McIntosh MDA-1000 Owners manual

D/A Converter

MDA1000

Owner’s Manual

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

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 MDA1000 D/A Con­verter 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:

Table of Contents

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

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ............................. 3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ..................... 3

Table of Contents .............................................................. 3

Important Information ....................................................... 4

Connector Information ...................................................... 4

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

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

Dimensions........................................................................ 6

Installation ........................................................................ 7

Rear Panel Connections ..................................................... 8

How to Connect for Power Control and Data .................... 9

How to Connect for Audio ............................................... 10

Front Panel Controls, Displays, Push-buttons,

and Switch ....................................................................... 11

How to Operate the Setup Mode ...................................... 12

Default Settings and Bypass Mode .................................. 12

Display Brightness and Re-Title Inputs ........................... 13

Remote Control Push-buttons .......................................... 14

How to Operate the Remote Control ................................ 15

How to Operate the MDA1000 ........................................ 16

Specifications ................................................................... 18

Packing Instructions ......................................................... 19

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]

Copyright 2003  by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Connector InformationImportant Information

1. It is recommended that a qualified professional assist you in
the choice and installation of a McIntosh Audio System for
your home.

2. Before making any connections to the MDA1000, make sure
that the Main POWER Switch is in the Off position. When
the MDA1000 and other McIntosh Components are in their
Standby Mode the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside each
component is active and communication is occurring
between them. Failure to do so could result in
malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal
operations.

3. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.

4. When the MDA1000 Digital XLR Input is used to connect
with the Digital XLR Output of the McIntosh MCD1000 CD
Transport Component, it is important to use a twisted pair
shielded cable.

5. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the
MDA1000.

6. With the LEVEL Control active, the MDA1000 is capable of
driving a power amplifier directly. When the MDA1000 is
connected to a Preamplifier Input and the LEVEL Control
is active, LEVEL Control settings above 81 (as indicated on
the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display) may cause some
Preamplifier Inputs to overload due to the high signal level.

XLR Connectors:

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Ana­log Audio Output Connectors on the MDA1000. Refer to
the diagram for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal
PIN 3: - Signal

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Digi­tal Audio Input Connectors on the MDA1000. Refer to the
diagram for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal

Pin 2

Pin 1

Pin 3

PIN 3: - Signal

Power Control and Trigger Connectors

The MDA1000’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.

Positive

N/C

Ground

Data and IR Port Connectors

The MDA1000’s Data Port Output provides Remote Con­trol Signals and the IR
Input Port allows for the
connection of other
brands IR Sensors. Use a

Data Port Connector

Data Signal

N/C

Data Ground

1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to
the Data Port Inputs on
McIntosh Source Units.

IR Input Port Connector

Data Signal

N/C

Ground

4

Introduction

Introduction and Performance Features

The new McIntosh MDA1000 D/A Converter offers a
highly refined Balanced/Parallel Circuit utilizing eight of
Burr Brown’s most sophisticated 24 Bit Digital to Analog
(D/A) chips. Combine a MDA1000 with a McIntosh
MCD1000 CD Transport and you will enjoy a playback
system of unparalleled performance.

Performance Features

••

• Shielded 768kHz Up Sampling Module

••

The McIntosh designed Up Sampling Module converts all
of the incoming Digital Signals to the higher frequency of
768kHz with 24Bit resolution before the Digital to Analog
process begins.

••

• Shielded 24 Bit Digital to Analog Circuits

••

The MDA1000 utilizes McIntosh’s own specially designed
24-bit Balanced Parallel Digital to Analog Converter Circu­itry operating at 768kHz. This offers the widest possible
dynamic range, lowest noise level and extremely low distor­tion. All of this produces sound quality that is truly excep­tional.

••

• Special Analog Filter and Output Amplifier

••

The third order Butterworth gentle slope analog filter re­moves any remaining digital artifacts from the output sig­nal. The low impedance Output Amplifer drives both the
Balanced and Unbalanced Output Connections.

••

• Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs

••

Balanced connections guard against induced noise and al­low long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
There are also Unbalanced connections for components
without Balanced Inputs.

••

• Precision Tracking Volume Control

••

Volume levels are controlled by a Precision Digitally Con­trolled Attenuator System with a tracking accuracy of

0.1dB. There is also a Volume Control Bypass Mode for a
fixed output level.

••

• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display

••

The Multifunction Front Panel Display indicates the Source
Selection, Volume Levels and the Setup Mode Selections.
The displays intensity is fully adjustable.

••

• Digital Inputs with Title Reassignment

••

The MDA1000 has provisions for three Coaxial Digital In-

puts, three Optical Digital Inputs and one XRL Balanced
Digital Input. Any of the seven inputs can have their Input
Title reassigned to match the sources connected to the
MDA1000.

••

Precision Parts

•

••

Only the finest precision 1% tolerance metal film resistors
and 5% tolerance Polyfilm Fliter Capacitors are used
throughout.

••

• Low Distortion

••

Distortion levels of all types are less than 0.002%. Music is
amplified with total transparency and accuracy.

••

• Remote Power, Data Control and External IR Input

••

Remote Power Control In/Out allows the MDA1000 to turn
On/Off with a McIntosh Audio Control Center. The Data
Port Input allows Remote Control Operation from another
McIntosh Component. The IR Input allows for the connec­tion of an IR Receiver.

••

• Remote Control Operation

••

A Remote Control is included that allows for complete con­trol of major functions.

••

• Glass Front Panel

••

The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel with a
three dimensional look ensures the pristine beauty of the
MDA1000 will be retained for many years.

••

• 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.

••

• Machined Top and Side Panels

••

The Top and Side of the MDA1000 are machined from
thick aluminum panels with a smooth black anodized finish.
In the recessed area of the Top Panel is a screened glass
panel with a block diagram of the MDA1000’s circuitry.

••

• Special Power Supply

••

A fully regulated Power Supply with a special R-Core
Power Transformer, ensures stable noise free operation even
though the power line varies.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your MDA1000. There is additional informa­tion on the next page pertaining to installing the MDA1000
into cabinets.

17-

1/2

44.45cm

Dimensions

"

Front View

of the

MDA1000

Rear View

of the

MDA1000

17"

43.18cm

13-

1/4

33.65cm

5-

5/16

"

6"

13.49cm

4-

5/8

11.75cm

15.24cm

"

"

15-

7/8

"

40.32cm

12

-1/8

1/4

"

0.64cm

Side View

of the

MDA1000

15/16

"

2.38cm

6

30.79cm

9

22.86cm

"

3/16

"

0.48cm

"

4-

12.22cm

1-

7/16

3.65cm

13/16

"

"