McIntosh MA6600 User Manual

Integrated Amplifier

MA6600

Owner’s Manual

The HD Radio Ready logo is a proprietar y trademark of iBiquity Digital Cor p.

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

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 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 apparatus
(including amplifiers) 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 third ground­ing prong. The wide blade or the third prong are
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit 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.

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.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified 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 qualified service person­nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-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 filled 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, fire or the like.

2

Thank You

Table of Contents

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: [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 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]

Copyright 2008 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Safety Instructions ............................................................

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

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

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

General Information .........................................................3

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

Introduction .......................................................................

Performance Features ....................................................... 4

Dimensions .......................................................................5

Installation ........................................................................ 6

Rear Panel Connections .................................................... 7

Connecting Components ...................................................

Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) ..............Mc1A/1B

Connecting Loudspeakers ................................................ 9

Remote Control Push-buttons ......................................... 10

How to Operate by Remote Control ............................... 11

Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack . 12

How to Operate the MA6600 ....................................13-20

Specifications .................................................................. 22

Packing Instructions .......................................................23

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. The Main AC Power going to the MA6600 and any
other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied
until all the system components are connected together.
Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some
or all of the system’s normal operations. When the
MA6600 and other McIntosh Components are in their
Standby Power Off Mode, the Microprocessor’s Circuit­ry inside each component is active and communication
is occurring between them.

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. In the event the MA6600 Power Amplifier overheats,
due to improper ventilation and/or high ambient tem­perature, the protection circuits will activate. The Front
Panel Power Guard LEDs will continuously indicate ON
and the audio will be muted. When the MA6600 has
returned to a safe operating temperature, normal opera­tion will resume.

If the MA6600 Power Transformer overheats, the
MA6600 will switch Off and the Front Panel Output
1 and 2 LED will flash. When the Power Transformer
returns to a safe operating temperature the STANDBY/
ON Push-button will become active again.

2
3

4

8

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 con
nection to the Power Control Output
on the MA6600.

Note: The Data and Power Control Connecting Cable is avail-

able 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.

-

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 Electro
magnetic 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 the
amplifier clipping and protects your valuable Loudspeak
ers.

• Multifunction Fluorescent Display

The Front Panel Display indicates source selection, volume
levels, tone adjustments, setup functions and tuner func-

2

tions when the optional Tuner Module

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.

-

-

McIntosh Plug-In Jumper Connector

The MA6600 utilizes a phono style Plug-In Jumper to con
nect the OUTPUT 1 (Preamplifier Output)
Jack to the PWR AMP (Power Amplifier
Input) Jack for each channel.

Note: The Jumper Connector is available

Introduction

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan
dards 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.”

4

from the McIntosh Parts Department:

McIntosh Jumper Connector Part No. 117-781

• 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 Emitting Diodes
(LEDs). The glass Front Panel ensures the pristine beauty
of the MA6600 will be retained for many years.

1

ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semicon-

ductor Components Industries, LLC

2

The type and availability of tuner module(s) for the MA6600 varies

from country to country.

Dimensions

17-1/2"

44.45cm

7 -5/8"

19.37cm

3/16"

0.48cm

16-1/16"

40.8cm

Front View of the MA6600

Rear View of the MA6600

Side View of the MA6600

7 -1/8"

18.10cm

13/16"

2.06cm

6"

15.24cm

13-1/4"

33.65cm

18-3/4"

47.63cm

16-1/2"

41.91cm

6-1/4"

15.88cm

1"

2.54cm

SOURCE: CD1
15%

12-1/4"

31.11cm

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.

Installation

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 airflow 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.

6

Rear Panel Connections

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

POWER CON­TROL MAIN Out­put sends a turn-on
signal to a McIn­tosh Component
when the MA6600
is turned On

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

Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel
of your MA6600 to
determine the cor
rect fuse size and
rating

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

PHONO accepts
signals from a
Moving Magnet
phono cartridge

EXT SENSOR con
nector permits the
connection of a Mc­Intosh IR Sensor for
remote operation

PWR AMP
input accepts
signals from
the internal
Preamplifier
or a separate
external Pre
amplifier

-

GND
terminal
accepts
a ground
wire from a
turntable

-

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 10.

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.

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 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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

(30.4 8 meters)

or less

How to Connect

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.

Refer to the Connection Diagram located on the sepa

­rate 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.

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 Loudspeaker

1

, 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 hazardous 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

Remote Control Push-Buttons

LED illuminates during the time a re­mote command is sent to the MA6600

Turns AC Power ON or OFF to
certain McIntosh Components when
connected via the Data Port and any
McIntosh Components connected to
the ACC Power Control Jack

Selects Functions as a “shift” key
when used with the AM or FM push­buttons to select Output 1 or 2

Switches OFF the entire
MA6600 System

Use to select tuner presets, disc
tracks or any numbered operation

Selects AM Tuner Operating Func
tions and Disc Selection on certain
McIntosh Disc Players

Press TRIM and then the LEVEL
Push-buttons to select and adjust
various functions

-

Press to Power the
MA6600 ON or OFF

Press MODE to switch between
Stereo and Mono Modes

Press to Power ON
the MA6600

Press to Power OFF
the MA6600

Selects FM Tuner Operating Func­tions and Track Selection on certain
McIntosh CD Players

Press to change bands on the op
tional tuner module. Press to review
Tuner Station Presets with an exter­nal McIntosh Tuner connected and
select certain functions on a variety
of McIntosh Components

Adjusts the volume level up or down

-

Mutes the audio

Selects a Disc Player, Music Server
or Tape Recorder Function and also
performs various functions on a
variety of McIntosh Components

Selects one of the eight
available Audio Sources

Selects On Screen Functions on a
variety of McIntosh Components

Selects the FF (Fast Forward) or
REWind Mode on a Disc Player,
Music Server or Tape Recorder;
seek stations Up or Down the
AM/FM Dial

10

Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified above

are for use with other McIntosh Products.

How to use the Remote Control

How to use the Remote Control

The supplied Remote Control is capable of directly con­trolling the functions of contemporary McIntosh Source
Components connected to the MA6600 via the Data Ports.

Input Source Selection

Press the appropriate Source Push-button to select the
desired program source.

Mute

Press the MUTE Push-button to mute the audio in all
outputs except the REC OUTPUT. The MUTE LED above
the push-button will f lash on and off to indicate that Mute
is active. To un-mute the audio, press the MUTE Push-but
ton again. The mute push-button is also used to activate
the special Headphone Mute Mode, refer to page 19 for
additional information.

Mono

Press the MONO Push-button to switch from Stereo to
Mono for Monophonic listening.

Disc, Server and Tape Functions

Use these push-buttons to operate a DVD Player, CD
Player, CD Changer, Music Server or Tape Recorder.

Numbered Push-buttons

Press Push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre
sets, tracks on discs or selections on a Music Server.

Volume

Press the Up or Down VOLUME Push-button to raise
or lower the listening volume level.

Note: The Record Signals present at REC OUTPUTS are not

affected by volume changes.

Pause

Press the Pause Pushbutton to perform various functions
on a variety of McIntosh Components. It will also pause
the playing of a disc or tape player.

Trim

Press the TRIM Push-button until the desire Trim func

­tion (Bass, Balance, Trim Level, Treble, etc.) appears on

the Front Panel Information display, then press the LEVEL
Up or Down Push-button to adjust the Trim setting.

Press and release the LEVEL Up or Down Push-

button to recall the last Trim Function Selected and its
current setting, additional pressing of the push-buttons will
allow adjustment of the Trim Setting.

Note: For additional information on the Trim Functions refer

to pages 16, 17 and 18.

Acc On/Off

Press ACC ON to turn the power ON or ACC OFF switch­es AC Power ON or OFF to certain McIntosh Components
when connected via the Data Port and any McIntosh Com-

­ponents connected to the ACC Power Control Jack.

-

Disc and Track

Use the DISC and TRACK Push-buttons when a Disc
Player or Music Server is being used.

Tuner Push-buttons

Press the AM or FM Push-button to select the desired
broadcast band. Press and release the Channel Up

 or
Down Push-button to seek the next available station.
Press and hold a Channel Up or Down Push-button to
seek continuously from station to station.

Note: When an external McIntosh Tuner is connected to the

MA6600, press +10 Push-button to start the automatic
brief audition of each of the presets stored in the tuner
memory. Press +10 Push-button a second time to stop
on a station preset and exit the review process.

Amplifier Selection

Press the 2nd Push-button followed by the OUTPUT 1
or 2 Push-buttons either separately or together, to control
the rear panel OUTPUTS 1, 2 which can feed signals to a
Power Amplifier or other accessory component.

11

Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack

SOURCE: CD1
15%

Meter indicates the
Left Channel Out­put of the amplifier

INPUT Control al­lows the selection of
various sources for
listening and record­ing

LED indicates when the
Left Channel Amplifier
POWER GUARD circuit
activates

TRIM SELECT
allows selection
of various types
of audio settings.
It is also used in
the setup mode for
various functions

LED indicates when the
Right Channel Amplifier
POWER GUARD circuit
activates

INFORMATION
DISPLAY indi­cates the Sources,
Volume, other
Audio Settings,
Operational Func­tions and Setup
Mode Settings

TRIM ADJUST/
TUNE allows
adjustment of vari­ous types of audio
settings and tune
in radio stations.
It is also used in
the setup mode for
various functions

Meter indicates the
Right Channel Out­put of the amplifier

VOLUME Control
allows adjustment
of the listening level
for both channels

Connection for low
impedance dynamic
headphones, for
private listening

IR Sensor receives
commands from a
Remote Control

12

STORE/EXIT
Push-button with
indicator, used
to store various
selections and set
tings into memory
and is used to exit
the Setup Mode

MONO/SETUP Push-button
with indicator, combines the
Left and Right Channel signals
for Monophonic Sound, used to
enter the Setup Mode and step
through the Setup Menu

Tone BYPASS Push­button with indicator,
when activated the
audio signal bypasses

-

the Tone Controls

OUTPUT 1 and 2
Push-buttons with
indicators, turn the
Loudspeakers and
Preamplifier Output 2
On or Off

MUTE Push-button
mutes the audio from
the Loudspeakers and
Headphones

STANDBY/ON
Push-button with
indicator switches
the MA6600 ON or
OFF (Standby) and
resets the micropro
cessors

-

Setup

SETUP: TRIM CD1 0.0
Min Max

||

MA6600
FIRMWARE V1.00

SOURCE: CD1
15%

How to Operate the Setup Modes

Your McIntosh MA6600 has been factory configured
for default operating settings that will allow immediate
enjoyment of superb audio without the need for further
adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the factory
default settings, a Setup Feature is provided to customize
the operating settings using the Front Panel Information
Display. Refer to the MA6600 Front Panel Illustration on
the previous page while performing the following steps.

Note: If the MA6600 is currently On, proceed to step 2.

1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button to switch On the
MA6600. The MA6600 will go through a brief startup
intialization with the Front Panel Information Display
indicating the last used source and volume setting, this
is followed by the volume setting indication starting at
zero and then increasing to the last used volume set­ting. Refer to
figure 1.

2. Press the
MONO/SET­UP Push-but­ton until the Front Panel Information Display indicates
MA6600 FIRMWARE V1.00 or higher. Refer to figure

2. At this time the LEDs above the MONO/SETUP and
STORE/EXIT Push-buttons will be illuminate.

Note: The Front Panel Information Display will indi-

cate MA6600 Firmware V1.00 or higher for the
first time. After the first time it will display the
Setup Mode Menu item last accessed.

3. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button to select the
next Setup Mode Menu item, “Input Level”. With each
additional press of the MONO/SETUP Push-button
the Setup Menu will advance to the next Menu Selec­tion. Refer to
figure 3.

4. To exit from a
specific Setup
Mode, press
the STORE/EXIT Push-button. The LED above the
MONO/SETUP Push-button and STORE/EXIT Push­button will extinguish and the Front Panel Display will
revert back to its normal display. Refer to figure 1.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Default Settings

The Default Settings Chart below indicates the Function
Name, Default Setting and the Page Number for additional
information.

Note: When a McIntosh Tuner Module is installed into the

MA6600, additional Setup Settings will become avail­able.

Default Settings

Function Name Setting Page No.

MA6600 V_._ _ 13

TRIM CD1 0.0 13

INPUT INPUT2 CD1 14

METER ON 14

DISPLAY

3 15

TRIGGER CD1 NONE 15

ACCessory MAIN 15

Firmware Version

The MA6600 functionality is controlled by internal
software that is know as Firmware. The Version of the
Firmware in the MA6600 can be identified at any time by
utilizing the Setup Mode.

1. Press and hold in the MA6600 Front Panel MONO/
SETUP Push-button to enter the Setup Mode.

2. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until MA6600
V1.00 or higher appears. Refer to figure 2.

3. The number after the character “V” is the Firmware
number.

4. To exit the Setup Mode, press the STORE/EXIT Push­button.

Trim Level Adjustment

Source Components can have slightly different volume lev­els resulting in the need to readjust the MA6600 Volume
Control when switching between different sources. The
MA6600 allows the adjustment of levels for each of the
Source Inputs for the same relative volume. The CD1 and
SERVER Inputs are used in the following example.

Note: The range of adjustment is ± 6dB. The REC Output

Levels are unaffected by any changes in the Level Trim
Settings. The Trim adjustments made are retained in
permanent memory. They can be changed by perform­ing a new Trim Procedure. The CD1 Input Volume
Level can serve as a reference or choose another
source frequently listened to. The reference Input
Source should be set to a Trim Level of 00.

1. Rotate the INPUT Control to select the CD1 Input and
adjust the VOLUME Control to the desired listening
level.

13

Re-Title Inputs

SETUP: TRIM CD1 0.0
Min Max

||

SETUP: TRIM SRVR -2.5
Min Max

¦

¦

¦ ¦

SETUP: INPUT NAME
INPUT7 (REC ): REC

SETUP: INPUT NAME
INPUT7 (REC ): SAT

SETUP: INPUT NAME
INPUT2 (CD1 ):CD1

2. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: TRIM
____ 0.0”.
Refer to
figure 4.

3. Rotate the
TRIM/SE-

Figure 4

LECT Control until “TRIM CD1 _._” appears on the
Front Panel Information Display. If necessary, rotate
the TRIM ADJUST Control for CD1 with a setting of
“0.0”.

4. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control until “TRIM
SERVER _._” appears on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display.

5. Rotate the TRIM ADJUST Control until Listening
Volume Level of the SERVER Input is the same as the
CD1 Vol­ume Level.
The figure 5
illustration

Figure 5

indicates a

-2.5dB decrease in the SERVER Level.

Note: The trim LEVEL +/ - Push-buttons on the Remote

Control may also be used.

6. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control until the name of
the next Input to be adjusted is displayed.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the Inputs with sources
connected to the MA6600 have the same relative vol­ume levels when switching between them. Record any
changes made to the various inputs from the default
settings in the “Input Source Settings” chart below.

8. Press the STORE/EXIT Push-button to exit the Setup
Mode.

Input Source Settings

Input

No.

― ― ―

Default

Name

1 PHONO

2 CD1

3 CD2

4 DVD

5 TV

6 SERVER

7 REC

New

Name

Trim Trigger

The MA6600 provides the ability to change the default In­put Names to match the components in your system. In the
following example the REC (Input 7) will be renamed and
appear as SAT on the Front Panel Information Display.

Notes: 1. One of the high level Inputs may be renamed to AUX

or swiched Off. If any input is switched Off its name
will no longer appear on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display when using the INPUT Control, nor is it
accessible with the Remote Control.

2. When a high level input is switched Off its name will
become available to the remaining high level inputs.

3. The Phono Input is designed for connection of a
turntable only and thus the title is not changeable.
However, the Phono Input may be switched Off.

4. When the Phono Input (1) is switched off the name
“Phono”may be used for another input, however an
external phono preamp would be needed to go be­tween the turntable and the high level input “phono”
on the MA6600.

1. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: INPUT
NAME”. Re­fer to figure 6.

2. Rotate the
TRIM/SE-

Figure 6

LECT Con­trol until “INPUT7 (REC ): REC” appears on the
Front Panel
Information
Display. Refer
to figure 7.

Figure 7

3. Rotate the
TRIM/TUNE Control until “INPUT7 (REC ): SAT”
appears on the
Front Panel
Information
Display. Refer

Figure 8

to figure 8.

4. Press the STORE/EXIT Push-button to exit the Setup
Mode.

Meter Illumination On/Off

The Front Panel Meter Illumination may be switched On or
Off. Follow the steps below to switch the Meter Illumina­tion Off.

1. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: ME­TER”.

14

Setup, con’t

SETUP: TRIGGER
CD1 : NONE

SETUP: ACC TRIGGER
ACC: MAIN

SETUP: ACC TRIGGER
ACC: REMOTE

2. Rotate
the TRIM
ADJUST
Control until

Figure 9

“LIGHTS:
OFF” appears on the Front Panel Information Display.
Refer to figure 9.

3. Press the STORE/EXIT Push-button to exit the Setup
Mode.

Display Brightness

The Front Panel Information Display Brightness may
be changed from the default setting. The MA6600 will
remember two brightness preferences, one with the Me­ters Illuminated and one without Meter Illumination. For
each preference there are three brightness settings for the
Information Display. The Display Brightness setting may
be varied 1 (Dim) to 3 (Bright). Follow the steps below for
reducing the Display Brightness (with the Meter Illumina­tion On).

1. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: DIS­PLAY”.

2. Rotate the TRIM ADJUST Control until “BRIGHT­NESS: 1”
appears on the
Front Panel
Information
Display. Refer
to figure 10.

Note: To change the Display Brightness preference with

Meter Illumination Off, first switch off the Meter
Illumination and change the Display Brightness
Setting.

3. Press the STORE/EXIT Push-button to exit the Setup
Mode.

Figure 10

2. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control until “CD1 :
NONE” appears on the Front Panel Information Dis­play. Refer to
figure 11.

3. Rotate the
TRIM AD-

Figure 11

JUST Control
until “CD1 : PC1” appears on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display.
Refer to
figure 12.

4. Press the

Figure 12

STORE/EXIT
Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.

Accessory Power Control

The ACC (C) Power Control Output is reassignable from
the default setting of going ON/OFF with the MA6600
(Main), to being controlled by the Remote Control ACC
ON/OFF Push-buttons. To reassign it perform the follow­ing:

1. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: ACC
TRIGGER”.
Refer to fig­ure 13.

2. Rotate the
TRIM AD­JUST Control until “ACC: REMOTE” appears on the
Front Panel Information Display. Refer to figure 14.

3. Press the
STORE/
EXIT Push­button to exit
the Setup
Mode.

Figure 13

Figure 14

Power Control Triggers

The Power Control 1 and 2 Outputs are reassignable to ac­tivate only when a given Input is selected. In the following
example, the Power Control 1 Output will be set to func­tion as a Trigger for the CD1 Input.

1. Press the MONO/SETUP Push-button until the Setup
Mode is active. Then press the MONO/SETUP Push­button to select the Setup Menu item “SETUP: TRIG­GER”.

15

How to Operate the MA6600

SOURCE: CD1
15%

SOURCE: CD1
15%

SOURCE: SERVER
30%

Power On

The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button lights
to indicate the MA6600 is in Standby mode. To Switch
ON the MA6600, press the STANDBY/ON Push-button
on the Front Panel or the Power Push-button on the Re­mote Control. The MA6600 will go through a brief startup
initialization with the Front Panel Information Display
indicating the last used source and volume setting, this is
followed by the
volume setting
indication starting
at zero and then
increasing to the
last used volume setting. Refer to figures 15, 17 and 18.

Note: For an explanation of the Remote Control Push-but-

ton functions, refer to pages 10 and 11.

Source Selection

Rotate the INPUT Control to select the desired source or
press the appropriate push-button switch on the Front Panel
or Remote Control. Refer to figures 15, 16 and 17.

Volume Control

Rotate the Front Panel VOLUME Control or use the VOL
UME Up or
Down Push-
buttons on the
Remote Control
for the desired
listening level. Refer to figures 15, 16 and 17.

Figure 15

-

Figure 16

Trim Functions

The MA6600 has six different
Trim Selections with Adjustments.
The Trim Selections include Bal­ance, Bass, Treble, Tone Bypass,
Input Level Matching and Meter
Illumination. The Trim Settings
are stored in memory indepen­dently for each Input Source
Selected, the only exception being
Meter Illumination setting of On
or Off, which is the same for all
inputs.

BALANCE
Listening balance varies with
different program sources, room
acoustics and listening positions
relative to the Loudspeakers. Use
the Balance (Trim Function) as
needed to achieve approximately
equal listening volume levels in
each Loudspeaker. To adjust the
Balance perform the following:

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM
SELECT Control or press the
TRIM Push-button on the
Remote Control until “BAL

­ANCE 0 dB” appears on
the Front Panel Information
Display. Figure 19.

Figure 18

16

Figure 17

How to Operate the MA6600

||

¦¦¦

¦

¦¦¦¦¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦¦¦¦¦

¦

SOURCE: CD1
15%>

BASS: 0 dB
Min Max

||

BASS: +12 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

BASS: -12 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

TREBLE: 0 dB
Min Max

||

TREBLE: +12 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

TREBLE: -12 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

TONE CONTROL
CD1 : ENABLE

2. Rotate the
TRIM AD­JUST Control
or press the
LEVEL + /

- Push-buttons
to emphasize
the Right
Channel (refer
to figure 20)
or the Left
Channel (refer
to figure 21).

The Front Panel Display indicates the Balance changes in
steps from 0 to 50dB. After approximately 3 seconds the
Information Display returns to indicate the Source Selec­tion and Volume Level. When the Balance is set to favor
either left or right channel, the volume number indicated
will have a “< or >” symbol on either side of the number.
Refer to figure

22. To verify the
Balance setting
without changing
it, use the TRIM
SELECT Control or TRIM Push-button and select Balance.

BASS
The Intensity of the Low Frequencies in the music can be
increased or decreased by using the Trim Select and Trim
Adjust Controls. To make an adjustment perform the fol
lowing:

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM SELECT Control or press
the TRIM Push-button on the Remote Control until
“BASS 0 dB” appears on the Front Panel Information
Display. Refer to figure 23.

2. Rotate the TRIM ADJUST Control or press the LEVEL
+ / - Push­buttons to
increase (refer
to figure 24)
or decrease
(refer to figure

25) the volume
level of the
low frequen­cies.

The Front Panel
Display indicates
the Bass changes
in steps from (+)12dB to -12dB. After approximately 3

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

-

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

seconds the Information Display returns to indicate the
Source Selection and Volume Level.

TREBLE
The Intensity of the High Frequencies in the music can be
increased or decreased by using the Trim Select and Trim
Adjust Controls. To make an adjustment perform the fol
lowing:

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM SELECT Control or press
the TRIM Push-button on the Remote Control until
“TREBLE 0 dB” appears on the Front Panel Informa­tion Display. Refer to figure 26.

2. Rotate the TRIM ADJUST Control or press the LEVEL
+ / - Push­buttons to
increase (refer
to figure 27)
or decrease
(refer to figure

28) the volume
level of the
high frequen­cies.

The Front Panel
Display indicates
the Treble chang­es in steps from (+)12dB to -12dB. After approximately 3
seconds the Information Display returns to the indicate the
Source Selection and Volume Level.

TONE ENABLE/BYPASS
With the Tone Bypass active, the Bass and Treble Settings
for the currently selected Input Source are electronicaly
bypassed and the LED above the BYPASS Push-button
will illuminate. When the Tone Bypass is switched Off the
previous settings for Bass and Treble will be restored. To
activate Tone Bypass perform the following:

1. Rotate the Front Panel TRIM SELECT Control or press
the TRIM Push-button on the Remote Control until
“TONE BYPASS” appears on the Front Panel Informa
tion Display.
Refer to figure

29.

2. Rotate the
TRIM AD­JUST Control or press the LEVEL + / - Push-buttons to
activate the Tone Bypass or deactivate the Tone Bypass.
Refer to figure 30 on the next page.

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

-

-

17

How to Operate the MA6600, con’t

TRIM LEVEL: 6.0 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

TRIM LEVEL: -6.0 dB
Min Max

¦

¦

¦

¦¦¦

¦ ¦

TRIM LEVEL: 0.0 dB
Min Max

||

TONE CONTROL
CD1 : BYPASS

SOURCE: CD1
15%

After approxi­mately 3 seconds
the Information
Display returns

Figure 30

to indicate the
Source Selection and Volume Level.

TRIM LEVEL
The Trim Level adjustments allow for making fine adjust

­ments to the previously performed Trim Level Adjustments
(refer to the Setup Section of this Owner’s Manual on page

13). To make fine adjustment to the currently selected
Input Source perform the following:

1. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control or press the TRIM
Push-button on the Remote Control until “TRIM
LEVEL” appears on the Front Panel Information Dis­play. Refer to
figure 31.

2. Rotate the
TRIM AD-

Figure 31

JUST Control
or press the
LEVEL + / ­Push-buttons

Figure 32

to adjust the
volume level
from -6dB to
(+) 6dB. Refer
to figures 32

Figure 33

and 33.

After approximately 3 seconds the Information Display
returns to indicate the Source Selection and Volume Level.

METER ILLUMINATION
The MA6600 Front Panel Meter Illumination may be
switched On or Off by performing the following:

1. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control or press the TRIM
Push-button on the Remote Control until “METER”
appears on the Front Panel Information Display. Refer
to figure 34.

2. Rotate the
TRIM AD

­JUST Control
or press the

Figure 34

LEVEL + /

- Push-but­tons to switch
On or Off the
Meter Illumi-

Figure 35

nation. Refer to figure 35.

After approximately 3 seconds the Information Display
returns to indicate the Source Selection and Volume Level.

Note: For information on how the Front Panel Information

Display Brightness can change with the Meter Illumi­nation setting, refer to page 15 “Display Brigthness”.

Mono

Press the Front Panel MONO Push-button or the MODE
Push-button on the Remote Control to combine left and
right stereo signals to a Monophonic signal. The LED

18

Figure 17

How to Operate the MA6600, con’t

SOURCE: CD1
MUTE

SOURCE: CD1
HEADPHONE - 15%

SOURCE: CD1
HEADPHONE - MUTE

above the MONO Push-button will illuminate. The
MA6600 will remember for each input the MONO setting.

Note: The signals at the REC OUTPUT Jacks are not af­fected.

Mute

Press the MUTE Push-button, on the MA6600 Front Panel
or on the Remote Control, to Mute the Audio in all outputs
(Output 1, Output 2 and Loudspeakers) except the REC
OUTPUT. The Front Panel Information Display will indi­cate the Source
Name and the
word MUTE in
place of the actual

Figure 36

volume setting.
Refer to figure 36.

Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or adjust­ing the volume control (either the Front Panel or Remote
Control) will un-mute the MA6600.

If the Front Panel MUTE Push-button is pressed for
at least 3 seconds, the MA6600 will mute the OUTPUT
connectors (Output 1 and 2), yet listening with headphones
will continue until the Mute Push-button is pressed again
for 3 seconds.
The Front Panel
Information
Display will in-

Figure 37

dicate the Source
and Headphone
Setting. Refer to
figures 37 and 38.

Figure 38

Headphones Jack

Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the Headphones
Jack for private listening. Press OUTPUT 1 and/or 2 Push­buttons to mute the Loudspeakers or use the MUTE Mode
Headphone Function outlined above.

Note: The Headphone Output is optimized for impedances

ranging from 16 to 250 ohms.

Power Output Meters

The MA6600 Power Output
Meters indicate the power deliv­ered to the Loudspeakers. Refer to
figure 39. The meters respond to
all the musical information being
produced by the Amplifier. They
indicate to an accuracy of at least
95% of the power output with only
a single cycle of a 2,000Hz tone
burst.

Power Guard

During normal operation, the
Front Panel Power Guard Indica

­tors will momentarily illuminate
during peaks in the audio signals.
In the event the MA6600 over
heats, due to improper ventilation,
high ambient temperature and/or
impedance mismatch, the internal
protection circuits will activate.
The Front Panel Power Guard In­dicators will continuously illumi­nate and the audio will be muted.
When the MA6600 has returned
to a safe operating temperature,
normal operation will resume.

How To Make a Recording

1. Select the desired signal source

Figure 18

you wish to record by using the
Front Panel INPUT Control or the appropriate Source
Push-button on the Remote Control.

2. Adjust the record level using the recorder volume con
trol and proceed with the recording process.

3. To listen to the playback of the program source just
recorded select the REC Input.

Note: The MA6600 REC OUTPUTS are not affected by the

VOLUME, BALANCE or TONE Control Settings.

-

Figure 39

Using a Separate Power Amplifier

There are two different ways to use a separate power am­plifier with a MA6600. The first way is to use the separate
amplifier instead of the MA6600 built-in Power Amplifier.
Connect the Loudspeakers to the separate power amplifier
and remove the McIntosh Jumpers that are located between
the OUTPUTS 1 Jacks and the PWR AMP INPUT Jacks.
Refer to figure 40 on the next page.

19

How to Operate the MA6600, con’t

SOURCE: CD1
15%

How to Operate the MA6600, con’t

Jumpers

Figure 40

Note: The McIntosh Jumpers must be connected, between

the above mentioned jacks, when the MA6600 Internal
Power Amplifier is to be used.

The second way is to use both a separate power amplifier
and the MA6600 built-in Power Amplifier. Connect one
pair of Loudspeakers to the separate power amplifier and
the second pair to the MA6600. Refer to the MA6600 Out­put Connection Diagrams located on the separate folded
sheet “Mc1B” and figure 41 below.

Using Output 2

The MA6600 has provisions for connecting an external
Power Amplifier (to drive Loudspeakers in another room)
and an external sensor for remote operation of the MA6600
from that room. With an external Power Amplifier con­nected (as illustrated on the McIntosh Connection Diagram
separate sheet “Mc1B”), press the Front Panel OUTPUT 2
Push-button or press on the Remote Control the 2nd Push­button followed by pressing the OUTPUT 2 Push-button to
switch On or Off the external Power Amplifier.

Reset of Microprocessors

In the unlikely event the controls of the MA6600 stop
functioning, the microprocessors can be reset by perform

-

ing the following:

1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button for approximate­ly five seconds.

2. When the MA6600 cycles On then Off, release the
STANDBY/ON Push-button.

3. When the STANDBY/ON LED is illuminated press the
STANDBY/ON Push-button, the MA6600 will resume
normal operation.

Note: This can be performed with the MA6600 On or in

the Standby Mode.

Figure 41

Note: The MA6600 VOLUME Control will affect the sound

level of all the Loudspeakers.

Resetting the MA6600 to default settings

If it becomes desirable to reset all the adjustable settings
(Setup and Trim Settings) to the factory default values,
perform the following:

Figure 17

20

MASTER RESET

-CLEARED-

1. Press both the STORE/EXIT and OUTPUT 2 Push­buttons until the Front Panel Display indicates “MAS­TER RESET”
(refer to figure

42), then re­lease the two

Figure 42

push-buttons.

2. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button and the MA6600

How to Operate the MA6600, con’t

21

Specifications

Specifications

Power Output

200 watts is the minimum sine wave continuous average
power output per channel, both channels operating

Output Load Impedance

2, 4 or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band

20Hz to 20,000Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.005% maximum with both channels operating from 250
milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Dynamic Headroom

2.0dB

Frequency Response

+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz

Preamplifier Output 1 and 2 (for rated input)

1.4V unbalanced (8V Maximun)

Sensitivity (for rated output)

High Level, 250mV unbalanced, 500mV balanced
Phono, 2.5 mV
Power Amp In, 1.4V

Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)

High Level, 92dB below rated output
Phono, 84dB below 5mV input
Power Amplifier, 115 below rated output

Intermodulation Distortion

0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power is 400
watts or less per channel with both channels operating for
any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Maximum Input Signal

High Level, 8V unbalanced, 16V balanced
Phono, 80mV
Power Amplifier In, 16V

Preamplifier Output Impedance

220 ohms

Power Guard

Less than 2% THD with up to 16dB overdrive at 1,000Hz

Voltage Gain

High Level to Rec Output: 0dB
High Level to Output 1 and 2: 15dB
Phono to Rec Output: 40dB
Phono to Output 1 and 2: 55dB
Power Amplifier: 29dB

Tone Controls

Bass Control ±12dB (1dB steps) @ 30Hz
Treble Control ±12dB (1dB steps) @ 10,000Hz

Power Requirements

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 5.2 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.8 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.4 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.45 amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.35 amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.25 amps
Standby: Less than 1 watt

Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MA6600 for the correct

voltage.

Overall Dimensions

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.97cm) including feet
Depth is 22 inches (55.88cm) including the Front Panel,
Knobs and Cables

Wide Band Damping Factor

Greater than 40

Input Impedance

High Level, 20K ohms
Phono, 47K ohms; 65pF
Power Amp In, 10K ohms

22

Weight

75 pounds (34.1 kg) net, 93 pounds (42.3 kg) in shipping
carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.93cm)
Depth is 29 inches (73.66cm)
Height is 17 inches (43.18cm)

Packing Instructions

Packing Instructions

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are
attached to the bottom of the equipment. Two #10 x 2-1/2
inch screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit
securely to the bottom pad and wood skid. This will ensure
the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure
to do this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only
if they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping
carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please
call or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh
Laboratory. Refer to page 3. Please see the Part List for the
correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description

1 033888 Shipping carton
4 033887 End Cap

1 033697 Inner carton
1 033725 Top pad
1 034301 Bottom pad
1 033699 Wood skid
2 017218 Plastic foot (spacer)
2 401204 #10 x 2-1/2 inch wood screw
2 404033 #10 flat washer 1-3/4 inch

4 017937 Plastic foot
4 400159 #10-32 x 3/4 machine screw
4 404080 #10 flat washer

23

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, NY 13903

The continuous improvement of its products is the
policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who
reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.

McIntosh Part No. 04107800