Seven Channel Power Amplifier
MC207
Owner’s Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
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Thank You
Table of Contents
Your decision to own this McIntosh MC207 Seven Chan-
nel Power Amplifier ranks you at the very top among dis-
criminating 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............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents .............................................................. 3
Important Information ...................................................... 3
Connector Information ..................................................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation ........................................................................ 6
Rear Panel Connections.................................................... 7
How to Connect for Seven Channels................................ 8
How to Connect for Five Channels ................................ 10
How to Connect for Two Channels (Zone B) ................. 12
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 14
How to Operate and Read the Power Output Meters ..... 15
Specifications ................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 19
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:
Important Information
Technical Assistance
1. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
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:
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 MC207.
3. The MC207 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
MC207 Loudspeaker Connection Terminals will accept up to a
10 AWG wire size:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge.
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:
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge.
5. In the event that the MC207 overheats, 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 MC207 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 MX134 or MX135 A/V Control
Center, including the Audio and Power Control signals, to the
MC207.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Copyright 2004 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
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Connector Information, Introduction and Performance Features
Connector Information
XLR Connectors
• Patented Power Guard
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
Connectors on the MC207. Refer to the diagram for con-
nection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input
PIN 3: - Input
The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the
amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its
harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable
Loudspeakers.
Pin 1
Pin 3
Pin 2
• Dynamic Power ManagerTM
The MC207’s Dynamic Power Manager (DPM) circuitry
allows for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loud-
speakers, while at the same time delivering identical power
output. A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel
ensures that it will successfully drive high quality Loud-
speakers such as McIntosh for a truly exciting sound expe-
rience.
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The MC207’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig-
nal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the
Power Control Input on other
Positive
N/C
McIntosh Components.
Ground
• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Multi-Channel Amp DB25 Connector Pin Layout
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and al-
low long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
1. Left Front +
2. Center Front +
3. Right Front +
4. N/C
5. Left Surround +
6. Right Surround +
15. Center Front Gnd.
16. Right Front Gnd.
17. N/C
18. Left Surround Gnd.
19. Right Surround Gnd.
20. Left Back Surround Gnd.
• Patented Sentry Monitor with Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MC207 will have a long and trouble free
operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard
against overheating.
7. Left Back Surround + 21. Right Back Surround Gnd.
8. Right Back Surround + 22. N/C
9. N/C
10. N/C
11. N/C
12. System Calibrate
13. Power Control In
14. Left Front Gnd.
23. N/C
24. System Calibrate Gnd.
25. Power Control Gnd.
• Power Control
The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote
turn-on of the MC207 Power Amplifier from a McIntosh
A/V Control Center or Preamplifier for a single or dual
Zone System.
Multi-Channel Input
• Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the MC207
are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the
Front Amplifier Channels. The Meter Illumination may be
switched Off at any time.
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MC207 Power Amplifier. Seven
200 watt high current output channels will drive any high
quality Loudspeaker System to its ultimate performance.
The MC207 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso-
lutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the
combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffus-
ers and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides even
Front Panel Illumination, together with the extra long life
LEDs.
Performance Features
• Power Output
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and
the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish ensure
the pristine beauty of the MC207 will be retained for many
years.
The MC207 consists of seven Power Amplifier Channels,
each capable of 200 watts into 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeak-
ers with less than 0.005% distortion.
4
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Dimensions
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for the MC207. There is additional informa-
tion on the next page pertaining to installing the MC207
into cabinets.
17-1/2"
44.45cm
Front View of the MC207
8-7/8"
22.54cm
9-7/16"
23.97cm
16-13/16"
42.70cm
Rear View of the MC207
11-3/4"
29.85cm
18-3/4"
47.63cm
16-7/16"
41.75cm
8-1/4"
20.96cm
Side View of the MC207
3/16"
0.48cm
7/8"
2.22cm
2"
5.08cm
12"
30.48cm
5
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Installation
Installation
The MC207 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
(3.81cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Al-
piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet
may be removed from the bottom of the MC207 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 MC207 is removed from the custom instal-
lation and used free standing. It also can be custom in-
stalled in a piece of
low 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Al-
low 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
17-1/16"
43.34cm
required panel cut-
out, ventilation cut-
out and unit dimen-
sions are shown.
Always provide
MC207 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
8-5/16"
21.11cm
adequate ventilation
for your MC207.
Cool operation en-
sures the longest
possible operating
life for any elec-
tronic instrument.
Do not install the
MC207 directly
above a heat gener-
ating component
6"
15.24cm
Cutout Opening
Cabinet
Front
Panel
for
Custom Mounting
Opening
for Ventilation
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
MC207 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Chassis
Spacers
Support
Shelf
3-3/4"
8.57cm
12-1/4"
31.12cm
11"
27.9cm
Cutout
Opening
for
MC207 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
12-3/8"
31.43cm
Center the
opening horizontally
with the
15-3/4"
40.00cm
Ventilation
MC207 Chassis
9-7/8"
25.08cm
11-1/2"
29.21cm
6
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Rear Panel Connections and Switch
Resettable Circuit
Breaker
OUPUT Connections
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for
Channel 6 (Right
Back) or Right Chan-
nel for Zone B
OUPUT Connections
OUPUT Connections
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for Chan-
nel 2 (Left Surround)
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for
Channel 4 (Center
Front)
Connect the
OUPUT Connections
OUPUT Connections
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for
Channel 5 (Left Back)
or Left Channel for
Zone B
OUPUT Connections
OUPUT Connections
MC207 power cord
to a live AC outlet.
Refer to informa-
tion on the back
panel to determine
the correct voltage
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for
Channel 7 (Right
Front)
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for Chan-
nel 1 (Left Front)
for 4 ohm or 8 ohm
Loudspeaker for
Channel 3 (Right Sur-
round)
Selects the imped-
ance (4 or 8 ohms)
of the Loudspeak-
ers connected to
the MC207
Balanced INPUTS
(7) for discrete au-
dio cables from an
A/V Control Center
or Preamplifier Au-
dio Outputs
Balanced INPUTS
Balanced INPUTS
Balanced INPUTS
MULTI-
(5-6) for discrete
audio cables from
an A/V Control
Center or Pream-
plifier Audio Out-
puts
(3-4) for discrete
audio cables from
an A/V Control
Center or Pream-
plifier Audio Out-
puts
(1-2) for discrete
audio cables from
an A/V Control
Center or Preampli-
fier Audio Outputs
CHANNEL
INPUT ac-
cepts a 25
conductor
DB25 com-
puter type
cable that
connects all
audio and
power con-
trol signals
POWER CONTROL ZA receives
turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh (6-7) for discrete audio
component for Zone A (Channels 1- cables from an A/V
7). POWER CONTROL ZB receives Control Center or
Unbalanced INPUTS
Unbalanced INPUTS
Unbalanced INPUTS (1-3)
for discrete audio cables
from an A/V Control Center
or Preamplifier Audio Out-
puts
(4-5) for discrete audio
cables from an A/V
Control Center or
turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh Preamplifier Audio Out- Preamplifier Audio Out-
component for Zone B (Channels 5
and 6).
puts
puts
7
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How to Connect for Seven Channels
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the MC207
Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.
1. Connect Balanced Audio Cables from the Zone A Out-
puts of a McIntosh A/V Control Center to the MC207
INPUTS (Channels 1-7), making sure to match up the
channel identifications between both units.
Note: In place of the Balanced Audio Cables, unbalanced
cables may be used. If a DB25 cable is used between
the MULTI-CHANNEL INPUT of the MC207 and the
Multi-Channel Output, the separate Power Control
cable is not needed, proceed to step 3.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V
Control Center Zone A Power Control Out to the
MC207 POWER CONTROL ZA.
3. Prepare the
Banana plug connection:
Tighten the top portion of the terminal post and insert
the banana plug into the opening
at the top of the terminal. Refer
to figure 7.
Note: The use of Banana Plugs is
for use in the United States
and Canada only.
4. Connect the Loudspeaker
Hookup Cables from the MC207
OUTPUT Terminals to the Loud-
speakers, being careful to observe the correct polarities
and channel designation.
Loudspeaker
Hookup Cables
that attach to the
MC207 Power
Amplifier by
choosing one of
the methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live
and present a risk of electric shock. For
additional instruction on making
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
5. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm
or 8 ohm) that matches the impedance of the connected
Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loud-
speakers in the system are of different impedance, use
the impedance of the Left and Right Front Loudspeak-
ers to set the IMPEDANCE Switch position.
6. Connect the MC207 Power Cord to an active AC out-
let.
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to figures 1, 2 & 3. If the cable is stranded,
carefully twist the strands together as tightly as pos-
sible.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with
solder to keep the strands together, or attach spade
lug and/or banana connector.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
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 clamped into the
terminal so the wires cannot slip
out. Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.
McIntosh A/V Control Center
8
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How to Connect for Seven Channels
Left Front
Loudspeaker
Center Front
Loudspeaker
Right Front
Loudspeaker
To AC
Outlet
Left Surround
Loudspeaker
Right Surround
Loudspeaker
Back Surround
Loudspeaker
Back Surround
Loudspeaker
9
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How to Connect for Five Channels
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the MC207
Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.
1. Connect Balanced Audio Cables from the Zone A Out-
puts of a McIntosh A/V Control Center to the MC207
INPUTS (Channels 1-4 and 7), making sure to match up
the channel identifications between both units.
Note: In place of the Balanced Audio Cables, unbalanced
cables may be used. If a DB25 cable is used between
the MULTI-CHANNEL INPUT of the MC207 and the
Multi-Channel Output, the separate Power Control
Cable ZA is not needed.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V
Control Center Zone A Power Control Out to the
MC207 POWER CONTROL ZA.
3. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to
the MC207 Power Amplifier by choosing one of the
methods below:
Banana plug connection:
Tighten the top portion of the terminal post and insert
the banana plug into the opening at the top of the ter-
minal. Refer to figure 7.
Note: The use of Banana Plugs is
for use in the United States
and Canada only.
4. Connect the Loudspeaker
Hookup Cables from the MC207
OUTPUT Terminals to the Loud-
speakers, being careful to ob-
serve 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,
carefully twist the strands together as tightly as pos-
sible.
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
5. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm
or 8 ohm) that matches the impedance of the connected
Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loud-
speakers in the system are of different impedance, use
the impedance of the Left and Right Front Loudspeak-
ers to set the IMPEDANCE Switch position.
Note: If the two remaining channels (5 and 6) are to be
used for Zone B operation, proceed to page 12.
6. Connect the MC207 Power Cord to an active AC out-
let.
Note: If
desired,
the
twisted
ends can
be tinned with solder to keep the strands together,
or attach spade lug and/or banana connector.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
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 clamped
into the terminal so the wires cannot
slip out. Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.
McIntosh A/V Control Center
10
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How to Connect for Five Channels
Left Front
Loudspeaker
Center Front
Loudspeaker
Right Front
Loudspeaker
To AC
Outlet
Left Surround
Loudspeaker
Right Surround
Loudspeaker
11
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How to Connect for Two Channels (Zone B)
Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the MC207
Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.
1. Connect Audio Cables from the Zone B Outputs of a
McIntosh A/V Control Center to the MC207 INPUTS
(Channels 5 and 6), making sure to match up the chan-
nel identifications between both units.
2. Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh A/V
Control Center Zone B Power Control Out to the
MC207 POWER CONTROL ZB.
3. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to
the MC207 Power Amplifier by choosing one of the
methods below:
Banana plug connection:
Tighten the top portion of the terminal post and insert
the banana plug into the opening at the top of the ter-
minal. Refer to figure 7.
Note: The use of Banana Plugs is
for use in the United States
and Canada only.
4. Connect the Loudspeaker
Hookup Cables from the MC207
OUTPUT Terminals to the Loud-
speakers, being careful to ob-
serve the correct polarities and
channel designation.
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to
figures 1, 2 &
3. If the cable
is stranded,
carefully twist
the strands to-
gether as tightly as possible.
WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live
and present a risk of electric shock. For
additional instruction on making
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with
solder to keep the strands together, or attach spade
lug and/or banana connector.
5. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm
or 8 ohm) that matches the impedance of the connected
Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loud-
speakers in the system are of different impedance, use
the impedance of the Left and Right Front Loudspeak-
ers to set the IMPEDANCE Switch position.
6. Connect the MC207 Power Cord to an active AC out-
let.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
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
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out.
Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.
McIntosh A/V Control Center
12
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How to Connect for Two Channels (Zone B)
To AC
Outlet
Left Channel
(Zone B)
Right Channel
(Zone B)
13
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Front Panel Displays and Controls
POWER OUTPUT METER
indicates power output of the
Left Front Channel (1)
POWER OUTPUT METER
indicates power output of the
Center Front Channel (4)
POWER OUTPUT METER
indicates power output of the
Right Front Channel (7)
POWER GUARD LED
lights when the Left Front
Channel (1) POWER
POWER GUARD LED
lights when the Center
Front Channel (4) POWER
GUARD Circuit activates
POWER GUARD LED
lights when the Right Front
Channel (7) POWER
GUARD Circuit activates
GUARD Circuit activates
Remote On Indicator
POWER GUARD LEDs light
lights when the amplifier
is in the Remote Turn-On
Mode
when the Left Surround Chan-
nel (2), Right Surround Chan-
nel (3), Left Back Surround
Channel (5) or Right Back Sur-
round Channel (6) POWER
GUARD Circuit activates
METER LIGHTS
Switch selects the
Meter Illumination
On or Off
POWER Switch Turns
AC Power Off, Remote
(On/Off), or On
14
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How to Operate and Read the Power Output Meters
How to Operate
How to Read the Power Output Meters
Power On
The MC207 Power Output Meters are calibrated to allow
With the POWER Switch set to the REMOTE Position, the for the direct reading of either the Power Output in Watts
MC207 will turn On or Off when
an A/V Control Center turns On or
Off. For manual operation, rotate
the POWER Switch to the ON or
OFF Position as desired. Refer to
figure 8.
or Decibels going to the Front Left, Center and Right
Loudspeakers. The meters respond to all the musical infor-
mation being produced by the amplifier. They indicate to
an accuracy of at least 95% of the power output with only
a single cycle of a 2000Hz tone burst. Refer to figure 12.
Note: There must be a power
control connection between
the MC207 and the McIntosh
A/V Control Center in order
for the remote power turn-on
to function.
Figure 8
Meter Illumination
Figure 12
Rotate the METER LIGHTS Switch to select Meter Illumi-
nation On or Off. Refer to figure 9.
Note: When the MC207 is
connected to a McIntosh
MX132, MX134 or MX135
A/V Control Center with a
DB25 conductor cable, the
meter illumination will
automatically switch On
during the Loudspeaker Level
Setup Adjustment.
Figure 9
Impedance Switch
The MC207’s Dynamic Power Manager circuitry allows
for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8
ohm Loudspeakers to its output terminals,
while at the same time delivering the same
power output. Refer to figure 10. Place the
IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4
Figure 10
ohm or 8 ohm) that matches the im-
pedance of the connected Loudspeak-
ers. In the event that some of the
Loudspeakers in the system are of
different impedance, use the imped-
ance of the Left and Right Front
Figure 11
Loudspeakers to set the IMPED-
ANCE Switch position. Refer to figure 11.
15
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Technical Description
McIntosh Laboratory, the company who introduced the
world’s first amplifier that could be called “High Fidelity”,
has done it again. The McIntosh engineering staff has cre-
Creating an amplifier with this level of performance did
not come easily. Many months of design, testing and mea-
suring were required. Extensive controlled listening tests,
ated a power amplifier without compromise, using the most the ultimate form of measuring, were made before the final
advanced McIntosh circuit design concepts.
design was accepted.
A continuous average power output rating of 200 watts
and an output current of greater than 25 amperes per chan-
nel, makes this one of the most advanced and powerful am-
plifiers McIntosh has ever manufactured. The distortion
limits for the MC207 are no more than 0.005% at rated
power output for all frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
Typical performance at mid frequencies is less than
0.002%. The true distortion readings on the MC207 are so
low, it takes special measuring techniques to make accurate
readings. The MC207 can deliver the best possible perfor-
mance from any type of high quality Loudspeaker System.
Design Philosophy
The design philosophy incorporated in the MC207 in-
volved several different techniques, all based on sound sci-
entific logic. Refer to figure 13. Every stage of voltage or
current amplification must be as linear as possible prior to
the use of negative feedback. McIntosh engineers know
how to properly design negative feedback circuits so they
contribute to the extremely low distortion performance ex-
pected from a McIntosh amplifier. The typical McIntosh
owner would never accept the approximately 100 times
Inside View of the MC207
16
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Technical Description
Block Diagram of the Amplifiers
and
Meter Circuitry
(One of Seven Channels Illustrated)
Figure 13
higher distortion of many non-feedback designs.
All transistors are selected to have nearly constant cur-
rent gain over the entire current range they must cover.
Output transistors in par-
ticular, have matched
The MC207 is the first McIntosh Power Amplifier to
use the newly developed Dynamic Power ManagerTM
(DPM) Circuitry. Refer to figure 15 on the next page.
uniform current gain,
high current-bandwidth
product and large active
region safe operating
area. To accommodate
the high current demands
of a 4 ohm loudspeaker,
the MC207 Output Cir-
cuitry utilizes a multi-
plicity of power output
transistors. Refer to fig-
ure 14. An automatic
tracking bias system
completely eliminates
any trace of crossover
distortion. Precision
metal film resistors and
low dielectric absorption
film capacitors are used
in all critical circuit loca-
tions.
Figure 14
17
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Protection Circuits
The MC207 incorporates its version of the McIntosh Sen-
try Monitor out-
put transistor
protection cir-
cuit. Refer to
figure 17. There
is absolutely no
compromise in
sonic perfor-
mance with this
circuit, and it
ensures safe op-
eration of the
amplifier under
Figure 17
even the most
Input Test Signal
extreme operat-
Figure 15
The MC207 can easily drive 4 ohm speakers, with their
high current demand. Additionally, the MC207 can be used
with 8 ohm speakers, and deliver equal power. McIntosh’s
new DPMTM design enables it to run on higher voltage rails
when connected to less current-hungry 8 ohm speakers and
ing conditions.
The different
types of protec-
tion circuits in-
corporated in
still deliver 200 watts. The power penalty usually paid with the MC207 in-
8 ohm speakers on high current amplifiers does not exist
with this new design.
sure a long and
safe operating
life.
The high efficiency circuit design of the MC207 con-
tributes to
low oper-
ating tem-
peratures.
More than
2625
The MC207
also includes the
unique patented
McIntosh Power
Guard circuit.
Power Guard
eliminates the
possibility of
ever overdriving
the amplifier
into clipping.
Refer to figures
18, 19 and 20.
An overdriven
amplifier can
produce both
audible and in-
audible distor-
tion levels ex-
ceeding 40%.
The audible dis-
tortion is un-
pleasant to hear,
Figure 18
square
inches of
heat sink
area occu-
pies al-
most half
of the
Without Power Guard
MC207’s
chassis
space and
keeps the
amplifier
operating
safely
with con-
vection
Figure 16
cooling. No fans are needed. Refer to figure 16.
Figure 19
18
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Technical Description, con’t
With Power Guard
Power Supply Circuits
but the inaudible
ultrasonic dis-
tortion is also
undesirable,
To compliment the design of the MC207, there is a high
current power supply for the seven power amplifier chan-
nels. Refer to figure 21. The very large Power Transfomer,
has toroidal windings on a toroidal core and can supply
over 35 amps of continuous current. Refer to figure 22
(golf ball is for size comparsion). It is enclosed in the leg-
endary McIntosh Potted Enclosures and weighs over
since it can
damage valuable
Loudspeaker
System tweet-
ers. You will
never experi-
ence the harsh
and damaging
distortion due to
clipping.
The Power
Guard circuit is
a waveform
Figure 20
comparator, monitoring both the input and output wave-
forms. Under normal operating conditions, there are no dif-
ferences between the shape of these waveforms. If an am-
plifier channel is overdriven, there will be a difference be-
tween the two signal waveforms. When the difference ex-
ceeds 0.3% (equivalent to 0.3% harmonic distortion), the
Power Guard activates the PG light and a dynamic elec-
tronic attenuator at the amplifier input reduces the input
volume just enough to prevent any further increase in dis-
tortion. The Power Guard circuit acts so fast that there are
absolutely no audible side effects and the sonic purity of
the music reproduction is perfectly preserved. The MC207
Power Amplifier with Power Guard is not limited to just
the rated power output, but will actually produce distortion
free output well above its rated power due to the McIntosh
philosophy of conservative design.
Figure 22
12.06kg. The super size main filter capacitors can store
over 430 Joules of energy for the seven amplifier channels,
necessary for the wide dynamic range that “Digital Audio”
demands. Refer to figure 23. The power amplifier draws
high current from the AC power line. Therefore, it is im-
portant that they plug directly into the wall outlet.
Also, most owners desire one power switch for the
whole audio system. The MC207 is equipped with a circuit
that provides remote Power Control from a McIntosh A/V
Block Diagram
of the
Power Supply
Figure 21
19
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Figure 23
Control Center. When the A/V Control Center is switched
On a digital “1” (+5V) signal operates the power relay in
the MC207. The MC207 also has a remote Power Control
input for Zone B operation (two of the seven channels).
20
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Notes
21
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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 or 8 ohm load
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 14.4 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 13.0 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 12.0 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
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MC207 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
Overall Dimensions
17-1/2 inches (44.45cm) W, 9-7/16 inches (23.97cm) H,
18-3/4 inches (47.63cm) D, including clearance for con-
nectors
Dynamic Headroom
1.7dB
Weight
Frequency Response
83 pounds (37.6 kg) net, 116 pounds (52.6 kg) in shipping
carton
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Sensitivity
1.0 Volt Balanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker
2.0 Volt Unbalanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker
1.4 Volt Balanced with a 8 ohm Loudspeaker
2.8 Volt Unbalanced with a 8 ohm Loudspeaker
A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio
89dB (112dB 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
20,000 ohms Balanced
10,000 ohms Unbalanced
Wide Band Damping Factor
Greater than 60 at 4 ohms
Greater than 140 at 8 ohms
22
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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 four plastic feet are at-
tached to the bottom of the equipment. Four 1/4 - 20 x 2-1/
2 inch screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit
securely to the bottom pad and shipping skid. This will en-
sure the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Fail-
ure 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 top
Shipping carton bottom
Foam Pad (top and bottom)
Foam Pad (front and rear)
Foam Pad (sides)
1
1
2
2
2
034052
034051
034054
034186
034187
1
1
1
1
4
4
034136
034137
034188
034264
101212
104058
Inner carton top
Inner carton bottom
Foam Pad (inner carton)
Shipping skid
1/4 - 20x2-1/4 cap screw
Flat washer
23
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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. 04089600
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