McIntosh MC207 User Manual

Seven Channel Power Amplifier

MC207

Owner’s Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

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.

2

Thank You

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:

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: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

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: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Copyright 2004 ♥ by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

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

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.

3

Pin 3

Connector Information, Introduction and Performance Features

Connector Information

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 2 Pin 1

PIN 3: - Input

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

	The MC207’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig-
	nal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
	phone plug to connect to the	Positive
	Power Control Input on other
		N/C
	McIntosh Components.
		Ground
	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	Multi-Channel Input
	13.	Power Control In
	14.	Left Front Gnd.

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.

• 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 ManagerTM

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.

• 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.

4

Dimensions

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.

17-1/2"

44.45cm

Front View of the MC207

16-13/16" 42.70cm

Rear View of the MC207

11-3/4"

29.85cm

18-3/4"

47.63cm

16-7/16" 41.75cm

Side View of the MC207

7/8"	12"
2.22cm

30.48cm

8-7/8" 9-7/16" 22.54cm

23.97cm

8-1/4"

3/16" 20.96cm 0.48cm

2"

5.08cm

5

Installation

Installation

The MC207 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,

(3.81cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each

standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a

side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Al-

piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet

low 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Al-

may be removed from the bottom of the MC207 when it is

low 1 inch (2.54cm) in front of the mounting panel for

custom installed as outlined below. The four feet together

knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the

with the mounting screws should be retained for possible

mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing.

future use if the MC207 is removed from the custom instal-

lation and used free standing. It also can be custom in-

stalled in a piece of

furniture or cabinet

17-1/16"

of your choice The

43.34cm

required panel cut-

out, ventilation cut-

out and unit dimen-

sions are shown.

Always provide

adequate ventilation

MC207 Front Panel

8-5/16"

for your MC207.

Custom Cabinet Cutout

21.11cm

Cool operation en-

sures the longest

possible operating

life for any elec-

tronic instrument.

6"

Do not install the

15.24cm

Cutout Opening

MC207 directly

Cabinet

above a heat gener-

Front

for

Custom Mounting

ating component

Panel

such as a high pow-

Opening

ered amplifier. If all

for Ventilation

the components are

installed in a single

cabinet, a quiet run-

MC207 Side View

ning ventilation fan

in Custom Cabinet

can be a definite as-

set in maintaining

all the system com-

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

ponents at the

Support

Chassis

3-3/4"

coolest possible op-

Shelf

Spacers

erating temperature.

8.57cm

A custom cabinet

12-1/4"

installation should

provide the follow-

31.12cm

ing minimum spac-

MC207 Bottom View

Cutout

11"

12-3/8"

ing dimensions for

in Custom Cabinet

Opening

27.9cm

Center the

for

31.43cm

cool operation. Al-

15-3/4"

opening horizontally

Ventilation

low at least 6 inches

40.00cm

with the

9-7/8"

(15.24cm) above the

MC207 Chassis

top, 2 inches

25.08cm

11-1/2"

29.21cm

6

Rear Panel Connections and Switch

Resettable Circuit	OUPUT Connections	OUPUT Connections	OUPUT Connections
Breaker	for 4 ohm or 8 ohm	for 4 ohm or 8 ohm	for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
	Loudspeaker for	Loudspeaker for	Loudspeaker for Chan-
	Channel 6 (Right	Channel 4 (Center	nel 2 (Left Surround)
	Back) or Right Chan-	Front)
	nel for Zone B

Connect the	OUPUT Connections	OUPUT Connections
MC207 power cord	for 4 ohm or 8 ohm	for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
to a live AC outlet.	Loudspeaker for	Loudspeaker for
Refer to informa-	Channel 7 (Right	Channel 5 (Left Back)
tion on the back	Front)	or Left Channel for
panel to determine		Zone B
the correct voltage

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 3 (Right Surround)

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

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

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

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).

Unbalanced INPUTS (6-7) 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

7

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 Loud-

speakers, 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

8