McIntosh MC-2kw User Manual

Power Amplifier

MC2KW

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.

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

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.

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.

18.

This apparatus is capable of driving

Loudspeakers (even low efficiency types), into
producing extremely high sound pressure
levels. User caution is advised. Ear protection

is recommended when playing at high volumes
as continued exposure to high sound pressure
levels can cause permanent hearing impair­ment or loss.

19. Do not place the protective blue cloth cover on
the equipment when the power supply cord is
connected.

2

Safety Instructions

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MC2KW 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]

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

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

Performance Features ....................................................... 5

Dimensions ..................................................................... 6-7

Installation ..................................................................... 8-9

Connections:

MC2KW Output Module Rear Panel Connections .......... 10

MC2KW Power Module Rear Panel Connections ........... 11

How to Connect the MC2KW Output Module and
Power Modules together; for Power Control and

Audio Connections ...................................................... 12-13

How to Connect the MC2KW Output Module to

Loudspeakers .............................................................. 14-15

Front Panel Features:

MC2KW Output Module Front Panel Controls

and Displays..................................................................... 16

MC2KW Power Module Front Panel .............................. 16

Operation:

How to Operate the MC2KW Power Amplifier ............... 17

Additional Information:

Technical Description....................................................... 18

Photos ......................................................................... 23-27

Block Diagram ................................................................. 29

Specifications ................................................................... 30

Packing Instruction .......................................................... 31

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 2005 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Important Information

Caution: The MC2KW Power Module weight is 158

pounds (71.7 kilograms) and the MC2KW Output
Module weight is 121 pounds (54.9 kilograms). It
requires two or more persons to safely handle
when moving the Power or Output Module.

1. The MC2KW Power Amplifier consists of one MC2KW
Output Module and two MC2KW Power Modules.

2. 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.

Power Module to Output Module Cable Part No.
171-611

Three foot, shielded 21 conductor, low current,
male-to-male custom cable, one required between each
MC2KW Power Module and MC2KW Output Module.

Power Module to Output Module Cable Part No.
171-620

Three foot, shielded 16 conductor, high current,
male-to-male custom cable, one required between each
MC2KW Power Module and MC2KW Output Module.

3. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC2KW
Power Amplifier.

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 12 Gauge.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 10 Gauge.

5. The MC2KW Power Amplifier 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 MC2KW Power Amplifier.

6. Each of the MC2KW Power Modules needs to be connected
to a dedicated AC Circuit with Outlet. The type and size of
the dedicated AC Circuit with Outlet needs to be in
accorandance with the Local Electrical Wiring Codes1.
Always contact your McIntosh Dealer and Certified
Electrician for addition information and assistance. The
MC2KW Output Module should be connected to a third
separate AC Circuit with Outlet. The third AC Circuit with
Outlet may also have other McIntosh and Non-McIntosh
Component(s) connected, including additional MC2KW
Output Modules.

1

20 Amp, 120Volt AC Circuit is for use in the United States and
Canada only.

Important Information and Introduction

7. The AC Power Cables going to the MC2KW Power Modules,
MC2KW Output Module and any other McIntosh
Component(s) should not be connected to AC Power Outlets
until all the system components are connected together.

8. The MC2KW Power Amplifier mutes the speaker output for
approximately two seconds when first turned on.

9. In the event that either or both MC2KW Power Modules
over heat, due to improper ventilation and/or high ambient
temperature, the protection circuits will activate. The sound
will be muted and the MC2KW Output Module Front Panel
Power Guard LED will continuously indicate ON. When the
MC2KW Power Modules have returned to a safe operating
temperature, normal operation will resume.

10. Each MC2KW Power Module connects to the MC2KW
Output Module with two different supplied custom cables.
If both cables, from each MC2KW Power Module, are not
connected correctly to the MC2KW Output Module, the
MC2KW Power Amplifier will not power up. Refer to pages
12 and 13 for additional information on connecting the
MC2KW Power Modules to the MC2KW Output Module.

Connector Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the MC2KW Output Module.
Refer to the diagram for connection:

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

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Power Control Connectors

The MC2KW Output Module Power Control Input and
Output utilize a 5 volt signal. There is
an additional connection for control­ling illumination of the MC2KW Out­put Module Power Output Meter. Use
a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug to

Positive

Meter
Illumination
Control

Ground

connect to the Power Control Input on
other McIntosh Components.

Introduction

The MC2KW Power Amplifier with a Triple Chassis Mono
Block Design is the most powerful and finest audio Power
Amplifier McIntosh has ever created. No design compro­mises were allowed in the quest for a Power Amplifier with
absolute accuracy, total sonic purity and virtual elimination
of distortion and audible noise. It is capable of driving even
the most inefficient Loudspeakers to live concert hall vol­ume levels with a degree clarity never before achieved. For
those who have been searching for the “Best in a Power
Amplifier”, your wait is over.

4

Performance Features

Performance Features

••

• Triple Chassis Mono Block Design

••

For the first time, the new McIntosh MC2KW Power Am­plifier is capable of supplying the power required to repro­duce the full dynamic range of a symphony orchestra in­cluding pipe organ. This includes driving low efficiency
Loudspeakers in a large room to concert hall volume levels.
It can reproduce complex music with complete accuracy,
with no added distortion or noise. The Triple Chassis De­sign also allows for easier placement in a room than would
be possible in a single chassis design, yet with no compro­mise in performance or reliability.

• Power Output

The MC2KW Power Amplifier is capable of 2,000 watts
into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distor­tion. It can provide peak current of 200 amperes and over
8,000 watts of power output on music bursts.

••

• Full Balanced Quad-Differential Circuitry

••

The MC2KW Power Amplifier is fully balanced from in­puts to outputs. It consists of two matched MC2KW Power
Modules, each operating in push-pull with their outputs
combined in a McIntosh Autoformer located in the
MC2KW Output Module. This double balanced configura­tion cancels virtually all distortion.

••

• Patented Power Guard

••

The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents the
amplifier from being overdriven into clipping, with its harsh
distorted sound that can also damage Loudspeakers.

••

• Patented Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

••

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection cir­cuits ensuring each MC2KW Power Module 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 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.

••

• Power Control

••

The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote
turn-on of the MC2KW Power Amplifier from a McIntosh
Audio/Video Control Center or Preamplifier. If any addi­tional McIntosh Power Amplifiers are part of the system,
there is a delayed Power Control Output. This delayed trig­ger reduces the strain on the house’s electrical wiring and
protection devices.

••

• Balanced Inputs and Gold Plated Outputs

••

Balanced connections guard against induced noise and al­low long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
There are three sets of gold plated five way binding posts
for each of the three output impedances.

••

• Precision Parts

••

All resistors are precision metal film type. Low dielectric
absorption film capacitors are used in all critical circuit lo­cations.

••

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

••

The Illumination of the 1/2 inch thick laser etched Front
Panel Glass 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 with a
Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish ensures
the pristine beauty of the MC2KW will be retained for
many years.

••

• Machined Top and Side Panels

••

The Top and Sides of the MC2KW Output and Power Mod­ules are machined from thick aluminum panels with a
smooth black anodized finish. There is a screened glass
panel in the recessed areas of the Top Panel, with a block
diagram of the Circuitry.

••

• Special Power Supplies

••

The MC2KW Output Module utilizes a special R-Core
Power Transformer together with an electronically fully
regulated Power Supply Circuitry. The MC2KW Power
Modules each utilize a large Toroidal Wound Power Trans­former with large filter capacitors capable of storing 430
Joules of energy.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for the MC2KW Output Module and MC2KW
Power Modules. There is additional information on page 8
pertaining to installing the MC2KW Output Module and
MC2KW Power Modules into cabinets.

17-

3/4

45.09cm

"

Front View of the
MC2KW Output Module

Rear View of the
MC2KW Output Module

17-

1/4

43.82cm

12-

1/4

31.11cm

11"

27.94cm

12-

5/16

31.27cm

"

"

"

20"

50.80cm

19

-3/8

1-

5/8

"

4.12cm

Side View of the
MC2KW Output Module

1-

3/8

"

3.49cm

6

49.21cm

14"

35.60cm

"

10-

5/8

"

26.99cm

3/16

"

0.48cm

1-

9/16

"

3.96cm

17-3/4"

45.09cm

17-

1/4

43.82cm

Dimensions

"

Front View of the
MC2KW Power Module

Rear View of the
MC2KW Power Module

17-1/4"

43.82cm

12-1/4"

31.11cm

11"

27.94cm

12-5/16"

31.27cm

Top View of the
MC2KW Output Module

1/4

17-

43.82cm

8

-7/8

"

22.54cm

8

-1/16

"

20.48cm

"

20"

50.80cm

1-5/8"

4.12cm

19-3/8"

49.21cm

Top View of the
MC2KW Power Module

Side View of the
MC2KW Power Module

1-3/8"

3.49cm

7

14"

35.60cm

3/16

0.48cm

10-5/8"

26.99cm

"

1-9/16"

3.96cm

8

-7/8

"

22.54cm

8

-1/16

20.48cm

"

7

Installation

The MC2KW Output Module and MC2KW Power
Modules can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on their four feet. If the Output Module
and the two Power Modules are to be stacked verti­cally, the middle unit should be the Output Module.
There should be at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) of
space between the bottom of the upper Power
Module and the top of Output Module. Likewise,
there should be at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) of
space between the bottom of the Output Module
and the top of lower Power Module.

The four feet, may be removed from the bottom
of the MC2KW Output Module and each of the
MC2KW Power Modules when they are custom
installed. The four feet from each unit, together
with the mounting screws should be retained for
possible future use if the MC2KW Output Module
and MC2KW Power Modules are removed from a
custom installation and used free standing again.
They 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 the
MC2KW Output Module and MC2KW Power
Modules. Cool operation ensures the longest pos­sible operating life for any electronic instrument.
Do not install the units directly above a heat gener­ating component such as other high powered am­plifiers. 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. For the MC2KW Output Module allow
at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) above the top, 2 inches
(5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54 cm)
on each side, so that airflow is not obstructed. The
air spaces for the MC2KW Power Module include
at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the top, 2 inches
(5.08cm) below the bottom and 2 inches (5.08cm)
on each side, so that airflow is not obstructed. Al­low 25 inches (63.5cm) depth behind the front
panel1 for Interconnect Cables. Allow 1 inch (2.54
cm) in front of the mounting panel for clearance.
When the MC2KW Output Module and MC2KW
Power Modules are to be installed in custom cabi-

nets refer to illustrations to the right. Be sure to cut
out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf accord­ing to the dimensions in the drawing.

If the custom cabinet is to be an enclosed design
ventilation fans located in the bottom of the cabinet
(for cool air flow input) and fans located in the top
of the cabinet (for warm air flow removal) are re­quired. The ventilaton fans should be capable of an
airflow minimum of 100 Cubic Feet per Minute.

1

Interconnect Cables are supplied with the MC2KW

Power Amplifier. They are used to connect to the
MC2KW Output Module with the two MC2KW Power
Modules.

MC2KW Power Module
Front Panel Custom
Cabinet Cutout

Opening
for Ventilation

MC2KW Power Module
Side View in Custom
Cabinet

MC2KW Power Module
Bottom View in Custom
Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Support
Shelf

21/32

1.67cm

17-1/4"

43.82cm

10-5/8"

26.99cm

6"

15.24cm

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

1"

2.54cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Chassis
Spacers

14-1/2"

"

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

36.83cm

14"

35.56cm

15-5/16"

38.91cm

8 8

Installation

MC2KW Power Module
Front Panel Custom
Cabinet Cutout

Opening
for Ventilation

Cabinet
Front
Panel

6"

15.24cm

17-

1/4

"

43.82cm

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

10-

5/8

26.99cm

Enclosed Custom Cabinet

Warm Air
Output

"

Ventilaton Fans

MC2KW
Power Module A
Side View

MC2KW
Output Module
Side View

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

6"

15.24cm

MC2KW Power Module
Side View in Custom
Cabinet

MC2KW Power Module
Bottom View in Custom
Cabinet

Support
Shelf

21/32

1.67cm

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

6"

15.24cm

MC2KW

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Power Module B
Side View

1

"

2.54cm

14-

1/2

"

"

36.83cm

14"

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

35.56cm

Chassis
Spacers

15-

5/16

38.91cm

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Cool Air
Input

"

Ventilaton Fans

Note: The Ventilaton Fans should be capable of an
Airflow minimum of 100 Cubic Feet per Minute.

99

Main Fuse holder, refer to
information on the back
panel of the MC2KW
Output Module to deter­mine the correct fuse size
and rating

MC2KW Output Module Rear Panel Connections

OUTPUT Connections
A, B, and C for a 2 ohm
Loudspeaker

OUTPUT Connections
A, B, and C for a 4 ohm
Loudspeaker

OUTPUT Connections
A, B, and C for a 8 ohm
Loudspeaker

Connect the MC2KW
Output Module Power
Cord to a separate live
AC outlet. Refer to infor­mation on the back panel
of the MC2KW Output
Module to determine the
correct voltage for your
unit

MC2KW OUTPUT MOD­ULE (A) Connector 1 accepts
the custom McIntosh 16
Conductor Cable. This cable
attaches to the MC2KW
POWER MODULE (A) Con­nector 1. It connects the posi­tive power output signal from
the MC2KW POWER MOD­ULE to the Autoformer in­side the MC2KW OUTPUT
MODULE

MC2KW OUTPUT MODULE (A)
Connector 2 accepts the custom
McIntosh 21 Conductor Cable.
This cable attaches to the
MC2KW POWER MODULE (A)
Connector 2. It connects the posi­tive input signal, control and
power supply voltages to the
MC2KW POWER MODULE

POWER CONTROL
IN receives a turn
On/Off Trigger from
a McIntosh compo­nent. POWER CON­TROL OUT sends a
turn On/Off Trigger
to the next McIntosh
component

BALANCED INPUTS
for audio cables from a
preamplifier or control
center audio output.
BALANCED OUTPUT
to provide signal for
the next Power Ampli­fier

INPUT MODE switch
selects BALanced or
UNBALanced Inputs

UNBALANCED INput
for an audio cable from
a preamplifier or con­trol center audio out­put. UNBALANCED
OUTput provides the
input signal for the
next Power Amplifier

MC2KW OUTPUT MODULE (B)
Connector 1 accepts the custom
McIntosh 16 Conductor Cable. This
cable attaches to the MC2KW
POWER MODULE (B) Connector

1. It connects the negative power
output signal from the MC2KW
POWER MODULE to the
Autoformer inside the MC2KW
OUTPUT MODULE

Caution: The Loudspeaker

Negative Connections for
each impedance (2, 4 and
8 ohms) are above chassis
ground. Do not combine
any connections together,
ground them or connect
with another MC2KW
Power Amplifier or any
other Power Amplifier.

MC2KW OUTPUT MODULE (B)
Connector 2 accepts the custom
McIntosh 21 Conductor Cable. This
cable attaches to the MC2KW
POWER MODULE (B) Connector 2.
It connects the negative input signal,
control and power supply voltages to
the MC2KW POWER MODULE

10 10