McIntosh MCC302 User Manual

Owner’s  
Manual  
MCC302 Power Amplifier  
MCC302  
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549  
Thank You  
Table of Contents  
Your decision to own this McIntosh MCC302 Two Channel Safety Instructions ............................................................. 2  
Power Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discrimi-  
nating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The  
McIntosh dedication 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.  
Thank You.......................................................................... 3  
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 3  
Customer Service............................................................... 3  
Table of Contents............................................................... 3  
Introduction ....................................................................... 4  
Performance Features ........................................................ 4  
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5  
Installation ........................................................................ 6  
Side Panel Cooling and Connections ................................ 7  
How to Connect for Two Channels ................................... 8  
How to Connect with Subwoofer Channel ........................ 9  
Top Panel Controls, Displays and Switches .................... 10  
How to Operate................................................................ 11  
How to Replace the Fuses ............................................... 12  
Block Diagram................................................................. 13  
Specifications .................................................................. 14  
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15  
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:  
Serial Number:  
Purchase Date:  
Dealer Name:  
General Notes  
1. An optional McIntosh External Subwoofer Rotary Control,  
Model Number R1163, is available from your McIntosh  
Dealer.  
2. Do not connect the Amplifiers Speaker Negative Terminal  
Connection directly to the Vehicle Chassis. Failure to observe  
this could result in damage to your Amplifier.  
3. It is advisable to place an inline fuse as close as possible to  
the battery.  
4. For additional connection information, refer to the owners  
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MCC302  
Amplifier.  
5. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker  
outputs for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is  
turned on.  
6. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size  
be used in your music system, to ensure that there will be no  
power loss or heating. If your loudspeaker cables are 25 feet  
(7.62m) or less, use at least 16 Gauge wire size or larger.  
7. The MCC302 Line Level OUTPUTs are wired as a “Y”  
connection with the INPUTs to pass the input signals on to  
additional amplifiers (keep cable lengths as short as  
possible). The McIntosh MX406 Control Center is capable of  
driving several additional power amplifiers with no  
degradation of the signal.  
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:  
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 Repair department.  
For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact  
the McIntosh Repair Department at:  
8. The MCC302 can accept speaker level inputs at its Input  
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.  
2 Chambers Street  
Binghamton, New York 13903  
Phone: 607-723-3515  
Fax: 607-723-1917  
Jacks. Refer to the diagram for  
(-) NEGATIVE SPEAKER OUTPUT  
connection.  
(+) POSITIVE SPEAKER OUTPUT  
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.  
3
Introduction  
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-  
dards of excellence in the MCC302 Power Amplifier. Two  
150 watt high current output channels will drive any high  
quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance.  
The MCC302 reproduction is sonically transparent and ab-  
solutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of  
the Music Itself.”  
· Thermal Protection with Multi-Speed Cooling Fans  
Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against overheat-  
ing which could shorten the normal long life expectancy of  
your McIntosh Power Amplifier. Cooling fan speed is con-  
trolled by temperature sensors attached to the interior of  
the extruded aluminum cooling tunnel. The fans are nor-  
mally off. When needed, the fans will automatically switch  
on, and speed is increased as needed for additional cooling.  
Performance Features  
· Fully Discrete Design  
· Power Output  
The MCC302 has a fully complimentary double balanced  
amplifier design and is identical to that found in  
McIntosh’s leading home amplifiers.  
The MCC302 consists of two separate power amplifier  
channels, each capable of 150 watts into 4 ohm speakers  
with less than 0.005% distortion.  
· Balanced Inputs with Pass Through  
· Bridgeable Channels  
The Balanced Inputs cancel out interference noise that is  
produced by other sources in the vehicle and can be di-  
rectly connected to the bridged speaker output of any head  
unit. The MCC302 provides two line level outputs, for the  
convenience of connecting multi-amplifier systems.  
The MCC302 includes two 150 watt amplifier channels.  
Both channels can be set in bridged configuration for 600  
watts output into a 4 ohm loudspeaker with less than  
0.008% distortion.  
· High Current Output  
· Remote Subwoofer Control and Line Output  
The subwoofer level can be controlled via an external ro-  
tary control, which can be remotely mounted in the vehicle.  
A line level summed output is provided to drive an external  
subwoofer power amplifier. The inputs to both channels are  
summed for this output.  
A peak output current of 30 amperes ensures that the  
MCC302 will successfully drive high quality loudspeakers,  
such as McIntosh, for a truly exciting sound experience.  
· Equalizer and Variable Crossover Filters  
The one band equalizer has a center frequency that is vari-  
able from 40 Hz to 2,000 Hz which can be either cut or  
boosted ±12db. 12dB per octave high pass filters with vari-  
able corner frequencies from 50Hz to 120Hz and 12dB per  
octave low pass filters with variable corner frequencies  
from 50Hz to 120Hz.  
· Gold Plated Terminals  
McIntosh provides gold plated input and output terminals  
on the amplifiers for superior corrosion resistance. It is a  
very important feature in the automotive environment.  
Speaker wires to 10 AWG and DC input wires to 4 AWG  
can be accommodated.  
· Power Guard and Sentry Monitor  
All channels include the patented McIntosh Power Guard  
circuit that prevents the amplifier from being overdriven  
into clipping with its harsh distorted sound that can also  
damage your valuable loudspeakers. McIntosh Sentry  
Monitor power output stage protection circuits are present  
on all channels to ensure the MCC302 will have a long and  
trouble free operating life.  
· Speaker Protection  
If for any reason, a DC (Direct Current) voltage appears at  
the speaker output terminals, a built-in circuit turns off the  
amplifier power supplies to prevent damage to your valu-  
able loudspeakers.  
4
Dimensions  
Dimensions  
The following dimensions can assist in determining the  
best location for your MCC302. There is additional infor-  
mation on the next page pertaining to installing the  
MCC302 into your vehicle.  
Top View of the MCC302  
13-21/32"  
34.69cm  
11.00"  
27.94cm  
2-11/16"  
6.82cm  
12-1/2"  
31.75cm  
11-7/8"  
30.16cm  
Side View of the MCC302  
11"  
27.93cm  
11/32"  
10.93cm  
2-15/16"  
7.49cm  
5
Installation  
Installation  
It is recommended that a professional who is skilled in all  
aspects of installation and operation install the MCC302  
and any associated mobile audio equipment.  
Amplifier Ventilation  
Always provide adequate ventilation for the MCC302. The  
amplifier requires an adequate airflow into the cooling  
fans, which are located on the left side of the amplifier. The  
warm air exits the amplifier through vents on the heatsinks.  
See figure 1. Be sure to provide at least 1-1/2 inches clear-  
ance in front of the cooling fans and 1 inch clearance at the  
sides of the heatsinks.  
The cooling fans are controlled by temperature sensors,  
attached to the interior of the tunnel. The fans are normally  
off. If the program material contains sustained loud pas-  
sages demanding high power, the fans will turn-on to in-  
crease cooling. If cooling is still not sufficient, additional  
heating will shut down the amplifier’s internal power sup-  
ply completely and the Power Guard LEDs will light. The  
fans will continue to run and once normal temperatures are  
restored, operation will resume.  
The amplifier can be mounted vertically or horizontally  
and may be located under a seat if adequate clearance is  
available. The preferred installation method is to mount the  
amplifier directly to the vehicle frame using the hardware  
supplied with the amplifier.  
It is not recommended that the amplifier be mounted  
under the hood or in a location where it will be directly ex-  
posed to the elements. The openings in the fan housings  
and heat tunnel vents can allow internal components to be  
damaged by exposure to water, chemicals or any form of  
road dust or debris.  
Removing the Glass Panel  
To access the MCC302 Controls, remove the glass panel  
by removing the four hex bolts with the supplied 3/32” hex  
key. See figure 2. Attach the supplied suction cup to the top  
center of the glass panel and carefully raise it high enough  
to put your hand under. Temporarily place the removed  
glass panel in a safe place, remove the suction cup and  
save it for future use.  
Removing the End Caps  
To access the MCC302 Connecting Terminal Blocks, re-  
move the Glass Panel first (the above step) and then re-  
move the Phillips Screws holding the End Caps on both  
sides of the amplifier and lift the end caps off. See figure 3.  
6
Side Panel Cooling and Connections  
Connect to the Negative (-)  
vehicle battery terminal  
Connect to the positve (+)  
vehicle battery terminal  
with an inline fuse  
Cooling Fan  
Air Intake  
Cooling Fan  
Air Intake  
SUBWOOFER OUTPUTS  
supply a two channel  
summed output  
Receives the Amplifier  
Turn-ON signal from a  
McIntosh Control Center  
OUTPUTs from the  
INPUT Signal Source  
to connect to another  
Power Amplifier  
INPUTs for  
audio cables  
from a signal  
source  
OUTPUT Connections  
for loudspeakers  
Connector for optional  
Controls the Power Guard  
SUBwoofer REMOTE  
Volume CONTROL  
Circuit when connected to  
certain McIntosh Control  
Centers  
7
How to Connect for Two Channels  
How to Connect for Two Channels  
Note: The Subwoofer Outputs are line-level outputs and  
summed from all the Input Channels. They can be  
remotely controlled by connecting a cable from the  
SUB REMOTE CONTROL jack to the Optional  
External Rotary Control.  
1. Connect a wire from the Control Center Amp On to  
the MCC302 ON Connector on the right side of the  
amplifier.  
Note: All cables should be connected to the amplifier  
before connecting the DC power cables to the  
battery.  
6. Optional Connection allows the SUB REMOTE CON-  
TROL to be connected to the Power Amplifier, regard-  
less of the MCC302 Operating Mode used.  
7. Connect the MCC302 to the vehicle battery terminals  
using size 4AWG (Maximum) cables.  
2. Connect a wire from a McIntosh Control Center with  
Power Guard to the MCC302 PG Connector on the  
right side of the amplifier.  
3. Connect cables (up to 12AWG) from two separate  
loudspeaker systems, to the Amplifier’s Channels 1  
and 2 OUTPUT Terminals, being careful to observe  
the correct polarities.  
Note: It is advisable to place an inline fuse of a suitable  
size as close as possible to the battery.  
4. Connect audio cables from the Control Center Outputs  
to the MCC302 Inputs 1 and 2.  
5. Optional Connection illustrated below shows the SUB  
OUTput connected to a separate Subwoofer Power  
Amplifier and Subwoofer Loudspeaker.  
Subwoofer  
Loudspeaker  
McIntosh Control Center  
Optional Subwoofer Amplifier  
Power Guard  
Amp ON  
Left Front  
Right Front  
McIntosh External  
Subwoofer Rotary Control  
Left Loudspeakers  
Right Loudspeakers  
-
+
Vehicle  
Battery  
Fuse  
8
How to Connect for Bridged Subwoofer Mode  
How to Connect for Bridged Subwoofer Mode  
There are many different possible Vehicle Audio System  
combinations utilizing the MCC302 Power Amplifier. It is  
recommended that a professional who is skilled in all as-  
pects of Vehicle Audio Systems assist you in the selection  
and installation. The illustration below is just one of the  
many possible combinations.  
1. Connect a wire from the Control Center Amp On to the  
MCC302 ON Connector on the right side of the ampli-  
fier.  
OUTPUT Terminals, being careful to observe the cor-  
rect polarities.  
4. Connect audio cables from the Control Center Outputs  
to the McIntosh Power Amplifier (Upper Range) Inputs  
1 and 2.  
5. Connect audio cables from the McIntosh Power Ampli-  
fier (Upper Range) Outputs 1 and 2 to the MCC302,  
Inputs 1 and 2.  
Note: The Subwoofer Output is summed from both of the  
Input Channels and can be remotely controlled by  
connecting a cable from the SUB REMOTE  
CONTROL jack to the Optional External Rotary  
Control.  
Note: All cables should be connected to the amplifier  
before connecting the DC power cables to the  
battery.  
2. Connect a wire from a McIntosh Control Center with  
Power Guard to the MCC302 PG Connector on the  
right side of the amplifier.  
3. Connect cables (up to 12AWG) from four separate  
loudspeakers connected in a series/parallel combina-  
tion, to the Amplifier’s Channels 1 and 2 BRIDGE  
6. Connect the MCC302 to the vehicle battery terminals  
using size 4AWG (maximum) cables.  
Note: It is advisable to place an inline fuse of a suitable  
size as close as possible to the battery.  
McIntosh Control Center  
McIntosh Power Amplifier (Upper Range)  
Power Guard  
Amp ON  
Left Front  
Right Front  
McIntosh External  
Subwoofer Rotary Control  
(+)  
(+)  
(-)  
(-)  
-
+
Vehicle  
Battery  
Fuse  
(+)  
(+)  
(-)  
(-)  
9
Top Panel Controls, Display and Switches  
EQUALIZER Controls select  
CROSSOVER Filter  
SOURCE Switch selects either  
CHs 1, 2, or 1 - 2 SUBwoofer  
(Sum of CHs 1, 2)  
the Frequency and the Level  
of Boost or Cut at the Center  
Frequencies for Channels 1  
and 2  
Switch and Control select  
the low roll-off frequency,  
high roll-off frequency or  
flat frequency response  
MODE Switch selects  
STEREO or BRIDGE  
mode of operation  
POWER GUARD  
LED lights when the  
Power Guard Circuit  
activates for Ampli-  
fier Channels 1 or 2  
SENSITIVITY  
Individual Input Sensi-  
tivity Controls for  
Channels 1 and 2  
10  
How to Operate  
Introduction  
Input Sensitivity Controls  
The McIntosh MCC302 is a highly versatile amplifier that  
can be configured in many ways. This manual gives ex-  
amples of some of the most common configurations. The  
best way to set equalization and filter controls is through  
the use of a real-time spectrum analyzer and the expertise  
of a professional installer. This manual will guide you  
through the basic operation, however we suggest you refer  
to your dealer for further information on the use of this  
unit. To access the Amplifier Controls and Switches refer  
to “Removing the Glass Panel” located on page 6 of this  
Owner’s Manual.  
The SENSITIVITY controls allows the setting of the input  
sensitivity, of both amplifier channels,  
to provide an ideal match for the signal  
source being used. The most desirable  
setting allows the control center to  
have a useful volume range as wide as  
possible from loud to soft. A good  
place to start is to set the amplifier’s  
Figure 6  
SENSITIVITY Control to the output  
voltage called out in your control center owner’s manual.  
The Level controls can be set for any sensitivity from .5  
volts to 8 volts.  
Power  
Refer to figure 6.  
The MCC302 will turn On or Off when the Control Center  
Note: In BRIDGE MODE Sensitivity Control 2 has no effect.  
When used in conjunction with a McIntosh Control  
Center, you may find setting the Sensitivity controls to  
the center detent (1.5V) works best.  
turns On or Off.  
Note: There must be an Amp ON connection between the  
MCC302 and the signal source unit in order for the  
amplifier power turn On and Off to function.  
Operating in Two Channel Mode  
Crossover  
Input Source  
Set the Input SOURCE Switch to the 1, 2  
position. Refer to figure 7.  
The CROSSOVER Switch OUT Position selects a Flat Fre-  
quency Response. When the CROSSOVER Switch is in  
the LP (low frequency pass) Posi-  
tion, the Amplifier will pass all  
frequencies below the setting of  
the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY  
Control. If the CROSSOVER  
Mode  
Set the MODE Switches to the STereo posi-  
tion to configure the amplifier for two chan-  
nel operation. Refer to figure 8.  
Figure 7  
Switch is in the HP (high fre-  
quency pass) Position, the Ampli-  
fier will pass all frequencies  
Figure 4  
Crossover  
Set the CROSSOVER Switch to the OUT position since  
both channels are operating at full frequency range. Refer  
to figure 4.  
above the setting of the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY  
Control. Refer to figure 4.  
Equalizer  
Operating in Bridged Subwoofer Mode  
Both channels (1 and 2) are equipped with an equalizer.  
The equalizer is not intended to act as a tone control. The  
one-band equalizer is best utilized as  
a notch filter to reduce a peak (as lo-  
cated by real-time analysis with an  
RTA) in your system’s frequency re-  
sponse. If you are attempting to  
Input Source  
Set the SOURCE Switch to the 1-2 (SUB)  
position. Refer to figure 7.  
Output Mode  
Set the MODE Switch to the BRIDGED Po-  
sition to operate in the Bridged Subwoofer  
equalize a system without RTA data,  
play music you are familiar with, set  
Figure 8  
Figure 5  
Mode. Refer to figure 8.  
the equalizer LEVEL Control to +12 and slowly turn the  
FREQUENCY Control to get an idea where in the musical  
spectrum the frequency numbers are located. Then set the  
LEVEL Control back to 0 and listen to the system to deter-  
mine its equalization needs. Subtle adjustments are best  
and cutting usually sounds better than boosting. Refer to  
figure 5.  
Crossover  
Set the CROSSOVER Switch to the LP Position. Adjust  
the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Control for the Cross-  
over Frequency that is recommended by the Manufacturer  
of the Loudspeaker for the best performance. Refer to fig-  
ure 4.  
11  
How to Replace the Fuses  
How to Replace the Fuses  
If the MCC302 produces no sound, there is no Illumination  
of the Nomenclature on the Top Glass Panel, and the power  
connections seem secure, one or more of the Amplifier’s  
Fuse(s) may have failed. Under normal operating  
conditions your amplifier’s fuses should not fail. Failure of  
a fuse is usually an indication of a problem. Replacing the  
fuse, if there is problem in the amplifier, may incur a risk  
of further damage. Refer to figures 9, 10 and 11.  
Caution: Disconnect the Amplifier from the Vehicle Battery  
(or DC Power Supply) as Potentially Dangerous  
Currents exist inside the amplifier.  
1. Before accessing fuses, disconnect both the positive  
and negative power cables from the DC input  
terminals on the left side of the amplifier using a 5/  
32” hex key.  
2. Remove the Top Glass Panel by first removing the  
four hex bolts with the supplied 3/32” hex key.  
3. To remove the Top Glass Panel, attach the supplied  
suction cup to the top center of the glass panel and  
carefully raise it high enough to put your hand under.  
Temporarily place the removed glass panel in a safe  
place, remove the suction cup and save it for future  
use.  
4. Remove the Phillips Screws holding the End Caps on  
both sides of the amplifier and lift the end caps off.  
5. Remove the two Phillips Screws, one is located above  
the row of Controls/Switches and the other near the  
Bottom Edge of the Gold Faceplate Control Panel.  
6. Remove all 5 crossover, equalizer and sensitivity  
knobs.  
7. Remove the Gold Faceplate Control Panel.  
8. Remove the fuses with needle nose pliers, taking care  
to avoid hitting parts on the ciruit board.  
Note: To determine if the fuse has failed, examine the  
link between the two fuse legs to see if it has a  
break in it.  
9. Replace the fuse with one of the same type and  
rating, as unauthorized substitutions may prove  
hazardous to you and the amplifier.  
10. When reinserting the fuse, set it in place with the  
pliers, then push it the rest of the way in with your  
finger to avoid having the pliers slip and hit the  
circuit board.  
11. Re-install the Gold Faceplate Control Panel and all 5  
crossover, equalizer and sensitivity knobs.  
12. Re-connect the power cables to the vehicle battery.  
If the replacement fuse(s) fails again, have the amplifier  
repaired at a McIntosh Service Center.  
12  
MCC302 Block Diagram  
Specifications  
Specifications  
Power Output Per Channel  
Intermodulation Distortion  
150 watts into 4 ohm loads and 300 watts into 2 ohm loads  
is the minimum sine wave continuous average power out-  
put per channel, with both channels operating.  
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:  
Power Output Bridged  
600 watts into 4 ohm loads is the minimum sine wave con-  
tinuous average power output.  
0.005% for 4 ohm loads  
0.008% for 2 ohm loads  
0.008% for Bridged Mode with 4 ohm loads  
Rated Power Band  
20Hz to 20,000Hz  
Input Impedance  
12,000 ohms  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power  
level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is:  
0.005% for 4 ohm loads  
Power Requirements  
12 Volts DC, 2.5 amps (idle) - 50 amps (150 watts)  
Dimensions  
0.008% for 2 ohm loads  
12.5 inches (31.8cm) wide, 3.0 inches (7.6cm)  
high, 13.7 inches (34.8cm) depth  
0.008% for Bridged Mode with 4 ohm loads  
Dymanic Headroom  
1dB  
Weight  
14.5 pounds (6.6Kg) net, 17 pounds (7.7Kg) in  
shipping carton  
Frequency Response  
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz  
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz  
Sensitivity  
0.5 Volts  
A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio  
105dB (1.5V)  
One Band Equalizer  
Center Frequency is variable from 40Hz to 2,000Hz, level  
variable ±12db, Q fixed at 2  
Crossover  
Selectable High pass or Low pass. The frequency is vari-  
able from 50Hz to 120Hz. The slope is 12dB per octave  
(Low pass is 24dB per octave in bridged mode)  
Subwoofer Output  
Low Pass filtered at 200Hz with a 6db per octave slope  
(level variable ±12db when using optional McIntosh Exter-  
nal Subwoofer Rotary Control)  
14  
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, failure to do so will result in shipping damage.  
Make sure that the Top Glass Panel is firmly secured to the  
chassis using the supplied hex head screws.  
Quantity Part Number  
Description  
Shipping carton only  
End cap (Foam pad)  
1
2
034162  
034132  
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.  
15  
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.  
2 Chambers Street  
Binghamton, NY 13903  
McIntosh Part No. 040757  

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