MC1201 Power Amplifier
Owners
Manual
MC1201
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 MC1201 Power 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 2000 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Table of Contents
Introduction
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 ................................................................ 8
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 10
How to Operate ............................................................... 11
Technical Description ..................................................... 12
Notes ............................................................................... 16
Specifications ................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 19
General Notes
Caution: The MC1201 Amplifier weight is 147 pounds
(66.7 kilograms). It requires two or more persons
to safely handle when moving the amplifier.
1. The following Connecting Cable is 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.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC1201.
3. The MC1201 mutes the speaker output 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 MC1201: PIN 1: Shield or ground
PIN 2: + input
PIN 3: - input
6. In the event that the MC1201 over heats, due to improper
ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection
circuits will activate. The Front Panel Power Guard LED will
continuously indicate ON and the audio will be muted. When
the MC1201 has returned to a safe operating temperature,
normal operation will resume.
7. The MC1201 incorporates the very latest in Fully Double
Balanced Circuitry. As a result, the Loudspeaker Negative
Connections are above chassis ground. Do not combine any
connections together, ground them or connect with another
MC1201.
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC1201 Power Amplifier. The
1,200 watt high current output will drive any high quality
loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance. The
MC1201 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is The Sound of the
Music Itself.
Performance Features
· Power Output
The MC1201 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of
1,200 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than
0.005% distortion.
· Full Balanced Circuity
The MC1201 is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. It
consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in
push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIntosh
Autoformer. The double balanced configuration cancels
virtually all distortion.
· Power Guard
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 MC1201 will have a long and trouble
free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits
guard against overheating.
· Patented Autoformer
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 Meter
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the MC1201
is peak responding, and indicates the true power output of
the amplifier. The Peak Watt Hold Mode allows the meter
to temporarily stay at the highest power output and then
slowly decay.
4
Introduction, Performance Features and Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MC1201. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the
MC1201 into cabinets.
17-
3/4
45.09cm
"
Front View of the MC1201
Rear View of the MC1201
17-
3/8
44.15cm
12-
1/4
31.11cm
11"
27.94cm
12-
5/16
31.27cm
"
"
"
Side View of the MC1201
1-
5/8
4.12cm
"
1-
1/2
3.81cm
19-
1/2
"
49.50cm
18"
45.72cm
10-
1/2
"
"
1-
9/16
3.96cm
26.70cm
"
5
3/16
0.48cm
"
14"
35.60cm
Installation
Caution: The MC1201 Amplifier weight is 147 pounds
(66.7 kilograms). It requires two or more persons
to safely handle when moving the amplifier.
The MC1201 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. The
four feet may be removed from
the bottom of the MC1201
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
MC1201 is removed from the
custom installation and used
free standing. It also can be
custom installed in a piece of
furniture or cabinet of your
choice. The required panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit
dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate
ventilation for your MC1201.
Cool operation ensures the
longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument.
Do not install the MC1201 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 (15.24 cm)
above the top, 2 inches
(3.81cm) below the bottom and
1 inch (2.54 cm) on each side
of the amplifier, so that airflow
is not obstructed. Allow 22
inches (55.88 cm) depth behind
the front panel. Allow 2 inches
MC1201 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
Opening
for Ventilation
MC1201 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MC1201 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
(5.08 cm) 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.
17-
9/16
"
44.62cm
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Support
Shelf
21/32
1.67cm
"
6"
15.24cm
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
1
"
2.54cm
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
14-
1/2
"
36.83cm
35.56cm
14"
Installation
10 -
13/16
27.46cm
Chassis
Spacers
15-
5/16
"
38.91cm
"
6
Loading...