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McIntosh MT5 - User Manual

McIntosh MT5
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com
MT5MT5
PRECISION TURNTABLE
OWNER’S MANUAL
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Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Introduction to the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

General Information and Specifications

General Information

Covers product handling, dealer recommendations, and additional product information.

Connector and Cable Information

Details power control connectors, tonearm headshell wiring, and cartridge connections.

Performance Features of the MT5 Turntable

MT5 Turntable Dimensions and Placement

Unpacking and Preparing the Turntable

Assembling the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

Installing a Non-Supplied Phono Cartridge

Tone Arm Adjustments and Calibration

Phono Cartridge;Headshell Alignment

Adjusting cartridge position for minimal angular error across playback.

Tone Arm Height Adjustment

Ensuring the tone arm is parallel to the record surface for optimal sound.

Setting the Tracking Force

Using the stylus tracking force gauge to set the correct stylus pressure.

Anti-Skating Adjustment

Equalizing pressure on record groove walls for balanced playback.

Trackability Adjustments

Optimizing stylus performance and minimizing wear during playback.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls

Connecting the MT5 Turntable to Your System

Front Panel Interface Overview

Operating the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

Power Selection

Guide to turning the turntable ON, OFF, or setting to Standby mode.

Speed Selection

Choosing the correct playback speed for vinyl records (33, 45, 78 RPM).

Phono Cartridge Loading

Connecting the phono cartridge to the correct load impedance for optimal performance.

Tone Arm Lift Operation

Using the mechanism for safe placement and removal of the stylus.

Specifications and Technical Data

Amethyst Cartridge Specifications

Technical details for the included Sumiko Amethyst Moving Magnet Cartridge.

MT5 Turntable Specifications

Technical details for the MT5 Precision Turntable itself.

General Specifications

Overall dimensions, weight, and shipping carton dimensions.

Packing Instructions for Shipment

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Introduction to the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

General Information and Specifications

General Information

Covers product handling, dealer recommendations, and additional product information.

Connector and Cable Information

Details power control connectors, tonearm headshell wiring, and cartridge connections.

Performance Features of the MT5 Turntable

MT5 Turntable Dimensions and Placement

Unpacking and Preparing the Turntable

Assembling the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

Installing a Non-Supplied Phono Cartridge

Tone Arm Adjustments and Calibration

Phono Cartridge;Headshell Alignment

Adjusting cartridge position for minimal angular error across playback.

Tone Arm Height Adjustment

Ensuring the tone arm is parallel to the record surface for optimal sound.

Setting the Tracking Force

Using the stylus tracking force gauge to set the correct stylus pressure.

Anti-Skating Adjustment

Equalizing pressure on record groove walls for balanced playback.

Trackability Adjustments

Optimizing stylus performance and minimizing wear during playback.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls

Connecting the MT5 Turntable to Your System

Front Panel Interface Overview

Operating the McIntosh MT5 Turntable

Power Selection

Guide to turning the turntable ON, OFF, or setting to Standby mode.

Speed Selection

Choosing the correct playback speed for vinyl records (33, 45, 78 RPM).

Phono Cartridge Loading

Connecting the phono cartridge to the correct load impedance for optimal performance.

Tone Arm Lift Operation

Using the mechanism for safe placement and removal of the stylus.

Specifications and Technical Data

Amethyst Cartridge Specifications

Technical details for the included Sumiko Amethyst Moving Magnet Cartridge.

MT5 Turntable Specifications

Technical details for the MT5 Precision Turntable itself.

General Specifications

Overall dimensions, weight, and shipping carton dimensions.

Packing Instructions for Shipment

Overview

The McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable is a high-fidelity audio device designed for the playback of vinyl records, incorporating advanced technology in its phono cartridge, tone arm, mechanical suspensions, and platter rotation system to deliver superb performance and accurate operation. It is manufactured by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., located at 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903-2699.

Function Description:

The MT5's primary function is to accurately reproduce audio from vinyl records. It features a precision DC motor with a servo control system for accurate speed rotation, supporting three playback speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm. The turntable includes fine trim adjustments for each speed to ensure accurate music reproduction. Its design minimizes external vibrations and ensures stable playback. The device also integrates with other McIntosh components via Power Control connections, allowing for synchronized turn-on/off and illumination control.

Important Technical Specifications:

Overall Dimensions:

  • Width: 17-1/2 inches (44.5 cm)
  • Height (without Dust Cover): 7 inches (17.8 cm)
  • Height (with Dust Cover): 7-1/2 inches (19.0 cm)
  • Depth (including Front Panel, Knobs, and Cables): 19 inches (48.3 cm)

Weight:

  • Net: 31.5 pounds (14.3 kg)
  • Shipping: 38 pounds (17.2 kg)

Shipping Carton Dimensions:

  • Width: 21-1/2 inches (54.6 cm)
  • Depth: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
  • Height: 15 inches (38.1 cm)

MT5 Turntable Specifications:

  • Playback Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm
  • Motor Type: DC Stainless Steel Brushes
  • Speed Control: Servo System

Sumiko Amethyst Cartridge Specifications (supplied):

  • Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet, Low Output
  • Output Level: 2.5 mV at 5 cm/s
  • Load Impedance: 47 K ohms, 50 pF
  • Frequency Response: 12Hz to 35KHz
  • Channel Separation: 30dB at 1kHz
  • Channel Balance: Less than 0.5 dB at 1kHz
  • Tracking Force Range: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
  • Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0 grams
  • Compliance: 12 x 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
  • Total Mass: 6.5 grams
  • Stylus: Extended Line Contact
  • Cantilever Material: Aluminum

Usage Features:

Advanced Technology Turntable: Combines the latest in phono cartridges, tone arms, mechanical suspensions, and record platter rotation for superb performance.

Moving Magnet Cartridge: The Sumiko Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge features a very low mass nude extended contact type diamond tip, designed for demanding groove modulations, extended frequency response, and low distortion. It uses high purity copper wire for optimal resolution.

Tone Arm: Constructed from Dural-Aluminum with special damping material, the tone arm is light and highly rigid. It features noise-free Vertical Bearings made from high-precision ceramic surfaces and a high-precision Horizontal Bearing for lateral movement. Adjustable magnetic Anti-Skating is also incorporated.

Turntable Platters:

  • Outer Platter: Made from a special silicone acrylic material, weighing five pounds and 1.5 inches thick. It resists external vibrations and provides flywheel action for stable playback speed.
  • Inner Platter: Precision machined Anodized Aluminum, weighing 1.5 pounds and 6.25 inches in diameter.

Precision Motor and Drive Electronics: Swiss-made DC motor with stainless steel brushes, controlled by a refined servo system for accurate speed rotation.

Three Playback Speeds: Supports 33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm, each with a separate trim adjustment.

Magnetic Air Dampened Bearing: The platter rotates on a ceramic bearing with magnetic suspension and an air cushion for vibration-free rotation.

Multi-Layered Dampened Chassis: Features a Stainless Steel base, thick Aluminum base plate, and Acrylic top plate with internal dampening material to ensure sound originates solely from the record groove.

Power Control: An input connection allows convenient Turn-On/Off of the MT5's illumination when connected to a McIntosh System with Power Control.

Fiber Optic Solid State Illumination: Even illumination of the front panel and turntable platter is achieved using custom-designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and long-life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish: The iconic McIntosh illuminated glass front panel and stainless steel chassis with Super Mirror Finish maintain the MT5's aesthetic appeal for many years.

Front Panel Controls:

  • SPEED Switch: Selects one of the three playback speeds (33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, or 78 rpm).
  • POWER Switch: Selects AC Power OFF, STANDBY, or ON.
  • Tone Arm Lift Lever: Raises and lowers the turntable tone arm for safe placement and removal of the cartridge stylus.
  • Record Clamp: Helps keep the phonograph recording flat during playback.

Rear Panel Connections:

  • AUDIO OUTPUTS: Connect to PHONO Inputs of a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center.
  • POWER CONTROL REMOTE IN/OUT: For receiving/sending turn-on signals from/to other McIntosh components.
  • DC IN 12V: Connects to the supplied AC/DC Adapter.
  • GND (Ground): Connects to the ground connection on a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center.
  • SPEED FINE ADJUSTMENT: Fine speed adjustments for 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm.
  • PLATTER LIGHT: Fine adjustment of the turntable platter illumination level.

Maintenance Features:

Assembly and Setup: The manual provides detailed instructions for unpacking and assembling the turntable, including placing the platters, installing the belt, and positioning the counterweight. It is recommended that professionals at a McIntosh Dealer perform the installation and adjustment for optimum performance.

Tone Arm Adjustments:

  • Phono Cartridge/Headshell Alignment: Instructions are provided for aligning the cartridge using the supplied Tone Arm/Cartridge Alignment Gauge to minimize angular error during playback.
  • Tone Arm Height: Steps for adjusting the tone arm height to ensure it is parallel to the record surface during playback, accommodating different phono cartridge physical heights.
  • Tracking Force: The MT5 comes with a Stylus Tracking Force Gauge for checking and adjusting the tracking force. The recommended range for the Sumiko Amethyst Cartridge is 1.8 - 2.2 gm.
  • Anti-Skating Adjustment: The MT5 has adjustable Magnetic Anti-Skating to equalize pressure on both sides of the record groove wall.

Cleaning: The manual advises cleaning the apparatus only with a dry cloth. For the organic anodize finish, only appropriate gentle cleaners should be used to prevent discoloration.

Power Adapter Replacement: If the supplied AC/DC Adapter or plug adapters need replacement, part number 320508SP can be ordered from the McIntosh Parts Department.

Servicing: All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel, especially if the apparatus has been damaged, exposed to moisture, or is not operating normally.

Packing Instructions: Detailed instructions are provided for repacking the equipment for shipment, emphasizing the importance of keeping the four feet attached to the bottom of the unit to prevent shipping damage. Original shipping carton and interior parts should be used if in serviceable condition.

Safety Information: The manual includes important safety instructions, such as not exposing the equipment to rain or moisture, not blocking ventilation openings, and protecting the power cord. It also warns against removing the cover or back due to the risk of electric shock. The product should only be used with the provided Power Adapter.

McIntosh MT5 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMcIntosh
ModelMT5
CategoryTurntable
LanguageEnglish

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