McIntosh MC207 User Manual

Seven Channel Power Amplifier

MC207

Owner’s Manual

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 product’s 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.

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 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.

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.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, 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-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.

Thank Y ou

Your decision to own this McIntosh MC207 Seven Channel 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:

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3

Table of Contents.............................................................. 3

Important Information ...................................................... 3

Connector Information ..................................................... 4

Introduction ...................................................................... 4

Performance Features ....................................................... 4

Dimensions ....................................................................... 5

Installation ........................................................................ 6

Rear Panel Connections.................................................... 7

How to Connect for Seven Channels................................ 8

How to Connect for Five Channels ................................ 10

How to Connect for Two Channels (Zone B)................. 12

Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 14

How to Operate and Read the Power Output Meters ..... 15

Specifications ................................................................. 18

Packing Instruction ......................................................... 19

Important Information

T echnical 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: 607-723-1545 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

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 owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC207.

3. The MC207 mutes the speaker outputs for approximately two seconds when first turned on.

4. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size be used, so that there will be no power loss. The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size. The MC207 Loudspeaker Connection Terminals will accept up to a 10 AWG 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. In the event that the MC207 overheats, due to improper ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection circuits will activate. The Front Panel Power Guard LEDs will continuously indicate ON and the audio will be muted. When the MC207 has returned to a safe operating temperature, normal operation will resume.

6. The Multi-Channel Input DB25 Connector allows for easy connecting of a McIntosh MX134 or MX135 A/V Control Center, including the Audio and Power Control signals, to the MC207.

Connector Information

Connector Information, Introduction and Performance Features

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input Connectors on the MC207. Refer to the diagram for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground PIN 2: + Input PIN 3: - Input

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The MC207’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt signal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug to connect to the Power Control Input on other McIntosh Components.

Multi-Channel Amp DB25 Connector Pin Layout

1. Left Front + 15. Center Front Gnd.

2. Center Front + 16. Right Front Gnd.

3. Right Front + 17. N/C

4. N/C 18. Left Surround Gnd.

5. Left Surround + 19. Right Surround Gnd.

6. Right Surround + 20. Left Back Surround Gnd.

7. Left Back Surround + 21. Right Back Surround Gnd.

8. Right Back Surround + 22. N/C

9. N/C 23. N/C

10. N/C 24. System Calibrate Gnd.

11. N/C 25. Power Control Gnd.

12. System Calibrate

13. Power Control In

14. Left Front Gnd.

Pin 2

Positive

Multi-Channel Input

Pin 1 Pin 3

N/C

Ground

••

• Patented Power Guard

••

The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable Loudspeakers.

••

Dynamic Power Manager

•

••

The MC207’s Dynamic Power Manager (DPM) circuitry allows for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers, while at the same time delivering identical power output. A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel ensures that it will successfully drive high quality Loudspeakers such as McIntosh for a truly exciting sound experience.

••

• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs

••

Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.

••

• Patented Sentry Monitor with Thermal Protection

••

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection circuits ensure the MC207 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating.

••

• Power Control

••

The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote turn-on of the MC207 Power Amplifier from a McIntosh A/V Control Center or Preamplifier for a single or dual Zone System.

Introduction

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC207 Power Amplifier. Seven 200 watt high current output channels will drive any high quality Loudspeaker System to its ultimate performance. The MC207 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

••

• Power Output

••

The MC207 consists of seven Power Amplifier Channels, each capable of 200 watts into 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers with less than 0.005% distortion.

••

• Illuminated Power Meters

••

The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the MC207 are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the Front Amplifier Channels. The Meter Illumination may be switched Off at any time.

••

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

••

The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumination, together with the extra long life 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 ensure the pristine beauty of the MC207 will be retained for many years.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for the MC207. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MC207 into cabinets.

Front View of the MC207

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

7/8

7/16

22.54cm

23.97cm

Rear View of the MC207

Side View of the MC207

-13/16

42.70cm

11-

3/4

29.85cm

18-

47.63cm

41.75cm

3/4

-7/16

1/4

3/16

0.48cm

20.96cm

7/8

2.22cm

12"

30.48cm

5.08cm

Installation

The MC207 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 MC207 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 MC207 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 MC207.

MC207 Front Panel Custom Cabinet Cutout

Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MC207 directly above a heat generating component such as a high powered amplifier. If all

Opening for Ventilation

the components are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite as-

MC207 Side View in Custom Cabinet

set in maintaining all the system components at the coolest possible op-

Support Shelf

erating temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the

MC207 Bottom View in Custom Cabinet

Center the

opening horizontally

with the

MC207 Chassis

top, 2 inches

(3.81cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) in front of the mounting panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing.

17-

1/16

43.34cm

21.11cm

Cabinet Front Panel

15.24cm

8.57cm

31.12cm Cutout

Opening

for

Ventilation

25.08cm

29.21cm

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

-3/4

-1/4

-7/8

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

-3/4

40.00cm

-1/2

11"

27.9cm

Chassis Spacers

-3/8

31.43cm

5/16

Rear Panel Connections and Switch

Connect the MC207 power cord to a live AC outlet. Refer to information on the back panel to determine the correct voltage

Resettable Circuit Breaker

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 7 (Right Front)

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 6 (Right Back) or Right Channel for Zone B

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 5 (Left Back) or Left Channel for Zone B

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 4 (Center Front)

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 1 (Left Front)

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 2 (Left Surround)

OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker for Channel 3 (Right Surround)

Selects the impedance (4 or 8 ohms) of the Loudspeakers connected to the MC207

POWER CONTROL ZA receives turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh component for Zone A (Channels 1-

7). POWER CONTROL ZB receives turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh component for Zone B (Channels 5 and 6).

Balanced INPUTS (7) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Balanced INPUTS (5-6) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Unbalanced INPUTS (6-7) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Balanced INPUTS (3-4) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Unbalanced INPUTS (4-5) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Balanced INPUTS (1-2) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

Unbalanced INPUTS (1-3) for discrete audio cables from an A/V Control Center or Preamplifier Audio Outputs

MULTICHANNEL INPUT accepts a 25 conductor DB25 computer type cable that connects all audio and power control signals

How to Connect for Seven Channels

Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be

connected to the Rear Panel of the MC207 Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock.

1. Connect Balanced Audio Cables from the Zone A Outputs of a McIntosh A/V Control Center to the MC207 INPUTS (Channels 1-7), making sure to match up the channel identifications between both units.

Note: In place of the Balanced Audio Cables, unbalanced

cables may be used. If a DB25 cable is used between the MULTI-CHANNEL INPUT of the MC207 and the Multi-Channel Output, the separate Power Control cable is not needed, proceed to step 3.

2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V Control Center Zone A Power Control Out to the MC207 POWER CONTROL ZA.

3. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to the MC207 Power Amplifier by choosing one of the methods below:

Bare wire cable ends: Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends, refer to figures 1, 2 & 3. If the cable is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly as possible.

Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with

solder to keep the strands together, or attach spade lug and/or banana connector.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection: Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out. Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.

Banana plug connection: Tighten the top portion of the terminal post and insert the banana plug into the opening at the top of the terminal. Refer to figure 7.

Note: The use of Banana Plugs is

for use in the United States and Canada only.

4. Connect the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables from the MC207 OUTPUT Terminals to the Loudspeakers, being careful to observe the correct polarities and channel designation.

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.

5. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) that matches the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are of different impedance, use the impedance of the Left and Right Front Loudspeakers to set the IMPEDANCE Switch position.

6. Connect the MC207 Power Cord to an active AC outlet.

McIntosh A/V Control Center

+ 16 hidden pages