McIntosh MPC1500 User Manual

McIntosh MPC1500

Operational Features & Advantages

The MPC1500 is an AC Isolation transformer, AC switching hub with 12 rear panel AC
outlets that have programmable Power Control options. Front and rear panel status
LED indicators are used along with front panel, backlit meters displaying Amperage
and Voltage level.

McIntosh MPC1500

Operational Features & Advantages

Main applications where isolation transformers are used are:

- Medical equipment that is used in life monitoring/supporting functions.

- Telecommunication equipment

- Building security/automation

- Laboratory Instrumentation

Specific Performance Advantages and Characteristics
of the MPC1500

1-The secondary, output AC side of the MPC1500 is grounded to the shielding
between the two sides of the transformer. This implementation results in a 100 to 1
attenuation of voltage spike amplitude.

2-Commonmode rejection of broadband AC line noise is a minimum of -30 dB.
3-Active circuit components clamp incoming voltage spikes at +2 volts over the

average AC line voltage. The vast majority of ‘Power Conditioners’ use MOV, Metal
Oxide Varistors to absorb and limit line voltage spikes. Due to the small size and
fragile nature of even the largest MOVs these must be designed to limit at 100s of
volts above AC line level. A few repeated spikes at the MOVs absorption level will
result in MOV overheating and failure. . This is often promoted as the ‘Power
Conditioner’ sacrificing itself to protect connected components.

4-1000 repeats of 6000/3000 volt spikes will not cause connected component or
MPC1500 damage. Voltage spikes are reflected BACK into the AC line input side of
the MPC1500 transformer.

5-The front panel meters show the OUTPUT side of the MPC1500. The MPC1500
increases the input voltage by 3 volts to make up for the insertion loss of the (45 lb.)
transformer.

6-The low frequency knee of the transformer is 2 kHz. Any noise on the AC line above
the frequency is attenuated to where it is no longer a performance issue. The vast
majority of all other power conditioners use choke coils that will limit response at 1
MHz. The vast majority of AC line noise is between 80 to 120 kHz. This noise cluster is
totally removed from the output by the MPC1500.

7-Any type of audio/video component may be connected to the MPC1500 as long as
the maximum sustained power draw is under 11.2 amps. Due to the extremely low
output impedance of the MPC1500 some power amps will actually show a slight
increase in power when used with the MPC1500.