See “SYSTEMS ENGINEERING”
in the main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
Featured Technologies
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH OUTPUT AUTOFORMERS. An impedance mismatch between a power
amplifier and a loudspeaker can cause distortion and a reduction in power. The legendary
McIntosh autoformer is a hand-crafted transformer with output connections for 2, 4, and 8 ohms,
allowing an ideal impedance match between amp and speaker. A McIntosh amplifier with an
autoformer can also safely drive multiple speakers connected in parallel without shortening
the life of the output stage. There is absolutely no performance penalty with an autoformer. In
fact, its frequency response exceeds that of the output circuit itself, and extends well beyond
the audible range. Distortion is so low it is virtually immeasurable.
ILLUMINATED PEAK-RESPONDING METERS. McIntosh meters respond 95% full scale to a
single-cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Response is almost 10-times faster than a professional VU meter.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING. In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels
to a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel,
the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add to
the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input.
The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal
leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and
the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the
coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the
leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion
of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning.
Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly “off,” eliminating potential sources of
interference.
PRECISION-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL. Level differences among channels in a stereo or
surround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of McIntosh volume
controls are electronically trimmed for superior tracking.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH POWER ASSURANCE SYSTEM. Power Assurance is a collection of
technologies that enhance performance and reliability and protect the amp and the loudspeakers.
Power Guard
®
clipping protection. Power Guard ensures that the amplifier will always
deliver full power without causing excessive clipping distortion. Clipping not only sounds
harsh, but also is the most common cause of tweeter burn out. If an amplifier channel is over-
driven, Power Guard automatically reduces the input volume just enough to keep distortion
below 2% and minimizes clipping distortion. Power Guard acts faster than hearing response
time, producing absolutely no audible side effects. An amplifier with Power Guard will actual-
ly deliver low distortion output well above its rated power.
Sentry Monitor
®
current protection. Sentry Monitor continually senses the voltage and current
of the output stage and confines it to a safe limit. Sentry Monitor does not limit power output.
T
hose considering a McIntosh system for the first time will find integrated
amplifiers a comfortable place to start. In virtually every respect the MA6900
performs as well as McIntosh separates. The MA6900 incorporates premium
McIntosh technologies – including autoformers, Power Assurance, and Silent
Electromagnetic Switching – as well as several features that facilitate system inte-
gration and expansion.
McIntosh MA6900 Integrated Amplifier
The input selectors on the
MA6900 actually control state-
of-the-art silent electromagnetic
switches.
lead
coil
sealed glass tube
circuit completes
when leads touch
lead
switching command causes
DC voltage at coil
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