McIntosh MPC1500 Owner's Manual

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

MPC1500

Torus Power Technology under license
from Plitron Manufacturing Inc.

Power Controller

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 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 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.

2

McIntosh Products are marketed world wide. There
are several versions of the MPC1500 to meet the dif­ferent AC Power and Safety Requirements in each
countr y.

This Owner’s Manual covers the three versions of
the MPC1500. In the Owner’s Manual there is a sec­tion containing common information for all three ver­sions of the MPC1500 and separate sections pertaining
to the specific version of the MPC1500.

The designation of MPC1500-NA refers to the
120VAC version for use in North America. Refer to
figure MPC1500-NA.

The designation of MPC1500 -EU refers to the
230VAC version for use in Continental Europe. Refer
to figure MPC1500-EU.

The designation of MPC1500 -JA refers to the
100VAC version for use in Japan. Refer to figure
MPC1500-JA.

OUTLETS

Figure MPC1500-NA

Preamble and Table of Contents

Table of ContentsModel Versions

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

Preamble and Table of Contents ................................ 3

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

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

General Information .................................................. 4

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

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

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

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

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

MPC1500-NA

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

How to Connect in a Two Channel System ............... 9

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System ............10

Front Panel Displays and Controls ............................ 11

How to Operate the MPC1500 .............................12-13

Specifications ........................................................... 14

Copyright 2009 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Fig ure MPC1500-EU

Fig ure MPC1500-JA

MPC1500-EU

Rear Panel Connections ............................................ 16

How to Connect in a Two Channel System ..............17

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System ............18

Front Panel Displays and Controls ............................19

How to Operate the MPC1500 ............................ 20 -21

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

MPC1500- JA

Rear Panel Connections ........................................... 24

How to Connect in a Two Channel System ............. 25

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System ........... 26

Front Panel Displays and Controls ............................27

How to Operate the MPC1500 ............................ 28-29

Specifications ........................................................... 30

Packing Instruction .................................................. 31

3

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MPC1500 Power
Controller 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 enjoyment from this
component.

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]

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected

to the MPC1500 Power Controller.

2. The Main AC Power going to the MPC1500 and
any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be ap­plied until all the system components are connected
together. Failure to do so could result in malfunc­tioning of some or all of the system’s normal opera­tions.

3. In the event the MPC1500 Power Controller over­heats due to improper ventilation and/or high
ambient temperature, the Power Controller will
switch off. When the MPC1500 has returned to a
safe operating temperature, normal operation will
resume.

4. The MPC1500 is designed for connection of Audio/
Video Components with low energy consumption.
This would include components such as Preampli­fiers, A/V Control Centers, Source Components,
Integrated Amplifiers and Power Amplifiers with
low to modest power output.

General Information, con’t

The total amount of current drawn by all the
components connected to the MPC1500 should not
exceed Amps rating indicated on the rear panel of
your MPC1500. Typically, components consuming
low amounts of energy are rated in watts. Refer to
the chart below for converting a wattage rating into
an approximate current rating.

MPC1500 Versions

NA - (120VAC) EU - (230VAC) JA - (100VAC)

Watts Rating
on component

0- 50 Watts

51-100 Watts

101-150 Watts

151-200 Watts

201-250 Watts

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
MPC1500 and other McIntosh Products
please vist the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcin­toshlabs.com.

Approximate

current

0.5A 0.25A 0.6A

1A 0.5A 1.2A

1.5A 0.75A 1.8A

2A 1A 2.4A

2.5A 1.25A 3A

Approximate

current

Approximate

current

4

General Information, Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features

Connector and Cable Information

Power Control Connectors

The MPC1500 Global Power Control Input and Local
Power Control Inputs receive On/Off signals from +5
to +12 volts. The Global Power Control Output will
provide a +12 volt Output Signal with a current up to
20mA. The Local Power Con­trol Outputs will in turn provide
from +5 to +12 volt Output Sig-

nal (Input Signal Dependent).

The Global Power Control Input
has an additional connection for
controlling the illumination of the MPC1500 Voltage
and Current Output Meters. The 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug connects to a McIntosh Component Power
Control Output.

Note: The Power Control Connecting Cable is available

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.

Power
Control

Meter
Illumination
Control

Ground

Introduction

Now you can add to your system the advantage of
traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the
MPC1500 Power Controller. It offers full transformer
isolation from the incoming AC Line for the compo­nents connected to it. The MPC1500 helps to assure
the sound and video reproduction from your McIntosh
System is the best it can be, totally transparent and
absolutely accurate.

Performance Features

• Toroidal Isolation Power Transformer

The very large Toroidal Isolation Power Transformer
used in the MPC1500 occupies over three quarters
of the internal space in the chassis. It ensures stable
noise free operation for the audio/video components
connected to the MPC1500. It also isolates them from
potential interference produced from common house­hold appliances that utilize motors, compressors and
electronic control devices.

• Stable Voltage

The MPC1500’s Large Isolation Power Transformer
minimizes variations in the voltage available to the
connected components as they draw more current, up
to the Amp rating on the Rear Panel.

• Lono Technology

The LONO
from Plitron used in the MPC1500, eliminates audible
noise emanating from the Transformer and thus will
not distract from musical enjoyment, even with vary­ing AC Line conditions.

TM

(Low Noise) Transformer Technology

Unlike most of the AC Line Surge protection devices
available, the MPC1500 doesn’t rely on commonly
used inexpensive MOV devices. The MOV’s can fail
after just one surge thus no longer providing protec­tion and they can allow as much as 3 times the line
voltage through to the connected components allowing
substantial damage to occur. The MPC1500 incor­porates Torus

TM

Surge Suppression Circuitry, which
activates around 2V above peak nominal voltage
providing constant long term protection.

• Illuminated Voltage and Current Meters

The Illuminated Voltage and Current Meters indicate
at all times the voltage available to your McIntosh
Components and the actual current consumed by
them.

• Power Control

The Power Control Input connection provides conve­nient Turn-On/Off of the McIntosh MPC1500 with
your McIntosh System.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom­plished by the combination of custom designed Fiber
Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit-

ting Diodes (LEDs). The glass Front Panel ensures the

pristine beauty of the MPC1500 will be retained for
many years.

• Superior Line Surge Protection

The McIntosh MPC1500 utilizes the finest, most
sophisticated surge suppression technology available.

TM

LONO

- is a registered trademark of Plitron Manufacturing Inc.

Tor u sTM - Torus Power Technology under license from Plitron
Manufacturing Inc.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MPC1500.

Front View of the MPC1500

17-1/2"

44.45cm

Dimensions

OUTLETS

Rear View of the MPC1500

16-1/16"

40.8cm

7 -1/8"

18.10cm

6-13/32"

16.27cm

7 -5/8"

19.37cm

1-3/32"

2.77cm

13/16"

2.06cm

Side View of the MPC1500

18-1/16"

45.88cm

17-1/16"

43.34cm

13-11/16"

34.77cm

3/16"

0.48cm

1-1/2"

3.81cm

6-7/16"

16.35cm

13-1/4"

33.66cm

6

Installation

The MPC1500 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 MPC1500 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
MPC1500 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
MPC1500. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the MPC1500 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 4 inches (10.16cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm)

on each side of the Power Controller, so that airflow is

not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind
the front panel. Allow 2 inches (5.08cm) in front of

the mounting panel for knobs. Be sure to cut out a
ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the
dimensions in the drawing.

MPC1500 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

MPC1500 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

MPC1500 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet Front Panel

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Opening
for Ventilation

Support
Shelf

2"

5.08cm

17-1/16"

43.34cm

Opening for Ventilation

OUTLETS

4"

10.16cm

1-5/8"

4.13cm

Cutout

Opening

Ventilation

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

10"

25.4cm

for

15"

38.1cm

Installation

10-5/8"

26.99cm

Chassis
Spacers

15"

38.1cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally
on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.

13-11/16"

34.77cm

7

Rear Panel Connections

M

P

C

1
5
0
0

-

N

A

LOCAL POWER CONTROL
for AC Outlet number 6
receives a turn-on signal (5

to 12 volts) from a McIntosh

component and the LOCAL
POWER CONTROL OUT
sends a turn-on signal (same
voltage as the Power Control

Input) on to another McIntosh

component. The LED indi­cates when the AC Outlet is
active. The LOCAL POWER
CONTROL switch selects
LOCAL, GLOBAL or always
ON activation

LOCAL POWER CONTROL
for AC Outlet number 5
receives a turn-on signal (5

to 12 volts) from a McIntosh

component and the LOCAL
POWER CONTROL OUT
sends a turn-on signal (same
voltage as the Power Control

Input) onto another McIntosh

component. The LED indi­cates when the AC Outlet is
active. The LOCAL POWER
CONTROL switch selects
LOCAL, GLOBAL or always
ON activation

LOCAL POWER CONTROL
for AC Outlet number 4
receives a turn-on signal (5

to 12 volts) from a McIntosh

component and the LOCAL
POWER CONTROL OUT
sends a turn-on signal (same
voltage as the Power Control

Input) onto another McIntosh

component. The LED indi­cates when the AC Outlet is
active. The LOCAL POWER
CONTROL switch selects
LOCAL, GLOBAL or always
ON activation

LOCAL POWER CONTROL
for AC Outlet number 3
receives a turn-on signal (5

to 12 volts) from a McIntosh

component and the LOCAL
POWER CONTROL OUT
sends a turn-on signal (same
voltage as the Power Control

Input) onto another McIntosh

component. The LED indi­cates when the AC Outlet is
active. The LOCAL POWER
CONTROL switch selects
LOCAL, GLOBAL or always
ON activation

GLOBAL POWER CONTROL
IN receives a turn-on-signal (5

to 12 volts) for the Local Power

Control selection of Global and
the GLOBAL POWER CON­TROL OUT sends a delayed

turn-on signal (12 volts) to other
McIntosh Component(s)

The LEDs indicate the
MPC1500 Power Control­ler is connected to a live
AC Outlet and the UN­SWITCHED AC OUTLETs
number 1 and 2 are active.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
press to reset if the
MPC1500 Power Con­troller will not power up

SWITCHED AC Outlet
controlled by LOCAL
POWER CONTROL
number 6 Switch Set­ting and/or the received
Power Control Signal

SWITCHED AC Outlet controlled
by LOCAL POWER CONTROL
number 5 Switch Setting and/or
the received Power Control Signal

8

SWITCHED AC Outlet controlled
by LOCAL POWER CONTROL
number 4 Switch Setting and/or the
received Power Control Signal

SWITCHED AC Outlet controlled
by LOCAL POWER CONTROL
number 3 Switch Setting and/or
the received Power Control Signal

Connect the MPC1500
power cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to informa­tion on the back panel of
your MPC1500 to deter­mine the correct voltage
for your unit

Unswitched AC outlets
number 1 and 2 are ac­tive when the MPC1500
is connected to a live
AC Outlet

How to Connect in a Two Channel System

The MPC1500 has the ability to automatically switch
AC Power On/Off to Components connected to the
SWITCHED AC OUTLETS via the Power Control
connection coming from the Preamplifier. Source
Components switch On/Off via the Power Control
connection from the Preamplifier. For additional
information refer to “General Information” on page 4
and “Connector and Cable Information” on page 5.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500
GLOBAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack to the
Power Control Main Out Jack on the Preamplifier.

2. Connect the AC Power Cord from the Power Am­plifier to MPC1500 SWITCHED AC OUTLET 3.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the Preamplifier Acc
Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In
jack on the Disc Player.

4. Connect the AC Power Cords from the Preamplifier
and Disc Player to the UNSWITCHED AC OUT­LETS 1 and 2.

5. Connect any remaining Components in a similar
manner.

6. Using the supplied AC Cord, connect the MPC1500
directly to an AC Wall Outlet.

How to Connect in a Two Channel System

M

P

C

1
5
0
0

-

N

A

To AC Outlet

Preamplifier

75 WATTS

T630maAL 250V

Power Amplifier

Disc Player

9

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System

M

In the following example two of the four SWITCHED

P

AC OUTLETS on the MPC1500 will operate differ-

C

ently from the default settings. Outlet number 4 will
be used for the Zone B Power Amplifier. Outlets 3 and

1

5 for source components to power up for Zone A and/

5

or Zone B. For additional information refer to “How to

0

Operate” on page 12.

0

1. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500 LO-

-

CAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack number 4 to the

N

Power Control Zone B Out Jack on the A/V Control

A

Center. Place the number 4 switch in the LCL posi­tion.

2. Connect the AC Power Cord from the Power Am­plifier to MPC1500 SWITCHED AC OUTLET 4.

3. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500
GLOBAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack to A/V
Control Center ACC Power Control Out Jack.

4. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500
GLOBAL POWER CONTROL OUT Jack to the
Power Control In jack on the Disc Player.

5. Connect the AC Power Cords from the Disc Player
to the SWITCHED AC OUTLET 5. Place the num­ber 6 switch in the ON position.

6. Connect any remaining Components in a similar
manner.

7. Using the supplied AC Cord, connect the MPC1500
directly to an AC Wall Outlet.

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System

To AC Outlet

A/V Control Center

10

Zone B Power Amplifier

Disc Player