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MC162 Power Amplifier
OWNERS
MANUAL
MC162
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
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Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
For your decision to own this McIntosh MC162 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 MC162.
This will ensure that you receive all the performance benefits this equipment can offer you, and that it will become a
highly valued part of your home entertainment system.
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 serial number is located on the rear panel of the
equipment. The spaces below have been provided for you to
record that information:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Customer Service
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
MC162 Power Amplifier, contact your McIntosh dealer.
Your dealer is familiar with your McIntosh equipment as
well as other brands that may be included in your system
and is best qualified to help you.
If it is determined that your MC162 is in need of repair,
you can return it to your dealer or you can return it to
McIntosh Laboratory. Contact the McIntosh Repair Department for assistance at,
Table of Contents
Thank You .......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Customer Service............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Controls and Connections ............................... 6
How to Connect ................................................................. 7
Front Panel Displays and Controls .................................... 8
How to Operate.................................................................. 9
Specifications .................................................................. 10
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 11
NOTES:
1. Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC162
Amplifier.
3. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker
outputs for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is
turned on.
4. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size
be used in your music system, to ensure that there will be no
power loss or heating. Cable 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 25 feet (7.62m) or less,
use at least 18 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 16 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3512
FAX: 607-724-0549
Copyright 1998 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT OPEN.
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 consti-
tute a risk of electric shock to persons
.
Safety Instructions
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. For added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning or power line
surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recommended in this
owners manual as they may cause hazards.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC NE PAS OUVRIR.
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.
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. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, contained
in this owners manual, before operating this equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. Follow all operating and use 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.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. For example, the equipment should not be placed on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
10. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as described in this owners manual
12. Do not use this equipment near water; for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
13. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, causing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to
the product.
Connection:
14. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
15. Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the instrument.
16. Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polarized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat
the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the
plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
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Safety Instructions cont,
Introduction and Performance Features
17. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
Care of Equipment:
18. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the
panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner. Do
not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
19. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or
fall into the equipment through enclosure openings.
Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclosure openings.
20. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet when
left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
21. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to a qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
A. The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the equipment.
C. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water.
D. The equipment does not operate normally by follow-
ing the operating instructions contained within this
owners manual. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions, as an im-
proper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its nor-
mal operation.
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
F. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
22. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.
23. 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.
24. 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.
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC162 power amplifier. Two
160 watt high current output channels will drive any high
quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance.
The MC162 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is The Sound of the
Music Itself.
Performance Features
· Power Output
The MC162 consists of two separate power amplifier channels, each capable of 160 watts into 4ohm speakers with
less than 0.005% distortion. The two channels can be combined into a single channel with 500 watts at 4 ohms or 320
watts at 8 ohms.
· High Current Output
A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel ensures
that the MC162 will successfully drive high quality loudspeakers such as McIntosh for a truly exciting sound experience.
· 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
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits are present on both channels to ensure the MC162
will have a long and trouble free operating life.
· Thermal Protection
Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against overheating which could shorten the normal long life expectancy of
your McIntosh power amplifier.
· Illuminated Power Meters
The illuminated power output watt meters on the MC162
are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the
amplifier. The Peak Hold Mode allows the meters to temporarily stay at the highest power output and then slowly
decay.
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Installation
Installation
The MC162 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 required
panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are
shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MC162.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MC162
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.
Front View of the MC162
custom installed
End Caps
5-3/8"
136.9mm
A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow
at least 2 inches (5.1cm) above the top and 1 inch (2.54
cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. 21 inches (53.3cm) depth behind the mounting
panel, which includes clearance for connectors. Allow 1-1/
8 inches (2.9cm) 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.
NOTE: In Europe, if the MC162 is custom mounted, an
additional ventilation opening of 1-1/2 inch (3.8 cm) in
height, running the full width of the front panel, needs to
be directly above the front top of the MC162.
17-1/2"
444mm
7/32"
5.3mm
4-7/8"
123.8mm
1/4"
6mm
Panel Height
5-5/16"
134.9mm
17-1/16"
433.4mm
Outline of Front Panel
Edge of Cutout
(Front Vi ew)
Side View of the MC162
custom installed
Bottom View of the MC162
custom installed
Mounting Surface
Mounting Surface
3/16"
Bottom of Cutout
and Top of Support
Shelf Must Coincide
See the note above
(Side View)
5.1mm
Outline of Unit
Support Shelf
6"
15"
Cut Out Center
for Ventilation
(Bottom View)
9"
Support S helf
Mounting Bracket at Both Sides of the Rear Panel.
Fasten with 6-3 2 x 3/8 Machine Screw and Wash er to Chassis.
Fasten with 6 x 1/2 Wood Screw and Washer to Support Shelf
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MC162 Rear Panel Controls and Connections
MC162 Rear Panel Controls and
Connections
BALANCED INPUTS
for audio cables from a
preamplifier or control
center audio outputs
Connect the MC162 power
cord to a live AC outlet. Refer
to information on the back
panel to determine the correct
voltage.
Main Fuse holder,
refer to infromation
on the back panel
of your MC162 to
determine the correct fuse size and
rating.
MODE switch selects
different modes of
operation
OUTPUT Connections for
4 or 8 ohm loudspeakers
Input LEVEL controls
for Right and Left
channels
UNBALANCED INPUTs
for audio cables from a
preamplifier or control
center audio output
POWER CONTROL IN
receives turn on/off signals from a McIntosh
component and the
POWER CONTROL
OUT sends that turn on/
off signal to the next
McIntosh component.
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How to Connect the MC162
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How to Connect the MC162
1. Connect the MC162 power cord to a live AC outlet.
2. Connect a power control cable from the control center
Power Control Out to the MC162 Power Control In.
3. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate terminals for your loudspeakers, being careful to observe
the correct polarities.
NOTE: To prevent the possibility
of user contact with
potentially dangerous
voltages, install the
protective cover(s) over
the loudspeaker output
terminals after the
loudspeaker cables have
been connected. The
covers and cover
mounting screws are
located in an accessory package that is enclosed in the
amplifier shipping carton. There are two types of
screws in the package. Install the protective covers
with the Phillips, 6-32 by 5/16 inch self tapping screws.
The other screws are No. 6 by ½ inch wood screws
used to secure the amplifier custom mounting brackets
to a shelf.
4. Connect a cable from the unbalanced outputs of a control center to the MC162 unbalanced Input connectors
for both audio channels and power control.
Note: An optional hookup is to use balanced cables from a
McIntosh Control Center to inputs of the MC162.
Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
connectors on the MC162:
PIN 1: Shield or ground.
PIN 2: + input.
PIN 3: - input.
McIntosh C38 System Control Center
To AC Outlet
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
Right Loudspeaker
4ohm
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
2345678
Left Loudspeaker
4ohm
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MC162 Front Panel Displays and Controls
METERS indicate power output
of the amplifier channels
POWER GUARD LEDs
light when the amplifier
channel POWER GUARD
circuit activates
MC162 Front Panel Displays
and Controls
Remote On
Indicator
METER Switch selects
the display modes of the
power output meters
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POWER Switch Turns
AC power on/off, or on/
remote
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How to Operate the
MC162
How to Operate the MC162
Input Level Controls
When using a McIntosh Control Center set both level controls to the 2.5V position. If a preamplifier or control center has a .9V output rating set the controls to the .9V
position. If an increase or decrease in
amplifier sensitivity is required for
other applications, set the controls as
desired. Refer to Figure 1.
Figure 1
Power On
To have the MC162 turn on or off when a control center
turns on or off, rotate the power switch to the remote position. For manual operation, rotate the power switch to the
on or off position as desired.
Note: There must be a power control connection between the
MC162 and the McIntosh Control Center in order for
the remote power turn on to function.
Mode Switch
The Mode switch allows both MC162 channels to be used
in two different operating configurations.
Stereo: Both channels operate independently as left and
right stereo 160 watt amplifiers.
Bridged: Both channels operate in bridged configuration
for a single monaural 500 watt amplifier.
Meter Selection
Rotate the meter mode switch to select the meter operation
mode you desire:
Lights Off - Meter lights are turned off, however the
meters will still be operating.
Watts - The meters respond to all the musical informa-
tion being produced by the amplifier and indicate to an accuracy of at least 95% of the
power output of either amplifier channel.
Hold - The meter pointer is locked to the highest
power peak in a sequence of peaks. The meter
is electronically held to this power level until
another higher power peak passes through the
amplifier. The meter pointer will then rise to
the newer higher indication. If no further
power peaks are reached, the meter pointer
will very slowly return to its rest position or
lower power level.
How to Operate the MC162 in Bridge Mode
The MC162 can be operated in Bridged Mono Mode for
500 watts into 4 ohms or 320 watts into 8 ohms. The
Bridged mode outputs are floating above chassis ground.
Refer to Figure 2.
1. Set the MC162 Mode switch to the Bridged position.
2. Adjust the Left Level control to the 2.5V position if
using a McIntosh Preamplifier or Control Center.
3. Connect the cable from the signal source component
to the Left input.
4. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate
bridged terminals
Figure 2
How to Read the Power Output Meters
The MC162 Power Output Meter lower scales are based on
using 4 ohm loudspeakers. If 8 ohm speakers are used, the
actual power out put is one half the power available to 4
ohm loudspeakers. The upper meter scales indicate the
power output of each channel when the MC162 is connected in bridged configuration into a 4 ohm loudspeaker.
Use the chart below to determine the actual power output
sent to your loudspeakers.
Lower Scale Meter Readings
Meter Reading With 4Ω Loudspeaker(s) With 8Ω Loudspeaker(s)
.016 .016 Watts .008 Watts
.16 .16 Watts .08 Watts
1.6 1.6 Watts .8 Watts
16 16 Watts 8 Watts
160 160 Watts 80 Watts
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Specifications
Power Output Per Channel
160 watts into 4 or 100 watts into 8 ohm loads is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel both channels operating.
Specifications
Damping Factor
Greater than 100 at 4 ohms
Greater than 200 at 8 ohms
Power Output Bridged
500 watts into 4 ohms or 320 watts into 8 ohm loads is the
minimum sine wave continuous average power output.
Output Load Impedance
4 or 8 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dynamic Headroom
1.6dB
Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum at any power level from 250 milliwatts
to rated power per channel from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, both
channels operating.
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 5.45 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 5.0 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.7 amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.6 amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.5 amps
NOTE: Refer to the rear panel of the MC162 for the correct
voltage
Dimensions
Front Panel: 17/1/2 inches (44.5cm) wide, 5-3/8 inches
(13.7cm) high. Depth behind front mounting panel is 18 1/
2 inches (47cm) including clearance for connectors. Panel
clearance required in front of mounting panel is 1-1/8
inches (2.9cm).
Weight
42 pounds (19.1 Kg) net, 60 pounds (27.2 Kg) in shipping
carton
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak output per channel
does not exceed twice the rated output with both channels
operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to
20,000Hz.
Signal To Noise Ratio
110dB below rated output
Sensitivity
.9 volts (2.0V at level control center detent position)
Input Impedance
10,000 ohms Unbalanced
22,000 ohms Balanced
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Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. Three #10 x 2-1/4
screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit securely
to the bottom pad and wood skid This will ensure the
proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do
this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if
they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or
write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033838 Shipping carton only
4 033837 End cap (Foam pad)
1 033836 Inside carton only
1 033725 Top Pad
1 034008 Bottom pad
3 017218 Plastic foot (spacer)
1 033699 Wood skid
3 101169 #10 x 2-¼ Wood screw
3 104033 #10 x 1-¾ Wood screw
4 017218 Plastic foot
4 100159 #10-32 x ¾ Machine screw
4 104083 #10 x 7/16 Flat washer
1 049107 Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 04054901
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