McIntosh MB50 Owner's Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
MB50
Streaming Audio Player
Owner’s Manual
The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle,
ATTENTION:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of suf-
cient 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.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. RE-
FER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
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.
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
ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used,
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use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects lled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
Ne pas exposer cet appareil à des éclaboussures ou
gouttelettes d’un liquide. Aucun objet remplie de
liquide comme par exemple un vase ne doit être placé
sur l’appareil.
16. If this equipment is supplied with a power supply cord
only, the mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this
equipment from the a.c. mains remove the plug from
the a.c. receptacle.
Si l’équipement est uniquement alimenté par un cordon
d’alimentation, la che du cordon d’alimentation doit
demeurer aisément accessible. Pour déconnecter
complètement l’équipement du réseau d’alimentation,
déconnecter la che du cordon d’alimentation de la
prise murale.
17. If this equipment is supplied with AC /DC Adapter with
separate power supply cord or the AC/DC Adapter
plugging directly into an a.c. receptacle, they shall
remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this
equipment from the a.c. mains remove the AC /DC
Adapter mains power supply cord from the a.c. receptacle or remove the AC /DC Adapter when it is directly
plugged into the a.c. receptacle.
Si l’équipement est alimenté par un adaptateur AC/DC
munis d’un cordon d’alimentation ou un adaptateur
AC/DC qui est alimenté directement à la prise murale, ils doivent demeurer aisément accessibles. Pour
déconnecter complètement l’équipement du réseau
d’alimentation, déconnecter l’adaptateur AC/DC de la
prise murale ou déconnecter le cordon d’alimentation
de l’adaptateur AC/DC de la prise murale.
18. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to
excessive heat such as sunshine, re or the like.
AVERTISSEMENT: Les batteries ou bloc de batteries
ne doivent pas etre exposees a une chaleur excessive
telle que celle du soleil, feu ou autre source de chaleur
similaire.
19. CAUTION: danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent
type.
ATTENTION: danger d’explosion si la pile n’est pas
remplacée correctement. Ne remplacer que par le même
type ou un type équivalent.
20. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains
socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
Trademark and License Information
FCC INFORMATION (For US and Canada Customers)
a) User Information acc. to FCC15.21 as following:
Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party re-
sponsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
b) Statement for Class B digital device acc. to FCC 15.105 as
following:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A/B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV
technician for help.
—This device complies with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur
de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
c) The device must be kept more than 20 cm from all persons.
Trademark and License Information
The McIntosh MB50 incorporates copyright protected
technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other
Trademark Logo License Information
For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com.
Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. DTS,
Play-Fi, the Symbol, and Play-Fi together in
combination with the Symbol are trademarks
of DTS, Inc.
DTS and Play-Fi are registered trademarks of
DTS, Inc. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo is a certication
mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
intellectual property rights. The MB50 uses the following Technologies:
3
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh MB50 Streaming Audio Player 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
guide. We want you to be as familiar as possible with
all the features and functions of your new McIntosh.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number: _______________________________
Purchase Date: _______________________________
Dealer Name: ________________________________
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3512
Fax: 607-724-0549
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fa x : 6 0 7-723-1917
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................... 2
FCC Information, Trademark and License Information ..... 3
Thank You and Please Take a Moment ...............................4
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .......................4
Table of Contents ................................................................. 4
General Information ............................................................ 5
Connector and Cable Information ....................................... 5
Introduction ......................................................................... 6
Performance Features .......................................................... 6
Dimensions .......................................................................... 7
Installation ........................................................................... 8
Rear Panel Connections and AC/DC Adapter .....................9
Connecting to a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center ....... 10
Connecting to a Power Amplifier ...................................... 11
Front Panel Display and Push-buttons .............................. 12
How to use the Remote Control .........................................13
How to Set Up the MB50 for Play-Fi ........................... 14-15
How to Operate the MB50 ............................................ 16 -20
Photos ........................................................................ 21
Specifications ............................................................ 22
Packing Instructions ................................................. 23
Copyright 2016 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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General Information, Connector and Cable Information
General Information Connector and Cable Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the MB50 Streaming Audio Player.
2. For the MB50 to receive streaming audio signals
from a mobile device, a wireless router with Wi-Fi
capabilities is required, in order to facilitate com-
munications between the MB50 and the mobile
device.
3. When connecting the MB50 to a wired Home
Computer Network (of which
includes a wireless router) a
USB (2.0) to Ethernet (RJ45)
Adapter such as a Monoprice
(109466) is required.
4. The MB50 internal Digital
Circuitry is designed for 2-channel PCM (Pulse
Code Modulation) Digital Audio Signals.
5. The MB50 is designed to be compatible with the
majority of Audio Power Amplifiers. However, do
to a wide range of Power Amplifier Designs, it is
important the input sensitivity of the amplifier be
at least 2 Volts. This will assure music recordings
are reproduced with adequate dynamic range. This
will assure the playback of most music recordings are reproduced with adequate dynamic range.
Check with your McIntosh Dealer for additional
information.
6. If it should become necessary to replace the supplied AC / DC Power Adapter, for use in North
America order part number
75190800. The Power Adapter for
use in other countries, order part
number 75177200. Both Power
Adapters are available from the
McIntosh Parts Department.
7. For proper wireless operation the MB50 requires
connection of both WLAN Anten-
nas. If it should become necessary
to replace one of the supplied Antennas, order part number 12245600
from the McIntosh Parts Department.
8. The performance of the MB50 is dependent upon
the speed and operational range of the Wireless
Router used.
9. When the MB50 is connected to a wired Home
Computer Network with a Wireless Router, the
speed should be 1 Gigabit or faster.
10. The Play-Fi App for Streaming Music and Remote
Control Operation of the MB50 is available at
Web Sites for download free of charge:
For Apple Powered Mobile Devices:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/play-fi/
id779245456?mt=8
For Android Powered Mobile Devices:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.
phorus.playf i&hl...
11. When there is an update to the Play-Fi App used
by the MB50, new functionality may be added.
Information about the new functionality would not
be covered in this edition of the MB50 Owners
Manual. Please refer to the Play-Fi Web Site and
the McIntosh Web Site for updated information:
https://www.play-fi.com - (Knowledge Base)
http://www.mcintoshlabs.com - (Products)
12. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regulations
concerning battery disposal.
13. Periodically, check the McIntosh Web Site at
www.mcintoshlabs.com for the latest information
on the MB50 and other McIntosh Products.
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Output Connectors on the MB50. Refer to the diagram
for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
PIN 1
Power Control Connector
The Trigger Input Jack receives Power On/Off Signals
(+12 volt/0 volt) when connected to other McIntosh
Components. The Trigger Output
Jack sends Power On/Off Signals
(+12 volt/0 volt) when connected
to other McIntosh Components.
Power
Control
Meter
Illumination
Control
Pass Thru
An additional connection is for
controlling the illumination of the Power Output Meters on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug is used for connection to the Power
Control Jacks.
PIN 2
Ground
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Introduction
The McIntosh MB50 Streaming Audio Player offers
the latest in audio technology, providing state of the
art audio reproduction from your Audio Mobile and
other Devices. When the MB50 is added to a McIntosh System, the music from this source may be
enjoyed in your home. The advanced design ensures
many years of smooth trouble free operation.
Introduction and Performance Features
• Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs
There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs
and Outputs for connection to other components.
• Unbalanced Analog Inputs and Outputs
The MB50 has both unbalanced Inputs and Outputs
for compatibility with a wide range of audio components.
Performance Features
• Built-in Networking Capability
The MB50 has the ability to connect to an existing
network for connecting to other devices such as NAS
Storage Devices.
• Critical Listening Mode
Retains the original quality of High Resolution Audio
Files up to 96kHz/24 bit, while streaming the music
via Play-Fi. The Critical Listening Mode removes any
Wi-Fi Artifacts like Network Jitter.
• Line In Streaming
The MB50 has the ability to stream the audio from the
selected Audio Input (Digital or Analog) via the PlayFi App to Wireless Loudspeaker Systems, such as the
McIntosh RS100, located in another room.
• Internet Streaming Radio
The MB50 also allows for listening to Internet Radio
Stations when connected to a mobile device using the
Play-Fi App.
• Local AM/FM Radio Stations
The MB50 also allows for listening to local AM/FM
Stations via the Internet when connected to a mobile
device using the Play-Fi App.
• Balanced Analog Outputs
The MB50 has Balanced Outputs which permit long
cable lengths without a loss in sound quality.
• Trigger Control
The Trigger Control Input connection provides conve-
nient Turn-On/Off of the MB50 when connected to a
McIntosh System with Power Control.
• Remote Control
The Remote Control provides operation of the MB50
operating functions when using contemporary components.
• 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 MB50 will be
retained for many years.
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Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MB50.
Front View of the MB50
11-
1/2"
29.2cm
Dimensions
WLAN ANT 1
Rear View of the MB50
11"
27.9cm
WLAN ANT 2
3-9/32"
8.3cm
2-7/16"
6.2cm
3-25/32"
9.6cm
29/32
1.8cm
"
1-5/8"
4.1cm
Side View of the MB50
13-1/2"
34.3cm
12-7/16"
31.6cm
9"
22.8cm
4-13/16"
12.2cm
7-1/2"
19.0cm
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Installation
The MB50 Streaming Audio Player is designed to be
placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its feet.
The required ventilation requirements are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MB50.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
MB50 directly above a heat generating device, such
as a Power Amplifier. Allow at least 1 inch (2.5cm)
above the top, 5/8 inch (1.6cm) below the bottom and 1
inch (2.5cm) on each side of the MB50, so that airflow
is not obstructed. Allow 13-1/2 inches (34.3cm) of
depth for airf low and cable connections.
MB50 Front View
1"
2.5cm
1"
2.5cm
Installation
1"
2.5cm
1"
2.5cm
MB50 Side View
8
13-1/2"
34.3cm
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