Power Amplifier
MC501
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.
2
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh MC501 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: 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
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 3
Connector Information ..................................................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation ........................................................................ 6
Top Panel Connections and Switch .................................. 7
How to Connect ................................................................ 8
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 10
How to Operate............................................................... 11
Technical Description ..................................................... 12
Notes ............................................................................... 16
Specifications ................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 19
Important Information
Caution: The MC501 Amplifier weight is 91.5 pounds (41.5
kilograms). It requires two or more persons to
safely handle when moving the amplifier.
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 MC501.
3. The MC501 mutes the speaker output 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:
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 the MC501 over heats, due to improper
ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection
circuits will activate. The Power Guard LED will stay ON and
the audio will be muted. When the MC501 has returned to a
safe operating temperature, normal operation will resume.
6. The MC501 incorporates 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 MC501.
Copyright 2003 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Connector Information
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the MC501. Refer to the diagram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input
PIN 3: - Input
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The MC501’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.
Pin 2
Positive
Pin 1
Pin 3
N/C
Ground
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC501 Power Amplifier. The
500 watt high current output will drive any high quality
Loudspeaker System to its ultimate performance. The
MC501 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
Performance Features
• Power Output
The MC501 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of 500
watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005%
distortion.
••
• Full Balanced Quad-Differential Circuitry
••
The MC501 is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. It
consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in
push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIntosh
Autoformer. The double balanced configuration cancels
virtually all distortion.
••
• Patented Autoformers
••
The McIntosh designed and manufactured Output
Autoformer provides an ideal match between the amplifier
output stage and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The
Autoformer also provides perfect DC protection for your
valuable Loudspeaker.
harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable
Loudspeaker.
••
Patented Sentry Monitor with Thermal Protection
•
••
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MC501 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 MC501 Power Amplifier from a McIntosh
Audio/Video Control Center or Preamplifier. If any additional McIntosh Power Amplifiers are part of the system, a
delayed Power Control Output Trigger is available. This
delayed trigger reduces the strain on the house’s electrical
wiring and protection devices.
••
• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
••
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
••
• Illuminated Power Meter
••
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the MC501
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. The Front Panel 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 with a
three dimensional look and the Stainless Steel Chassis with
Super Mirror Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the
MC501 will be retained for many years.
••
• Patented Power Guard
••
The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the
amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its
4
Connector Information, Introduction, Performance Features and Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MC501. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MC501
into cabinets.
Front View of the MC501
17-
1/2
44.45cm
16-
13/16
42.70cm
"
8-
13/16
"
7
/16
22.38cm
9-
23.97cm
"
"
Rear View of the MC501
Side View of the MC501
13-
1/4
33.66cm
14-
36.83cm
"
1/2
"
13-
5/8
34.61cm
"
8-
1/8
"
20.64cm
8-
3/16
21.11cm
"
7/8"
2.22cm
9-
1/2
"
24.13cm
1-
1/16
2.70cm
"
5
Installation
Caution: The MC501 Amplifier weight is 91.5 pounds (41.5
kilograms). It requires two or more persons to
safely handle when moving the amplifier.
The MC501 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. The
four feet may be removed
from the bottom of the
MC501 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 MC501 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 MC501.
Cool operation ensures the
longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
MC501 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.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation.
Allow at least 6 inches
(15.24 cm) above the top, 2
inches (3.81cm) below the
bottom and 1 inch (2.54 cm)
on each side of the amplifier,
so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 16 inches
MC501 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
Opening
for Ventilation
MC501 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MC501 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
(40.64 cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 1-3/16
inches (3.02 cm) 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
Alternate Rear Foot Location
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Support
Shelf
Cutout Opening
for Custom Mounting
6"
15.24cm
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
1
-1/4
"
3.18cm
11-
1/2
"
29.21cm
14-
3/8
"
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
36.51cm
Installation
8-
5
/16
"
21.11cm
6
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