McIntosh MS300 User Manual
Music Server
MS300
User’s Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
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.
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.
This product incorporates an embedded CLASS 3B Laser (IEC60825-1).
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.
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.
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.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
THANK YOU
The team at McIntosh
would like to take this
opportunity to thank
you for purchasing
a McIntosh MS300
product. McIntosh is
committed to providing
our customers the
most technologically
advanced, yet easierthan-ever to use products
that converge the power
of the Internet with
home entertainment.
To maximize your
enjoyment, please take
a few minutes to review
this User’s Manual. It
will guide you through
all the features and
benefits of your new
MS300.
If you should need
assistance please call our
Customer Support Staff
at 866.458.6910
The McIntosh Team
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MS300 USER MANUAL 1
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1B -1C
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION 7
TRADEMARKS & SERVICE MARKS 7
ABOUT THIS MANUAL 8
RECORD YOUR SERIAL NUMBER
MANUAL DISCLAIMERS
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 8
WARRANTY INFORMATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
COPYRIGHT 9
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
8
9
8
8
10
SETUP 11
QUICK SETUP GUIDE 11
POWER STATES
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW
REMOTE CONTROL OVERVIEW
ENTERING TEXT WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL 16
Entering Numeric Entry Mode 16
Typing Characters with the Remote
12
13
14
15
16
GETTING MUSIC INTO MS300 18
RECORDING FROM THE INTERNAL CD 19
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL CHANGER
Supported External CD Changers 20
Connecting Sony DVP-CX777ES CD/DVD Changers 21
Connecting Sony Changers 22
20
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 3
Connecting Kenwood CD/DVD Changers 23
Connecting Pioneer CD/DVD Changers 24
Loading Discs Into Changers 25
Quick Lookup 25
Automatic Bulk Recording 26
Select Tracks to Record
IMPORTING MUSIC FILES 27
System Requirements 28
Audio File Requirements 28
Cover Art Image Requirements
Importing from a PC 29
Importing from a Mac 30
RECORDING FROM OTHER EXTERNAL SOURCES 32
ERASING CD-RW DISC 33
LISTENING TO MUSIC 34
BROWSING YOUR MUSIC LIBRARY 34
SHOW AND HIDE TRACKS
PLAYING THE CURRENT TITLE
SELECTING A DIFFERENT SONG 35
CHANGING THE GUIDE VIEW 36
View By Artist 36
View By Title
View By Song
TABLE OF CONTENTS
View By Cover 37
CHANGING THE CURRENT PLAY MODE 37
VIEWING BY GENRE 38
LISTENING TO INTERNET RADIO 39
BROWSING INTERNET RADIO STATIONS 39
PLAYING THE CURRENT STATION
26
28
34
35
36
37
40
MANAGING YOUR MEDIA 41
CREATING PLAYLISTS 41
CREATING GROUPS
ADDING INTERNET RADIO STATIONS
UPDATING THE INTERNET RADIO STATIONS LIST
EDITING MUSIC INFORMATION 47
Editing Disc Info 47
Automatically Lookup Information for This Disc 48
Searching for the Original Cover 49
Tips for Searching for Covers
Selecting an Existing Cover 50
Editing Track Names
EDITING RADIO INFORMATION
EDITING PLAYLISTS
EDITING GROUPS 54
DELETING MUSIC 55
DELETING PLAYLISTS
DELETING GROUPS 57
43
45
46
49
51
52
53
56
CREATING CDS 58
CREATING A CUSTOM MIX CD 58
DUPLICATING A CD
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE 61
60
MS300 User’s Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SETTING USER PREFERENCES 62
SETTING THE SCREEN SAVER PREFERENCES 62
Activation Idle Time
Mode 62
PHOTO SCREEN SAVER MODE
SETTING YOUR TIME ZONE 64
SETTING YOUR ZIP CODE
ENABLING PASSWORD PROTECTION
CHOOSING YOUR NETWORK CONNECTION 6
62
63
65
66
7
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 5
Testing the Your Connection 68
Ethernet Settings 69
Dialup Settings 70
SETTING THE MS300 SERVER SETTINGS 71
CONFIGURING A MS300 SERVER 72
CONFIGURING A MS300 CLIENT
PEER TO PEER MUSIC SHARING 73
SELECTING THE AUDIO ENCODER TYPE 74
SETTING THE DISC INSERT PREFERENCES 75
VIDEO OUTPUT PREFERENCES 76
Centering the MS300 Screen 77
Adjusting your TV’s Brightness 78
Adjusting your TV’s Contrast 79
Adjusting your TV’s Sharpness 80
Adjusting your TV’s Color and Tint
LOOKING UP DISC INFORMATION
Automatically Getting Disc Information 83
Getting Disc Information for a Range of Discs 84
Getting Disc Information for All Discs 85
RECORDING FROM EXTERNAL CHANGERS
Automatically Recording CDs 87
Recording a Range of CDs 88
Recording All CDs 89
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTROLLING MS300 FROM OTHER DEVICES 90
MS300 UTILITIES 91
Restarting the System 92
Updating the Software 93
CONTROLLING MS300 FROM A WEB BROWSER 94
SETTING UP THE MS300 WEB SERVER 94
USING THE WEB USER INTERFACE 94
72
81
82
86
CONNECTING TO YOUR MS300 USING A WEB BROWSER 95
USING THE WEB USER INTERFACE 95
USING THE WEB BROWSER AS A MUSIC CLIENT 96
BACKUP AND RESTORE 97
MS300 MUSIC BACKUP 97
MS300 MUSIC RESTORE
TROUBLESHOOTING 98
NETWORK PROBLEMS 98
SOFTWARE UPDATE PROBLEMS 98
RECORDING PROBLEMS 98
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 99
McINTOSH PRODUCT SUPPORT 99
SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Specifications
Video Specifications 100
General Specifications 100
FCC Part 15, Subpart B 101
GRACENOTE® END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT 102
PACKING INSTRUCTIONS 104
TABLE OF CONTENTS
97
100
100
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 6
TRADEMARKS & SERVICE MARKS
The McIntosh logo is a trademark of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc..
Other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their
respective companies.
Music recognition technology and related data are provided by Gracenote®. Gracenote is the industry standard in
music recognition technology and related content delivery. For more information visit www. gracenote.com.
CD and music-related data from Gracenote, Inc., copyright © 2000-2005 Gracenote.
Gracenote CDDB® Client Software, copyright 2000-2005 Gracenote. This product and service may practice one
or more of the following U.S. Patents: #5,987,525; #6,061,680; #6,154,773, #6,161,132, #6,230,192, #6,230,207,
#6,240,459, #6,330,593, and other patents issued or pending. Services supplied and/or device manufactured under
license for following Open Globe, Inc. United States Patent #6,304,523.
Gracenote and CDDB are registered trademarks of Gracenote. The Gracenote logo and
logotype, and the “Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote.
INTRODUCTION
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 7
Thank you for purchasing the MS300 Music Server from McIntosh.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This MS300 User’s Manual is intended to provide the reader with an overview of the main features and benefits of the
McIntosh MS300 Music Server. For more technical information, please refer to the MS300 Advanced User’s Guide
available on the McIntosh web site www.mcintoshlabs.com or from your McIntosh Dealer.
RECORD YOUR SERIAL NUMBER
The serial number for this unit is located at the rear of the device. Please record the serial number in the space
provided below. Refer to it whenever you call McIntosh Tech Support regarding this product.
MS300 Serial Number: _______________________________________
MANUAL DISCLAIMERS
INTRODUCTION
At the time of printing, the MS300 screen shot images in this manual matched the MS300 interface screens. However,
since MS300 has the capability of downloading software updates and enhancements on a regular basis, the resulting
screen updates may no longer match the images in this manual. Check the McIntosh website for more information on
software updates.
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 8
FOR WARRANTY INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE SUPPLIED M
ELECTRONICS THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY” CERTIFICATE.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
cINTOSH “HOME
McIntosh shall not be liable for damage or loss of data including but not limited to music recorded to storage devices.
It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain the original media and/or appropriate backup copies within the specific
rights of the media’s copyright holder.
CONTACT INFORMATION
McIntosh may be contacted by using the following information. Once you have worked with your local McIntosh
Dealer, we encourage you to contact us if you are in need of any further assistance.
Office and Factory: Technical Support:
McIntosh Laboratory Hours: 9:00am - 6:00pm EST, M-F
2 Chambers Street Toll Free: (866) 458-6910
Binghamton, NY 13903
Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm EST, M - F Repair Authorization:
Toll Free: (800) 538-6576 Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm EST, M-F
Phone: (607) 723-3512 Toll Free: (800) 538-6576
Fax: (607) 724-0549 Phone: (607) 723-3515
E-mail: feedback@mcintoshlabs.com Fax: (607) 723-1917
INTRODUCTION
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 9
COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyright ©2005, 2006 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.. All rights reserved.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Following are terms used throughout this manual:
• Button - refers to a graphic item on the display screen.
• Group - a collection of similar music titles. Standard genre groups are provided and custom groups can be
created by the user.
• Highlight - highlighting is used to indicate the user’s selection on screen. When the selection moves up, down,
left, or right, the highlight moves to the next nearest item. No action is taken (except that more information may
be displayed on the screen) until the Select key is pressed.
• Info Text Area - the portion of the guide screen used to display information about the highlighted title.
• Playlist - a collection of one or more music tracks or songs.
• Title - a collection of music tracks commonly referred to as a CD, Album or Playlist.
• Key - refers to one of the buttons on your remote or keyboard.
• MP3 - a compressed digital audio format. MP3 files are smaller than the original CD tracks and sound almost
identical.
• FLAC - a lossless compressed digital audio format. FLAC files are smaller than the original CD tracks and are bit
INTRODUCTION
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 10
5. POWER UP!
• Plug each changer into an AC outlet.
• Plug the MS300 into an AC outlet.
• The Standby LED on the front of the MS300 will begin to flash RED during
the power on cycle. When the LED turns solid RED, the MS300 is ready
for use.
• Press the power button on the front panel or on the remote control. The
LED will turn Off and video will be displayed on the TV when the
unit is on.
Note: You may have to press the "MS1" button on the remote to configure it to control the MS300.
Also be sure the TV and receiver are turned on and set to the correct the MS300 input.
6. QUICK START
• Use the remote control and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the
additional changers to communications ports and audio jacks 2 and 3
respectively.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical audio
cables between your changers and the MS300.
4. CONNECT THE MS300 TO THE INTERNET
MS300 requires an Internet connection to identify the discs in connected changers, to provide
additional entertainment services, and for general system maintenance.
• If you do not have an ethernet network connected to the internet and you
would like to use Dialup Internet Access, you will need to connect an
external modem (not included) to COM port 4 and connect the modem to a
working phone line. Contact your McIntosh Dealer for details.
• If you have a broadband (cable, DSL, ISDN) Internet Service Provider
,
connect an ethernet cable from the MS300's ethernet jack to your
ethernet network.
NOTE: You may need to purchase additional network hardware such as a "router". Please
contact your McIntosh Dealer for more information.
1. UNPACK YOUR NEW MS300
• Unpack the MS300 and accessories (save the box).
• Install the included batteries into the remote and keyboard.
• Make note of the serial number (located on the back).
SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________________
2. CONNECT THE MS300 T
O YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM
A) Obtain the proper connecting cables from your McIntosh Dealer.
B)
Connect the MS300 to any available A/V input on your receiver or TV.
Note: You may use optional s-video or component video cables and optional digital
audio cables for the best picture and sound quality. This is also applicable to the next
step, connecting changers to your MS300. Contact your McIntosh Dealer for more
information.
3. CONNECT OPTIONAL CHANGERS TO YOUR MS300
SONY CD CHANGERS
The MS300 requires that you connect each Sony CD changer to the back panel using
audio and S-Link control cables.
Follow these steps to connect your Sony CD changers to your MS300:
1. Locate the S-Link cable, with 1/8” male plugs on each end.
2.
Connect one end of the S-Link cable into the S-Link/IR Out jack number 1
on the back of your MS300.
3.
Connect the other end of the S-Link cable into the Control A1 jack on the
back of your changer.
4.
Locate a stereo RCA audio patch cable. .
5.
Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number
1 on the back of your MS300.
6.
Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Line Out
jacks on the back of your changer.
• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the
additional changer to S-Link and audio jack 2.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical audio
cables between your changers and the MS300.
• Make sure that all changers are set to COMMAND MODE 1.
SONY, KENWOOD, OR PIONEER CD/DVD CHANGERS
The MS300 requires that you connect each CD/DVD changer to the back panel using
audio and RS-232 control cables. NOTE: The MS300 supports only CDs in these
changers. Do not install DVDs.
Follow these steps to connect your CD/DVD changers to your MS300:
1.
Locate the proper RS-232 serial cable for your changer.
2.
Connect one end of the RS-232 serial cable into Communication Port
number 1, on the back of your MS300.
3.
Connect the other end of the RS-232 serial cable into the “RS-232C” port
on the back of your changer.
4.
5.
Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number
1 on the back of your MS300.
6.
Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Line Out
jacks on the back of your changer.
BACK PANEL OVERVIEW
:
Power
to electrical outlet
IR In for IR external
control
S-Link
to control CD
Analog Out to the
receiver for analog audio
Component Video Out
to the TV or other display
device
Ethernet Network Jack
connects the MS300 to
your broadband Ethernet
network.
Coax Out and Optical
Out to the receiver for
digital audio
Optical In and Coax In
from CD changers 1/2/3
for digital audio
RS-232 for external
control, touch screen, or
modem
RS-232 to control CD
changers 1/2/3
Composite or S-Video
Video Out to the TV or
other display device
CHANGER CONNECTION
RECEIVER CONNECTION
DISPLA
Y CONNECTION
GENERAL CONNECTION
Analog audio In from the
CD changers 1/2/3
Quick Setup
SUPPORTED CHANGERS
Sony CD Changers (CDP-CX 200,
300, 400 series with S-Link support)
Sony DVP-CX777ES CD/DVD
Changer
(CDs only)
Pioneer DV-F07 CD/DVD changer
(CDs only)
Kenwood DV-5900M and DV-5050M
DVD/CD Changers
(CDs only)
Locate a stereo RCA audio patch cable.
McIntosh Part No. 040944
changers 1 and 2
Data In / Power Control In
from
McIntosh Preamplifiers/Receivers
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 11
SETUP
for bit duplicates of the original.
• Guide - a grid or list of information, used to browse your media library.
• Player - the screen used to display the currently playing media.
SETUP
Off
= unit on
This manual assumes that you followed the printed “Quick Setup Guide” that came with your MS300. If you have
not properly connected your MS300 to your audio/video system, please go back and follow the “Quick Setup Guide”
before continuing with this User Manual.
POWER STATES
After the MS300 unit is plugged in, the Standby LED located next to the power button will flash red until the startup
process is complete. Please wait. This may take several minutes.
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 12
SETUP
When the Standby LED is solid RED, the MS300 is now in a standby or “sleep” mode. There is no video output when
the MS300 is in standby mode. Press the Power button (on the front panel or on the remote) once and the video output
is displayed on your TV. The unit is now ON and the LED will be Off.
To change from the ON mode back to the standby or “sleep” mode, press the Power button on the front panel or on the
remote once. The video output will go blank and the LED will be solid red.
If power is removed from the MS300 for any reason, including a power outage or if the unit is unplugged, the MS300
will automatically return to the Standby state as soon as power is restored. When the MS300 is turned on again, the
MS300 will return to the same source mode that it was in when power was lost.
To force the MS300 to restart, PRESS and HOLD the Power button for 4 seconds, and release it when the standby
LED starts blinking. When the Standby LED is RED and the MS300 has completed its startup process, press the
Power button once to turn on the MS300.
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
1
2 3
17
9
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 13
SETUP
4 5 6
1 - GUIDE
2 - MUSIC SOURCE
3
- RADIO SOURCE
4
- OPEN/CLOSE DRIVE
5 - TRANSPORT:
RECORD
6 - TRANSPORT: STOP
7 - TRANSPORT: PAUSE
8 - TRANSPORT: PLAY
9 - CDRW DRIVE
10 - TEXT DISPLAY
11 - TRANSPORT: BACK
12 - TRANSPORT: NEXT
13 - SELECT
14 - FAVORITES
10
11 127 8 131514 16
SETUP
15 - NAVIGATION
16 - POWER: STANDBY/ON
3
4
1
17 - IR RECEIVER
2
5 6
REAR PANEL OVERVIEW
1 - POWER
2
- IR IN / S-LINK / DATE IN / POWER CONTROL IN
3 - DIGITAL AUDIO COAX OUT
4 - DIGITAL AUDIO OPTICAL OUT
5 - DIGITAL AUDIO OPTICAL IN
6 - DIGITAL AUDIO COAX IN
7 - ANALOG AUDIO OUT
8 - VIDEO OUT
9 - ANALOG AUDIO IN
10
8
9
7
11
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 14
SETUP
MS300 modes.
10 - COMMUNICATION PORTS
1
1 - ETHERNET
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 15
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 16
SETUP
REMOTE CONTROL OVERVIEW
ENTERING TEXT WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control can be used to enter text in all text fields. This
text entry capability is provided to allow you to fill out short text
fields – such as those that occur in the setup and edit screens. The
MS300’s wireless keyboard should be used when extended typing is
required.
Entering Numeric Entry Mode
In fields where the MS300 expects only numeric characters to be
entered (such as phone number fields), an indicator will appear on the
screen that displays the letters “123” indicating that only numbers can
be entered.
Typing Characters with the Remote
The remote control based text entry capability is similar to that
provided on standard telephones and cell phones. Each numeric key
has characters associated with it that can be accessed by pressing the
key one or more times. You have .5 seconds after a key is pressed to
enter a second character from the same key. If you press the same
key within .5 seconds, the second character associated with that key
replaces the initial character. If you do not press the same key within
.5 seconds, the text cursor moves to the next location so that the same
key can be pressed again to enter a second character.
The “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, and “8” keys each support three letters
and one number and can be pressed from one to seven times to display
upper case, lower case, and numeric characters. The “7” and “9” keys
both support four letters and one number and can be pressed from
one to nine times. The “1” and “0” keys support all of the special
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 17
SETUP
characters and will cycle through each character for every key press.
The text characters follow the same convention used by a standard telephone – except in the case of the “1” and “0”
keys which contain additional characters.
When entering characters at the beginning of a field or characters that follow a space, the MS300 assumes that upper
case characters are preferred. Therefore, characters are entered in the following cycle – uppercase, lowercase, and
numeric. For example, the first key press enters an uppercase letter corresponding to the first letter associated with the
key. Pressing the “2” key once displays an “A” in the text field, pressing the “2” key twice displays a “B”, pressing it
again will display a “C”. The fourth key press displays a lower case “a”, the fifth key press displays a lower case “b”,
and the sixth key press displays a lower case “c”. Lastly, pressing the “2” key a seventh time displays the number “2”.
When entering the second character in a text field or the second character following a space, the MS300 assumes that
lower case is preferred and the character entry cycles in the following pattern – lowercase, uppercase, and numeric.
The following text entry table describes the sequence of characters that appear when specific keys are pressed
on the remote:
nd
Key
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Alpha Mode
st
1
character or 1st character after a
space
1. / , ? ‘ : ; &~! 1. / , ? ‘ : ; &~!
ABCabc2 abcABC2
DEFdef3 defDEF3
GHIghi4 ghiGHI4
JKLjkl5 jklJKL5
MNOmno6 mnoMNO6
PQRSpqrs7 pqrsPQRS7
Alpha Mode 2
character or 2nd
character after a
space
8
9
0
TUVtuv8 tuvTUV8
WXYZwxyz9 wxyzWXYZ9
0@ _ - * # [ ] ( )+= 0@ _ - * # [ ] ( )+=
GETTING MUSIC INTO THE MS300
Before you can enjoy the many benefits of your MS300 Music Server, you will want to get your music collection into
MUSIC ON THE MS300
the MS300. The process of getting music into the MS300 is called “Recording” or sometimes “Ripping”.
There are several ways to get your music into the MS300:
• Record CDs using the internal CD Drive
• Record CDs using optional external CD changers
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 18
• Record from an external source (such as a tape, LP, or other realtime source)
• Transfer Music files from your PC using a network
You may choose to use any or all of these methods at any time. Each
is described on the following pages.
RECORDING FROM THE INTERNAL CD
The easiest way to get music into your MS300 is to record CDs using
the built-in internal CD-RW drive. This method requires no additional
equipment and is very fast, as the internal CD drive can rip audio at
several times the speed of normal playback. This is known as “fastripping”.
Follow these steps to record using the internal CD-RW drive:
1. Press the EJECT key on the front panel.
2. Insert an audio CD (label side up) into the CD-RW tray.
3. Press the EJECT key again to close the CD-RW tray.
4. The CD’s artist, album, and track names are automatically
retrieved from the Gracenote® Music Recognition Service and
are displayed on your TV.
5. Press the RECORD key on the remote control to display the
Recording Options Menu.
MUSIC ON THE MS300
6. Press the RECORD key a second time to choose the default
recording option “Record to Internal Hard Drive”.
7. The Record Select Guide will be displayed showing the
current CD with checkmarks to the right of each track name.
8. Press the RECORD key a third time to begin recording the
entire CD to the internal hard drive.
MS300 User’s Manual
PAGE 19
• When recording is complete, the MS300 will return to the Music
Guide.
• Repeat steps 1-8 for each disc in your music collection.
• Highlight and Unselect tracks you do not wish to record before pressing RECORD for the third time.
Note: It is also possible to set the MS300 to automatically record the CD when inserted. Refer to the section “Setting User
Preferences” for setting Recording Preferences and Disc Insert Preferences.
RECORDING FROM AN EXTERNAL CHANGER
The MS300 can manage up to three - 400 disc CD changers in addition to any music recorded onto the internal hard
drive.
Recording from an external changer (of course) requires at least one supported external CD changer properly
connected to the MS300. Recording from an external changer is much slower than recording from the internal CD
drive because each CD must be played and recorded in real-time compared to the fast ripping speed of recording from
the internal CD drive. However, it is possible to set up the external changer record and let it record for several weeks
with no interaction.
All changer based CDs are seamlessly integrated into the same easy to use Music Guide as your recorded CDs.
Supported External CD Changers
The following changers are currently supported. This list may change from time to time as new changers are released
by third party manufacturers. Please check the McIntosh web site for a list of any new supported changers.
• Sony CD Changers (CDP-CX 200, 300, 400 series with S-Link support)
• Sony DVP-CX777ES CD/DVD changer (CDs only)
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• Kenwood DV-5900M and DV-5050M CD/DVD Changers (CDs only)
• Pioneer DV-F07 CD/DVD changer (CDs only)
Note: All three changers must be from the same manufacturer. For example, you can not use 1 Sony and 2 Kenwood
changers at the same time. Also, you can not mix Sony CD and Sony CD/DVD changers.
Connecting Sony DVP-CX777ES CD/DVD Changers (CDs Only)
The MS300 requires that you connect each changer to the back panel using audio and control cables.
Follow these steps to connect your Sony CD/DVD changers to your MS300:
1. An RS-232 serial null modem cable with female DB-9 connectors on each end is required for connecting a
Sony CD/DVD Changer.
2. Connect one end of the RS-232 serial cable into Communication Port number 1, on the back of your MS300.
3. Connect the other end of the RS-232 serial cable into the “RS-232C” port on the back of your changer.
4. Locate the stereo RCA audio patch cable.
5. Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number 1 on the back of your MS300
6. Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Line Out jacks on the back of your changer.
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• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the additional changers to communications
ports and audio jacks 2 and 3 respectively.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical or coax audio cables (not included) between
your changers and the MS300.
Connecting Sony CD Changers
The MS300 requires that you connect each changer to the back panel using audio and control cables.
Follow these steps to connect your Sony CD changers to your MS300:
1. Locate the S-Link cable, with 1/8” male plugs on each end.
2. Connect one end of the S-Link cable into the S-Link/IR Out jack number 1 on the back of your MS300.
3. Connect the other end of the S-Link cable into the Control A1 jack on the back of your changer.
4. Locate the stereo RCA audio patch cable.
5. Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number 1 on the back of your MS300
6. Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Line Out jacks on the back of your changer.
7. If your changers has a “Command Mode” switch on the rear panel, make sure the is set to 1 for all changers.
If no rear switch, use the changers menu to set it to CD1 for all changers.
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• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the additional changers to S-Link and audio
jack 2.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical or coax audio cables between your changers
and the MS300.
Connecting Kenwood CD/DVD Changers (CDs Only)
The MS300 requires that you connect each changer to the back panel using audio and control cables.
Follow these steps to connect your Kenwood DVD/CD changers to your MS300:
1. Locate the RS-232 serial cable that came with your Kenwood changer. This is the black cable with female
DB-9 connectors on each end.
2. Connect one end of the RS-232 serial cable into Communication Port number 1, on the back of your MS300.
3. Connect the other end of the RS-232 serial cable into the “RS-232C” port on the back of your changer.
4. Locate the stereo RCA audio patch cable.
5. Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number 1 on the back of your MS300
6. Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Line Out jacks on the back of your changer.
• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the additional changers to communications
ports and audio jacks 2 and 3 respectively.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical audio or coax cables between your changers
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and the MS300.
• To control power on and power off for the Kenwood changer you must connect the 1/8” male to male cable
between the “S-Link/IR Out” jack on the MS300 and the “DVD CONTROL” jack on the Kenwood changer.
Connecting Pioneer CD/DVD Changers (CDs Only)
The MS300 requires that you connect each changer to the back panel using audio and control cables.
Follow these steps to connect your Pioneer DV-F07 changers to your MS300:
1. A custom RS-232 serial cable with 9 pin and 15 pin connectors is required to connect the DV-F07 changer to
the MS300. These can be purchased from your McIntosh Dealer.
2. Connect one end of the RS-232 serial cable into Communication Port number 1, on the back of your MS300.
3. Connect the other end of the RS-232 serial cable into the “Interface Connector” port on the back of your
changer.
4. Locate the stereo RCA audio patch cable.
5. Connect one end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog In jacks number 1 on the back of your MS300
6. Connect the other end of the RCA audio cable into the Analog Audio Out jacks on the back of your changer.
• If you have more than one changer, repeat these steps to connect the additional changers to communications
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ports and audio jacks 2 and 3 respectively.
• For the best audio quality, you should also connect digital optical or coax audio cables between your changers
and the MS300.
Loading Discs Into Changers
Insert CDs into your changers, following the changer manufacturer’s
instructions and close the changer door. Quick Lookup will
automatically start in a few seconds.
Quick Lookup
Before recording any CDs from an external changer, CDs should be
looked up using the Quick Lookup feature. The Quick Lookup process
automatically retrieves the artist, album, and track names form the
Gracenote® Music Recognition Service. The Quick Lookup feature
will automatically start whenever you close the changer door and will
automatically determine how many and which discs have been added or removed from the changer.
You can manually run Quick Lookup by following these steps:
1. Press the
2. Select the
3. Select the LOOKUP DISCS
4. Select the
MUSIC ON THE MS300
When Quick Lookup is complete, the MS300 will return to the Music Guide where changer based CDs are listed
alphabetically by Artist Name – Album Title. CDs have a little CD icon on each row of the Guide to indicate that the
Title is a physical CD located in an eternal changer. Music Titles with a MUSIC NOTE icon are stored on the internal
SETUP key on the remote control to display the Setup Menu.
CHANGER MANAGEMENT menu item.
QUICK LOOKUP menu item.
menu item.
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hard drive.
Note: The MS300 needs to be connected, via the Ethernet
Jack, to an active computer network with access
to the Internet for the Quick Lookup Feature to
retrive the Album Title and Track Names.
Automatic Bulk Recording
The MS300 can automatically record every single CD from an
external changer, one by one (in real time) using the Record Discs
feature.
Follow these steps once your changer is loaded with CDs and they
have been identified by Quick Lookup:
1. Press the
Setup Menu.
2. Select the
3. Select the
4. Select the
SETUP key on the remote control to display the
CHANGER MANAGEMENT menu item.
RECORD DISCS menu item.
QUICK RECORD menu item.
Quick Record will first determine which discs have been added to
the changer and then figure out which ones have NOT already been
recorded and proceed with recording these discs to the internal hard
drive.
MUSIC ON THE MS300
Quick Record will record all tracks from each CD. If you only want to record select tracks from one or more CDs,
refer to the section “Select Tracks to Record” below.
• When recording is complete, the MS300 will return to the Music Guide.
• Refer to the section “Setting User Preferences” for setting Recording Preferences and Disc Insert Preferences.
Select Tracks to Record
You can select which CDs and which tracks you want to record by following these steps:
1. Press the RECORD key on the remote control to display the Recording Options Menu.
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