McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www mcintoshlabs.com
MA8000
Integrated Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
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.
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
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 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.
11.Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12.Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manu-
facturer, 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-
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.
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 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.
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 MA8000 Integrated Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have the best. The McIntosh dedication to precision performance assures many years of musical enjoyment.
Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer name are important to you for possible insurance claim or future service. The spaces below have been provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number:________________________________
Purchase Date:_ _______________________________
Dealer Name:_ ________________________________
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3512
Fax: 607-724-0549
Copyright 2013 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. |
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2 Chambers Street |
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Binghamton, New York 13903 |
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Phone: 607-723-3515 |
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Fax: 607-723-1917 |
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Table of Contents |
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Safety Instructions............................................................ |
2-3 |
Thank You and Please Take a Moment................................ |
3 |
Technical Assistance and Customer Service....................... |
3 |
Table of Contents.................................................................. |
3 |
General Information............................................................. |
4 |
Connector and Cable Information........................................ |
4 |
Introduction.......................................................................... |
5 |
Performance Features........................................................... |
5 |
Dimensions........................................................................... |
6 |
Installation............................................................................ |
7 |
Connections: |
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Rear Panel Connections....................................................... |
8 |
(Separate Sheet)............................................................ |
Mc1A |
Connecting Components...................................................... |
9 |
Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet)................. |
Mc2A/2B |
Passthru Connections......................................................... |
10 |
Connecting for Bi-Amplification....................................... |
11 |
Connecting Loudspeakers............................................. |
12-13 |
Remote Control and Front Panel: |
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Remote Control Push-buttons............................................ |
14 |
How to use the Remote Control......................................... |
15 |
Front Panel Displays, Controls, |
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Push-buttons and Jack........................................................ |
16 |
Setup Mode: |
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How to Operate the Setup Mode........................................ |
17 |
Default Settings........................................................... |
17 |
Firmware Version........................................................ |
18 |
Source Input Reassigment........................................... |
18 |
Source Input Renaming.............................................. |
19 |
Passthru....................................................................... |
20 |
Power Control Triggers 1 and 2.................................. |
20 |
Comm Port Baud Rate................................................ |
21 |
Remote Control Codes................................................ |
22 |
Power Mode................................................................. |
22 |
Operation: |
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How to Operate the MA8000............................................. |
24 |
Power On/Off.............................................................. |
24 |
Source Selection.......................................................... |
24 |
Volume Control........................................................... |
24 |
Trim Functions: |
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Balance.............................................................. |
24 |
Equalizer Mode................................................. |
25 |
Trim Level......................................................... |
25 |
Mono/Stereo Mode and Phono Adjustments.....26 |
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Display Brightness............................................ |
26 |
Digital Audio Display........................................ |
27 |
Meter Backlight................................................. |
27 |
Equalizer Bypass, Trim, Mute.................................... |
27 |
Headphone Jack........................................................... |
27 |
Power Output Meters.................................................. |
28 |
Power Guard and How to Make a Recording............. |
28 |
Using a Separate Power Amplifier............................. |
28 |
Using Output 2............................................................ |
28 |
Passthru and Equalizer Controls................................. |
29 |
Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs............................. |
30 |
USB Input Operation with a Computer...................... |
30 |
Reset of Microprocessors............................................ |
30 |
Resetting the MA8000 to default settings.................. |
30 |
Technical Description........................................... |
32-37 |
Photos................................................................... |
38-40 |
Specifications....................................................... |
41-42 |
Packing Instructions.................................................. |
43 |
3
General Information, Connector and Cable Information
General Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the |
7. The MA8000 Remote Control is capable of operat- |
the illumination of the Power Output Meters on Mc- |
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owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected |
ing other components. For additional information |
Intosh Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone |
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to the MA8000. |
go to www.mcintoshlabs.com. |
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plug is used for connection to the Power Control, Trig- |
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2. Apply AC Power to the MA8000 and other McIn- |
8. The IR Input, with a 1/8inch mini phone jack, is |
ger and Passthru Outputs. |
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tosh Component(s) only after all the system compo- |
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as |
Data Port Connectors |
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nents are connected together. Failure to do so may |
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection |
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cause a malfunction of system operations as the |
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two |
The Data Out Ports send Remote |
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Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside the components |
or more IR sensors need to be connected to the |
Control Signals to Source Compo- Signal |
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Data |
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is active when AC Power is applied. |
MA8000. The signal from a connected External |
nents. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone |
N/C |
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3. The MA8000 includes an Auto Off Power Save |
IR Sensor will have priority over the signal from |
plug is used for connection. |
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Data |
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Feature and the default setting is enabled. For |
the Front Panel IR Sensor. |
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Ground |
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IR IN Port Connectors |
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additional information including how to disable it, |
9. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules |
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The IR IN Port also uses a 3.5mm |
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refer to page 22. |
or regulations. Batteries should never be |
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IR Data |
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stereo mini phone plug and allows the |
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4. When Power Amplifier Protection Circuitry of |
thrown away or incinerated but disposed |
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Control |
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connection of other brand IR Receiv- |
N/C |
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the MA8000 has activated, the Front Panel Power |
of in accordance with the local regula- |
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ers to the MA8000. |
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Guard LEDs are illuminated continuously and the |
tions concerning battery disposal. |
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Ground |
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sound will be muted. |
10. For additional information on the |
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RS232-C Data Port Cable |
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5. When the Power Transformer has overheated due |
MA8000 and other McIntosh Products please visit |
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The RS232 Data Cable is a 3.5mm stereo mini phone |
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to improper ventilation and/or high ambient operat- |
the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com. |
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plug to a sub miniature DB 9 connector: |
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ing temperature, AC Power is removed from the |
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Connector and Cable Information |
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DB9 |
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MA8000. Normal operation will resume when the |
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Data In |
(male connector) |
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operating temperature is in a safe range again. |
XLR Connectors |
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(DB9-pin2) |
PIN 1 |
PIN 5 |
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Data Out |
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6. For the best performance and safety, it is important |
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced |
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(DB9-pin3) |
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to always match the impedance of the Loudspeaker |
Input and Output Connectors on the MA8000. Refer |
Ground |
PIN 6 |
PIN 9 |
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(DB9-pin5) |
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to the Power Amplifier connections. Refer to pages |
to the diagrams for connections: |
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11 thru 13. |
PIN 1: Shield/Ground |
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McIntosh Plug-In Jumper Connector |
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Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually var- |
PIN 2: + Output |
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The MA8000 utilizes a phono style Plug-In Jumper to |
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ies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different |
PIN 3: - Output |
PIN 1 PIN 1 |
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connect the Preamplifier Output to the |
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frequencies. As a result, the nominal impedance |
PIN 2 |
PIN 2 |
Power Amplifier Input, one Jumper for |
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rating of the Loudspeaker (usually measured at |
PIN 3 |
PIN 3 |
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Power Control and Trigger Connectors |
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each channel. |
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a midrange frequency) might not always agree |
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Note: The Jumper Connector is available |
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with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low |
The Power Control Trigger Output |
Main, Trig 1&2 |
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from the McIntosh Parts Department: |
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frequencies where the greatest amount of power |
Jacks send and Passthru Input Jack |
and Pass-Thru |
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McIntosh Jumper Connector Part No. 11808000 |
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is required. Contact the Loudspeaker Manufac- |
receives Power On/Off Signals (+12 |
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turer for additional information about the actual |
Power |
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volt/0 volt) when connected to other |
Control |
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impedance of the Loudspeaker before connecting |
McIntosh Components. An addi- |
Meter |
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it to the McIntosh MA8000. |
Illumination |
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tional connection is for controlling |
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Control Ground |
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4 |
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Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MA8000 Integrated Amplifier. The Power Amplifier section of the MA8000, with a power output of 300 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(s).
The MA8000 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 MA8000 consists of a 300 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 ThermalTrak1 Output Transistors for lower distortion and cool operation.
• Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents amplifier clipping and protects your valuable Loudspeakers.
•Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MA8000 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.
•Electronic Switching and Balanced Connections
The Preamplifier uses Logic Circuits controlling
1ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
Electromagnetic Switches on all inputs and operating functions for reliable, noiseless, distortion free switching. There are Balanced Inputs for connection of a source components.
• Digital Audio Inputs
The MA8000 has Coaxial, Optical and USB Digital Inputs to decode PCM Signals from an external source. The MA8000 Up Samples the Digital Signal to 192kHz with 32 Bit resolution before the Digital to Analog process begins.
•Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Phono Inputs
The MA8000 contains two precision Phono Preamplifier Circuits. One for low output Moving Coil Phono Cartridges with selectable resistance loading, the other is for Moving Magnet Cartridges with selectable capacitive loading. They use the latest designs for the lowest possible noise and distortion. The RIAA Correction Circuitry utilizes close tolerance resistors and capacitors for an extremely flat frequency response.
•Eight Band Equalizer
The Equalizer Controls provide 12dB of boost or cut at center frequencies of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 1,000, 2,500 and 10,000Hz. There is also an Equalizer Bypass Mode to remove the Equalizer from the Signal Path of any selected input.
• Multifunction Fluorescent Display
The Front Panel Display indicates source selection, volume levels and setup functions.
• Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the MA8000 are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the amplifier.
• PassThru Mode
The Automatic PassThru Mode allows the MA8000 to become part of a Multichannel Sound System for DVD-Audio, SACD and Home Theater Movies.
• Power Control and Remote Control
The Power Control Output connection provides convenient Turn-On/Off of McIntosh Source Components. The Data Ports together with the supplied Remote Control provide control of McIntosh Source Components connected to the MA8000.
• Special Power Supply
The large Power Transformer, multiple filter capacitors with 140 Joules of Energy Storage and regulated Power Supply ensures stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.
• McIntosh Custom Binding Posts
McIntosh Patented gold plated output terminals deliver high current output. They accept large diameter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be used only in the United States and Canada.
•Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
•Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the MA8000 will be retained for many years.
5
Dimensions
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MA8000. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MA8000 into cabinets.
Front View of the MA8000
17-1/2" |
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44.5cm |
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8-13/16" |
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Side View of the MA8000 |
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22.4cm |
9-7/16" |
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24.0cm |
19-3/4" |
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2-1/4" |
50.2cm |
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16-7/16" |
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5.7cm |
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41.8cm |
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8-1/4" |
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21.0cm |
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Rear View of the MA8000 |
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3/16" |
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0.5cm |
16-13/16" 42.7cm
7/8" |
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2.2cm |
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12-3/4 |
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1-1/4" |
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3.2cm |
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32.4cm |
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7-15/16" 7.9cm
11-1/2"
29.2cm
6
Installation
Installation
The MA8000 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 MA8000 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 MA8000 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 MA8000. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MA8000 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 2 inches (5.1cm) on each side of the Integrated Amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 2-1/2 inch (6.4cm) in front of the mounting panel for knob and handle clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing.
MA8000 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
17-1/16"
43.3cm
8-5/16" 21.1cm
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Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting |
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Cabinet |
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15.2cm |
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Front |
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Panel |
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Opening |
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for Ventilation |
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MA8000 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
Cutout Opening for Ventilation |
4-5/8"
11.8cm
MA8000 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit. For purposes of clarity, the above illustration is not drawn to scale.
Support Chassis
Shelf Spacers
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9-1/2" |
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24.1cm |
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Cutout |
16" |
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11-1/2" |
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40.6cm |
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29.2cm |
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Opening |
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for |
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Ventilation |
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10" |
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25.4cm |
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7
MA8000 Rear Panel Connections
Rear Panel Connections
The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the MA8000 Integrated Amplifier is located on a separate folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet. Refer to separate sheet “Mc1A” for the Rear Panel Connections.
MA8000 Rear Panel Connections
8
Connecting Components
Connecting Components
The MA8000 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via the Power Control (Trigger) connections. The Data
Port Connections allow for the remote operation of basic functions using the MA8000 Remote Control. With an external sensor connected to the MA8000, remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and/or when the MA8000 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
The connection instructions below, together with the MA8000 Input and Output Connection Diagrams located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2A/2B”, are an example of a typical audio system. Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional information refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4.
Note: Source components may be connected to the MA8000 Balanced Inputs or Digital Inputs instead of Unbalanced Inputs. Refer to Setup “Reassigning Inputs” to activate them on page 18.
Power Control Connections:
1.Connect a Control Cable from the MA8000 PWR
CTRL (Power Control) MAIN Jack to the Power
Control In on the Turntable.
2.Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh Turntable Power Control Out Jack to the Audio/Video Player Power Control In Jack.
3.Connect a Control Cable from the Audio/Video Player Power Control Out Jack to the AM/FM Tuner Power Control In Jack.
4.Connect a Control Cable from the AM/FM Tuner Power Control Out Jack to the SACD/CD Player Power Control In Jack.
5.Optionally connect a Control Cable from the
MA8000 PWR CTRL (Power Control) TRIG
(Trigger) 2 Jack to the Power Amplifier (Secondary Room) Power Control In Jack.
Note: The default setting for the TRIG 2 Jack is “MAIN”. Refer to Setup “Power Control Triggers 1 and 2” on page 20 to change TRIG 2 setting to “OUTPUT 2”.
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 MA8000 CD DATA PORT Jack to the SACD/CD Player Data In Jack.
8.Connect a Control Cable from the MA8000 TUNER DATA PORT Jack to the AM/FM Tuner Data In Jack.
9.Connect a Control Cable from the MA8000 DVD DATA PORT Jack to the Audio/Video Player Data In Jack.
10.Connect any additional McIntosh Components in a similar manner, as outlined in steps 7 thru 9.
Sensor Connection:
11.Optionally, connect the cable with stereo mini plug coming from the compatible External Sensor to the EXT CTRL (External Control) IR IN Jack
on the MA8000. Refer to page 4 “General Information, note 8” for additional information.
Audio Connections:
12.Connect Balanced Cables from the MA8000 BAL
(Balanced) INPUT 1 L & R Connectors to the
SACD/CD Player Fixed Audio Output Balanced Connectors.
13.Connect Audio Cables from the MA8000 TUNER INPUT Jacks to the AM/FM Tuner Output Jacks.
14.Connect Audio Cables from the MA8000 DVD INPUT Jacks to the Audio/Video Player Output Jacks.
15.Connect the Audio Cables coming from the Turntable to the MA8000 PHONO INPUT MC (for a
Moving Coil Cartridge) or PHONO INPUT MM (for a Moving Magnet Cartridge) Jacks.
16.Optionally, connect Audio Cables from the
MA8000 OUTPUT 2 (Balanced) Jacks to the Power Amplifier (Secondary) Input Jacks.
17.Connect any additional Components in a similar manner, as outlined in steps 11 thru 14.
Optional Digital Audio Connections:
18.Connect a Coaxial Cable from the MA8000 DIG
(Digital) 4 Digital Audio Input Jack to the Digital
Out Coaxial Jack on the Audio/Video Player.
Note: Source components may be connected to the MA8000 Digital Inputs instead of Analog Inputs. Refer to Setup “Reassigning Inputs” to activate them on page 18.
19.Connect an Optical Cable from the MA8000
DIG (Digital) 1 Digital Audio Input connector to
the Digital Audio Out Optical Connector on the SACD/CD Player.
Optional USB Connection:
20.Connect a USB cable with (type A to type B) connectors from the MA8000 USB D/A Digital Audio Input to an available USB connector.
Ground Connections:
21.Connect the Ground Cable coming from the Turntable to the MA8000 GND Binding Post.
Notes: 1. If the MA8000 is part of a Home Theater System, proceed to “PassThru” connection on page 10.
2.When the MA8000 will used together with a separate Power Amplifier for Bi-Amplification of a Loudspeaker System, proceed to page 11.
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Passthru Connections
Passthru Connections |
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The MA8000 can be part of a Multichannel Sound |
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System for SACD, DVD-Audio and Home Theater. |
A/V Control Center |
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The Right and Left Front Channels from an Audio/ |
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Video Control Center can “Passthru” the MA8000. In |
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the following example the SRVR Input will become |
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the “Passthru” input: |
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1. Connect Audio Cables from the A/V Control |
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Center Front Left and Right Channel Outputs to |
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the MA8000 SRVR Input Left and Right Jacks. |
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2. Connect a Control Cable from the A/V Control |
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Center ZA (Zone A) PC (Power Control) Output |
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to the MA8000 PWR CTRL (Power Control) |
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PASSTHRU Input Jack. |
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Note: Refer to Setup “Passthru” on page 20 to assign the SRVR Input as the “Passthru” Input.
3.Proceed to “Connecting Loudspeaker” on Page 12.
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Connecting for Bi-Amplification
Connecting for Bi-Amplification
The MA8000’s Power Amplifier, together with an additional separate Power Amplifier, may be used to Bi-Amplify a Loudspeaker System. In the illustration on this page the Power Amplifier of the MA8000 is connected to the Midrange/High Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker. The additional separate Power Amplifier is connected to the Low Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker System.
Warning: The Loudspeaker System used for Bi-Amplification must have the jumpers removed from between the MID/HIGH and LOW Frequency Sections of the Loudspeaker System. Failure to remove them could result in damage to the MA8000 and/or the separate Power Amplifier.
MA8000 Connections:
1.Remove the “McIntosh Jumpers” from between the OUTPUT 1 Jacks and the PWR AMP In Jacks located on the Rear Panel of the MA8000.
Note: Place the “McIntosh Jumper” in a safe place for possible future use.
2.Using a pair of shielded RCA Type Audio “Y” Adapters connect the OUTPUT 1 Jacks to the PWR AMP In Jacks, for both Left and Right Channels.
3.Connect the remaining unconnected part of the “Y” Adapters to the separate Power Amplifier.
4.Referring to the Loudspeaker Connection Instructions on page 12, and in the Owner’s Manual supplied with the Power Amplifier and Loudspeaker, connect the MA8000 Output Terminals to the Loudspeaker MID/HIGH Input Terminals.
Note: The Loudspeaker Connection illustrations on this page are for the Left Channel. Connect the Right Channel Loudspeaker in the same manner.
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Left Channel |
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Loudspeaker |
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“Y” adapter Cable |
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Power Amplifier |
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+ |
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Output Terminals
When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to the MA8000 Amplifier Output Terminals please follow the steps below:
1.Rotate the top of the Output Terminal Post counterclockwise until an opening
appears. Refer to figuresAand 
B. 2. Insert the Loudspeaker hookup
cable into the Output Terminal Post opening or the cable spade lug around the center post of
the Output Terminal. Refer to
figure C.
3. Rotate the top of the Output Terminal Post clockwise until it is finger tight. Refer to figure D.
4. Place the supplied McIntosh 
Wrench over the top of the Out-
put Terminal and rotate it one 
quarter of a turn (90° ) to secure 
the Loudspeaker Cable Connec- 
tion. Do not over tighten. Refer
to figure E.
How to Connect Loudspeakers
Caution: Do not connect the AC Power Cord to the MA8000 Rear Panel until after the Loudspeaker Connections are made. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock.
The connection instructions below, together with the MA8000 Connection Diagram located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2B”, is 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.
The McIntosh MA8000 Power Amplifier Circuitry is designed for Loudspeakers with an impedance of
2 ohms, 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Connect a single Loudspeaker only to the Right and Left Output Terminals. When connecting Loudspeakers to the MA8000
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 |
25 feet |
50 feet |
100 feet |
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(7.62 meters) |
(15.24 meters) |
(30.48 meters) |
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Impedance |
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or less |
or less |
or less |
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2 Ohms |
12AWG |
10AWG |
8AWG |
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4 Ohms |
14AWG |
12AWG |
10AWG |
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8 Ohms |
16AWG |
14AWG |
12AWG |
1.Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cable for attachment to the MA8000 Power Amplifier:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends, refer to figures F, G & H. If the cable is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly as possible.
Figure F |
Figure G |
Figure H |
Notes: 1. If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together.
2.The prepared bare wire cable ends may be inserted into spade lug connectors.
3.Banana plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only.
Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and
Canada only:
2. Attach the previously prepared bare wire cable ends into the banana plugs and secure 
the connections. Refer to figure I. 
3. Rotate the Output Terminal Post clockwise until it is finger tight. Refer to figure J. Then using the
McIntosh Wrench, rotate the top of the Output Terminal one quarter of
a turn (90° ). Do not over tighten. 
Refer to figure E.
4. Referring to figure K, connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables with
banana plugs into the hole at the top of the terminal to
the MA8000 Negative Output Terminal and Positive Output Terminal indentified as 2Ω
(ohms), 4Ω (ohms) or 8Ω (ohms) connection
to match the impedance of the Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the correct polarities.
Note: The illustration located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2B” is for connection to an
8Ω (ohms) Loudspeaker.
If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between the available connections, use the nearest lower
impedance connection. Refer to “General Information” Note 6 on page 4 for additional information.
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.
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5.Connect the MA8000 power cord to an active AC outlet.
Spade Lug or Wire Connections:
6.Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the MA8000 Negative Output Terminal and Positive Output Terminal indentified as 2Ω (ohms), 4Ω (ohms) or 8Ω (ohms) connection to match the impedance of the Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the correct polarities. 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 terminals so the lugs or wire cannot slip out. Refer to figures L and M.
Note: The illustration located on the separate folded sheet “Mc2B” is for connection to an 8Ω
(ohms) Loudspeaker.
Figure L |
Figure M |
If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between the available connections, use the nearest lower impedance connection. Refer to “General Information” Note 6 on page 4 for additional information.
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.
7. Connect the MA8000 power cord to an active AC outlet.
Connecting Loudspeakers
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Remote Control Push-Buttons
LED illuminates during the time a remote command is sent to the MA8000
Switches the Trigger 1 and/or 2
Power Control Jack(s) On/Off, refer to “Setup, Power Control TRIG 1 and TRIG 2” on page 20 for additional information
Selects a Disc Player, Music Server or Recorder Function. Seek Stations Up or Down the AM/FM Dial. Select and/ or enter AM/FM Station Presets and performs various functions on a variety of McIntosh Components
Displays On Screen Functions on the McIntosh Music Server and a variety of other McIntosh Components
Adjusts the volume level up or down 
Activates the TRIM
Stereo/Mono Mode Mutes the audio
Selects AM Tuner Operating Functions and Disc Selection on certain McIntosh Disc Players
Selects Functions as a “shift” key when used with the AM or FM push-buttons to select Output 1 or 2
Scrolls through the available
MA8000 Inputs
Press to Power the MA8000 ON
Press to Power the MA8000 OFF
Press to change broadcast bands on an external McIntosh Tuner connected. Select certain functions on a variety of McIntosh Components
Selects On Screen Functions on a 
variety of McIntosh Components
Press TRIM and then the LEVEL Push-buttons to select and adjust various functions
Selects FM Tuner Operating Functions and Track Selection on certain McIntosh CD Players
Use to select tuner presets, direct access an AM/FM Station Frequency, disc tracks or any numbered operation
Scrolls through the available
MA8000 Inputs
Selects one of the eight available Audio Sources
Note: Push-buttons whose function is not identified above are for use with other McIntosh Products.
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