McIntosh MC-500 Owners manual

MC500

POWER

AMPLIFIER

MC 500

POWER

AMPLIFIER

IMPORTANT

SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

ARE

TO

PROTECT

YOU AND THE

McINTOSH

INSTRUMENT.

BE SURE TO
FAMILIARIZE

YOURSELF

WITH THEM.

Copyright© 1996 by

Mclntosh Laboratory, Inc.

1. Read all instructions - Read the safety and operating instructions before operating

the instrument.

2. Retain Instructions - Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.

3. Heed warnings - Adhere to warnings and operating instructions.

4. Follow Instructions - Follow all operating and use instructions
WARNING: TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS INSTRUMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

5. Power Sources - Connect the power supply only to the type described in the

operating instructions or as marked on the unit.
6 Power Cord Protection - Route power supply 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.

7. Ventilation - Locate the instrument for proper ventilation. For example, the instrument

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.

8. Heat - Locate the instrument away from heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves, or other appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Wall or Cabinet Mounting - Mount the instrument in a wall or cabinet only as

described in the owner's manual.

10. Water and Moisture - Do not use the instrument near water - for example, near a

bathtub washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming
pool, etc.

11. Cleaning - Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Clean the panel with a

cloth moistened with a window cleaner.

12. Object and Liquid Entry - Do not permit objects to fail and liquids to spill into the

instrument through enclosure openings

13. Nonuse Periods - Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet when left

unused for a long period of time.

14. Damage Requiring Service - Service must be performed by qualified service

personnel when:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the instrument; or
C. The instrument has been exposed to rain; or
D. The instrument does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change
in performance or
E. The instrument has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

15. Servicing - Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the operating

instructions. All other service should be referred to qualified service personnel.

16. Grounding or Polarization - 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.

17. 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

2

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 A FOND ANS
EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT

IMPORTANT
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

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.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

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: 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.

THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

ARE

TO

PROTECT
YOU AND THE
McINTOSH

INSTRUMENT.

BE SURE TO

FAMILIARIZE
YOURSELF
WITH THEM.

LIGHTNING - 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.

OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

3

THANK

YOU

Your decision to own this piece of Mclntosh Stereo Equipment ranks you at the very

top among discriminating music listeners. You now have "The Best". The Mclntosh

dedication to "Quality", is assurance that you will receive thousands of hours 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 piece of Mclntosh.
This will ensure that you receive all the performance benefits this instrument can offer
you, and that it will become a highly valued part of your home music system.

The serial number and purchase date are important to you for possible insurance

claim or future service. Record this information here.

Serial Number Purchase Date

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 5

INSTALLATION 5
FRONT PANEL FEATURES 5,6
HOW TO CONNECT INPUTS 6
HOW TO CONNECT OUTPUTS 7, 8
CONNECTING DIAGRAMS 9. 10
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION 11, 12, 13
SPECIFICATIONS 14

4

The Mclntosh MC500 is a 500 watt per channel stereo power amplifier created in a stun­ning new contemporary industrial design. Two 5-1/2 inch True Power Output meters are mounted
behind the 1/2 inch thick glass front panel. The high efficiency of the MC500 circuits together
with oversize heatsinks utilizing convection cooling eliminates the need for internal cooling
fans. Typical Mclntosh attention to detail includes the use of 1% metal film resistors and
polypropylene capacitors throughout. Internal heatsink module connectors use gold plated
contacts to ensure reliable operation.

Gold plated Balanced as well as Unbalanced Input connectors ensure reliable signal transfer.

A rear panel MODE switch is also provided to change the MC500 output configuration from
a 500 watt per channel STEREO amplifier to a 1000 watt bridged mono amplifier The patented

Mclntosh Power Guard circuit in each channel eliminates the possibility of overdriving the
MC500 amplifier into clipping distortion. Mclntosh Sentry Monitor Output protection circuits

are also included. You ensure maximum amplifier reliability and long operating life with ab­solutely no sonic limitations or compromises.

Each channel is coupled to the loudspeaker loads by a Mclntosh Output Autoformer with
matched impedances of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. Each channel of the MC500 can produce a peak
current output of more than 112 amperes, the highest ever for a Mclntosh stereo power

amplifier. The MC500 can successfully drive any type of loudspeaker. With a distortion limit
of less than 0.005%, the MC500 power amplifier is absolutely transparent, ensuring total
sonic accuracy.

Mclntosh knows how to do it right.

INTRODUCTION

The Mclntosh MC500 Power Amplifier is designed as a free standing unit. It includes large

padded mounting feet which allow the amplifier to be placed on a table top, shelf or other
similar mounting surface.

Always provide adequate ventilation for the amplifier. The trouble free life of any electronic

instrument is greatly extended by providing sufficient ventilation for cool operation. Allow at
least 1-1/2 inches (3.8cm) above the heat sink area so airflow is not obstructed. The recom­mended minimum mounting depth, including clearance for connectors is, 20-1/8 inches
(51.1cm). This dimension includes the handles which extend from the front panel.

For detailed information on the operating features and circuit designs of the MC500,

please refer to the section in this manual titled TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION,

POWER LEVEL METERS

The two power output meters indicate the power output in watts of each channel of the

MC500 to an accuracy of 95%.

METER: WATTS/HOLD

In the WATTS position, the meters will respond continuously to the power output produced

by each channel.

POWER: OFF-REMOTE/ON

The OFF-REMOTE switch position allows the MC500 to be turned on remotely from a

INSTALLATION

FRONT PANEL
FEATURES

5

FRONT

PANEL

FEATURES

compatible Mclntosh Control Center by sending a signal to the MC500 POWER CONTROL
IN connector on the rear panel.

The ON position turns on the MC500 as long as its power cord is connected to a live AC

outlet.

POWER GUARD

The patented Mclntosh POWER GUARD circuit prevents the MC500 from ever being driven
into clipping. This protects you from distortion and possible speaker damage. The POWER
GUARD LED under each meter will light whenever POWER GUARD is activated, and indicates
that you are being protected.

HOW

TO

CONNECT

INPUTS

CONNECTING CABLES

Use high quality connecting cables. Your Mclntosh dealer can advise you on the types

and lengths of cables that will work best in your installation.

The MC500 has input facilities for both Balanced and Unbalanced cables. Use either

type of input, but not both at the same time.

STEREO

Set the rear panel MODE Switch to the STEREO position.

STEREO UNBALANCED INPUTS

Connect shielded cables with RCA type connectors from the outputs of a Preamplifier, Con-

trol Center or similar accessory unit to the Unbalanced Inputs of the MC500

STEREO BALANCED INPUTS

It is possible for unbalanced interconnecting cables to pick up interference from other equip­ment, AC cables or electrical appliances. Using Balanced cables will provide an additional

40dB of protection against such hum or noise interference.

If two MC500 amplifiers are used in Bridged Mono as a stereo pair, use the Balanced In­puts to avoid the possibility of ground loop hum pickup,

Use 2 conductor shielded cable with XLR type connectors. The MC500 Balanced Input

connectors are Female, requiring a Male connector plug.

Pin Configuration for the MC500 Balanced XLR Input Connectors:

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

R/BRIDGED (MONO)

Set the rear panel MODE Switch to the BRIDGED position. Only the R/BRIDGED
(RIGHT) channel Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs are used in BRIDGED Mono
configuration.

R/BRIDGED (MONO) UNBALANCED INPUT

Connect a shielded cable with an RCA type connector to the R/BRIDGED (RIGHT) UN-

BALANCED Input on the MC500.

R/BRIDGED (MONO) BALANCED INPUT

Connect a 2 conductor shielded cable with an XLR connector to the R/BRIDGED (RIGHT)
BALANCED Input on the MC500.

6

SPEAKER CABLES

Use high quality cables, since this is an important link in your stereo system.
Selection of the proper size and type of speaker cable is necessary for you to receive
the best possible performance from your amplifier and loudspeaker combination. The
high power output capability of the MC500 requires heavy gauge cable to handle the
current requirements. A size of 14 gauge or heavier is recommended. Your Mclntosh
dealer can advise you on the type of cable that will work best in your installation.

STEREO OUTPUTS

The MC500 incorporates the legendary Mclntosh designed and manufactured
Output Autoformers, to ensure peak performance, speaker protection and outstanding
amplifier-loudspeaker compatibility The MC500 Autoformer used on each channel has
three different output impedance connections for optimum matching to the particular
loudspeakers, or combination of loudspeakers being used. The following table will help
determine which impedance connection will be best for your loudspeakers. You may
find it desirable to consult your Mclntosh dealer or the manufacturer of your loudspeaker
for further information on the correct impedance to use.

HOW

TO
CONNECT
OUTPUTS

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
IN OHMS

2 to 4 ohms
4 to 8 ohms
8 ohms and up

Connect cables from each loudspeaker Common or Minus terminal to the MC500.
COM (Common) POWER OUTPUT terminals. Connect cables from each loudspeaker
Hot or Plus terminal to the desired MC500 2, 4, or 8 (L and R) STEREO POWER
OUTPUT terminals

Most loudspeakers have their input terminals both marked and color coded. Usually
the Common or (-) terminal is BLACK: and the Hot or (+) terminal is RED.

The MC500 Output signals are IN PHASE with the Input signals.

The actual load impedance of some loudspeakers may drop below the specified
impedance at some points in the audio frequency range. This will be no problem. The
high current output of the MC500 will produce the extra current necessary to properly
drive the loudspeaker under these conditions.

If the impedance of a loudspeaker system is higher than 8 ohms, no change in the
quality of performance will occur. The available power output directed to the
loudspeakers will simply be slightly less.

MC500 AMPLIFIER OUTPUT

TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

COM and 2 (L and R)
COM and 4 (L and R)
COM and 8 (L and R)

BRIDGED (MONO) OUTPUT

In BRIDGED Mono configuration the outputs of the two channels of the MC500
will combine to produce 1000 watts. All performance specifications for the stereo
configuration will be exactly the same in BRIDGED Mono configuration, but with
double the power. In BRIDGED Mono Configuration, only the BRIDGED Output
terminals marked +4, +8, +16, -4, -8, and -16 are used. The COM (Common)
terminals are not used.

7

HOW

TO

CONNECT

OUTPUTS

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE

IN OHMS
4 to 8 ohms
8 to 16 ohms

16 ohms and up

To maintain the MC500 Output signal IN PHASE with the Input signal, connect the

Common or minimum (-) loudspeaker cable to an MC500 Minus (-) L BRIDGED

OUTPUT impedance terminal, and the Hot or (+) cable to an MC500 PLUS (+) R
BRIDGED OUTPUT impedance terminal

IMPORTANT
BE SURE TO REPLACE THE PROTECTIVE POWER OUTPUT TERMINAL COVER

AFTER THE LOUDSPEAKERS ARE CONNECTED. THE MC500 CAN DELIVER
MORE THAN 126 VOLTS FROM THE BRIDGED (MONO) +16 AND -16 TERMINALS,

WHICH CAN BE A SHOCK HAZARD.

HOW TO CONNECT AC POWER

The MC500 is designed to operate on 120 volts 50/60Hz AC current. Power
consumption is rated at 12 amperes UL/CSA. This current requirement applies when the
amplifier is being used for typical music reproduction. The MC500 will draw higher
current with steady test tone signals.

Plug the MC500 into a dedicated AC output with a 15 ampere or higher current
capacity Turn the front panel POWER Switch ON or OFF as needed

BRIDGED MC500 OUTPUT

TERMINAL CONNECTIONS

+4 and -4
+8 and -8

+ 16 and -16

POWER CONTROL IN/OUT

The MC500 can be turned ON and OFF remotely by means of a DC POWER
CONTROL signal from a compatible Mclntosh Control Center or Power Amplifier.
Connect a cable from the POWER CONTROL OUT on the accessory Mclntosh unit, to
the POWER CONTROL IN on the MC500. When the accessory unit is turned on, the
Power Control signal will then turn on the MC500. The POWER CONTROL OUT on the
MC500 will feed the same turn on control signal out, time delayed, to an additional
Mclntosh Power Amplifier or compatible accessory.

When a pair of MC500 amplifiers are configured in BRIDGED (Mono) for a stereo
system, connect a cable from the Control Center POWER CONTROL OUT to the
POWER CONTROL IN on one of the MC500 amplifiers. Connect a second cable from
the first MC500 POWER CONTROL IN. Connect the power cord of each MC500 to a
separate dedicated 15 ampere outlet.

A POWER CONTROL cable uses single conductor shielded wire with 1/8 inch
mini phone plugs on each end. Connections are to the sleeve and tip of each plug.

DO NOT PLUG THE MC500 POWER CORD INTO THE BACK PANEL AC OUTLET
OF A PREAMPLIFIER, CONTROL CENTER OR SIMILAR ACCESSORY. PLUG THE
CORD DIRECTLY INTO A WALL SOCKET OR HEAVY DUTY AC POWER STRIP OR
RELAY.

8

POWER

CONTROL

POWER CONTROL OUT

TO POWER CONTROL IN

CONNECTING DIAGRAM

BRIDGED (MONO)

CONTROL CENTER

WITH BALANCED OUTPUT

BALANCED OUTPUT

FROM PREAMPLIFIER

TO R/BALANCED

MC500 INPUT

CONNECTING

DIAGRAMS

TO DEDICATED

15 AMPERE

OUTLET

8 OHM

LOUDSPEAKER

SET MODE SWITCH

TO BRIDGED

TO DEDICATED

15 AMPERE

OUTLET

SET MODE SWITCH

TO BRIDGED

8 OHM

LOUDSPEAKER

9

CONNECTING

DIAGRAMS

CONNECTING DIAGRAM

STEREO

CONTROL CENTER

WITH BALANCED OUTPUT

POWER

CONTROL

BALANCED

INPUTS

4 OHM

LOUDSPEAKER

TO DEDICATED

15 AMPERE

OUTLET

SET MODE SWITCH

TO STEREO

4 OHM

LOUDSPEAKER

10

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The design philosophy incorporated in the MC500 involved many different techniques, all

based on sound scientific logic. Every stage of voltage or current amplification is designed

to be as linear as possible. Negative feedback is then utilized to enhance the performance.

Mclntosh engineers know how to properly design negative feedback circuits so they con­tribute to the extremely low distortion performance expected from a Mclntosh amplifier. The
typical Mclntosh owner would never accept the approximately 100 times higher distortion
of many so called non-feedback designs.

All transistors are selected to have nearly constant current gain (Beta) over the entire cur-

rent range they must cover. Output transistors in particular, must have matched uniform
current gain, high current-bandwidth product and large active region safe operating area.

Resistors and capacitors in the signal path are carefully selected to have exceedingly low
voltage coefficients, (change of resistance or reactance with applied voltage). Precision metal
film resistors, low dielectric absorption film capacitors and premium audio grade electrolytics
are used in all critical circuit locations.

PROTECTION CIRCUITS

Some power amplifier manufacturers claim that their products do not need or do not use
protection circuits and that such circuits compromise performance. Mclntosh feels that pro­tection circuits are desirable and necessary to prevent amplifier or loudspeaker damage due
to abnormal circumstances. The genius of Mclntosh engineering has resulted in protection
circuits which do not effect or compromise the normal performance of a power amplifier.

Six different types of protection circuits are incorporated in the MC500 to insure it a long,
safe and trouble free operating life. This is just one of the characteristics of Mclntosh power
amplifiers that have made them world famous. The SENTRY MONITOR circuit is a good
example.

TECHNICAL

DESCRIPTION

SENTRY MONITOR CIRCUIT

All power transistors have limits for the maximum amount of power they can handle. The

MC500 output transistors and power supply have been designed to allow very high current
flow into properly matched load impedances. However, if a short circuit or very low load im­pedance were connected to the MC500 outputs, destructive current levels could be reached
if it was not controlled by the Mclntosh SENTRY MONITOR circuit. This circuit senses the
dynamic operating time, voltage and current of the output stage, and controls it to safe
operating limits. The SENTRY MONITOR circuit does not limit the power output available from
the amplifier.

There is absolutely no compromise in sonic performance and it ensures safe operation

of the amplifier under even the most extreme operating conditions.

THERMAL CONTROL

All power transistors have limits to the maximum amount of heat they can safely tolerate.
The MC500 uses a highly efficient amplifying circuit which produces relatively little heat from
the power transistors for the output power produced. The amplifier uses large area heat sinks
with an area of more than 2800 square inches to efficiently dissipate the transistor heat. Natural
convection air flow is sufficient for safe cool operation. Cooling fans are not required.

If the cooling air is blocked, or the amplifier operating temperature is forced too high, ther­mal cutout switches will turn off the AC power to the amplifier. When the problem is corrected
and the amplifier cools to its normal operating temperature, the AC power will turn back on.

11

TECHNICAL

DESCRIPTION

POWER GUARD

The MC500 includes the unique patented Mclntosh POWER GUARD circuit on each chan­nel. POWER GUARD eliminates the possibility of ever overdriving the amplifier into clipping.
Clipping occurs when an amplifier is overdriven past its output design capabilities. An over­driven amplifier can produce both audible and ultrasonic distortion levels approaching 40%.

The audible distortion is certainly unpleasant, but the ultrasonic distortion is also undesirable,
since it can damage tweeter loudspeakers.

The Mclntosh POWER GUARD circuit acts as a waveform comparator, monitoring both the

input and output signal waveforms. Under normal operating conditions there are no differences
between these waveforms. When an amplifier is overdriven beyond its maximum distortion
free output, there will be a difference between the two signal waveforms. If the difference
exceeds 0.3% (equivalent to 0.3% harmonic distortion), the amber POWER GUARD indicator
will light. If the difference continues to increase, the POWER GUARD circuit controls an elec­tronic attenuator at the input of the amplifier to reduce the gain just enough to prevent any
further increase in distortion. Distortion will not exceed 2% with as much as 14dB overdrive.
Without POWER GUARD, the distortion could easily reach 40% for the same operating
conditions.

A Mclntosh power amplifier with POWER GUARD will always deliver its maximum distortion-

free output. This power is always well above the rated power due to the Mclntosh philosophy
of conservative design. You will never experience the harsh and damaging distortion due to
clipping when using a Mclntosh MC500 amplifier with POWER GUARD.

THE VERSATILE McINTOSH OUTPUT AUTOFORMER

All transistor power output circuits work best into what is called an optimum load. Depend-

ing on the number and configuration of transistors used, this optimum load may vary con­siderably from what a loudspeaker requires. In the case of more than one loudspeaker con­nected in parallel, the impedance load reflected to the power amplifier may drop to two ohms
or even less.

A power amplifier connected to a load that is lower than optimum causes extra current
to flow and extra heating of the power transistors. This means the amplifier will run much
hotter, with a corresponding reduction in operating life.

The output signals from the two channels in the MC500 are coupled into the autoforrner
at the point on the windings that is an optimum impedance match for the transistors in the
output circuit. The MC500 amplifier output circuits are always operating at their highest possi­ble efficiency.

The MC500 autoformers include output impedance taps for exact loudspeaker matches

of 2 ohms. 4 ohms and 8 ohms. Loudspeaker performance will always be at its best Any

Mclntosh power amplifier with an autoformer is especially well suited for stereo installations

that require multiple speakers, since it is possible to have a very close impedance match.

The frequency response of a Mclntosh autoformer exceeds that of the output circuit itself,

and extends well beyond the audio range. Its distortion level is so low it is virtually impossible
to measure. The Mclntosh Autoformer is quite simply a significant engineering advance in
power amplifier performance and reliability. The unequaled expertise of Mclntosh in the design
and manufacturing of autoformers is legendary in the high fidelity industry.

In the rare event of output circuit failure, the Mclntosh autoformer will conduct any speaker

damaging DC (direct current), directly to circuit ground. This will protect your valuable
loudspeakers from possible damage.

12

TRUE POWER OUTPUT WATT METERS

Two illuminated 5-1/2 inch WATT meters are provided on the MC500 front panel. The meters
are peak responding and their circuits are constantly reading both voltage and current
delivered to the loudspeaker loads. The load impedance of a loudspeaker may differ at various
parts of the audio frequency range, resulting in a change of output current requirements.

The MC500 meters react to these changing current and voltage conditions and indicate the

true amplifier power output of each channel at all times.

in the METER WATTS position, the meters respond to the musical information and read
the amplifier output of each channel on a continuous basis. In the METER HOLD position
the meters will lock to the highest power peak in a sequence of peaks. If no higher power
peaks are reached the meter pointers will slowly return to the lower power level. If the music
stops, the meter pointers will return to the rest position. The meter pointer decay rate is ap-

proximately 6dB per minute. The MC500 output meters are extremely accurate, and will res-

pond to 95% of full scale, with only a single cycle of a 2,000Hz tone burst.

The upper scale on the meters is calibrated in average watts power, and the lower scale

in decibels. The meter calibration lines reading from right to left, starting at the 500 watt

indication are as follows:

500
200

100

50
20
10

5
2

1

(Indicated)

(Indicated)

(Indicated)

0.5

0.2

0.1

0.05

0.02

0.01

0.005

0.002

0.001

(Indicated)

(Indicated)

(Indicated)

TECHNICAL

DESCRIPTION

Two additional calibration marks above 500 watts are on the meters. The first mark is 1000
watts (+ 3dB), and the second mark is 2000 watts (+ 6dB) The amplifier cannot produce
a continuous 2000 watts of power, but can produce well above 500 watts on program peaks,
especially into lower impedance loads.

In MONO operation, the two meters will read identical power levels. The total mono power

output of the amplifier will be the sum of these readings.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Heavy duty high current gold plated output terminals will accept speaker cables up to 0.204
inches (5.18mm) in diameter. It is easy to connect speakers using any of the currently popular
speaker cables

Both Balanced as well as an Unbalanced input jacks are provided for complete flexibility

in any installation.

13

SPECIFICATIONS

POWER OUTPUT

500 watts per channel into an 8, 4 or 2
ohm load is the minimum sine wave con­tinuous average power output

1000 watts Mono into a 16, 8 or 4 ohm
load is the minimum sine wave continuous
average power output

RATED POWER BAND

20Hz to 20,000Hz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at
any level from 250 milliwatts to rated power
output

DYNAMIC HEADROOM

2.1dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

+ 0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+ 0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100.000Hz

INPUT SENSITIVITY

2.2 volts, Stereo Balanced and
Unbalanced

2.2 volts, Mono Balanced

3.2 volts, Mono Unbalanced

INTERMODULATION DISTORTION,
SMPTE

0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak
power output does not exceed twice the out­put rating

WIDE BAND DAMPING FACTOR

200 at 8 ohm output

INPUT IMPEDANCE

10,000 ohms

POWER GUARD

Clipping is prevented and THD does not
exceed 2% with up to 14dB overdrive at
1000HZ

POWER REQUIREMENTS

120 volts. 50/60Hz, 12 amperes UL/CSA

SIZE

17-1/4 inches (43.8cm) W, 10-3/8 inches
(26.4cm) H, 20-1/3 inches (51.1cm) D. in­cluding front handles

WEIGHT

114 pounds (51.7Kg) net, 127 pounds

(57.6Kg) shipping

A-WEIGHTED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO

85dB (115dB below rated output)

14

04043200