McIntosh MC 500 Owners Manual

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MC 500 POWER AMPLIFIER

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SPEAKER CABLES Use high quality cables, since this is an important link in your stereo system. Selection of the proper size and type of speaker cable is necessary for you to receive the best possible performance from your amplifier and loudspeaker combination. The high power output capability of the MC500 requires heavy gauge cable to handle the current requirements. A size of 14 gauge or heavier is recommended. Your Mclntosh dealer can advise you on the type of cable that will work best in your installation. STEREO OUTPUTS The MC500 incorporates the legendary Mclntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers, to ensure peak performance, speaker protection and outstanding amplifier-loudspeaker compatibility The MC500 Autoformer used on each channel has three different output impedance connections for optimum matching to the particular loudspeakers, or combination of loudspeakers being used. The following table will help determine which impedance connection will be best for your loudspeakers. You may find it desirable to consult your Mclntosh dealer or the manufacturer of your loudspeaker for further information on the correct impedance to use. HOW TO CONNECT OUTPUTS SPEAKER IMPEDANCE IN OHMS 2 to 4 ohms 4 to 8 ohms 8 ohms and up MC500 AMPLIFIER OUTPUT TERMINAL CONNECTIONS COM and 2 (L and R) COM and 4 (L and R) COM and 8 (L and R) Connect cables from each loudspeaker Common or Minus terminal to the MC500. COM (Common) POWER OUTPUT terminals. Connect cables from each loudspeaker Hot or Plus terminal to the desired MC500 2, 4, or 8 (L and R) STEREO POWER OUTPUT terminals Most loudspeakers have their input terminals both marked and color coded. Usually the Common or (-) terminal is BLACK: and the Hot or (+) terminal is RED. The MC500 Output signals are IN PHASE with the Input signals. The actual load impedance of some loudspeakers may drop below the specified impedance at some points in the audio frequency range. This will be no problem. The high current output of the MC500 will produce the extra current necessary to properly drive the loudspeaker under these conditions. If the impedance of a loudspeaker system is higher than 8 ohms, no change in the quality of performance will occur. The available power output directed to the loudspeakers will simply be slightly less. BRIDGED (MONO) OUTPUT In BRIDGED Mono configuration the outputs of the two channels of the MC500 will combine to produce 1000 watts. All performance specifications for the stereo configuration will be exactly the same in BRIDGED Mono configuration, but with double the power. In BRIDGED Mono Configuration, only the BRIDGED Output terminals marked +4, +8, +16, -4, -8, and -16 are used. The COM (Common) terminals are not used. 7

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CONNECTING DIAGRAM BRIDGED (MONO) CONNECTING DIAGRAMS CONTROL CENTER WITH BALANCED OUTPUT POWER CONTROL POWER CONTROL OUT TO POWER CONTROL IN TO DEDICATED 15 AMPERE OUTLET SET MODE SWITCH TO BRIDGED 8 OHM LOUDSPEAKER BALANCED OUTPUT FROM PREAMPLIFIER TO R/BALANCED MC500 INPUT TO DEDICATED 15 AMPERE OUTLET SET MODE SWITCH TO BRIDGED 8 OHM LOUDSPEAKER 9