player Power Control In Jack.
4. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh
SACD/CD Player Power Control Out Jack to the
McIntosh Music Server Power Control In Jack.
5. Optionally connect a Control Cable from the
MA6600 POWER CONTROL OUTPUT 2 Jack to
the McIntosh Power Amplifier (Secondary Room)
Power Control In Jack.
6. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in
a similar manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 4.
Data Control Connections:
7. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6600 CD
DATA PORT Jack to the McIntosh SACD/CD
Player Data In Jack.
8. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6600
SERVER DATA PORT Jack to the McIntosh Music Server Data In Jack.
9. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6600 DVD
DATA PORT Jack to the McIntosh Audio/Video
Player Data In Jack.
10. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in
a similar manner, as outlined in steps 7 thru 9.
Sensor Connections:
11. Connect a RG59U or RG6U Cable from the
MA6600 EXT SENSOR “F” Connector to the
McIntosh Sensor “F” Connector.
Audio Connections:
12. Connect Balanced Cables from the MA6600 CD
1 INPUT Jacks to the McIntosh SACD/CD Player
Fixed Balanced Output Jacks.
13. Connect an Audio Cable from the MA6600
SERVER INPUT Jacks to the McIntosh Music
Server Output Jacks.
14. Connect an Audio Cable from the MA6600 REC
OUTPUT Jacks to the McIntosh Music Server
Input 3 Jacks.
15. Connect Audio Cables from the MA6600 DVD
INPUT Jacks to the McIntosh Audio/Video Player
Output Jacks.
16. Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turntable to the MA6600 PHONO INPUT Jacks.
Connecting Components
17. Optionally, connect Audio Cables from the
MA6600 OUTPUT 2 Jacks to the McIntosh Power
Amplifier (Secondary) Input Jacks.
18. Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a
similar manner, as outlined in steps 12 thru 17.
Ground Connections:
19. Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable to the MA6600 GND Binding Post.
AC Power Cords Connections:
20. Connect the MA6600 and any remaining components’ AC Power Cords to a live AC outlet as
illustrated.
8
Connecting Loudspeakers
Figure 2
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not
be connected to the Rear Panel of the
MA6600 Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made.
Failure to observe this could result in
Electric Shock. For additional instruction
on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh
Technical Support.
When connecting Loudspeakers to the MA6600 it
is very important to use cables of adequate size, so
there is little to no power loss in the cables. The size is
specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire
Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the
wire size:
Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide
Loudspeaker
Impedance
2 Ohms
4 Ohms
8 Ohms
25 feet
(7.62 meters)
or less
12AWG 10AWG 8AWG
14AWG 12AWG 10AWG
16AWG 14AWG 12AWG
50 feet
(15.24 meters)
or less
100 feet
(30.48 meters)
or less
Refer to the Connection Diagram located on the
separate folded sheet “Mc1B” when making Loudspeaker Connections to the MA6600. This an example
of a typical audio system, your system may vary from
this, however the actual Loudspeakers would be connected in a similar manner.
1. This McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier is
designed for the connection of a single Loudspeaker per amplifier channel, with an impedance of 2
ohms, 4 ohms or 8 ohms.
Note: The remaining Loudspeaker Terminals on the
Amplifier should not be connected to another
Loudspeaker.
2. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that
attach to the Amplifier by choosing one of the
methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the
cable
ends,
refer to
figures
1, 2 &
3. If the
cable is
stranded, carefully twist the strands together as
tightly as possible.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with
solder to keep the strands together, or attach
spade lug and/or banana connector.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and tighten the terminal cap until the
cable is firmly clamped into the terminal so the
wires cannot slip out. Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.
Banana plug connection:
Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of
the terminal. Refer to figures A and B.
Note: Banana Plugs are for use in the United
States and Canada only.
3. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables from a
single Loudspeaker to the output terminals that
match the impedance of the Loudspeaker1, being
careful to observe the correct polarities. Output
impedance connections of 2 ohms, 4 ohms and 8
ohms are provided. If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between the available connections, use
the nearest lower impedance connection.
WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazard-
ous live and present a risk of electric
shock.
4. Connect the MA6600 Power Cord to a live AC
outlet.
1
For the best performance it is important to minimize
an impedance mismatch. An impedance mismatch can
occur when a Loudspeaker of a given impedance rating
is connected to the MA6600 Output Terminals with a
different impedance rating. For example, a Loudspeaker
with an impedance rating of 2 Ohm is connected the
MA6600 8 Ohm Output Terminals. The impedance of
a Loudspeaker actually varies 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.
9
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