McIntosh MCD500 User Manual
SACD/CD Player
MCD500
Owner’s Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
3
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 sufcient
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.
CAUTION -
Invisible Laser Radiation when open. DO
NOT stare into the beam or view directly
with optical instruments. Use of controls
or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified in the
Owners Manual may result in Hazardous
Radiation Exposure.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
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.
VAROITUS!
VARNING!
This product incorporates an embedded
2
Laitteen kayttaminen muulla kuin
tassa kayttoohjeessa mainitulla
tavalla saattaa altistaa kayttajan
turvallisuusluokan 1 ylittavalle
nakymattomalle lasersateiiylle.
Om apparaten anvands pa annat satt
an i denna bruksanvisning specificerats, kan anvandaren utsattas for
osynbg laserstraining, som overskrider
gransen for laserklass 1.
CLASS 3R Laser (IEC60825-1).
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 ampliers) 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 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 specied by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specied 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 qualied 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 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.
3
Thank You
Table of Contents
Your decision to own this McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD
Player 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:
Safety Instructions ............................................................2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment ............................. 4
Technical Assistance and Customer Service ....................4
Table of Contents .............................................................. 4
General Information .........................................................4
Disc Information ............................................................... 5
Connector and Cable Information ....................................5
Introduction ....................................................................... 6
MCD500 Features ............................................................. 6
Dimensions .......................................................................7
Installation ........................................................................8
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections ....................................................9
MCD500 Connections .................................................... 10
MCD500 Direct to Power Amplifier Connections ......... 11
Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) . Mc1A and Mc1B
Front Panel Features:
Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack.. 12
Front Panel Information Displays ................................... 13
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons ......................................... 14
How to Operate by Remote Control ...............................15
Operation:
How to Operate the MCD500 ......................................... 16
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-724-0549
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
Copyright 2008 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
4
Additional Information:
Specifications .................................................................. 22
Packing Instruction .........................................................23
General Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to
the MCD500 SACD/CD Player.
2. The Super Audio Compact Discs Audio Signals are
converted internally from Digital to Analog. There is
no Digital Audio Signal present at the MCD500 Coaxial
and Optical Output Connectors during playback of a
SACD Disc.
3. A PCM version of the decoded MP3 and WMA Signals
is available at the Digital Audio Outputs.
4. The MCD500 internal Digital to Analog Converter is
designed to decode 2 channel PCM (Pulse Code Modu-
lation) signal present at the Coaxial or Optical Digital
Audio Input into 2 channel analog audio.
Disc and Connector Information
PIN 2
PIN 1
PIN 3
Power
Control
Ground
N/C
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
IR Data
Control
Ground
N/C
General Information, con’t
5. 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.
6. For additional information on the MCD500 and
other McIntosh Products please vist the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.
Disc Information
1. Compact Discs that are not round (e.g. Novelty discs
with octagonal or heart shapes) will not play properly in
the MCD500 and should not be tried, as possible damage may occur.
2. The MCD500 SACD/CD Player is designed to play all
standard CD Audio Discs that conform to the Official
Compact Disc Standards which is indicated by the
Symbol. It will also play most CD-R and CD-RW discs,
however some recorded discs may not be able to play
due to the condition of the recording.
3. CD Audio Discs recorded in the MP3 and WMA Formats will playback on the MCD500, except discs that
contain multi-session recordings. Some MP3 or WMA
recorded discs may not be able to play due to the condition of the recording. When ever possible, set the writing software to the ISO9660 Level 1 standard.
4. The CD audio side of the Dual Disc does not meet the
Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications found in the
industry “Redbook”; the MCD500 may not read Dual
Discs.
5. Several of the SACD performance features available on
the MCD500 are active only if the SACD Disc includes
the supporting encoded information.
Connector and Cable Information
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Output Connectors on the MCD500. Refer to the diagram
for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output
PIN 3: - Output
Power Control Connector
The MCD500 Power Control Input/Output Jacks receive/
send Power On/Off Signals when connected to other McIntosh Components.
A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection to the Power Control Input/Output on the MCD500.
Note: The Data ad Power Control Connecting Cable is avail-
able from the McIntosh Parts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.
Data and IR Input Port Connectors
The MCD500 Data In Port receives Remote Control Signals. A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug
is used for connection. The IR Ports
also use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone
plug and allow the connection of other
brand IR Receivers to the MCD500.
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Introduction
The McIntosh MCD500 SACD/CD Player offers the latest
in audio technology, providing state of the art reproduction
of audio program sources. A full complement of performance features allows for the enjoyment of the SACD
special audio format available on discs. Audio CDs are also
reproduced with f lawless realism. The advanced mechanical design of the transport ensures many years of smooth
trouble free operation.
MCD500 Features
• Twin Laser Pickup
The MCD500 incorporates two laser elements, with different wavelengths, that are focused through one lens assembly. This unique design allows reading both the CD and
Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs Formats.
• Advanced Transport
The MCD500 has a new transport with a Die Cast Mechanism Base and Disc Tray. It has the latest in advanced
digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The
SACD and CD Audio Data is read into memory from the
disc at twice the normal rate. The fast read speeds help to
insure better disc tracking and error correction processing.
• Super Audio Disc Playback
The MCD500 plays the higher resolution SACD Discs with
extreme precision and musical elegance.
Introduction and Performance Features
• Multi-Function Front Panel Display
The MCD500 Front Panel display indicates the current disc
playback status, digital input status and the variable audio
output volume level.
• Drive a Power Amplifier Directly
The Variable Output Connections provide up to 6 Volts.
This is more than enough signal to drive any Power Amplifier directly; forming a high quality SACD/CD Disc
Playback System.
• Balanced Outputs
The MCD500 has both variable and fixed Balanced Outputs, permitting long cable lengths without a loss in sound
qual ity.
• Power Control
The Power Control Input connection provides convenient
Turn-On/Off of the MCD500 when connected to a McIntosh System with Power Control. The Power Control Output connection can control a McIntosh Power Amplifier in
a high quality disc playback system.
• Full Function Remote Control
The Remote Control provides complete control of the
MCD500 operating functions including adjustment of the
volume level. The push-buttons on the Remote Control are
illuminated.
• Quad Balanced Digital to Analog Converter
The 8 channel 24-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog Converter is used in a Stereo Quad Balanced mode. All levels
of music are reproduced with a wide dynamic range and
extremely low distortion.
• Digital Audio Inputs
The MCD500 has both a Coaxial and an Optical Digital
Input for using the internal Digital to Analog Processor
Circuitry to Decode PCM Signals from an external source.
• Digital Audio Outputs
There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs for external
decoding of the PCM Signal.
• Front Panel Level Control
With headphones connected to the MCD500, the Level
Control allows varying the volume level of the music.
It can also be used for matching the volume level of the
MCD500 with other components in the system.
• Special Power Supply
The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core Power
Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure stable noise
free operation even though the power line varies.
• Extruded Side Panels
The sides of the MCD500 are extruded aluminum panels
with a bead blast textured surface and a black anodized
finish. In the recessed area of the Top Panel is a screened
glass panel with a block diagram of the MCD500 Circuitry.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The 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). This provides even Front Panel Illumination and is
designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MCD500 will
be retained for many years.
6
Dimensions
3
17-1/2"
44.45cm
4-5/8"
11.75cm
6"
15.24cm
14-1/2"
36.83cm
15-7/8"
40.32cm
3/16"
0.48cm
4-13/16"
12.22cm
10-1/2"
26.67cm
13-1/4"
33.65cm
17"
43.18cm
5/8"
1.59cm
Front View of the MCD500
Rear View of the MCD500
Side View of the MCD500
5-3/8"
13.69cm
13/16"
2.06cm
2"
5.08cm
1-15/16"
4.92cm
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MCD500. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the
MCD500 into cabinets.
Dimensions
7
Installation
4-7/8"
12.38cm
17-1/16"
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
MCD500 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
8-5/8"
21.91cm
15-1/2"
39.37cm
15-1/16"
38.26cm
1"
2.54cm
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
MCD500 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MCD500 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
1-1/16"
2.70cm
12-5/16"
31.27cm
3"
7.62cm
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.
The MCD500 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 of your choice. The four feet
may be removed from the bottom of the MCD500 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 MCD500 is removed from the custom
installation and used free standing. The required panel
cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MCD500.
Cool operation
ensures the
longest possible operating life for
any electronic
instrument.
Do not install
the MCD500
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 2 inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2 inches
(5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each
side of the SACD/CD Player, so that airflow is not ob-
structed. Allow 17 inches (43.18cm) depth behind the front
panel. Allow 1-1/8 inch (2.9cm) 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.
Installation
8
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