McIntosh MA6900 User Manual
MA6900 Integrated Amplifier
Owners
Manual
MA6900
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within
the products 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.
General:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all 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. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
8. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
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.
Installation:
9. The equipment shall be installed near the AC Socket
Outlet and the disconnect device shall be easily accessible.
10. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
11. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
12. Do not use this equipment near water.
13. 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.
14. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the equipment.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/equipment combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
Connection:
15. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
16. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the equipment.
17. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.
2
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.
18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
Care of Equipment:
20. Clean only with a dry cloth.
21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.
22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh MA6900 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
Repair of Equipment:
23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the equipment 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 equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.
25. 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.
26. 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.
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: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
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
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Introduction and Performance Features
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation ........................................................................ 6
Rear Panel Connections and Switch ................................. 7
How to Connect for Loudspeakers ................................... 8
How to Connect for Audio and Data Control ................... 9
How to Connect for Video .............................................. 10
How to Connect for a Second Room .............................. 11
Front Panel Controls, Display, Indicator Push-Button
and Switch ...................................................................... 12
How to Operate ............................................................... 13
Remote Control Push-Buttons ........................................ 16
How to Operate by Remote Control ............................... 17
Technical Description ..................................................... 18
Specifications ................................................................. 22
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 23
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MA6900 Integrated Amplifier.
Two 200 watt high current output channels will drive any
high quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance and the flexible Preamplifier Selection provides for
hookup and control of various input sources. The MA6900
reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is The Sound of the Music Itself.
Performance Features
· Power Output
The MA6900 consists of two separate power amplifier
channels, each capable of 200 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm
speakers with less than 0.005% distortion.
· Electronic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
Switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching.
General Notes
1. The following parts are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:
Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.
Jumper Plugs Part No. 117-781
RCA Phono Jumpers, 14mm center spacing.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MA6900.
3. The MA6900 mutes the speaker outputs for approximately two
seconds when first turned on.
4. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size
be used, so that there will be no power loss. The 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 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge.
5. Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input connectors on
the MA6900: PIN 1: Shield or ground
PIN 2: + input
PIN 3: - input
6. In the event that the MA6900 over heats, 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 MA6900 has returned to a safe operating
temperature, normal operation will resume.
· 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.
· Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MA6900 will have a long and trouble
free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits
guard against overheating.
· Patented Autoformers
McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers
provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages
and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The Autoformers
also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loudspeakers.
· Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Meters on the MA6900 are
peak responding, and indicate the power output of the amplifier.
4
MA6900 Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MA6900. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the
MA6900 into cabinets.
17-
1/2
44.45cm
MA6900 Dimensions
"
Front View of the MA6900
Rear View of the MA6900
16-
1/16
40.8cm
12-
3/16
30.96cm
7 -
5/8
7 -
1/8
"
18.10cm
19.37cm
"
"
6"
15.24cm
"
Side View of the MA6900
13/16
2.06cm
18-
3/4
"
47.63cm
16-
1/2
"
41.91cm
6-
1/4
3/16
"
0.48cm
"
13"
33.02cm
1"
2.54cm
"
15.88cm
5
Installation
Installation
The MA6900 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 MA6900 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 MA6900 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 MA6900.
Cool operation ensures the longest
possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do
MA6900 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
not install the
MA6900 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 as-
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Opening
for Ventilation
set in maintaining all
the system components at the coolest
possible operating
temperature.
MA6900 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
A custom cabinet
installation should
provide the following minimum spac-
Support
Shelf
ing dimensions for
cool operation. Allow at least 6 inches
(15.24cm) above the
top, 2 inches
(3.81cm) below the
MA6900 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
2"
5.08cm
bottom and 1 inch
(2.54cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is
not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the
front panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) 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.
17-
1/16
"
43.34cm
6-
5/8
"
16.83cm
6"
15.24cm
1"
2.54cm
Cutout
Opening
for
Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
14-
1/2
"
36.83cm
13"
33.02cm
Chassis
Spacers
10-
3/8
26.35cm
"
14-
1/8
35.88cm
"
13"
33.02cm
6
MA6900 Rear Panel Connections and Switch
Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel
of your MA6900 to
determine the correct fuse size and
rating
The EXT
(external)
SENSOR(s)
for a Keypad
or IR Sensor
Right OUTPUT
Connections for
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeakers
POWER CONTROL 1 and 2
Outputs send a turn-on signal
to an external McIntosh
Power Amplifier when the
MA6900 Front Panel Output
1 and/or 2 is On
CD1 balanced INPUTS
accept high level program
source signals
OUTPUTS 1
and 2 supply
the Preamplifier
Output to either
the internal or
external power
amplifier
TAPE OUTPUTS
provide the Record
Out Signal
VIDEO inputs
for audio signals
from a LV, VCR,
TV or an A/V
Selector
Left OUTPUT
Connections for
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeakers
GND terminal
accepts a
ground wire
from a turntable
POWER CONTROL
MAIN Output sends
a turn-on signal to an
external McIntosh
Power Amplifier
when the MA6900 is
turned on
Connect the
MA6900 power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to information on the
back panel to determine the correct
voltage
DATA PORTS send
signals to McIntosh
Compatible Components to allow control
with the remote control
POWER CONTROL
ACC Output sends a
turn-on signal to a
McIntosh Source
Component or Power
Control unit when the
MA6900 is turned on
JUMPER PLUGS
connect the Preamplifier OUTPUT 1
Jacks to the POWER
AMP IN Jacks and
are needed for normal operation
POWER AMP IN
inputs accept signals from a separate external
preamplifier
TUNER and
CD2 inputs accept signals
from the output
of a tuner and
CD player
TAPE input
accepts signals
from the output of a tape
deck
AUX accepts high level program
source signals, PH accepts signals
from a Moving Magnet phono cartridge, and the small slide switch
selects which one of these two inputs is active when the front panel
PH/AUX Push-button is pressed
7
How to Connect Loudspeakers
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the MA6900
Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.
1. 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.
How to Connect Loudspeakers
Banana plug connection:
Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of the
terminal.
Note: Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and
Canada only.
2. Connect the loudspeaker hookup cables to the output
terminals that match the impedance of your loudspeakers, being careful to observe the correct polarities. Output impedance connections of 2 ohms, 4 ohms and 8
ohms are provided. If the impedance of your loudspeakers 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. For
additional instruction on making
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
Right
Loudspeaker
4 ohm
8
Left
Loudspeaker
4 ohm
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