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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
MC830
Power Amplier
Owner’s Manu al
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The MC830 Power Amplifier is the latest McIntosh
accomplishment in long tradition of uncompromising
quality and leadership in sound amplification. Combining
the latest cutting edge technology with a proven history of
innovation, the MC830 will provide you an unsurpassed
sonic experience.
Thank you from all of us at
McIntosh
With the MC830 Amplier, you have invested in a
precision instrument that will provide you with many
years of enjoyment. Please take a few moments to
familiarize yourself with the features and instructions
to get the maximum performance from your equipment.
If you need further technical assistance, please contact
your dealer who may be more familiar with your
particular setup including other brands. You can also
contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the
unlikely event of needing service.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Technical Assistance: (607) 723-3512
Customer Service: (607) 723-3515
Fax: (607) 724-0549
Email: support@mcintoshlabs.com
Website: mcintoshlabs.com
Make a Note
For future reference, you can jot down your serial
number and purchase information here. We can
identify your purchase from this information if the
occasion should arise.
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name
Safety First
Important Safety Information is
supplied in a separate document
“Important Additional Operation
Information Guide”
Copyright 2020 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc
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Table of Contents
List of Figures
Thank you from all of us at McIntosh ........................ 2
Make a Note ................................................................ 2
Safety First .................................................................. 2
Where to put it ............................................................ 4
Connection Diagram .........................................5
Connections on the Back ............................................ 6
The Inputs ......................................................... 6
The Outputs ......................................................6
Making Connections ...................................................6
Pick an Input ..................................................... 6
Connecting a Loudpeaker ................................. 6
The Speaker Wire ............................................. 7
Connecting to the Binding Posts ...................... 7
Auto Off ............................................................ 8
Sentry Monitor ............................................................ 8
The Front Panel ........................................................... 8
The Left Knob .................................................. 8
The Meter ..........................................................8
The Right Knob ................................................ 8
The Power Guard® LED ................................... 8
The Standby LED ............................................. 8
Packing the MC830 ................................................... 10
Specifications ........................................................... 11
Figure 01– MC830 Dimensions ..............................4
Figure 02– Ventilation requirements ......................4
Figure 03– MC830 Rear View ................................6
Figure 04– RCA Connector ....................................6
Figure 05– XLR Connector ....................................6
Figure 06– XLR pin diagram .................................7
Figure 07– Loudspeaker Wire Gauge Guide ..........7
Figure 08– Opening Binding Post ..........................7
Figure 09– Tightening Binding Post ......................7
Figure 10– Mini plug for Power Control (Trigger) . 7
Figure 11– Front Panel ............................................9
Figure 12– Re-packing diagram ........................... 10
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Where to put it
Front View of the MC830
The MC830 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.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MC830.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install
the MC830 directly above other heat generating
component such as a high-powered amplier. If all
the components are installed in a single cabinet, a
quiet running ventilation fan can be a denite 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 (See Figure 02 on page 4):
• 6 inches (15.3cm) above the top
• 5/8 inches (1.6cm) below the bottom
• 2 inches (5.1cm) on each side of the MC830 so
that airow is not obstructed
• 18 inches (45.7cm) depth behind the front panel
• 1-7/16 inch (3.7cm) in front of the mounting
panel for knob clearance
6"
15.3cm
2"
5.1cm
2"
5.1cm
MC 83 0 PO WE R A MP LI FI ER
INPUT
HEADPHONES
PUSH - TRIM PUSH - POWER
9-3/8"
23.8cm
12-9/32"
31.2cm
MC830 POWER AMPLIFIER
McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY
HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS
INPUT MODE AUTO OFF PWR CONTROLBALANCED IN
UNBALANCED IN
OUTPUT
CLASS 2 WIRING
//
POWER GUARD
VOLUME
DISENAUNBALBAL
IN
OUT
120V ~ 50/60Hz
6A
POWER GUARD
"
9-1/2
24.1cm
8-7/8 "
22.5cm
12-3/4 "
32.4cm
T8AL 250V
15-7/8"
40.3cm
MC8 30 PO WE R A MP LI FI ER
INPUT
HEADPHONES
PUSH - TRIM PUSH - POWER
18"
45.7cm
VOLUME
6"
15.3cm
Side View of the MC830
Rear View of the MC830
Figure 01– MC830 Dimensions
Figure 02– Ventilation requirements
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Connecon Diagram
Since the MC830 is a mono amplier, a stereo
setup will require two MC830 ampliers. Connect
one MC830 to the right preamplier output and
right Loudspeaker and one MC830 to the left
preamplier output and left Loudspeaker as shown
here.
Power Control
(Trigger) Cable
MC830 POWER AMPLIFIER
McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY
HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS
Loudspeaker
(Left)
-
+
Preamplifier with Left
Unbalanced Output connected
to the MC830. Balanced can be
used as well.
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UNBALANCED IN
INPUT MODE AUTO OFF PWR CONTROLBALANCED IN
/
OUTPUT
CLASS 2 WIRING
Set the INPUT MODE switch
to the type of connection to the
Preamplifier used.
DISENAUNBALBAL
IN
OUT
120V ~ 50/60Hz
6A
FUSE
T8AL 250V
PUSH
Be careful to maintain Polarity.
This is the Positive (+) Speaker
Cable.
Connect to AC Outlet
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Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts
Positive and Negative terminals for
connecting 4 or 8 Ohm Loudspeakers.
Pay attention to the polarity labeled + and -
INPUT MODE Switch
Selects Balanced or Unbalanced Input
to amplify
Unbalanced Input
(UNBALANCED IN) for an RCA cable
from a Preamplier or A/V Processor
audio output
Balanced Input
(BALANCED IN) for an XLR cable from
a Preamplier or A/V Processor audio
output
Figure 03– MC830 Rear View
UNBALANCED IN
MC830 POWER AMPLIFIER
McINTOSH LABORATORY, INC., BINGHAMTON, NY
HANDCRAFTED IN USA WITH US AND IMPORTED PARTS
INPUT MODE AUTO OFF PWR CONTROLBALANCED IN
/
OUTPUT
CLASS 2 WIRING
DISENAUNBALBAL
IN
OUT
120V ~ 50/60Hz
6A
AUTO OFF Switch
Enables (ENA) or Disables (DIS) the
Auto Off feature. When enabled the
MC830 will Power Off if no input is
recieved for 30 minutes. (When Power
Control Knob is in the ON position)
POWER CONTROL
IN receives power On/Off signals from a McIntosh
component
OUT sends power On/Off signals to a connected
McIntosh component
Fuse Holder
Look at the back panel of your MC830 to
determine the correct fuse size and rating
FUSE
T8AL 250V
PUSH
and refer to the included Important Additional
Operation Information Guide for more information
AC POWER
Use supplied AC Power Cord to connect to a
live AC outlet after other connections have been
made
Connecons on the Back
The Inputs
One UNBALANCED input- RCA Jack
One BALANCED XLR input
One 1/8-inch jack Power Control (trigger) Input
One AC power connector
The Outputs
Two McIntosh gold plated Binding Posts
One 1/8-inch jack Power Control (trigger) Output
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Making Connecons
Pick an Input
Choose the type of Input connection you wish to
use either BALANCED (XLR cable see Figure 05)
or UNBALANCED (RCA cable see Figure 04).
Set the INPUT MODE Switch to the type of Input
you wish to use. Slide the Switch towards BAL for
the BALANCED IN connection or UNBAL for the
UNBALANCED IN connection.
Using the cable appropriate to the Input you have
chosen, connect the MC830 to your Preamplier.
Typically, the mono MC830 will be used in pairs
for a stereo setup. If this is the case, pay attention to
Figure 04– RCA Connector
Figure 05– XLR Connector
which MC830 is connected to the left and which is
connected to the right output of the Preamplier.
“Figure 06– XLR pin diagram” on page 7 shows
the proper Pin conguration for an XLR Balanced
connection to the MC830.
Connecng a Loudpeaker
The MC830 is designed to power a four or eight
Ohm Loudspeaker. You will need quality speaker
wire.
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PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal
PIN 3: - Signal
PIN 1
Figure 06– XLR pin diagram
PIN 3
PIN 2
The Speaker Wire
If speaker wire is not already terminated, remove
½ inch (12.7mm) of insulation from the wire end
and twist the strands together. For runs under 25
feet (7.6m), use at least 16AWG wire. For runs
under 50 feet (15.2m) use at least 14AWG, and for
longer runs up to 100 feet (30.5m), use 12AWG.
12AWG, being the larger wire, can be used in all
the above cases if desired. The above guidelines
are for 8 Ohm connections. When using 4 Ohm
speaker connections, subtract 2 from the gauge. For
example, a minimum gauge for a 50 foot 4 Ohm run
would be 12AWG. For guide, see Figure 07.
Generally, thicker gauge wire is better than thinner
until it doesn’t t in the Binding Post’s hole.
Loudspeaker Wire Gauge Guide
Impedance 25 feet
(7.62
meters)
or less
4 Ohms
8 Ohms
Figure 07– Loudspeaker Wire Gauge Guide
14AWG 12AWG 10AWG
16AWG 14AWG 12AWG
50 feet
(15.24
meters)
or less
100 feet
(30.48
meters)
or less
Connecng to the Binding Posts
McIntosh patented gold-plated Solid Cinch™
Speaker Binding posts assure the best connection to
all speaker cables.
When connecting the speaker wire to the MC830’s
Binding Posts, please follow these steps:
• Make sure AC Power is disconnected
• Pay close attention to the Polarity (+/-).
Proper Polarity must be maintained for all
connections
• Rotate the end of the Binding Post Post
counterclockwise until an opening appears
(see Figure 09).
Figure 08– Opening Binding Post
• Insert the Loudspeaker hookup cable into the
Binding Post’s opening or the cable spade lug
around the center post of the Binding Post
(see Figure 09).
• Rotate the end of the Binding Post clockwise
until it is nger tight
• Attach the supplied McIntosh Wrench to
the top of the Binding Post using either set
of three prongs. One set of three prongs is
at the very end of the Wrench and the other
set is located 90° from there. Either set will
work. Fit the prongs in the holes on the top
of the Binding Post. The larger prong will
t in the center hole. Rotate the Binding
Post one quarter of a turn (90°) to secure the
Loudspeaker cable connection (see Figure
10). Do not over tighten
Top View
Figure 09–
Tightening Binding Post
Power Control (Trigger) Outputs
Power Control allows the MC830 to send (OUT)
and receive (IN) On/Off signals to/from other
McIntosh equipment. In this way, powering on or
powering off a single component can do the same
for multiple units.
The Power Control Input Jack (PWR CONTROL
IN) accepts an On/Off signal from +5 to +12 volts.
The Power Control Output will provide a +12 volt
signal with a total current up to 25 mA. Connections
are made using an 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug
with the following wiring:
Power
Control
Meter
Illumination
Control
Figure 10– Mini plug for Power Control (Trigger)
The MC830’s Meter Light can be controlled by a
connected McIntosh Preamplier connected through
Ground
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the PWR CONTROL IN jack. When the Meter
Control Knob is in the WATTS or HOLD position,
“The Left Knob” on page 8, the MC830 will
follow an On or Off signal for the Meter light from
a connected Preamplier (or A/V Control Center).
AC Power
This connection is essential. Plug the female end of
the supplied AC Power Cord into the AC connector
(standard 15 ampere IEC) located in the rear right
corner of the MC830. Plug the male end of the AC
Power Cord into a grounded and functioning AC
outlet.
Auto O
This switch Enables (ENA) or Disables (DIS) the
Auto Off feature. When the Auto Off feature is
enabled the MC830 will Power Off if no input is
recieved for 30 minutes if the Power Control Knob
(Right Knob) is in the ON position. When the
Power Control Knob is in the REMOTE position,
the MC830 will follow the power status of the unit
connected to the PWR CONTROL IN jack.
Sentry Monitor
The MC830 incorporates McIntosh’s patented
Sentry Monitor output transistor protection circuit.
Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against
overheating. There is absolutely no compromise in
sonic performance with this circuit, and it ensures
safe operation of the amplier under even the most
extreme operating conditions, and contributes to a
long safe operating life of the MC830.
The Front Panel
The MC830’s glass and metal Front Panel provides
two control knobs and an Illuminated Power Meter.
There are also two status indicator LEDs.
The Le Knob
The Left Knob is also called the Meter Control
Knob. The Meter Control Knob has three switch
positions:
• LIGHTS OFF- the Meter light will be off.
The Meter will still respond to output
• WAT TS - the Meter responds to all output and
the Meter Light is on unless controlled by
another unit as noted below
• HOLD- the Meter needle will lock on
the highest peak in a series of peaks. When
a higher peak is reached, the needle will
hold that value. If no greater power level
is reached, the needle will lower its level
at a rate of approximately 6dB per minute
returning to a lower power peak or resting
position
Note that when in the WATTS or HOLD position,
the Meter Light will be powered On or Off by a
Preamplier (or A/V Control Center) connected
by a Power Control Cable if that unit has Power
Control capabilities.
The Meter
The MC830’s Meter provides an accurate
measurement of power to safely know what wattage
is sent to the attached speakers, and thus, providing
the knowledge to avoid any potential damage
caused by exceeding the speaker’s power limitation.
The top numbers show the MC830’s output in Watts
for an 8 Ohm connected Loudspeaker. The bottom
numbers are for a 4 Ohm connected Loudspeaker.
A logarithmic scale is used to provide visibly useful
movement at low volumes.
The Right Knob
The Right Knob is also known as the Power
Control Knob. The Power Control Knob has three
switch positions:
• OFF- the MC830 will Power Off no matter
what signal may be received from a unit
connected by a Power Control cable
• REMOTE- the MC830 can be powered On
and Off by a Preamplier or A/V Control Center
connected by a Power Control Cable. ( See “Power
Control (Trigger) Outputs” on page 7.)
• ON- this position will Power the MC830 On
The Power Guard® LED
Power Guard® continuously monitors input and
output signals and can dynamically adjust input
levels to insure maximum output while avoiding
harsh clipping or distortion. Patented Power
Guard® technology allows its circuitry to remain
completely outside the signal path unless needed.
When Power Guard is engaged, the effect is very
subtle especially when compared with clipping and
distortion of other overdriven Ampliers.
Power Guard’s amber LED indicates by ashing
when Power Guard® is engaged.
The Standby LED
The Standby LED will glow red anytime the MC830
is connected to a live AC outlet.
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Illuminated Power Meter
Left Knob (aka Meter
Control Knob)
Power Guard Indicator LED
Standby Indicator LED
Right Knob (aka Power
Control Knob)
Figure 11– Front Panel
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Packing the MC830
When shipping the MC830, it is highly recommended
that the unit be packed as it was originally shipped to
avoid damage. Failure to properly pack the unit will
likely result in damage. (The front panel is made of
glass!) If you need any of the packing material, you
can contact McIntosh Customer Service. Use only
packing material that is in good condition and replace
any material that has seen better days.
It is very important that the four plastic feet are
properly placed in the holes of the Foam Bottom
Pad. This will ensure the proper equipment location
for shipping. Failure to do this will result in shipping
damage.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 034661 Shipping carton only
1 034654 Foam Pad Bottom
1 034660 Foam Top Cover
1 033656 Foam Ring
1 033657 Foam Upper Ring
1 034659 Foam Ring
1 034655 Foam Top Pad
Foam
Top Pad
Foam Ring
MC830
Foam
Upper Ring
Foam Ring
Accessory
Foam
Top Cover
Foam Pad
Bottom
Shipping
Carton
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Figure 12– Re-packing diagram
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Specifications
Power Output
300 watts into 8 Ohm load
480 watts into 4 Ohm load
Output Load Impedance
4 or 8 Ohm
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dynamic Headroom
2dB
Wide Band Damping Factor
Greater than 100
Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power
level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to
20,000Hz
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power
output does not exceed twice the rated power output for
any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Signal To Noise Ratio (A Weighted)
120dB Balanced (below rated output)
118dB Unbalanced (below rated output)
Input Sensitivity (for 300 watts in 8 Ohms)
3.4 Volts Balanced
1.7 Volts Unbalanced
Power Guard
Less than 2% Total Harmonic Distortion with up to a
14dB overdrive signal
Power Control Input
5-15VDC, less than 1mA
Power Control Output
12VDC, 25mA (Delayed 0.2 seconds from power on)
Power Requirements
100 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 7.2 Amps
110 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 6.0 Amps
120 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 6.0 Amps
127 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 3.7 Amps
220 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 3.3 Amps
230 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 3.3 Amps
240 Volts ~ 50/60Hz at 3.3 Amps
Standby, less than 0.5 watt
Refer to the rear panel of the MC830 for the correct
voltage.
Overall Dimensions
Width is 12-9/32 inches (31.2cm)
Height is 9-1/2 inches (24.1cm) including feet
Depth is 16 inches (40.6cm)
Weig ht
48 pounds (21.8Kg) net, 55 pounds (24.9Kg) in
shipping carton
Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 20-3/8 inches (51.8cm)
Height is 13-1/4 inches (33.7cm)
Depth is 16-1/4 inches (41.3cm)
VoltageGa i n
29dB
Input Impedance
22,000 Ohms Balanced
22,000 Ohms Unbalanced
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The continuous improvement of its products is the
policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who
reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.
McIntosh Part No. 24110400
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