McIntosh McAire Owners Manual

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

McAire

Integrated Audio System

Owner’s Manual

The lightning ash 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 sufcient 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 appa-

ratus (including ampliers) 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

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

third grounding prong. The wide blade or the

third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not t 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 specied by

the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manu-

facturer, 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 qualied service person­nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-

To prevent the risk of electric

shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts

inside.

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 lled

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. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such

as sunshine, re or the like.

19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a

mains socket outlet with a protective earthing

connection.

20. Warning: The Ethernet connector of this

equipment must not be directly connected
to a public network. Connection is to be
made only by way of a modem or router ap­proved for this purpose.

2

Trademark and License Information

FCC INFORMATION (For US and Canada Customers)

a) User Information acc. to FCC15.21 as following:

Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party re-

sponsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

b) Statement for Class B digital device acc. to FCC 15.105 as

following:

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with

the limits for a Class A/B digital device, pursuant to

part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that

interference will not occur in a particular installation. If

this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the

following measures:

—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

—Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is con­nected.

—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV

technician for help.

—This device complies with Industry Canada

licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause interference, and (2) this

device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR
d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur

de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage

radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est

susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

c) The device must be kept more than 20 cm from all persons.

Trademark and License Information

The McIntosh McAire incorporates copyright pro­tected technology that is protected by U.S. patents and

Trademark Logo License Information

AirPlay®, the AirPlay logo, iPhone®, iPod®, iPod clas­sic®, iPod nano®, iPod shufe®, iPod touch® and iPad

are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.

and other countries.

“Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that
an electronic accessory has been designed to connect

specically to iPod or iPhone, respectively, and
has been certied by the developer to meet Apple

performance standards.
Apple is not responsible for the operation of this
device or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards. Please note that the use of this accessory
with iPod, or iPhone, may affect wireless performance.
AirPlay, the AirPlay logo, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod

classic, iPod nano, iPod shufe and iPod touch are
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and

other countries.

•Individual users are permitted to use iPhone, iPod,
iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shufe, and iPod touch
for private copy and playback of non-copyrighted
contents and contents whose copy and playback

is permitted by law. Copyright infringement is
prohibited by law.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Logo is a certication
mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

other intellectual property rights. The McAire uses the

following Technologies:

®

3

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh McAire Inte­grated Audio System 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]

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ...................................................... 2

Trademarks and License Information ......................... 3

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ....................... 4

Technical Assistance and Customer Service .............. 4

Table of Contents ........................................................ 4

General Information ................................................... 5

Connector and Cable Information .............................. 5

Introduction ................................................................. 5

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

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

Installation .................................................................. 8

Rear Panel Connections .............................................. 9

Connections

Connecting the McAire ....................................... 10 -11

Remote Control

Remote Control Push-buttons ................................... 12

How to use the Remote Control ................................ 13

Front Panel Functions

Front Panel Displays, Controls, and

Push-button ............................................................... 14

Setup Mode

How to Setup the McAire for AirPlay

and a Network Connection ................................ 15-19

Operation

How to Operate the McAire................................. 20 -21

Additional Information

Specifications ............................................................ 22

Packing Instructions ................................................. 23

Copyright 2012 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

4

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the McAire Integrated Audio System.

2. The Main AC Power going to the McAire should
not be applied until instructed to do so. Failure
to do so could result in malfunctioning of normal

operations. When the McAire and other McIntosh

Components are in their Standby Power Off Mode,
the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each com­ponent is active and communication is occurring
between them.

3. Sound Intensity is measured in units called Deci­bels and “dB” is the abbreviation.

4. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules

or regulations. Batteries should never be

thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regulations
concerning battery disposal.

5. Periodically, check the McIntosh Web Site at www.

mcintoshlabs.com for the latest information on the

McAire and other McIntosh Products.

6. The Remote Control Supplied with the McAire In-

tegrated Audio System is capable of operating other

McIntosh Components thru the Data Port.

7. The McAire is compatible with the following Apple

Mobile Devices with the latest version of the Apple

OS Software installed:

AirPlay Connection or USB Connection

iPod touch (4th generation)

iPod touch (3rd generation)

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4

iPhone 3GS

General Information, Connector Information, Introduction and Performance Features

AirPlay Connection only USB Connection only

iPad iPod classic

iPad 2 iPod nano (6th generation)

iPad New iPod nano (5th generation)

Connector and Cable Information

Power Control Connector

The McAire Power Control Output Jack sends a Power
On/Off Signal (12V) when connect­ed to other McIntosh Components.

A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug
is used for connection to the Power

Power
Control

N/C

Ground

Control Output on the McAire.

Data Output

The McAire Data Out sends Remote

Control Signals to McIntosh Source

Components. A 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug is used for connection.

IR Data
Control

N/C

Ground

Introduction

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh
standards of excellence in the McAire Integrated

Audio System.

The McAire provides superior spaciousness sound

reproduction with unusual sound stage depth. The

McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.”

Performance Features

• Illuminated Output Level Meters

The Illuminated Peak Responding Output Level

Meters on the McAire are calibrated in Decibels and
respond to 95% of a full scale reading to a single cycle
tone burst at 2,000 Hz signal.

• AirPlay

Listen to music from an iPod or iPhone thru wireless
or wired home networks.

• Amplifier with Multiple Inputs

The McAire accommodates Multiple Inputs. This
includes a (Wireless [AirPlay] or Wired) Network De­vice, a mobile device with an USB Cable Connection

or an Analog Source Component. The Amplifier uses

noiseless and reliable Electronic Input Switching and
is designed to drive the built-in McIntosh Loudspeak-

ers to a high level of performance.

• Power Control and Data Port

The Power Control Output connection provides conve-

nient Turn-On/Off of McIntosh Source Components.
The Data Port allows for basic control of McIntosh

Source Components.

• Remote Control

The Custom Designed Remote Control provides con­trol of McAire Functions and basic control of Source
Components connected to the McAire System.

• Integrated Loudspeaker Design

The McAire Integrated Loudspeaker Design incor­porates separate Woofers, Midranges, Tweeters and

Crossover Networks in a custom designed enclosure.
The Loudspeaker Drivers together with built-in pas-

sive and active DSP Equalization achieves a level of
sonic performance usually associated with a much
larger component.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The even illumination of the glass Front Panel is ac­complished by the combination of custom designed

Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light
Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

®

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your McAire.

Front View of the McAire

19-3/8"

49.2cm

Rear View of the McAire

1/4"

6-

15.9cm

Side View of the McAire

14-7/16"

36.7cm

8"

20.3cm

12-15/16"

32.8cm

Secondary Low Frequency

Acoustic Openings

Note: For proper Low Frequency
Performance do not block
the Acoustic Opening.

6

Front and Inside View of the McAire with the Loudspeaker

Grilles removed and the internal Woofers shown

Dimensions

Bottom View of the McAire

Foot

Primary Low Frequency

Acoustic Opening

Note: For proper Low Frequency
Performance do not block
the Acoustic Opening,
remove or change the four
feet on the bottom of the
McAire.

7

Installation

The McAire is designed to be placed upright on a table

or shelf with a reflective surface. For proper Low Fre­quency performance do not block the Acoustic Open-

ing, remove or change the four feet on the bottom of
the McAire. Refer to the illustration on the previous
page for additional information. The ventilation re­quirements are as illustrated on this page.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your
McAire. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the McAire directly above a heat generating

device. Allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the
top, 7/16 inches (1.11cm) below the bottom, 1 inch
(2.54cm) on each side of the McAire so that airf low is

not obstructed.

Also allow 17 inches (43.18cm) of depth so that
airf low is not obstructed and proper Low Frequency

performance is achieved.

Dimensions and Installation

6"

15.24cm

McAire Front View

17"

43.2cm

McAire Side View

8

Rear Panel Connections

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) ANTENNA

for receiving AirPlay and WiFi signals

MAC ADDRESS is the unique Network
Identification Number for this McAire unit

Connect the McAire power cord to a live AC

outlet. Refer to information on the back panel of

your McAire to determine the correct voltage for
your unit

PWR CTRL (Power Control) OUTput sends
a turn-on signal to a McIntosh Component

when the McAire is On

NETWORK Connector for connecting the

McAire to a Broadband Ethernet Network

iPOD/USB input for wired connnection

to an iPod or iPhone mobile device

AUX AUDIO INput accepts high

level program source signals

AUX DATA OUT sends control signals to a compatible
source component allowing remote control operation

RESET restores the McAire
to factory default settings

9

Connecting the Antenna

For proper wireless connectivity with the Wireless

Network Router, it is important install the supplied

WiFi Signal Antenna to the McAire. Follow the steps

below:

1. Locate the supplied WiFi Antenna, AC Cord and
Remote Control in the Accessory Pack Sleeves

from the McAire inner carton. Refer to page 23 in
this Owner’s Manual.

2. Referring to figure A, carefully line up the ma­chine threads of
the WLAN Con­nector, located
on the Rear Panel
of the McAire,

with the knurled

end of the WiFi
Antenna internal
machine threads.

3. Slowly rotate

the knurled end

of the Antenna

clockwise onto
the WLAN Con-

nector (if you feel any resistance stop and remove

the Antenna and repeat step 2). Finger tighten
until it feels snug (about 4 turns).

4. Refer to figure B, grasp the Antenna at the hinge

point and rotate the

Hinge Point

Antenna to a vertical
position.

Note: When

rotating the
Antenna it
is advisable
to go in a
clockwise direction.

5. Proceed to “Connecting the McAire”.

Figu re A

Figure B

Connecting the McAire

Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not

be connected to the Rear Panel of the
McAire Integrated Audio System until
instructed to do so.

McAire’s built-in WiFi (wireless connectivity) pro­vides fast access to your music stored on a compatible
Apple Mobile Device via Apple’s AirPlay Technology.

Note: The McAire requires use of a Network Wire-

less Router for Apple’s AirPlay Operation.

The McAire also provides for a direct wired con-

nection to compatible Apple’s Mobile Devices via the

USB Input. A computer attached via a Network Router
(as part of a home network) to the McAire Rear Panel

NETWORK connector, provides streaming of music
via the iTunes Program1. A Stereo Analog Input is
also located on the Rear Panel of the McAire allowing
connection of source components such as Tuners and

Disc Players. Associated with the Stereo Analog Input
is McIntosh’s Power Control and Data Port Connec-

tions. They provide the ability to automatically switch

power On/Off to a McIntosh Source Component and

to control the basic operation of component function
via the supplied McAire Remote Control.

These connection instructions together with the
Connection Diagram on the next page is an example
of optional connections to the McAire Audio System.
Your McAire connections may vary from this, how­ever the actual components would be connected in a
similar manner. For additional information refer to

“Connector and Cable Information” on page 5.

1

The iTunes Program for use on a PC Computer or Ma-

cintosh Computer is available for download from the

Apple Web Site at http://www.apple.com.

Wired Connection for Apple Mobile Device:

1. Using the Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable

supplied with Apple iPod or iPhone, attach the

Dock Connector to the bottom of the mobile
device and connect the USB Plug in the iPod/USB

input on the Rear Panel of the McAire.

Network Connections:

2. Using a CAT 5/6 Ethernet Cable, connect the
cable from the Router to the NETWORK connec­tor on the Rear Panel of the McAire.

3. Optionally, Connect another CAT 5/6 Ethernet

Cable from the Computer (Network Connector) to

the Router.

Note: For additional information on Networks and

Network Connections refer to the documenta­tion supplied with the Router and Computer.

Optional Component Connections:

4. Connect a Control Cable from the Tuner (or Disc

Player) Control Out jack to the McAire PWR
CTRL (Power Control) OUT Jack.

5. Connect a Control Cable from the McAire AUX

DATA OUT Jack to the Tuner (or Disc Player)
Data In jack.

6. Connect an Audio Cable from the McAire AUX

AUDIO IN Jacks to the Tuner (or Disc Player)
Fixed Audio Output Unbalanced Jacks.

AC Power Cords Connections:

7. Connect the optional components’ AC Power Cord
to a live AC outlet as illustrated.

10

Apple iPod or iPhone

Connecting the McAire

Connect to AC Outlet when
instructed to do so

Optional Computer

Network Router

(Wireless or Wired)

Refer to page 15 for
additional information

Optional Tuner or Disc Player

30

Connect to
AC Outlet

11

Tunes Up the Dial with optional

McIntosh Tuner connected to the

McAire

Press and hold to switch the meter
illumination On or Off. Also used
for other functions

Decreases the volume level

Selects the desired INPUT

Use to move through the available choices
up, down, left, right; of menu items with an

optional McIntosh Disc Player connected

to the McAire

Remote Control Push-Buttons

Tunes Down the Dial with optional

McIntosh Tuner connected to the

McAire

Increases the volume level

LED illuminates during the time a remote

command is sent to the McAire

Mutes and unmutes the audio

Selects the PREVIOUS 9 track. Also

goes Downwards through the Station

Presets with optional McIntosh Tuner

connected to the McAire

STOPs ■ playback of a track

Powers the McAire ON or OFF

Activates the PLAYBACK ► of a track

Selects the NEXT : track. Also goes Upwards
through the Station Presets with optional McIntosh

Tuner connected to the McAire

Used to PAUSE Playback of the track

12

How to use the Remote Control

The supplied Remote Control performs the various

Operating Functions for the McAire Integrated Audio

System.

Note: Refer to the “How to Operate” Section of this

manual for additional information.

Input Source Selection

Press the Push-button → to select the desired program

source.

Volume

Press the + or - Push-buttons to increase or de­crease the listening level.

Mute

Press the (Mute) Push-button to mute the audio.
The White LED indicator to the left of the Front Panel
VOLUME Control will flash during the time audio is

muted. Press the MUTE Push-button a second time to
resume listening.

How to use the Remote Control

Pause

Press the PAUSE Push-button to temporarily stop

playback of the music.

Back and Next

Press the : (Next) Push-button to move forward one
track or the 9 (Back) Push-button to move back

to the beginning of the current track playing. Press
and hold either Push-button to rapidly skip tracks.
When an optional McIntosh Tuner is connected to the

McAire, the 9 and : Push-buttons allow stepping
thru Station Presets.

Note: If the 9 Push-button is pressed during playback

of the first three seconds of the track, the McAire
will start playing back the previous track from the
beginning.

13

Front Panel Displays, Controls and Push-button

Meter indicates the Left Channel

Output of the amplifier

Select from one of the various Input

Sources available for listening

Indicates when the McAire is in

standby mode and operational status

Meter indicates the Right Channel
Output of the amplifier

VOLUME Control adjusts the

listening level for both channels

14

Indicates the current INPUT Selection

and operational status

ON/STANDBY Push-button

switches the McAire ON or

OFF (Standby)

Indicates when the VOLUME Control is set to

minimum or maximum loudness. Also indi­cates when the sound is Muted

IR Sensor receives commands

from a Remote Control

Introduction to Setting Up the McAire

Your McIntosh McAire is factory configured for

immediate enjoyment of superb audio from an iPod

Touch or iPhone (Mobile Device). Just connect it to
the McAire iPod/USB Rear Panel Connector using
your Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable. Refer to

page 20 “How to Operate the McAire” for additional

information using the USB Input.

If you wish to use AirPlay® between an Apple Mo­bile Device and the McAire, a Wireless Network Rout­er (WiFi) will be required. Figures 1, 2 and 3 are just a
few examples of the many possible Network Setups.

Wireless Home Network

McAire Rear Panel

Optional Computer

(With Wireless
Network Connection)

Network
Router

(Wireless)

Figu re 1

Wired Home Network

Optional Computer

Network
Router

Figu re 2

(Partial View)

McAire Rear Panel

(Partial View)

How to Setup the McAire for AirPlay® and a Network Connection

Wired Home Network
with Wireless Router

Optional Computer

(With Wired
Network Connection)

Wireless Network Router

(with wired connections)

Figu re 3

Notes: 1. When the McAire is connected to a router

(and your computer is also connected to the
router) the McAire has the ability to playback
music via the Apple iTunes Program on the
Computer.

2. When your McAire is connected to a Wired
Network and you are only interested in play­ing music via Apple iTunes AirPlay from your
computer, then proceed to page 20 “How to
Operate the McAire”, as no setup is required.

The purpose of setting up the McAire is to estab-

lish which Wireless Network Router the McAire will
be communicating with (WiFi). The instructions sup­plied with the Wireless Network Router and its current
settings (including its MAC Address or unique name)

will be helpful.

It is highly recommended to contact your McIntosh

Dealer and/or Computer Dealer for assistance in the

installation and configuring a Network Router and/
or a Home Computer Network. Your Dealer has the
necessary knowledge to properly set up the McAire as
part of your Home Network wired or wireless.

There are several different methods for setting up
the McAire for AirPlay®. Choose the method which is
most appropriate for your installation. The following

is a description of the three methods:

McAire Rear Panel

(Partial View)

Method Description

1 WiFi Setup using a Computer with Network Cable

Connection.

2 WiFi Setup using the McAire and the Mobile

Device with wireless connection.

3 WiFi Setup using the McAire and Apple Mobile

Device with Apple Dock Connector to USB

Cable.

Method Number 1

Temporarily connect the McAire, Network Router
and Computer together with RJ45 network cables

as illustrated in figure 3. Refer to the Users Guides

supplied with the Network Router and Computer for

information on the specific connections to be used and

any installation program(s) needed to be run. Verify,
communications between the Network Router and
Computer before proceeding with the following steps:

1. Switch power On to Router and after it has booted
up, then switch power On to the Computer and
McAire.

2. Select the NET (Network) input using the Front
Panel Control INPUT Control on the McAire.

Note: It is normal for the NET Indicating LED to

change from magenta in color to an alter­nating flashing green color during the time
a network connection is trying to be estab­lished.

3. Launch the Computer WEB Browser and type on
the address line the following:

http://mcaire- _ _ _ _ _ _.local/index.asp

Note: This McAire is identified by the MAC Ad-

dress and is located on the Rear Panel of the
McAire. Insert the last six digits (unique for
each McAire) of the MAC Address, into the
address line above.

15

Method Number 1, con’t

4. Press the ENTER on the keyboard. After sev­eral minutes the McIntosh McAire Setup Screen

will appear in the web browser window. Refer to
figure 3.

Figu re 3

5. Referring to figure 3, select “Your Router” (MAC

Address) from the choices appearing in the SSID

pull down window. Refer
to figure 4.

Note: The Router is

identified by the
MAC Address
(unique number for each Router) and is on
a label usually located on the Router. If you
assigned a unique name to indentify the
Router, please select the name instead of the
MAC Address.

6. Press the APPLY button On-Screen to accept the

desired Router. Refer to figure 4.

7. Referring to figure 5, press the OK button On­Screen to continue.

8. Referring to figure 6, press the OK button On-

Screen and disconnect the RJ45 network cable
between the Network Router and the McAire.

Figu re 4

Figu re 5 Figu re 6

9. Activate the Apple Mobile Device and select the

Settings Icon. Refer to figure 7.

10. From the Settings
Menu select the Wi-Fi

Icon. Refer to figure

8.

11. From the “Choose

a Network” options

select the MAC Ad-

dress of the Network

Router (same address

as selected in step 5).

Refer to figure 9.
Touch the “Your
Router” a second time
to activate the wire­less connection and

Figu re 7

a check mark will appear to the left of the MAC

Address or the unique name of the Router. Refer
to figure 10.

12. Return to the main screen and select the Music

Icon. Refer to figure 7.

13. Select the desired music for listening (in this

example “ABBA Gold” is chosen). Refer to

f i g u re 11.

Figu re 8

14. Touch the ►Icon
to start playback of

the music followed
by touching the

Icon (Apple AirPlay).

Refer to figure 11.

15. Referring to figure 12
select the McAire-_ _
_ _ _ _ touch button.

Within about five seconds
the Apple Mobile Device

internal speaker will

switch Off and sound will
now be comming from the

McIntosh McAire through

the AirPlay Wireless Connection.

Figu re 9

Fig u re 10

16

Fi g u re 11

Figu re 12

Method Number 2

Unlike Setup Method #1, this method uses the McAire
(instead of a computer) to establish communications

with a Wireless Router using your Apple Mobile De­vice. After setup up is completed, a Wireless Router
will still be needed to stream music from your Apple
Mobile Device to the McAire via AirPlay. Perform the

following setup steps:

1. Switch power On to Router and after it has booted
up, then switch power On to the Computer and
McAire.

Note: If the McAire had been previously setup and/

or been in use for some time, it is important
to first reset the McAire to factory default
settings before proceeding. Refer to page 21
on how to reset the McAire.

2. Using the INPUT Control on the Front Panel of
the McAire, select the NET (Network) Input on

the McAire.

Note: It is normal for the NET indicating LED to

change from magenta in color to an alter­nating flashing green color during the time

How to Setup the McAire for AirPlay and a Network, con’t

a network connection is trying to be estab­lished.

3. Activate the Apple Mobile Device and select the

Settings Icon. Refer to figure 7 on page 16.

4. From the Settings Menu select the Wi-Fi Icon.

Refer to figures 8 and 9 on page 16.

5. After about 60 seconds the Apple Mobile Device

Wi-Fi Networks

Menu will indicate
“McAire_Setup_7...”.
Refer to figure 13.

6. Referring to figure
7 launch the Safari

WEB Browser and

type in on the ad­dress line the follow-

ing:

http://mcaire- _ _ _
_ _ _.local/

Note: This McAire

is identified
by the MAC
Address
(unique number for each McAire) and is
located on the Rear Panel of the McAire.
Insert the MAC Address of this unit into
the address line above where the six blank
spaces are.

7. Touch the “Enter Key” on the On-Screen key­board. After several minutes the McIntosh

McAire Setup Screen will appear in the web
browser window. Refer to figure 14.

8. Referring to figure 14, from the choices appear-

ing in the SSID pull down window select “Your
Router” (MAC Address). Refer to figures 15 and

16.

Note: The Router is identified by the MAC Address

(unique number for each Router) and is on

Figure 13

Figure 14

Fig ure 15

Figure 16

a label usually located on the Router. If you
assigned a unique name to indentify the
Router, please select that name instead of
the MAC Address.

9. Touch the Done button On-Screen to accept the
desired Router. Refer to figure 16.

17

Method Number 2, con’t

10. Referring to figure 17, touch the APPLY button

On-Screen to continue.

Within about five seconds the Apple Mobile Device

internal speaker will switch Off and sound will now
becoming from the McIntosh McAire through the

AirPlay Wireless Connection.

Fig u r e 17

11. From the Settings Menu select the Wi-Fi Icon.

Refer to figure 18A.

12. From the “Choose

a Network” options

select the MAC Ad-

dress of the Network

Router (same address
as selected in step 8

on page 17). Refer to
figure 18B.

Touch the “Your
Router” a second time
to activate the wireless

connection and a check
mark will appear to the

left of the MAC Ad-

Figure 18A

dress or unique Router name. Refer to figure 18B.

13. Return to the main screen and select the Music

Icon. Refer to figure 19.

14. Select the desired music for listening (in this

Figure 18B

Figure 19

example “ABBA Gold” is chosen). Refer to figure

20.

15. Touch the ►Icon to start playback of the music
followed by touching Icon (Apple AirPlay).

Refer to figure 20.

16. Referring to figure 21 select the McAire-_ _ _ _ _
_ touch button.

Figu re 20

Fig u r e 21

18

Method Number 3

This method uses the McAire, your Apple Mobile

Device and Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable.
Perform the following setup steps:

1. Switch power On to the Router and locate the
MAC Address (on a label usually located on the

Router) or the unique Router name as it will be

needed in step 4.

2. Activate the Apple Mobile Device and select the

Settings Icon. Refer to figure 19 on page 18.

3. From the Settings Menu select the Wi-Fi Icon.

Refer to figure 18A on page 18.

4. From the “Choose a Network” options select the
MAC Address or the unique name of the Network
Router. Refer to figure 18B.

Note: It might be necesssary to touch the “Your

Router” menu selection a second time to
activate the wireless connection if a check
mark doesn’t appear to the left of the MAC
Address or the unique Router name.

5. Switch power On to the McAire.

6. Using the INPUT Control on the Front Panel of
the McAire, select the USB Input on the McAire.

7. Using the McAire Remote Control enter the Net-

work Setup Mode by press the following push­button sequence:

A: The ▲ push-button.
B: The ► push-button.
C: The ▼ push-button.
D: The ◄ push-button.

How to Setup the McAire for AirPlay and a Network, con’t

Looking at your Apple Mobile Device Screen a
window will appear asking to share Wi-Fi Set-

tings. Refer to figure 22.

8. Touch the ALLOW On-Screen Button and when
the McAire switches to the NET Input with a
steady magenta indicating LED, remove the
Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable from the

Apple Mobile Device.

9. Select the Music Icon from the main screen of the

Apple Mobile Device. Refer to figure 19.

10. Select the desired music for listening (in this

example “ABBA Gold” is chosen). Refer to figure

20.

11. Touch the ►Icon to start playback of the music
followed by touching the Icon (Apple Air­Play). Refer to figure 20.

12. Referring to figure 21 select the McAire-_ _ _ _ _
_ touch button.

Within about five seconds the Apple Mobile Device

internal speaker will switch Off and sound will now
becoming from the McIntosh McAire through the

AirPlay Wireless Connection.

Figu re 22

19

How to Operate the McAire

Your McIntosh McAire is factory configured for

immediate enjoyment of superb audio from an iPod

Touch or iPhone (Mobile Device). Just connect it to
the McAire iPod/USB Rear Panel Connector using the
Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable.

If you wish to make an AirPlay wireless connec-

tion between the Mobile Device and the McAire,
please refer to “How to Setup the McAire” on page 15
for additional information.

Power On

Press the ON/STANDBY Push-button on the Front

Panel of the McAire or press the Power Push-but­ton on the Remote Control to switch On the McAire.
Refer to figures 30 and 37.

Notes: 1. With the McAire in the Standby Mode and

when an Apple Mobile Device is connected
to the iPod/USB Input, the McAire will auto­matically switch On.

2. An optional Source Component will also
switch On/Off with the McAire, such as a
McIntosh Tuner, when there is a Power Con­trol Connection made between the units.

3. The McAire will automatically switch OFF
approximately 30 minutes after the music

has stopped playing when the McAire is set
to either the NET or USB Input.

4. By pressing and holding in the ON/STAND­BY Push-button for 5 seconds, the McAire
will go into STANDBY Mode (it will consume
less power, however when switched back On
the Network Connections will take slightly
longer to re-establish).

Standby Indicator Color Operation Mode

Red Standby (Factory Default)

Orange Sleep Mode

Source Selection

To select the desired audio source, rotate the INPUT
Control clockwise/counterclockwise or press the →
(Input) Push-button on the Remote Control to select

the desired source. Refer to figures 30 and 37.

McAire Inputs

Music Source Indicator Color

NET - Apple Mobile Device

NET - iTunes over the Network

USB - Cable connection to an

iPod or iPhone

AUX - Optional Source such as a

McIntosh Tuner

Magenta

(also Green or Light Blue

during Setup Mode)

Blue

Green

Note: The Apple Mobile Device will pause the cur-

rent track playing when switching to another
Input Source on the McAire.

Volume Control

To increase the Volume, rotate the Front Panel VOL­UME Control clockwise and release the control

when the desired listening level has been reached. To

decrease the Volume, rotate the Front Panel VOLUME
Control counterclockwise and release the control when

the desired listening level has been reached. Refer to
figure 30.

The listening level may also be changed by press­ing the + or - Push-buttons on the McAire Remote
Control. Refer to figure 32.

Note: The White LED Indicator, located to the left of

the Front Panel Volume Control, flashes rapidly
when the minimum or maximum volume level
setting is reached. The LED stays On continu­ously while the volume level is being changed.

Mute

Press the Mute Push-button on the Remote Control

to Mute the sound. The White Volume LED Indicator

will flash slowly while the McAire is muted.

Pressing the Mute Push-button a second time or
adjusting the Volume (either the Front Panel Volume
Control or Volume Push-buttons on the Remote Con-

trol) un-mutes the McAire.

20

Figu re 30

Output Level Meters

The McAire Output Level Meters indicate the relative

output level in Decibels. Refer to figure 31.
The meters respond to the

peaks contained in the

musical information being
reproduced by the McAire.

Fig u r e 31

How to Operate the McAire

Streaming music from Apple Mobile Device

To stream music stored in the Apple Mobile Device

directly to the McAire, perform the following:

1. Touch the AirPlay Icon on the Music App. Refer

to figure 32.

2. From the list appearing on the Apple Mobile De­vice select the McAire. Refer to figure 33.

McAire

Cancel

Figure 32

Note: It might be necessary to change position of

the McAire Antenna and/or Wireless Router to
reduce possible WiFi Signal Drop Outs.

Figure 33

Streaming Music from iTunes on your Computer

Before proceeding, download and install the latest ver­sion of iTunes (version 10.6 or later) on the computer
connected to the same network as the McAire. Also

update your Apple Mobile Device to OS 5 or later.

Note: Use the Apple Remote App for your Apple Mobile

Device to control iTunes from any room in your
home. The app is available as a free download
from the App Store. The App does require a Wire­less Router to be part of the Computer Network.

To steam music from iTunes on your computer to the

McAire perform the following:

1. Switch On the McAire.

2. Launch iTunes and click the AirPlay icon dis­played in the

AirPlay icon

lower right of the
window and then
select McAire
from the list. Refer
to figure 34.

Figure 34

3. Choose a song and

click play in iTunes. The music will stream to the

McAire.

4. Click the AirPlay Icon in iTunes and then select
“Multiple Speak-

ers” from the list.
Refer to figure 35.

5. From the list ap­pearing in iTunes

Master Volume

My Computer

This Computer

McAire

AirPlay Device

Multiple Speakers

Figure 35

select McAire.

To control music playback from iTunes using the
McAire Remote Control perform the following:

6. With iTunes
running,
select “Edit”,
then “Prefer­ences”. Refer
to figure 36.

7. Select the
“Devices”
icon, then
check “Al­low iTunes
audio control
from remote

Figu re 36

speakers”.

Notes: 1. The McAire will switch to the “NET”

Input when AirPlay playback is started.

2. The screen may differ depending on the
OS and software versions.

3. For information about how to use iTunes,
click on Help.

Reset of Microprocessors

In the unlikely event the controls of the McAire stop

functioning, the internal microprocessors can be reset

by performing the following:

1. Disconnect the McAire AC Power Cord from the
AC Power Outlet.

2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then reconnect the
McAire AC Power Cord to the AC Power Outlet.

3. Press the Front Panel ON/STANDBY Push-button

or the On/Off Push-button on the Remote Con­trol to resume listening.

Resetting to Factory Default Settings

If it becomes desirable to reset all of the McAire set­tings to the factory default values, perform the follow-

ing steps:

1. With the McAire On, press the RESET Push­button (recessed and located on the Rear Panel of

the McAire) until the McAire

switches Off and the Front

Front Panel ON/STANDBY
LED changes in color from

Orange to Red.

2. Press the ON/STANDBY

Push-button and the McAire
will resume operation.

Figure 37

21

Network Input

Wired RJ45, 10/100 Base-T

Wireless 802.11, WPA
Apple AirPlay

USB Input

Type A Connector with Host Mode
Music Streaming
1Amp Charging for iPhone and iPod

AUX Input

Input Sensitivity - 200mVRMS nominal
Maximum Input Signal - 2.2VRMS

Stereo RCA Connectors

The McAire is compatible with the following Apple
Mobile Devices with the latest version of the Apple

OS Software installed:

AirPlay Connection or USB Connection

iPod touch (4th generation)

iPod touch (3rd generation)

iPhone 4S

iPhone 4

iPhone 3GS

AirPlay Connection only USB Connection only

iPad iPod classic

iPad 2 iPod nano (6th generation)

iPad New iPod nano (5th generation)

Loudspeaker Specifications General SpecificationsElectronic Specifications

System Driver Complement

Two 4 inch Woofers (dual acoustic ports)
Two 2 inch Inverted Dome Midranges

Two 3/4 inch Dome Tweeters

Frequency Response

60Hz - 45kHz

Crossover Frequency

250Hz
4,500Hz

Enclosure Finish

High Gloss Black

Grille Finish

Black Knit Cloth

Grille Attachment

Magnetic

Specifications

Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the McAire is not
possible. The McAire is factory configured for one
of the following AC Voltages:

100V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts
110V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts
120V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts
220V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts
230V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts
240V ~ 50/60Hz at 25 watts

Standby: Less than 0.5 watt

Note: Refer to the rear panel of the McAire for the cor-

rect voltage.

Overall Dimensions

Width is 19-3/8 inches (49.2cm)
Height is 8 inches (20.3cm) including antenna in the

vertical position

Depth is 17 inches (43.2cm) including connectors and

antenna

Weight

31 pounds (14 Kg) net, 44 pounds (19.9 Kg) in ship-

ping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 27-3/8 inches (69.5cm)
Height is 19-1/8 inches (48.6cm)
Depth is 10-1/4 inches (26cm)

22

Packing Instructions

Packing Instructions

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as

shown below. Failure to do this will result in shipping
damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts

only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If
a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are

needed, please call or write Customer Service Depart-

ment of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 4. Please
see the Part List for the correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description

1 03454000 Shipping Carton
8 03454100 Foam Corner Caps

1 03454200 Inside Carton

2 03454300 Foam End Caps

2 03454400 Accessory Pack Sleeve

1 03362600 Plastic Protective cover
1 310505SP Fabric Protective cover

FOAM
CORNER
CAPS

INSIDE
CARTON

FOAM
END
CAP

ACCESSORY
PACK
SLEEVE

PLASTIC
PROTECTIVE
COVER

FABRIC
PROTECTIVE
COVER

ACCESSORY
PACK
SLEEVE

FOAM
END
CAP

FOAM
CORNER
CAPS

SHIPPING
CARTON

23

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
www.mcintoshlabs.com

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. 04131801