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McIntosh MC1201 User Manual

McIntosh MC1201
20 pages
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
Owners
Manual
MC1201
MC1201 Power Amplifier

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McIntosh MC1201 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMcIntosh
ModelMC1201
CategoryAmplifier
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Guidelines

Read, keep, heed, and follow all instructions; heed warnings about sound levels, plugs, and unplugging.

Installation Safety

Install near AC outlet, ensure ventilation, avoid heat sources, water, and use specified equipment like carts.

Connection Safety

Connect to correct AC source, protect power cord, do not defeat plug safety features.

Equipment Care and Maintenance

Cleaning and Handling Precautions

Clean only with a dry cloth and prevent objects or liquids from entering the equipment.

Storage and Disconnection

Unplug the power cord from the AC outlet when the equipment is left unused for long periods.

Equipment Repair and Servicing

Servicing Requirements

Refer all servicing to qualified personnel; do not attempt repairs beyond operating instructions.

Replacement Parts and Safety Checks

Use specified replacement parts and ensure safety checks are performed after service.

Introduction to the MC1201 Amplifier

McIntosh Excellence

Highlights McIntosh standards of excellence, 1200W output, and sonic transparency.

Getting Started

Encourages reading the manual to become familiar with features and functions.

MC1201 Performance Features

Power Output Capability

Delivers 1200 watts into 2, 4, or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% distortion.

Full Balanced Circuitry

Features a fully balanced design with push-pull amplifiers and McIntosh Autoformer for low distortion.

Patented Power Guard

Prevents amplifier overdrive and clipping, protecting speakers from harsh distorted sound.

Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

Ensures long, trouble-free operation with protection against overheating and output stage issues.

Patented Autoformer

Provides ideal matching for 2, 4, 8 ohm loads and offers perfect DC protection for speakers.

Illuminated Power Meter

Peak responding meter indicates actual power output; Peak Watt Hold Mode allows temporary peak display.

MC1201 Dimensions and Diagrams

Front View Dimensions

Details the width, height, and clearances for the front panel and handles.

Rear View Dimensions

Provides depth behind the front panel and overall unit dimensions.

Side View Dimensions

Illustrates side dimensions, including depth and height for custom installations.

MC1201 Installation Guidelines

Cabinet Installation Precautions

Handle with two or more persons; provide adequate ventilation in custom cabinets for cool operation.

Custom Cabinet Cutout Details

Specifies panel cutouts for mounting and ventilation in custom furniture or cabinets.

Ventilation Spacing Requirements

Requires minimum spacing above, below, and on sides for proper airflow and cool operation.

Rear Panel Connections and Switch

Input Connections

Connect audio cables via unbalanced or balanced inputs for preamplifier or control center audio output.

Output Connections

Connect loudspeakers to 2, 4, or 8 ohm terminals, observing correct polarity and impedance matching.

Power Control and Input Mode

Details power control signals and the input mode switch for selecting balanced or unbalanced input.

Circuit Breaker

Press to reset the amplifier if it will not power up.

How to Connect the MC1201

Remote Power Control Connection

Connect a power control cable from a control center or preamplifier for remote power control.

Audio Input Connection

Connect audio cables from a McIntosh preamplifier or control center to the MC1201 inputs.

Loudspeaker Hookup Cable Preparation

Prepare speaker cables by stripping wire, using spade lugs, or banana plugs for secure connection.

Loudspeaker Connection and Polarity

Connect loudspeaker hookup cables to impedance terminals, observing correct polarities and impedance matching.

Terminal Connections Cover Installation

Attach the supplied Terminal Connections Cover with mounting screws for safety.

Power Cord Connection

Connect the MC1201 power cord to an active AC outlet after all other connections are made.

Front Panel Displays and Controls

Power Output Meter

Indicates the power output of the amplifier, displaying Watts and Decibels.

Meter Switch

Selects display modes: Lights Off, Watts, or Hold for the Power Output Meter.

Power Guard LED Indicator

Lights up when the amplifier's Power Guard circuit activates.

Remote On Indicator

Lights when the amplifier is in the Remote Turn-On Mode.

Power Switch

Turns AC power On/Off or selects the Remote On/Off mode.

How to Operate the MC1201

Power On/Off Operation

Operate manually via the Power switch or remotely via a control center connection.

Meter Selection Modes

Select display modes: Lights Off, Watts (real-time), or Hold (peak value) for the power meter.

Input Mode Switch

Located on the rear panel, it allows selection between Balanced or Unbalanced input signals.

MC1201 Technical Description

McIntosh Engineering

Highlights McIntosh's pioneering role in high fidelity and advanced circuit design concepts.

Performance Overview

Discusses 1200W output, 200A current, low distortion (0.005%), and extensive testing.

Key Specifications

Details frequency response, input sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and intermodulation distortion.

MC1201 Technical Description (cont.)

Design Philosophy

Focuses on linearity, negative feedback, double balanced push-pull design, and component selection.

Autoformer Technology

Discusses McIntosh Autoformers for low distortion power transfer, impedance matching, and speaker protection.

Heat Management

Describes efficient circuit design, heat sinks, and convection cooling for safe operation without fans.

MC1201 Technical Description (cont. 2)

Balanced Dual Core Autoformer

Creates ideal match between output stage and speakers, allows multiple speakers, and provides protection.

Power Output Meter Operation

Explains meter response to tone bursts, peak acceleration, and the Watts Hold Mode.

Protection Circuits Overview

Incorporates Sentry Monitor, thermal protection, and Power Guard circuits for safe and reliable operation.

MC1201 Technical Description (cont. 3)

Power Guard Circuitry

Monitors input/output waveforms, detects overdriving, and dynamically reduces input volume to prevent distortion.

Power Supply Circuits

Features two high voltage supplies, direct wall outlet connection, and remote power control capabilities.

MC1201 Specifications

Power Output and Bandwidth

Specifies minimum sine wave continuous average power output and rated power band.

Distortion and Headroom

Details maximum total harmonic and intermodulation distortion, and dynamic headroom.

Frequency Response and Sensitivity

Provides frequency response range and input sensitivity for balanced and unbalanced inputs.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Impedance

Details A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio and input impedance for balanced and unbalanced inputs.

Damping Factor and Power Requirements

Specifies wide band damping factor and voltage/frequency requirements.

Dimensions and Weight

Provides front panel, depth, clearance, and net/shipping weight of the amplifier.

Packing Instructions

Repacking Equipment

Details exact procedure for repacking using original carton and interior parts to prevent shipping damage.

Part List for Packing Materials

Lists part numbers for shipping carton, poly bag, feet, and foam rings/pads.

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