McIntosh MCD301 User Manual

SACD/CD Player

MCD301

Owner’s Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549

14. Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service person-

nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has

been damaged in any way, such as power-supply

cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or

objects have fallen into the apparatus, the appara-

tus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not

operate normally, or has been dropped.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE

OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or

splashing and ensure that no objects ﬁlled with liq-

uids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the

a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug

from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall

remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as

sunshine, ﬁre or the like.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radia-

tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two

blades with one wider than the other. A ground-

ing type plug has two blades and a third ground-

ing 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.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or

pinched particularly at plugs, convenience re-

ceptacles, and the point where they exit from the

apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the

manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table speciﬁed by the manufacturer,

or sold with the apparatus. When a

cart is used, use caution when mov-

ing the cart/apparatus combination

to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

Thank You

Table of Contents

Your decision to own this McIntosh MCD301 SACD/CD

Player ranks you at the very top among discriminating

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.

Safety Instructions............................................................2

Thank You and Please Take a Moment.............................4

Technical Assistance and Customer Service....................4

Table of Contents ..............................................................4

General Information .........................................................4

Disc Information...............................................................5

Connector and Cable Information ....................................5

Introduction.......................................................................6

MCD301 Features .............................................................6

Dimensions .......................................................................7

Installation ........................................................................8

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:

Connections:

Rear Panel Connections....................................................9

How to Connect Control, Analog and Digital Audio ..... 10

How to Connect Directly to a Power Amplifier ............. 11

Serial Number: __________________________________

Purchase Date: __________________________________

Dealer Name: ___________________________________

Front Panel Features:

Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack . 12

Front Panel Information Displays................................... 13

Remote Control:

Technical Assistance

Remote Control Push-buttons......................................... 14

How to Operate by Remote Control ............................... 15

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

additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can

receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:

Operation:

How to Operate the MCD301 ......................................... 16

Additional Information:

Specifications..................................................................22

Packing Instruction.........................................................23

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, New York 13903

Phone: 607-723-1545

Fax: 607-724-0549

General Information

1. For additional connection information, refer to the

owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to

the MCD301 SACD/CD Player.

2. The Super Audio Compact Discs Audio Signals are

converted internally from Digital to Analog.

3. A PCM version of the decoded MP3 and WMA Signals

is available at the Digital Audio Outputs.

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

assistance 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

Disc and Connector Information

Connector and Cable Information

Disc Information

XLR Connectors

1. Compact Discs that are not round (e.g. Novelty discs

with octagonal or heart shapes) will not play properly in

the MCD301 and should not be tried, as possible dam-

age may occur.

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced

Output Connectors on the MCD301. Refer to the diagram

for connection:

PIN 1: Shield/Ground

PIN 2: + Output

PIN 3: - Output

2. The MCD301 SACD/CD Player is designed to play all

standard CD Audio Discs that conform to the Official

Compact Disc Standards which is indicated by the

Symbol. It will also play most CD-R and CD-RW discs,

however some recorded discs may not be able to play

due to the condition of the recording.

3. CD Audio Discs recorded in the MP3 and WMA For-

mats will playback on the MCD301, except discs that

contain multi-session recordings. Some MP3 or WMA

recorded discs may not be able to play due to the condi-

tion of the recording. When ever possible, set the writ-

ing software to the ISO9660 Level 1 standard.

4. The CD audio side of the Dual Disc does not meet the

Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications found in the

industry “Redbook”; the MCD301 may not read Dual

Discs.

PIN 2

PIN 1

PIN 3

Power Control Connector

The MCD301 Power Control Input/Output Jacks receive/

send Power On/Off Signals when con-

Power

nected to other McIntosh Components.

Control

A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is

N/C

used for connection to the Power Con-

trol Input/Output on the MCD301.

Ground

Note: The Data ad Power Control Connecting Cable is avail-

able from the McIntosh Parts Department:

Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202

Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini

phone plugs on each end.

5. Several of the SACD performance features available on

the MCD301 are active only if the SACD Disc includes

the supporting encoded information.

Data and IR Input Port Connectors

The MCD301 Data In Port receives Remote Control Sig-

nals. A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug

Data

Signal

is used for connection. The IR Ports

also use a 1/8 inch stereo mini phone

N/C

plug and allow the connection of other

Data

brand IR Receivers to the MCD301.

Ground

IR Data

Control

N/C

Ground

Introduction and Performance Features

Introduction

• Balanced Outputs

The McIntosh MCD301 SACD/CD Player offers the latest

in audio technology, providing state of the art reproduction

of audio program sources. A full complement of perfor-

mance features allows for the enjoyment of the SACD

special audio format available on discs. Audio CDs are also

reproduced with flawless realism. The advanced mechani-

cal design of the transport ensures many years of smooth

trouble free operation.

The MCD301 has both variable and fixed Balanced Out-

puts, permitting long cable lengths without a loss in sound

quality.

• Digital Audio Outputs

There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Outputs for external

decoding of the PCM Signal.

• Power Control

MCD301 Features

The Power Control Input connection provides convenient

Turn-On/Off of the MCD301 when connected to a McIn-

tosh System with Power Control. The Power Control Out-

put connection can control a McIntosh Power Amplifier in

a high quality disc playback system.

• Twin Laser Pickup

The MCD301 incorporates two laser elements, with differ-

ent wavelengths, that are focused through one lens assem-

bly. This unique design allows reading both the CD and

Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs Formats.

• Full Function Remote Control

• Advanced Transport

The Remote Control provides complete control of the

MCD301 operating functions including adjustment of the

volume level. The push-buttons on the Remote Control are

illuminated.

The MCD301 has a new transport with a Die Cast Mecha-

nism Base and Disc Tray. It has the latest in advanced

digital servo for faster, quieter and accurate operation. The

SACD and CD Audio Data is read into memory from the

disc at twice the normal rate. The fast read speeds help to

insure better disc tracking and error correction processing.

• Special Power Supply

The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core Power

Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure stable noise

free operation even though the power line varies.

• Super Audio Disc Playback

The MCD301 plays the higher resolution SACD Discs with

extreme precision and musical elegance.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The Illumination of the Glass Front Panel is accomplished

by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light

Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes

(LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumination and is

designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MCD301 will

be retained for many years.

• Multi-Bit Digital to Analog Converter

The 24-bit, 192kHz Digital to Analog Converter has a

wide dynamic range and extremely low distortion.

• Front Panel Level Control

With headphones connected to the MCD301, the Level

Control allows varing the volume level of the music. It can

also be used for matching the volume level of the MCD301

with other components in the system.

• Multi-Function Front Panel Display

The MCD301 Front Panel display indicates the current disc

playback status and the variable audio output volume level

at the same time on a continuous basis.

• Drive a Power Amplifier Directly

The Variable Output Connections provide up to 6 Volts.

This is more than enough signal to drive any Power Am-

plifier directly; forming a high quality SACD/CD Disc

Playback System.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the

best location for your MCD301. There is additional in-

formation on the next page pertaining to installing the

MCD301 into cabinets.

17-1/2"

44.45cm

5-3/8"

13.69cm

15.24cm

Front View of the MCD301

02:38

31%

17"

43.18cm

4-5/8"

11.75cm

Rear View of the MCD301

13-1/4"

33.65cm

15-7/8"

40.32cm

14-1/2"

36.83cm

5/8"

1.59cm

Side View of the MCD301

4-13/16"

12.22cm

3/16"

0.48cm

13/16"

2.06cm

10-1/2"

26.67cm

1-15/16"

4.92cm

5.08cm

Installation

The MCD301 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,

standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in

a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet

may be removed from the bottom of the MCD301 when it

is custom installed as outlined below. The four feet togeth-

Allow at least 2 inches (5.08cm) above the top, 2 inches

(5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each

side of the SACD/CD Player, so that airflow is not ob-

structed. Allow 17 inches (43.18cm) depth behind the front

panel. Allow 1-1/8 inch (2.9cm) in front of the mounting

er with the mounting screws should be retained for possible panel for knob clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation

future use if the MCD301 is removed from the custom

installation and used free standing. The required panel

hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in

the drawing.

cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your MCD301.

Cool operation

ensures the

longest pos-

sible operat-

ing life for

17-1/16"

43.34cm

any electronic

instrument.

MCD301 Front Panel

Custom Cabinet Cutout

4-7/8"

12.38cm

02:38

Do not install

the MCD301

directly above

a heat generat-

ing compo-

31%

nent such as a

high powered

amplifier. If

all the com-

ponents are

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cabinet

Front

Panel

installed in a

single cabinet,

a quiet running

ventilation

MCD301 Side View

in Custom Cabinet

fan can be a

definite asset

in maintaining

all the system

components

at the coolest

possible oper-

ating tempera-

ture.

A custom cabi-

net installation

should provide

the follow-

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

Chassis

Spacers

Support

Shelf

1-1/16"

2.70cm

8-5/8"

21.91cm

2.54cm

MCD301 Bottom View

in Custom Cabinet

15-1/16"

38.26cm

15-1/2"

39.37cm

Cutout Opening

for Ventilation

ing minimum

spacing dimen-

sions for cool

operation.

7.62cm

12-5/16"

31.27cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.

For purposes of clarity, the above

�

illustration is not drawn to scale.

Rear Panel Connections

POWER CONTROL IN

receives turn-on signals

from a McIntosh compo-

nent and POWER CON-

TROL OUT sends turn-on

signals on to another

BALANCED VARIABLE level

AUDIO OUTPUTS supply ana-

log audio signals to connect to

Balanced Inputs of other compo-

nents

McIntosh Component

COAXIAL DIGI-

BALANCED FIXED level

AUDIO OUTPUTS supply

analog audio signals to Bal-

anced Inputs of other compo-

nents

TAL AUDIO OUT-

PUT sends signals

to a Control Center

with a D/A Con-

verter or a decoder

DATA IN receives

operating data from

a McIntosh Control

Center

OPTICAL DIGITAL

AUDIO OUTPUT

sends signals to a Con-

trol Center with a D/A

Converter or a decoder

UNBALANCED FIXED

level AUDIO OUTPUTS

supply analog audio

signals to Unbalanced In-

puts of other components

IR INput for

connecting an IR

Receiver

Connect the MCD301

power cord to a live AC

outlet. Refer to informa-

tion on the back panel of

your MCD301 to deter-

mine the correct voltage

for your unit

UNBALANCED VARIABLE

level AUDIO OUTPUTS supply

analog audio signals to Unbal-

anced Inputs of other components

How to Connect Control, Analog and Digital Audio

How to Connect Control, Analog and Digital

Audio

1. Connect a Power Control Cable from the MCD301

POWER CONTROL IN jack to the POWER CONTROL

ACC Output jack of a McIntosh Preamplifier/Control

Center.

2. Connect a Data Cable from the MCD301 DATA IN jack

to the CD2 DATA jack on the McIntosh Preamplifier/

Control Center.

3. Connect an Optical Cable from the MCD301 OPTICAL

DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT to the CD2 Optical DIGI-

TAL INPUT of a McIntosh Preamplifier/Control Center.

Note: An optional connecting method is to use a coaxial

cable from the MCD301 COAXIAL DIGITAL AUDIO

OUTPUT to the Coaxial Digital Input of a McIntosh

Preamplifier/Control Center.

4. Connect XLR Cables from the MCD301 BALANCED-

FIXED AUDIO OUTPUTS to the Balanced Inputs on a

McIntosh Preamplifier/Control Center.

Notes: 1. The Unbalanced Audio Ouputs may be used in-

stead of the Balanced Outputs.

2. The VARIABLE AUDIO OUTPUTS, Balanced

or Unbalanced outputs, may used instead of the

FIXED AUDIO OUTPUTS.

5. Connect the supplied AC Power Cord between the

MCD301 AC Power Cord Socket and a live AC outlet.

To AC Outlet

McIntosh A/V Control Center

How to Connect Directly to a Power Amplifier

The MCD301 SACD/CD Player has Variable Output Con-

nections and a Front Panel Level Control making it pos-

sible to form a high performance Disc Playback System.

This system consists of a MCD301 directly connected to a

McIntosh Power Amplifier.

3. Connect the supplied AC Power Cord between the

MCD301 AC Power Cord Socket and a live AC outlet.

1. Connect a Power Control Cable from the MCD301

POWER CONTROL OUT jack to the POWER CON-

TROL IN jack of a McIntosh Power Amplifier.

2. Connect XLR Cables from the MCD301 BALANCED

VARIABLE AUDIO OUTPUTS to the Balanced Inputs

on a McIntosh Power Amplifier.

Note: The Unbalanced Audio Ouputs may be used instead

of the Balanced Outputs.

To AC Outlet

McIntosh Power Amplifier

Front Panel Displays, Controls, Push-buttons and Jack

Audio Output

Mute On Indicator

Disc Tray opens to

load and unload a disc

Adjusts the listening

volume level

Connection for low

Allows moving back-

wards or forwards one

track at a time

IR Sensor receives

commands from a

Remote Control

Standby Power On

Indicator

impedance dynam-

ic headphones, for

private listening

02:38

31%

Selects the SACD

Selects the

Random Track

Playback Mode

Front Panel

Information

Use to Pause Opens and

or CD Audio

Tracks from a

hybrid disc

during play-

back

Closes the

disc tray for

loading or

unloading

discs

Push to mute the audio

at rear panel Audio

Output Connectors

(Headphones are not

affected)

Selects various

Front Panel

Information

Stops disc

playback

Starts disc

playback

STANDBY/ON

playback times

for indication on

the display

Push-button switch-

es the MCD301 ON

or OFF (Standby)

and resets the micro-

processors

Front Panel Information Displays

Indicates when

in the Pause

Mode

Indicates the Programming

or Program Play Mode is

active

Indicates the Repeat

Mode selected; Repeat

All (Tracks), Repeat 1

(Track) or Repeat from

point A to point B in

the selected Track

Indicates the volume

level available at the

variable outputs and

headphone jack

Indicates the type

of disc loaded, CD

or SACD

Indicates

Indicates when the

tracks on the CD disc

are MP3 or WMA

encoded

the Random

Play Mode

is active

31%

Indicates when

the Play Mode

is active

Indicates the number of tracks

on the Disc, Programmed

Tracks, the current Track Time,

Remaining Track Time, Total

Disc Playing Time, Text and

various other Information

Remote Control Push-Buttons

Use to toggle the power On and Off

to the MCD301

Access any numbered operat-

ing function

Use to Clear the last pro-

grammed track

Use to direct access tracks 10 and

above

Adjusts the volume level up or down

Use to select various disc

information, including time,

on the Front Panel Display.

It is also used to cancel the

text display mode on a SACD

Disc.

Access the Text Display Mode when

playing a SACD Disc containing the

information

Starts Playback of a disc and

allows moving forwards or

backwards one track at a time

on SACD and CD Discs

Used to stop the disc and pause play-

back of the disc

Move forward or backward through

a disc

Press for random playback of

tracks from SACD and CD

Discs

Use to program the desired tracks on

a SACD or CD disc

Use to select one of various

repeat modes

Use to select the SACD or CD

Tracks from a hybrid disc for play-

back

Use to review the programmed

tracks of the disc on the Front

Panel Information Display, while

in the program mode

Note: The Remote Control Push-buttons with a “grayed background” are for use with other McIntosh Products.

How to use the Remote Control

SACD/CD

The Remote Control is capable of performing basic Oper-

ating Functions for the MCD301 SACD/CD Player.

Notes: 1. Refer to the “How to Operate” Section of this man-

ual for additional information using this Remote

Control.

Press to select the SACD or CD Tracks from a hybrid disc

for playback.

Display/Time

2. The translucent Remote Control Push-buttons

will illuminate for approximately 3 seconds when

activated.

Press the DISPlay/TIME Push-button to access various

disc times. It is also used to return the Front Panel Infor-

mation Display to indicating time instead of text informa-

tion on a SACD Disc.

Play

With a disc loaded, press the PLAY Push-button to start

the disc playing.

Menu/Text

Press to select the various text information on a SACD

Disc such as Album, Artist and Track Titles (disc depen-

dent).

Stop

Press the STOPPush-button to stop disc playback and

return to displaying the table of contents of the disc.

Repeat Modes

Press the RPT (Repeat) Push-button to select either One

Track, All Tracks or cancel the Repeat Mode.

Numbered Push-buttons

Press 1 through 9 to directly access one of the first nine

Disc Tracks using the Front Panel Information Display. For

track numbers greater than 10, press the +10 Push-button

followed by the 0-9 Push-button. For example, to access

Disc Track 23, press the +10 Push-button twice and then

the 3 Push-button.

Program

Press the PGM (Program) to activate the Program Mode to

playback only certain disc tracks in the desired order.

Review

Press the RVW (Review) Push-button to review the Pro-

grammed Tracks from the disc on the Front Panel Informa-

tion Display, while in the Program Mode.

Pause

Press the PAUSEPush-button to temporarily stop disc

playback at any time. Press the PLAY Push-button to

resume playback.

Clear

Press the CLEAR Push-button to erase a program track(s).

REV and FF

Press the REV (Reverse)or FF (Fast Forward)Push-

button to start moving rapidly through a track on the disc.

When the desired location is reached release the REV

(Reverse)or FF (Fast Forward)Push-button to resume

normal playback.

Back and Next

Press the NEXT Push-button to move forward one track

or the BACK Push-button to move back to the begin-

ning of the current track playing.

Note: If the BACK Push-button is pressed during play-

back of the first three seconds of the track, the MCD301

will start playing back the previous track from the

beginning. If the Front Panel Information Display is

indicating time the display will momentarily indicate the

track number.

How to Operate the MCD301

press the SACD/CD Push-button (on the

Front Panel or Remote Control) once to

see the current selection and a second

time to change the selection. Refer to

figures 6, 7, 8 and 16.

The Player will load the CD Table of

Contents (Number of tracks and Total Play-

ing Time) at this time. To start playing the

CD Layer press the PLAY Push-button.

Power On

The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button lights

to indicate the MCD301 is in Standby mode. To Switch

ON the MCD301, press the STANDBY/ON Push-button

on the Front Panel or the PWR (Power) Push-button on the

Remote Control. Refer to figures 6 and 16.

Note: When AC Power is initially applied to the MCD301

the unit will momentarily switch On and then go

into the Standby Mode.

SA-CD

Figure 7

Figure 8

How to Load a Disc

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE Push-button.

Notes: 1. Changing between the SACD and CD Layer can

be accomplished at any time by performing the

above procedure.

The disc tray will slide out allowing a

OPEN

2. The default setting for SACD/CD Hybrid is to

play the SACD Layer. The default setting may be

changed to play the CD Layer instead. With the

MCD301 On and no disc loaded, press the SACD/

CD Push-button utill the Front Panel Display indi-

cates CD. Refer to figures 6, 9, 7 and 8.

3. Some SACD Disc(s)

disc to be loaded. Refer to figure 1.

2. Press the OPEN/CLOSE Push-button

and the disc tray will close. Refer

to figures 6, 2, 3 and 5. Loading of

disc’s Table of Contents (number of

tracks) will be indicated on the

Figure 1

Figure 2

Front Panel Information Display.

When a SACD Disc is loaded

the Front Panel Display will

have the abil-

ity of displaying

READING

NO DISC

the Album Title and

Figure 3

Figure 9

Artist. With the disc

scroll the Album Title first and

loaded, SACD Table

of Contents read and

the disc stopped,

press the MNU/TEXT

Push-button once for

scrolling the Title

and twice for scroll-

ing the Artist Name.

then display the number of tracks. Refer to figures 4 and

Note: When a Disc is placed in the

TITLE: D

tray and the PLAY Push-but-

TITLE: D

ton is pressed, the tray will

Figure 4

Figure 10

close and the first track will

start playing.

ARTIST:J

Display of the Artist

information is not

Figure 11

12Tr

How to Play a SACD Disc

With a disc already loaded into the

MCD301, press the PLAY Push-

Figure 5

available during playback of the disc. Refer to

figures 10 and 11.

button on the Front Panel of the MCD301 or Remote Con-

trol. Refer to figures 6 and 16. The Disc will start playing

the first track of the SACD Layer.

4. In a similar manner, some SACD Disc(s) have the

ability of scrolling the Track Number and Title by

pressing the MNU/TEXT Push-button after the

Track has started to play. Refer to figure 12.

To change from the default SACD Layer to CD Layer,

02:38

31%

Figure 6

How to Operate the MCD301

5. The Text Display

Mode may be can-

celed by pressing the

DSP/TIME Push-but-

ton on the Remote

Fast Forward or Reverse

Using the Remote Control, press the

FF (Fast Forward) or REV (Re-

verse) Push-button to search back

and forth rapidly through a Track on

a disc. To return to normal playback

release the same FF (Fast Forward)

or REV (Reverse) Push-button.

Refer to figure 16.

03:SO NI

Figure 12

Control. Refer to figure 16.

6. One of the Track Time Modes may also be dis-

played instead of the Track Number, by pressing

the DSP/TIME Push-button on the Remote Con-

trol. Refer to figure

13. For additional

information on the

Time Display Modes

refer to “Display

Modes” on page 19.

Stop Mode

02:36

Press the STOPPush-button at

any time to stop Playback. To listen

to the disc again, press the PLAY

Push-button and playback will start

from the beginning of the disc.

Figure 13

How to Play a CD Disc

With a disc already loaded into the MCD301, press the

PLAY Push-button on the

Volume Level

Front Panel of the MCD301 or

The MCD301 has both Fixed and

Variable Output Level Connections.

The Variable Output Level Connec-

tions (Rear Panel and Front Panel

Headphone Jack) are controlled by

the Front Panel Level Control and the

LEVEL Push-buttons on the Remote

Control. Refer to figures 6, 16 and

17. The Front Panel Volume Level

Information Display will indicate the

Volume Level from 0 - 100%.

Note: When the Volume Level is 81%, the

Rear Panel Variable Outputs will be

at the same volume level as the Fixed

Outputs.

02:13

Remote Control. Refer to figures

6, 14 and 16.

Figure 14

How to Pause a Disc

This feature allows for the temporary stopping of disc

playback. Refer to figures 6, 15

and 16.

1. When playing a Disc, press

02:46

the PAUSEPush-button to

temporarily stop playback.

Figure 15

Figure 16

2. Press the PLAY Push-button to resume playing the

LEVEL

disc.

81%

Track Back

Figure 17

Return to the beginning of the Track currently playing

by rotating the MCD301 Front Panel TRACK BACK 

Control counterclockwise and then releasing the control

or momentarily pressing the BACK Push-button on

the Remote Control. Rotate and hold the TRACK BACK

 Control or press and hold the BACK Push-button

for rapid selection of the desired previous Tracks. Refer to

figures 6 and 16.

Mute

Press the MUTE Push-button to mute the audio (-50dB

down in level) at both the Fixed and Variable Output Con-

nections on the Rear Panel. Refer to figure 6. The LED

above the MUTE Push-button will illuminate. Pressing the

MUTE Push-button a second time restores the audio at the

output connections and the LED will no longer be illumi-

nated.

Note: The Headphone Jack is not affected by the Mute

Track Next

Function.

Advance to the next Track by rotating the MCD301 Front

Panel TRACK NEXT  Control clockwise and then re-

leasing the control or momentarily pressing the NEXT 

Push-button on the Remote Control. Rotate and hold the

TRACK NEXT  Control or press and hold the NEXT

Push-button for rapid selection of the next desired

Track. Refer to figures 6 and 16.

Direct Track Selection

The MCD301 Front Panel Display indicates the Disc Track

currently playing. Use the Remote Control NUMERIC

Push-button(s) to enter the desired Track Number. Refer

to pages 14 and 15 for additional information using the

Remote Control.

How to Operate the MCD301, con’t

Repeat

is programmed to play Track 6 followed by Track 4 and

then Track 2.

This allows repeating a Track, Disc, Program Mode or

Random Play Mode on a continuous basis. Refer to figures

6 on page 16 and 16.

1. With the disc playing (Regular, Program or Random

Playback Modes), press the

Notes: 1. The MCD301 must be in STOP Mode with the Disc

TOC (Table of Contents) read before the Program

Playback Mode Feature can be activated.

2. When programming Hybrid SACD Discs, first

choose the layer (SACD or CD) so the correct TOC

can be read, as some discs have different selections

for the SACD and CD Tracks.

RPT (Repeat) Push-button

once to activate the Track

Repeat ( 1); press the

RPT Push-button twice to

activate the Disc Repeat

(All). Refer to figures

02:36

Figure 18

1. Press the PGM (Program)

Push-button to access the

Program Mode. Refer to

12Tr

figures 16 and 21.

2. Enter the first desired se-

lection using the Numeric

Push-buttons. Refer to

figures 16 and 22.

3. In a similar manner, enter

the remaining Tracks. Re-

fer to figures 23 and 24.

Note: To view and/or

delete the selec-

Figure 21

18 and 19.

02:36

4. To cancel the previously se-

lected Repeat Mode, press

Figure 19

P01 06Tr

the RPT (Repeat) Push-button until the word “1” or the

word “ALL” in the Front Panel Information Display is

extinguished.

Figure 22

Random Playback

P02 04Tr

Figure 23

This feature allows for listening to Tracks of a Disc in a

Random Order. Refer to figure 6 on page 16 and figure 16.

Note: The MCD301 must be in STOP Mode with the Disc

Loaded and the Table of Contents read before the

Random Playback Mode Feature can be activated.

1. With the MCD301 in the STOPMode press the

Random Push-button. The word RND (Random) will

be indicated in the Infor-

tions programmed,

use the REVIEW

Push-button to

step through pro-

grammed tracks

P03 02Tr

Figure 24

and the CLEAR

Push-button to remove any unwanted selections.

4. To start playback of the just entered program, press

the PLAY Push-button. The Repeat Mode can be

activated to provide continuous playback of the Pro-

grammed Track(s). Refer to figure 25.

Note: To momentarily stop

mation Display. Refer to

figure 20.

2. Press the PLAY Push-

02:36

Figure 20

button to start Random

Playback. After all the tracks have been played the

MCD301 will stop.

Notes: 1. To provide continuous playback of the disc,

press the RPT Push-button twice to activate the

Disc Repeat (All) after the Random Playback

Mode has started. If Repeat (1) is selected,

the current track will repeat.

playback, press the

PAUSE Push-

button. To resume

Program Playback

P01 06Tr

Figure 25

press the PLAY Push-button.

5. To cancel the Program Playback Mode press the

STOPPush-button followed by pressing the PGM

(Program) Push-button.

Once the Program Playback Mode is active, tracks may be

added or deleted by first pressing the STOPPush-button

followed by entering the additional tracks using the Nu-

meric Push-buttons or deleting tracks by using the CLEAR

Push-button. Press the PLAY Push-button to resume

Program Playback Mode.

2. The BACK TRACK function will begin playback

from the beginning of the current track.

3. The NEXT TRACK function will advance to the

next random selection and start playing.

3. To cancel the Random Playback Mode, press the

STOPPush-button, then press the Random Push-

button.

Program Playback

This feature allows for playback of selected Tracks on a

Disc in the desired order. In the following example, a Disc

MP3/WMA Disc Playback

The MCD301 has the ability of playing back MP3 and

How to Operate the MCD301, con’t

Display Brightness

WMA encoded discs. MP3/WMA allow more tracks on

the Disc by using the technique of lossy compression ap-

plied to the original audio information. The MP3/WMA

Track has lower audio quality

The MCD301 Front Panel Information Display has two

brightness settings. To change from the default setting

(brightest of the two) perform the following:

1. If the MCD301 is playing a disc press the STOP

Push-button.

2. Press and hold the PAUSEPush-button until the

brightness level of the two Front Panel Displays chang-

es, then release the PAUSEPush-button.

Note: Depending on the brightness setting before press-

ing the push-button, the intensity will go from high

to low or low to high.

than the original recording.

Load a MP3/WMA disc into

the MCD301. Refer to figure

Figure 26

26.

1. Press the PLAY Push-button to start Playback. Refer

to figure 27. After all the tracks have been played the

MCD301 will stop.

Notes: 1. The MCD301

will indicate

either elapsed

time or remain-

Resetting the MCD301

In the unlikely event the MCD301 stops functioning, the

microprocessors can be reset by performing the following:

1. Press and hold in the STOPPush-button for ap-

proximately three seconds. The Front Panel Display

on the Left side will

Figure 27

ing time for each

track when play-

ing MP3/WMA

Discs.

02Fd26Tr

2. When play-

ing MP3/WMA

Discs, the left side of the Front Panel Informa-

tion Display indicates the total number of fold-

ers on the disc followed by the Track Number

or the Track

Figure 28

indicate “INITIAL”,

release your finger from

STOPPush-button.

Refer to figure 35.

INITIAL

Figure 35

2. Press and hold in the

Time.

STANDBY/ON Push-button for

approximately five seconds. Refer

to figure 6 on page 16.

3. When the STANDBY/ON LED is

no longer illuminated, release the

STANDBY/ON Push-button.

4. When the STANDBY/ON LED is

illuminated press the STANDBY/

ON Push-button, the MCD301 will

resume normal operation.

SING. E.

Display Modes

Figure 29

The MCD301 Front Panel

Information Display allows for

either Track or Time indica-

tions. To change from the

default setting of Track indica-

tion to Time, press the TIME

Push-button on the Front Panel

02:36

Figure 30

Note: This can be performed with

or the DISP/TIME Push-button

on the Remote Control. Refer

to figure 6 on page 16 and

SING. R.

the MCD301 On or in the

Standby Mode.

Figure 31

figure 16.

The Time Display Choices

are Single Track Elapse Time

-01:13

(figures 29 and 30), Single

Figure 32

Track Remaining Time (fig-

ures 31 and 32) or Total Tracks

Remaining Time (figures 33

TOTAL R.

and 34).

Figure 33

6:18

Figure 16

Figure 34

How to Operate the MCD301, con’t

Operation in a McIntosh System

The MCD301 basic transport functions may also be con-

trolled by using the Remote Control that comes with a Mc-

Intosh Control Center or Preamplifier. McIntosh Keypads

can also be used to remotely control the basic transport

functions of the MCD301. The labeling of Push-buttons on

some McIntosh Remote Controls and Keypads are differ-

ent from the supplied MCD301 Remote Control. Refer to

the listing below and figures 36 and 37:

MCD301 Remote Control

Push-button

Pause

McIntosh Remote Control/

Keypad Push-button

E/Enter

Figure 37

SACD/CD

Level Down

Level Up

Review

Channel/Seek Down

Channel/Seek Up

+10

Figure 36

Notes

Specifications

Audio Specifications

General Specifications

Fixed Output level

2.0Vrms Unbalanced

4.0Vrms Balanced

Digital Output

Optical: - 15dbm to -21dbm (PCM)

Coaxial: 0.5V p-p/75 ohm (PCM)

Sampling Frequencies: 44.1kHz (PCM)

Variable Output level

0 - 6.0Vrms Unbalanced

0- 12.0Vrms Balanced

Transport

Laser Type: Twin Beam

Laser Beam Wavelength: 650nm (SACD)/790nm (CD)

Laser Power: CLASS IIa/CLASS I

Output Impedance

600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced

Power Requirements

Frequency Response

4Hz to 40,000Hz, +0.5, -3dB (SACD)

4Hz to 20,000Hz, ±0.5dB (CD)

100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 35 watts

Standby: Less than 1 watt

Signal to Noise Ratio

Better than 110dB (A-weighted)

Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MCD301 for the correct

Dynamic Range

Better than 100dB

voltage.

Overall Dimensions

Harmonic Distortion

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)

Height is 6 inches (15.24cm)

0.002% @ 1000Hz (SACD)

0.003% @ 1000Hz (CD)

Depth is 16-1/2 inches (41.91cm)

Note: When the Disc Tray is opened, the panel clearance

required in front of mounting panel is 6-3/4 inches

(17.2cm).

Channel Separation

Better than 98dB (1,000Hz)

Weight

28.2 pounds (12.8Kg) net, 44.6 pounds (20.2Kg) in ship-

ping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 26-1/2 inches (67.3cm)

Depth is 24-1/4 inches (62.2cm)

Height is 11-3/4 inches (29.9cm)

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 four plastic feet are at-

tached to the bottom of the equipment. 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

Laboratory. Refer to page 4. Please see the Part List for the

correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description

033838

033837

Shipping carton only

End cap

033836

033725

034301

Inside carton only

Top pad

Bottom pad

017937

400159

404080

Plastic foot

#10-32 x 3/4” screw

#10 Flat washer

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, NY 13903

The continuous improvement of its products is the

policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who

reserve the right to improve design without notice.

Printed in the U.S.A.

McIntosh Part No. 04105900

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