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McIntosh MC901 User Manual

McIntosh MC901
20 pages
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
MC901
Dual Mono Amplier
Owners Manual

Table of Contents

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McIntosh MC901 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMcIntosh
ModelMC901
CategoryAmplifier
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Safety First

Safety Information

Please read all enclosed safety information included in separate documents to ensure user safety.

Introduction and Important Notes

Thank You and Product Enjoyment

Expresses gratitude for purchase and encourages familiarization with features for maximum performance.

Make a Note for Reference

Section to record serial number and purchase information for future reference and identification.

One of a Kind Design

Bi-amping Solution

The MC901 is designed for bi-amping, combining Tube and Solid State for optimal loudspeaker performance.

Unity Coupled Circuit and Autoformer

Explains McIntosh's patented technologies for transformer design and solid-state amplification for superior sound.

Power Guard and SGS Technology

Details Power Guard for distortion prevention and SGS for protecting vacuum tubes from excessive current.

What's Included

Package Contents List

Lists the items included in the MC901 package, such as the amplifier, manual, and necessary accessories.

Installation and Placement Guidelines

Unit Placement and Ventilation

Advises on upright installation, proper airflow, and clearance requirements for optimal and safe operation.

Vacuum Tube Foam Insert Removal

Important Safety Warning

Warns about fire hazard and damage if foam inserts are not removed before connecting power to the unit.

Foam Removal Procedure

Step-by-step instructions to safely remove protective foam from the vacuum tubes before operation.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls

Input Connectors Explained

Details the various input types (Composite, Direct, Balanced, Unbalanced) and their respective connectors.

Vacuum Tube Input Select

Describes the switch for selecting DIRECT or COMPOSITE input for the Vacuum Tube amplifier section.

Solid State Input Select

Describes the switch for selecting DIRECT or COMPOSITE input for the Solid State amplifier section.

Power Control and Auto Off

Explains the Power Control connection for system integration and the Auto Off feature functionality.

Output Terminals

Identifies the speaker output terminals for both Vacuum Tube (300W) and Solid State (600W) sections.

Back Panel Connectivity Details

AC Power Connection

Advises connecting the AC power cord last, after all other audio and control connections are made.

Input Mode Selection

Explains how to select between Balanced and Unbalanced inputs using the INPUT MODE switch.

Input Select Switch Function

Details how Input Select switches bypass level adjust and filters when DIRECT input is chosen.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Inputs

Discusses the advantages of Balanced XLR connections over Unbalanced RCA for improved signal integrity.

Composite vs. Direct Inputs

Explains Composite input for typical use and Direct inputs for external crossovers or specific audio setups.

Power Control System Integration

Power Control Jack Function

Describes the Power Control input/output for system On/Off signaling and meter light control.

Auto Off Feature

Auto Off Operation

Explains the automatic power-off function after 30 minutes of no input signal when the feature is enabled.

Speaker Connection Guide

Speaker Impedance Matching

Guides on selecting the correct 2, 4, or 8 Ohm output terminals based on loudspeaker impedance.

Speaker Wire Gauge Selection

Provides a guide for selecting appropriate speaker wire gauge based on wire length and impedance.

Output Terminal Hookup Procedure

Outlines steps for connecting speaker wire, emphasizing AC power disconnection and polarity.

Output Terminal Connection Steps

Preparing Output Terminals

Instructions on rotating terminal posts to create an opening for speaker wire insertion.

Securing Speaker Cable

Details on inserting cable and using the McIntosh wrench to securely tighten the output terminals.

Terminal Cover Installation

Guidance on sliding the terminal connection cover over the terminals for safety and protection.

Loudspeaker Jumper Removal

Jumper Cable Warning

Crucial instruction to remove jumper cables when connecting Solid State to Low terminals and Tube to High/Mid.

Sentry Monitor Protection

Sentry Monitor Function

Explains how Sentry Monitor protects the amplifier from impedance mismatches or short circuits.

Resetting Sentry Monitor

Provides instructions on how to reset the Sentry Monitor protection circuit if it activates.

Quad Balanced Design

Quad Balanced Noise Reduction

Details how Quad Balancing cancels noise while doubling power in both Solid State and Tube amplifier sections.

Circuit Breaker Protection

Circuit Breaker Function

Explains the function of the circuit breaker and how to reset it if the unit trips.

MC901 Connection Diagram

Preamplifier to MC901 Connections

Shows balanced cable connection from Preamplifier to Composite Input on the MC901.

Inter-Unit Power Control Wiring

Illustrates Power Control connections between units for synchronized power on/off operations.

Speaker Output Connections

Depicts connecting Solid State to Low terminals and Vacuum Tube to High/Mid terminals on loudspeakers.

AC Power Connection Diagram

Shows the diagrammatic connection of the MC901 to the AC power outlet for operation.

Crossover Filter Settings

Low Pass Filter Adjustment

Guides setting the SOLID STATE LOW PASS FILTER for woofer-midrange crossover points (100Hz-1kHz).

High Pass Filter Adjustment

Guides setting the VACUUM TUBE HIGH PASS FILTER for midrange-high crossover points (100Hz-1kHz).

Filter Setting Recommendations

Advises matching filters to loudspeaker specifications to avoid peaks or notches in the sound reproduction.

Gain Level Adjustment

Level Adjust Knob Function

Explains using LEVEL ADJUST knobs for gain adjustments (-6dB to +3dB) for balance between amplifier sections.

MC901 Vacuum Tube Specifications

Tube Types and Quantities

Lists the specific vacuum tube types (KT88, 12AT7, 12AX7A) and quantities used in the MC901.

Front Panel Overview

The Dual Meter Explained

Describes the custom Dual Meter displaying power output for Vacuum Tube and Solid State sections.

Meter Control Knob Functions

Meter Control Knob Positions

Explains the three positions: LIGHTS OFF, WATTS, and HOLD for meter operation and display.

Power Control Knob Functions

Power Control Knob Positions

Describes the OFF, REMOTE, and ON positions for controlling the unit's power state.

Power Guard LED Indicator

Solid State Power Guard

Explains the red LED indicating Power Guard is engaged for the Solid State amplifier section.

Power Guard SGS LED Indicator

Tube Protection via SGS

Explains the red LED indicating Power Guard SGS protecting Vacuum Tubes from excessive screen grid current.

Repacking for Shipping

Repacking Importance

Emphasizes packing the unit as originally shipped to prevent damage during transit.

Packing Material Details

Lists specific packing materials and part numbers required for proper repacking of the unit.

Feet Attachment for Shipping

Stresses the importance of attached feet for correct equipment location on the bottom pad during shipping.

Crossover Point Roll-off Characteristics

Low Pass Filter Roll-off Graph

Graph showing the roll-off characteristics for various SOLID STATE LOW PASS FILTER settings.

Low Pass Filter Settings

Lists the crossover points (100Hz-1kHz) corresponding to the lines in the low pass filter roll-off graph.

High Pass Filter Roll-off Characteristics

High Pass Filter Roll-off Graph

Graph showing the roll-off characteristics for various VACUUM TUBE HIGH PASS FILTER settings.

High Pass Filter Settings

Lists the crossover points (100Hz-1kHz) corresponding to the lines in the high pass filter roll-off graph.

Combined Crossover Roll-off (1kHz)

Combined Filter Roll-off Graph

Graph demonstrating the combined taper for both High Pass and Low Pass filters at a 1kHz crossover point.

Solid State Performance Specifications

Solid State Power Output

Details power output ratings into 2, 4, and 8 Ohm loads for the Solid State amplifier section.

Solid State Frequency Response

Specifies the frequency response range and tolerances for the Solid State amplifier.

Solid State THD and IMD

Lists Total Harmonic Distortion and Intermodulation Distortion for the Solid State section.

Vacuum Tube Performance Specifications

Vacuum Tube Power Output

Details power output ratings into 2, 4, and 8 Ohm loads for the Vacuum Tube amplifier section.

Vacuum Tube Frequency Response

Specifies the frequency response range and tolerances for the Vacuum Tube amplifier.

Vacuum Tube THD and IMD

Lists Total Harmonic Distortion and Intermodulation Distortion for the Vacuum Tube section.

General Specifications

Power Control Specifications

Details input and output voltage/current specifications for the Power Control feature.

Power Requirements and Dimensions

Lists power requirements, overall dimensions, and weight of the MC901 unit.

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