Owner’s
Manual
MC206 Six Channel Power Amplifier
MC206
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Thank You
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Your decision to own this McIntosh MC206 Power Ampli-
fier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music
listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedica-
tion to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many
years of musical enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.
18. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
Please Take A Moment
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance claim or
future service. The spaces below have been provided for
you to record that information:
Care of Equipment:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
20. Clean only with a dry cloth.
21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.
22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh dealer who is familiar with
your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may
be part of your system. If you or your dealer wish addi-
tional help concerning a suspected problem, you can re-
ceive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
Repair of Equipment:
23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Ser-
vicing is required when the equipment has been dam-
aged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
25. When replacement parts are required, be sure the ser-
vice technician has used replacement parts specified by
McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the origi-
nal part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
26. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this prod-
uct, ask the service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For as-
sistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Introduction and Performance Features
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation ........................................................................ 6
Rear Panel Connections.................................................... 7
How to Connect ................................................................ 8
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 10
How to Operate and Read the Power Output Meters ..... 11
Notes ............................................................................... 12
Specifications ................................................................. 14
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 15
Multi-Channel Amp DB25 Connector Pin Layout
1. Left Front +
2. Center Front +
3. Right Front +
4. N/C
14. Left Front Gnd.
15. Center Front Gnd.
16. Right Front Gnd.
17. N/C
5. Left Surround +
6. Right Surround +
18. Left Surround Gnd.
19. Right Surround Gnd.
7. Left Back Surround + 20. Left Back Surround Gnd.
8. Right Back Surround + 21. Right Back Surround Gnd.
9. N/C
22. N/C
10. N/C
23. N/C
11. N/C
12. System Calibrate
13. Power Control In
24. System Calibrate Gnd.
25. Power Control Gnd.
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MC206 Power Amplifier. Six
200 watt high current output channels will drive any high
quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance.
The MC206 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso-
lutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
General Notes
1. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC206.
3. The MC206 mutes the speaker outputs for approximately two
seconds when first turned on.
4. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size
be used, so that there will be no power loss. The size is
specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG, (American Wire Gauge).
The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size. The
MC206 Loudspeaker Connection Terminals will accept up to a
10 AWG wire size:
Performance Features
· Power Output
The MC206 consists of six Power Amplifier Channels,
each capable of 200 watts into 4 ohm or 120 watts into 8
ohm loudspeakers with less than 0.005% distortion.
· High Current Output
A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel ensures
that the MC206 will successfully drive high quality loud-
speakers such as McIntosh for a truly exciting sound expe-
rience.
If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge.
5. In the event that the MC206 over heats, due to improper
ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection
circuits will activate. The Front Panel Power Guard LEDs
will continuously indicate ON and the audio will be muted.
When the MC206 has returned to a safe operating
temperature, normal operation will resume.
6. The Multi-Channel Input DB25 Connector allows for easy
connecting of a McIntosh MX130/132 or C39 A/V Control
Center, Audio and Power Control connections, to the MC206.
If a McIntosh MSE1 Surround Expander is connected to the
MX130/132 or C39, then discrete Audio and Power Control
Cables should be used between them and the MC206. The
Diagram and Pin Identification list for the Multi-Channel
Input is as follows:
· Power Guard and Sentry Monitor
The MC206’s Patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuits
prevent each of the amplifier channels from being
overdriven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that
can also damage your valuable loudspeakers. The Sentry
Monitor Power Output Protection Circuits ensure the
MC206 will have a long and trouble free operating life.
· Illuminated Power Meters
Three Front Panel Illuminated Power Output Meters can be
selected to precisely indicate the power output of each of
the six channels.
Multi-Channel Input
4
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Dimensions
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MC206. There is additional informa-
tion on the next page pertaining to installing the MC206
into cabinets.
5
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Installation
Installation
The MC206 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
(2.54cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the
piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet
may be removed from the bottom of the MC206 when it is
custom installed as outlined below. The four feet together
with the mounting screws should be retained for possible
future use if the MC206 is removed from the custom instal-
lation and used free standing. It also can be custom in-
stalled in a piece of
front panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) in front of the mounting
panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation
hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in
the drawing.
furniture or cabinet
of your choice The
required panel cut-
out, ventilation cut-
out and unit dimen-
sions are shown.
Always provide
adequate ventilation
for your MC206.
Cool operation en-
sures the longest
possible operating
life for any elec-
tronic instrument.
Do not install the
MC206 directly
above a heat gener-
ating component
such as a high pow-
ered amplifier. If all
the components are
installed in a single
cabinet, a quiet run-
ning ventilation fan
can be a definite as-
set in maintaining
all the system com-
ponents at the
coolest possible op-
erating temperature.
A custom cabinet
installation should
provide the follow-
ing minimum spac-
ing dimensions for
cool operation. Al-
low at least 6 inches
(15.24cm) above the
top, 2 inches
(3.81cm) below the
bottom and 1 inch
6
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Rear Panel Connections and Switch
INPUTS for discrete audio
cables from an A/V Control
Center or Preamplifier Audio
Outputs
MULTI-CHANNEL INPUT
accepts a 25 conductor DB25
computer type cable that con-
nects all audio and power con-
trol signals
Individual Input
LEVEL Controls
for each channel
POWER CONTROL IN receives turn
On/Off signals from a McIntosh compo-
nent and the POWER CONTROL OUT
sends that turn On/Off signal to the next
McIntosh component
Main Fuse holder, refer
to information on the
back panel of your
MC206 to determine the
correct fuse size and rat-
ing
Connect the MC206
OUPUT Connections for 4 ohm or 8
power cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to informa-
tion on the back panel to
determine the correct
voltage
ohm Loudspeaker for each pair of
channels
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
How to Connect the MC206 for Six Channels
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out.
Refer to
figures
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the MC206
Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made and the supplied protective
Terminal Connection Covers have been installed.
Failure to observe this could result in Electric
Shock.
4, 5 & 6.
1. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V
Control Center Power Control Out to the McIntosh
Surround Expander Power Control In.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh Sur-
round Expander Power Control Out to the MC206
POWER CONTROL IN.
3. Connect cables from the Audio Outputs of a McIntosh
A/V Control Center and Surround Expander to the
MC206 INPUTS, making sure to match up the channel
identifications between both units.
4. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to
the MC206 Power Amplifier by choosing one of the
methods below:
Banana plug connection:
Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of the
terminal. Tighten the top portion of the terminal post
and the set screw to secure the banana plug in place.
Note: The use of Banana Plugs is for use in the United
States and Canada only.
5. Connect the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables from the
MC206 OUTPUT Terminals to the loudspeakers, being
careful to observe the correct polarities and channel
designation.
WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live
and present a risk of electric shock. For
additional instruction on making
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to
figures 1, 2 &
3. If the cable
is stranded,
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
6. Attach each of the three sup-
plied Terminal Connection
Covers with the four Pan Head
Mounting Screws (6-32 x 5/16
inch) to the Rear Panel of the
carefully
twist the
strands together as tightly as possible.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with
solder to keep the strands together, or attach spade
lug and/or banana connector.
MC206 Amplifier. Refer to fig-
Figure 7
ures 7 and 8.
Note: There are four openings on the bottom edge of the
cover to allow the Loudspeaker Cables to exit the
MC206.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
7. Connect the MC206 Power Cord to an active AC out-
let.
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of
the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and
tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
Figure 8
Terminal
Cable
Connection Cover
Opening
8
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
How to Connect the MC206 for Six Channels
McIntosh A/V Control Center
McIntosh Surround Expander
To AC
Outlet
Center Front
Loudspeaker
Right Front
Loudspeaker
Left Front
Loudspeaker
Back Surround
Loudspeaker
Right Surround
Loudspeaker
Left Surround
Loudspeaker
9
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Front Panel Displays and Controls
POWER OUTPUT METERS
indicate power output of the
amplifier channel(s)
POWER OUTPUT METERS
indicate power output of the
amplifier channel(s)
POWER OUTPUT METERS
indicate power output of the
amplifier channel(s)
POWER GUARD LEDs
light when the LEFT
FRONT, or LEFT
SURRound Amplifier
Channel POWER
GUARD Circuit activates
POWER GUARD LEDs
POWER GUARD LEDs
light when the RIGHT
FRONT or RIGHT
SURRound Amplifier
Channel POWER
light when the CENTER
or BACK SURRound
Amplifier Channel
POWER GUARD Cir-
cuit activates
GUARD Circuit activates
METER LEDs
indicate the
Power Output
Meter is display-
ing the LEFT
FRONT and/or
LEFT
METER LEDs
indicate the
Power Output
Meter is dis-
playing the
CENTER and/
or BACK
METER LEDs
indicate the
Power Output
Meter is dis-
playing the
RIGHT FRONT
Remote On Indicator
lights when the amplifier
is in the Remote Turn-On
Mode
and/or RIGHT
SURRound
Channels
SURRound
Channels
SURRound
Channels
METER Switch selects
POWER Switch Turns
the Display Modes of the
Power Output Meters
AC Power Off, Remote
(On/Off) or On
10
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
How to Operate and Read the Power Output Meters
How to Operate
Power On
SURR
- The Left Meter indicates the Left Sur-
round Channel,
the Center
Meter indicates
the Back Sur-
To have the MC206 turn On or Off when a A/V Control
Center turns On or Off, rotate the POWER
Switch to the REMOTE Position. For
manual operation, rotate the POWER
Switch to the ON or OFF Position as de-
sired. Refer to figure 9.
round Channel
and the right
Figure 13
Figure 9
Note: There must be a power control
meter indicates the Right Surround Chan-
nel; refer to the lower meter scale(s). Re-
fer to figure 13.
connection between the MC206 and the McIntosh A/V
Control Center or Surround Decoder in order for the
remote power turn-on to function.
Note: When the MC206 is connected to a
McIntosh MX132 A/V Control
Center with a DB25 conductor
cable, the meters will automatically
indicate the output of each
Input Level Controls
When using a McIntosh A/V Control Control Center or
Surround Decoder set all six level controls to
the 2.0V position. If an A/V Control Center
or Surround Decoder has a 1.0V output rat-
ing, set the controls to the 1.0V position. If
an increase or decrease in amplifier sensitiv-
ity is required for other applications, set the
controls as desired. Refer to figure 10.
individual channel(s) (Front and
Side Surround) during the Speaker
Level Setup Operation of the
MX132. This function is independent
of any Meter Mode selections on the
MC206.
Figure 10
How to Read the Power Output Meters
Meter Selection
The MC206 Power Output Meter scales are based on using
4 ohm loudspeakers. If 8 ohm
speakers are used, the actual
power output is one half the
power available to drive 4 ohm
Rotate the meter mode switch to select the meter operation
mode you desire. Refer to figure 11.
LIGHTS OFF - Meter lights are turned off and the
meters are in the
Summed Mode.
SUMMED - Each meter displays
the combined out-
loudspeakers. Use the chart(s)
below and on the next page to
Figure 14
determine the actual power output sent to your loudspeak-
ers. Refer to 14.
puts of two chan-
nels. The Left
Meter indicates the
Figure 11
Left Front
combined with
the Left Sur-
round, the
Center Meter
indicates the
Figure 12
Center Front combined with the Back
Surround and the Right Meter indicates
the Right Front combined with the Right
Surround; refer to the upper meter
scale(s). Refer to figure 12.
FRONT/CTR - The Left Meter indicates the Left Front
Channel, the Center Meter indicates the
Center Channel and the Right Meter indi-
cates the Right Front Channel; refer to
the lower meter scale(s). Refer to figure
13.
11
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
CAUTION: When the MC206 amplifier is used in specific
Countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark,
Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Greece,
Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands,
Portugal, Sweden), only loudspeakers of 8 ohms
impedance or higher should be connected.
12
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Notes
13
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Specifications
Specifications
Power Output
Power Requirements
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per
channel, all channels operating is:
200 watts into a 4 ohm load
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 13.2 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 12.0 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 11.0 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 amps
120 watts into a 8 ohm load
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MC206 for the correct
voltage.
Total Harmonic Distortion
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power
level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is:
0.005% for 4 or 8 ohm loads
Dimensions
Front Panel: 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm) wide, 7-1/8 inches
(18.10cm) high. Depth behind front mounting panel is 18
inches (45.72cm). Clearance required in front of the Front
Panel is 1 inch (2.54cm) for knobs.
Dynamic Headroom
1.6dB
Weight
Frequency Response
57 pounds (25.9 kg) net, 76 pounds (34.5 kg) in shipping
carton
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Sensitivity
1.0 Volt
A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio
92dB (113dB below rated output)
Intermodulation Distortion
Maximum Intermodulation Distortion if instanta-
neous peak output per channel does not exceed
twice the rated output, for any combination of fre-
quencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with all channels
operating is:
0.005% for 4 or 8 ohm loads
Input Impedance
10,000 ohms
Wide Band Damping Factor
100 at 4 ohms
200 at 8 ohms
14
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. It is very important that the three plastic feet are at-
tached to the bottom of the equipment. Three #10 x 2-1/2
inch screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit
securely to the bottom pad and wood skid. This will ensure
the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to
do this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only
if they are all in good serviceable condition. If a shipping
carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call
or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labo-
ratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number
Description
Shipping carton only
End cap (Foam pad)
1
4
033888
033887
1
1
1
3
1
3
3
033697
033725
034008Bottom
017218Plastic
033699
Inside carton only
Top Pad
pad
foot
(spacer)
Shipping skid
#10 x 2-1/2 inch Wood screw
#10 x 1-3/4 inch Flat washer
101169
104033
4
4
017218Plastic
100159
foot
#10-32 x 3/4 inch Machine
screw
4
104083
#10 x 7/16 inch Flat washer
15
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 040752
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|