McIntosh MC2301 audio amplifier
Contents
1. Tube Covers S 2 Inserts located under the Tube bo Covers and the W Sh t ow gp seo 5 200 5 E ORN YE au 9 XE s20 FREQUENCY 180 POWER sow 0000000 WARNING TO AVOID A FIRE HAZARD THE FOAM INSERTS OVER THE VACUUM TUBES MUST BE REMOVED PRIOR TO CONNECTI2. 20y N 1 T 8AL 250V 50 60Hz 5 5A SLO BLO SERIAL NUMBER McINTOSH LABORATORY INC Connect to AC Outlet CLASS 2 WIRING Melntosh MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER AVIS IN OUT WER TROL UNBALANCED BALANCED X m CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOTOPEN WARNING risk of HazaRDOUS ENERGY NGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA PROPER SPEAKER CONNECTIONS SEE OPERATING MANUAL BEFORE USING AVI 5 ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE VOIR LE CAHIER D INSTRUCTION 5 15 Front Panel Displays and Controls Meter indicates the Power standby Power On and Sentry Output of the Amplifier Monitor Tube Protection Activa tion Indicator 0 30 1 30 A KT88 Peroymancs erfor y ce Mcintosh METER 4 POWER WATTS REMOTE 4 HOLD nfasl OFF ON MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER METER Switch selects POWER Switch Turns the display modes of the AC Power On Off or Power Output Meter and On Remote Meter Illumination 16 How to
3. How to Operate Power On To have the MC2301 automatically turn On or Off when a control center turns on or off rotate the power switch to the remote position For POWER manual operation rotate the power BEMOTE switch to the On or Off position as oer ON desired Refer to figure 8 Note There must be a power con trol connection between the 2301 and the McIntosh Control Center in order for the remote power turn on to function Figure 8 Meter Selection Rotate the meter mode switch to select the meter op eration mode you desire Refer to figures 9 and 10 Lights Off Meter lights are turned off andthe meter aurs will continue OFF to indicate the power output Note When Power Con trol Input of the MC2301 is connected to a McIntosh A V Control Center or Preamplifier with Remote Meter Illumination Control the Meter Illumination will automatically be remotely controlled On Off with the METER Switch set to the WATTS or HOLD position Watts The meter responds to all the musical information being produced by the am plifier It indicates to an accuracy of at METER WATTS HOLD Figure 9 least 95 of the power output with only a single cycle of a 2000Hz tone burst POWER QUTPUT Figure 10 Hold The meter pointer 1s locked to the high est power peak in a sequence of peaks It is electronically held to this power level until a higher power peak passes through the amplifier The m
4. 45 09cm Height is 12 5 16 inches 31 27cm including feet Depth is 23 inches 58 42cm including the Front Panel and Cables Weight 116 pounds 52 6 kg net 141 pounds 63 9 kg in ship ping carton Shipping Carton Dimensions Width is 31 inches 78 74cm Depth is 28 inches 71 12cm Height 18 17 1 4 inches 43 82cm Packing Instructions Packing Instructions In the event it 1s necessary to repack the equipment for shipment the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below It 1 very important that the four feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment This will ensure the proper equipment location on the bottom foam pad Failure to do this will result in shipping damage To protect the tubes during shippment the two Foam Inserts removed from the MC2301 need to be re inserted Follow the unpacking instructions on pages 3 4 in the reverse order 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 Depart ment of McIntosh Laboratory refer to page 3 Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers Quantity Part Number Description 1 034105 Shipping carton top 1 034104 Shipping carton bottom 2 034439 Foam Pad top and bottom 3 034441 Foam Ring 2 034440 Foam Inserts for protecting the Tubes during shipping 1 0410900 Warning Sheet 4 400159 10
5. third grounding prong The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus Only use attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer Use only with the cart stand tripod bracket or table specified by the manu facturer or sold with the appa ratus When a cart 1s used use caution when moving the cart apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time Refer all servicing to qualified service person nel Servicing 1s required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power The exclamation within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance servicing instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance 15 16 12 18 19 To prevent the risk of electric shock do not remove cover or back No user serviceable parts inside supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped Do not expose th
6. 32 x 3 4 inch screw 4 018445 Feet FOAM INSERT FOAM INSERT WARNING a P SHEET CARTON TOP TOP FOAM PAD FOAM RING 3 UNIT WITH 4 FEET ON BOTTOM COVER IMPORTANT Read Above FOAM PAD CARTON BOTTOM USE BANDING STRAPS AS SHOWN SEAL WITH PACKAGING TAPE 23 McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton NY 13903 www mcintoshlabs com The continuous improvement of its products 1s the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice Printed in the U S A McIntosh Part No 04116200
7. AKT 25 feet 50 feet 100 feet 7 62 meters 15 24 meters 30 48 meters mpedance or less or less or less 20hms 12AWG 10AWG 8AWG 40hms 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG 80hms 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 12 3 This McIntosh MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier is designed for the connection of a single Loud speaker with an impedance of 2 ohms 4 ohms or 8 ohms Note The remaining Loudspeaker Terminals on the Amplifier should not be connected to another Loudspeaker 4 Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Amplifier by choosing one of the methods below Bare wire cable ends Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends refer to figures 1 2 amp 3 If the cable is stranded carefully 0 5 inches twist the EN strands T Es igure 1gure igure together as tightly as possible Note If desired the twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together or attach spade lug and or banana connector Spade lug or prepared wire connection Insert the spade lug connector or prepared sec tion of the cable end into the terminal side ac cess 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 amp 6 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Banana plug connection Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of the terminal Refer to figures A and Figure A Figure B Note
8. Inc Binghamton New York Made in U S A 20 9 8 Melntosh 9 POWER TRANSFORMER 750821 m 9 mm 8 w em vet o 99999 9 595 909090909090909090909 690909090909090909080 990959595959690909090 0909090909090909096 N 4 M A inean 8 4 or2 ohmicadisthe MC2301 62 20161020 00088 INPUT SENSITIVITY 1 7 volts unbalanced 3 volts balanced A WEIGHTED SIGNAL TO NOISERATIO 11788 below rated output amp Ventilation Figure 8 Adequate ventilation extends the trouble free life of the 2301 Always allow air to flow through the ventilation holes on the bottom of the amplifier and a means for the warm air to escape at the top Refer to figure 9 and the information on the next page for placement and installation of the 2301 Warm Air gt Lo J Cool Air gt Figure 9 111111 Me Thank You Your decision to own this McIntosh MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners You now have Best The McIntosh dedication to Quality 15 as surance 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 famili
9. Off signal from 5 to 12 volts The Power Control Output will Power in turn provide a 12 volt Out 2 put Signal with a current up to 1 20mA An additional connection Control Ground is for controlling the illumina tion of the MC2301 Power Output Meter The 1 8 inch stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh A V Control Center Power Control Output Note The Power Control Connecting Cable is available 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 Introduction J Now you take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier The 300 watt power output will drive any high quality Loudspeaker System to its ultimate performance The 2301 reproduction 15 sonically transparent and absolutely accurate The McIntosh Sound is Sound of the Music Itself Performance Features Power Output The 2301 15 a Tube Power Amplifier with capa bility of 300 watts into 2 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0 5 distortion Full Balanced Unity Coupled Circuitry The MC2301 1s fully balanced from input to output It consists of two matched Power Amplifiers operating in push pull using the famous McIntosh Patented Uni ty Coupled Circuit The circuit outputs are com
10. drawing When the MC2301 is installed together with other McIn tosh Components check clearances on all components before proceeding MC2301 Front Panel Custom Cabinet Cutout MC2301 Side View in Custom Cabinet 10 13 16 27 46 Cabinet 852 12 N 4 l Front E 30 48cm Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting Panel Opening for Ventilation Chassis Spacers MC2301 Bottom View in Custom Cabinet Cutout Opening for Ventilation 5 supat Shelf 212 5 08 17 1 2 2 1 32 44 45 1 67 Cutout Opening for Ventilation Note Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit 225 For purposes of clarity the above illustration is not drawn to scale 14 35 56 Notes Rear Panel Connections and Switch EE re eee ee ae Main Fuse holder refer to information POWER CONTROL IN receives a turn On INPUT MODE switch on the back panel Off signal from a McIntosh component and the selects between balanced of your MC2301 to POWER CONTROL OUT sends a turn On Off or unbalanced input determine the cor signal to the next McIntosh Component rect fuse size and rating Connect the MC2301 BALANCED INput OUTput O
11. the terminal Refer to figures A and B Figure A Figure B Note Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only When making Loudspeaker Connections to the MC2301 refer to the Connection Diagram on the next page This is an example of a typical audio system your system may vary from this however the actual Loudspeaker would be connected in a similar manner 7 Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables from a single Loudspeaker to the output terminals that match the impedance of the Loudspeaker being careful to observe the correct polarities Output impedance connections of 2 ohms 4 ohms and 8 ohms are provided If the Loudspeaker s imped ance 15 in between the available connections use the nearest lower impedance connection WARNING Loudspeaker terminals are hazard ous live and present a risk of electric shock 8 Connect the MC2301 Power Cord to a live AC outlet How to Connect for Preamplifier PREAMPLIFIER 22 CAUTION FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AND RATING FUSE AV IS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS 120V u 50 60Hz 75 WATTS 500mAL 250V wmm POWER CONTROL PASS MAIN ACC OUTPUT2 OUTPUT1 THRU 9 wmm TRIGGERS cb FA FR RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 1 2 1 2 AGAINST FIRE HAZARD REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME M OUVRIR REMPLACER UN FUSIBLE
12. 301 or other Power Amplifier 5 For the best performance and safety it is important to always match the impedance of the loudspeaker to the Power Amplifier connections Refer to step 5 on page 10 Note The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually var ies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different frequencies As a result the nominal impedance rating of the Loudspeaker usually measured at a midrange frequency might not always agree with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low frequencies where the greatest amount of power is required Contact the Loudspeaker Manufac turer for additional information about the actual impedance of the Loudspeaker before connecting it to the McIntosh 2301 5 When discarding the unit comply with local rules or regulations Batteries should never be thrown General Information Cable Information Introduction and Performance Features away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance with the local regulations con cerning battery disposal 6 For additional information on the MC2301 and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www mcintosh labs com Connector and Cable Information XLR Connectors Below 18 the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input Input Output Connectors on the 2301 Refer PIN 3 to the diagram for connection PIN 1 Shield Ground PIN 2 Output PIN 3 Output Power Control Connector The MC2301 Power Control Input receives an On
13. Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only When making Loudspeaker Connections to the MC2301 refer to the Connection Diagram on the next page This is an example of a typical audio system your system may vary from this however the actual Loudspeaker would be connected in a similar manner 5 Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables from a single Loudspeaker to the output terminals that match the impedance of the Loudspeaker being careful to observe the correct polarities Output impedance connections of 2 ohms 4 ohms and 8 ohms are provided If the Loudspeaker s imped ance is in between the available connections use the nearest lower impedance connection WARNING Loudspeaker terminals are hazard ous live and present a risk of electric Shock 6 Connect the MC2301 Power Cord to a live AC outlet How to Connect Preamplifier MAIN INPUTS 7 CDR 02 PREAMPLIFIER SERIAL R 8 7 5 4 3 2 1 SRVR CDR D A TUNER MM PHONO 6 CD D CAUTION I I TAN TAN TAN fF RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 127 12227 NS 227 CAUTION AGAINSTFIRE HAZARD REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING FUSE IN IN I AVIS risque de ELECTRIQUE NE PAS R R R OUVRIR REMPLACER UN FUSIBLE DE MEME TYPE WF NY NY NY WF WF AMPERAGE ET VOLTAGE R
14. DE MEME TYPE NY 11 27 AMPERAGE ET VOLTAGE REC INPUTS Power Amplifier Two 7 N POWER CONTROL IN af BALANCED INPUT gt BALANCED INPUT OUTPUT UNBALANCED 0 ND 9 8 7 2 SRVR CDR TUNER MM PHONO mL gt O O Q UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED Ol MODE DATA PORTS EXT SENSOR 4 3 o E CIRCUIT BREAKER L 120V 50 60 0 o 40 o 12 OUTPUT J CLASS 3 WIRING NUMBER POWER AMRLIFIER amr 018064 H3l NH Wa ALINN sour O000000000000000000 Melntosh LOUDSPEAKER OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOQ
15. EC POWER CONTROL DATA PORTS EXT PASS SENSOR 8 7 6 5 4 3 MAIN ACC 2 OUTPUT THRU lan SRVR CDR CD D A DVD TUNER o o o 0 5 NN gt TRIGGERS L 120V 50 60Hz 75 WATTS T 500mAL 250V LO BLO L7 OD oO oR irs 09090906 9 O FO 09096905 09090 090 0209090 096 0202020 096 090 09059090 020 018057 020 0202626 020 ALINN EPS ER aod 8050008 292 50 000909082009 Loudspeaker 090 090990690 090 0606 090 0202020 0590 090 909 20 9099909 909 6998 909 059 0208080 090 6050 089 080 0805080 090 2050 090 090 800980900 ORO 090 090 890500 O90 0050 020 06050 0 0 05090 O50 9020 090 0202020 090 0606 090 09090 0909090 020 09090 IN OUT POWER CONTROL UNBALANCED BALANCED OUTPUT 4 AAX gt a 8AL 250V 5 5A SLO BLO CLASS 2 WIRING MeIntosh MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER AVIS necueoecuoceicormoue venssouvmn WAR N G RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY MAKE McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA PROPER SPEAKER CONNECTIONS SEE OPERATING MANUALBEFORE USING ce SE
16. IQUE NE PAS OUVRIR WARNING risko nazanoous enensvimake PROPER SPEAKER CONNECTIONS SEE OPERATING AVIS ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE VOIR LE CCAHIER INSTRUCTION Figure 7B Unpacking the MC2301 and Ventilation 7 906969999 999995 9595 909090303 90595969 5 09090 MtIntosh UNITY COUPLED OUTPUT TRANSFORMER 750810 25 eno Si uo e 200 g W vL 200 EN ino Sj au YE sno FREQUENCY 15 100482 POWER 300W 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 O000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 O000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 OO00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 output RATED POWER BAND 20Hzt020 000Hz TOTALHARMONICDISTORTION 0 5 maximum harmonic distortion at any levelfrom 250mW to rated power output TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER Precision Performance IlltInfosh Melntosh Laboratory
17. McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 2699 Phone 607 723 3512 www mcintoshlabs com The lightning flash with arrowhead within equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product s en closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons 1 MN BW gt WARNING TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE IMPORTANTI SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT Read these instructions Keep these instructions Heed all warnings Follow all instructions Do not use this apparatus near water Clean only with a dry cloth Do not block any ventilation openings Install in accordance with the manufacturer s instruc tions Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other appa ratus including amplifiers that produce heat Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar ized or grounding type plug A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other A grounding type plug has two blades and a 10 11 12 13 14 CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 5 RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
18. NG THE A C MAINS POWER SUPPLY CORD AND OPERATING THIS PRODUCT REFER TO PAGE 3 IN THE MC2301 OWNER S MANUAL FOR INSTRUCTIONS AAG Aad Hi 1 i Hi Hi duda mer 1 114 1 111 UU di IE tr 1 ra Ur 1 Haddi vue 1110 10 111 1 yay nor naani 111 1 111 11r 1 111 1 111 Ht 1 Anant tt 1 Hi 1 1 tt i JOGO Ad f i Ha 1 DH 111 ue 1 rn Ur 1 111 yoyoy 111 111 1 111 1 Yoyoy 11111 13161411 PE indui duc fil nf Oe ed indui XU LU ci 111 OAOT AO A OO A KU KU C aa fi nat 5 Carefully lift up and remove the Foam Insert from both sides the MC2301 exposing the Tubes Refer to figures 4 and 5 6 Carefully reinstall the previously removed Tube Covers using two chassis screws on each side and the Bracket with the two remaining screws at the rear of the MC2301 Make sure the metal tabs lo cated on the bottom of the Tube Cover are inserted into the chassis slots Refer to figures 6 7A 7B and 8 Note Only use the chassis screws supplied with the 2301 If you can not find the cha
19. RIAL NUMBER 5 ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSE VOIR LE CAHIER D INSTRUCTION Connect to AC Outlet 13 How to Connect for Bi Amp Caution The supplied AC Power Cord should not be connected to the Rear Panel of the MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock For additional instruc tion on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIn tosh Technical Support For Remote Power Control connect a power control cable from the Control Center or Preamplifier Power Control Out to POWER CONTROL IN on the McIntosh MC2301 Power Amplifier 2 Connect a power control cable from the McIntosh MC2301 Power Amplifier POWER CONTROL Out to the Power Control In on the McIntosh Power Amplifier Two Connect a cable from the Balanced Output of a McIntosh Preamplifier or Control Center to the BALANCED INPUT on the McIntosh 2301 Power Amplifier 4 Connect a cable from the BALANCED INPUT OUTPUT of the McIntosh MC2301 Power Ampli fier to the BALANCED INPUT on the McIntosh Power Amplifier Two Place the MC2301 INPUT MODE Switch in the BALANCED Position When connecting Loudspeakers to the MC2301 it is very important to use cables of adequate size so there is little to no power loss in the cables The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG American Wire Gauge The smaller the Gauge number the la
20. TPUT TRANS o FORMER PHASE INVERTER MUTE CONTROL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PUE _ 54 HOLD CIRCUIT SENTRY MONITOR METER SWITCH 12V 12V 400V 500V 12 6VAC 12V 12V 400V 500V AC DC DC DC DC POWER INRUSH POWER POWER FUSE CURRENT FUSE RELAY TRANSFORMER STANDBY CONTROL TRANSFORMER Be 5V SUPPLY x Figure 12 figuration cancels many forms of audible distortion and greatly improves the Signal to Noise ratio of the amplifier While conventional designs only take output from the plate the Patented Unity Coupled Power Ampli fier Circuitry takes the Power Output from both the plate and cathode of the Power Output Tubes This al lows for only one half of the turns ratio in the Output Transformer used in conventional designs The result is much lower distortion wider bandwidth and creased loudspeaker damping factor Refer to figure 13 Figure 13 The output signals of the two matched Patented Unity Coupled Circuit Power Amplifiers operate in a push pull balanced circuit and are coupled together in the unique McIntosh MC2301 Dual Core Output Transformer Refer to figure 14 on the next page It provides low distortion power transfer at frequen cies from below 20Hz to well beyond 20 000Hz with optimum impedance points of two ohms four ohms and eight ohms The unequaled expertise of McIntosh in the design and manufacturing of tr
21. WER Switch to the REMOTE or ON position This can occur when a Loudspeaker of a given imped ance rating is connected to the MC2301 Output Termi nals with a different impedance rating For example a Loudspeaker with an impedance rating of 2 Ohm 15 connected the MC2301 8 Ohm Output Terminals The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually varies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different frequencies As a result the nominal impedance rating of the Loudspeaker usually measured at a midrange frequency might not always agree with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low frequencies where the greatest amount of power is required Technical Description McIntosh Laboratory company who introduced the world s first amplifier that could be called High Fidelity has done it again The McIntosh engineering staff has created a tube power amplifier without com promise using the most advanced McIntosh circuit design concepts A continuous average power output rating of 300 watts makes this not only the most advanced but also one of the most powerful tube amplifiers McIntosh has ever manufactured The distortion limits for the 2301 are no more than 0 5 at rated power output for all frequencies from 20Hz to 20 000Hz Typical performance at mid frequencies 15 less than 0 0596 The 2301 can deliver the best possible perfor mance from any type of high quality loudspeaker system Creating a tube amplifier with this level of perfo
22. able Preamplifier or A V Con from a Preamplifier trol Center audio output or A V Control Cen Caution The Loudspeaker Negative Connections are above chassis ground Do not combine any connections together ground them or connect with another MC2301 or other Power Amplifier ter audio output 11 Me How to Connect EEE Caution The supplied AC Power Cord should not be connected to the Rear Panel of the MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock For additional instruc tion on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIn tosh Technical Support 1 For Remote Power Control connect a power control cable from the Control Center or Preamplifier Power Control Out to the MC2301 POWER CON TROL IN 2 Connect a cable from the Balanced Output of a McIntosh Preamplifier or Control Center to the MC2301 BALANCED INPUT Place the INPUT MODE Switch in the BALANCED Position Note An optional hookup is to use an unbalanced cable and place the INPUT MODE Switch in the UNBALANCED Position When connecting Loudspeakers to the MC2301 it is very important to use cables of adequate size so there 1s little to no power loss in the cables The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG American Wire Gauge The smaller the Gauge number the larger the Wire size Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide ande
23. ansformers is legendary in the high fidelity industry Precision metal film resistors and low dielectric ab sorption film capacitors are used in all critical circuit locations The circuit design of the 2301 contrib utes to low operating temperatures using convection cooling No fans are needed 19 Technical Description con t Figure 14 Power Output Meter The McIntosh MC2301 has a large Output Watt Meter that responds 95 full scale to a single cycle tone burst at 2kHz Refer to figure 15 The volt age outputs are electronically measured and fed to a special circuit that accelerates the pointer movement in the upward direction When the pointer reaches its peak it pauses only long enough for the human eye to perceive its position then drops It is almost 10 times faster than a professional VU meter A front panel switch 15 provided to change the meter to the Watts Hold Mode of operation This al lows fast upward movement of the pointer but greatly increases Hold Time at the peak of its travel The highest power output of the source material 1s thus recorded 20 WATTS 30 30 80 30 30 20 410 50 DECIBELS POWER OUTPUT Figure 15 Sentry Monitor Protection Circuit The MC2301 incorporates the newly designed Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Circuitry Refer to figure 16 This circuit provides protection to the Power Ampli fier in the event of an improper load mismatched impedanc
24. ar as pos sible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh Please Take A Moment RA CD C zZ TU E 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 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 additional help concerning a suspected problem you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 Phone 607 723 3512 Fax 607 724 0549 6 Customer Service If it is determined that your McIntosh product 18 11 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 Table of Contents Safety Instructions 2 3 Unpacking the 4 5 Thank You and Please Take Moment 6 Te
25. bined in a dual core McIntosh Multifilar Wound Output Transformer for low distortion extended frequency response and cool operating output tubes Balanced and Unbalanced Input Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality Sentry Monitor Tube and Thermal Protection McIntosh Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Circuits ensure the MC2301 will have a long and trouble free operating life Built in Thermal Protection Circuits guard against overheating Illuminated Power Meter The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the 2301 15 peak responding and indicates the true power output of the amplifier The Peak Watt Hold Mode allows the meter to temporarily stay at the high est power output and then slowly decay The Front Panel Meter Illumination may be switched Off at any time Gold Plated Connectors and Tube Socket Con tacts Gold Plated Input Jacks and Output Binding Posts provide trouble free connections Ceramic tube sock ets with gold plated contacts provide protection from atmospheric contamination Output Tube Sockets include Air Pipe cooling at their bases Special Power Supply A regulated Power Supply a very large core Power Transformer and large capacitors ensure stable noise free operation even though the power line varies Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom plished by the combi
26. chnical Assistance and Customer Service 6 6 Na 6 Connector Information 7 7 Perf rmanee Features u 7 Dimensi ONS 8 21 12 12 EIERENS EFEN AEE ETENEE 9 Rear Panel Connections and Switch 11 How to Connel ee een 12 13 How to Connect for Bi Amp 14 15 Front Panel Displays and Controls 16 How to 88 17 Technical Description een ee 18 21 ee 22 Packing Instruction nn 23 Copyright 2009 by McIntosh Laboratory Inc General Information Caution The MC2301 Amplifier weight is 116 pounds 52 6 kilograms It requires two or more per sons to safely handle when moving the ampli fier 1 The following Connecting Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department Power Control Cable Part No 170 202 Six foot 2 conductor shielded with two 1 8 inch stereo mini phone plugs 2 For additional connection information refer to the owner s manual s for any component s connected to the 2301 3 The MC2301 mutes the speaker output for approxi mately fifteen seconds when first turned on 4 The 2301 incorporates the very latest in Fully Bal anced Circuitry As a result the Loudspeaker C Nega tive Connections are above chassis ground Do not com bine any connections together ground them or connect with another MC2
27. d gt gt power cord to a live 9998 for an audio cable from a Pre 620 0 0 02000 gt C outlet Refer to the rear 989 808080 amplifier output to connect an 7 HJWHOSENYE cm panel to determine the 055 8989998 898 u 45881 N 555 23 22 audio cable on to the next Power correct voltage 269080 96909006 9900 909 909 Amplifier input 0505900 050 062 099 9906 9999996 696 999 9 999 999858085929590 999 999 999 020 O20 08086880808080 090 O99 090 90808680909090 999 999 999 090 0 0 5 059 50505009 062 0590 062 609200909 090 069 060 E This Balanced connector may be isi nm 09 d as Input ONLY wh an used as an Inpu when gt wo 9 connected to a McIntosh C1000 Preamplifier For all other con 552 OUTPUT 4 nections use only as an Output CLASS 2 WIRING 2 3 0 1 U B E L AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR C WARNING risk oF Hazardous ENERGY MAKE McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA PROPER SPEARS EGON NEP ONS SEE OPERATING AVIS ENERGIE ELECTRIQUE DANGEREUSEI VOIR LE K OUTPUT Connections OUTPUT Connections OUTPUT Connections UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED INPUT for 2 ohm Loudspeaker for 4 ohm Loudspeaker for 8 ohm Loudspeaker for an audio cable from a for an audio c
28. e shorted loudspeaker cable or if a Power Output Tube should fail During normal operation there is absolutely no compromise in sonic perfor mance with this circuit and it ensures safe operation of the amplifier under even the most extreme operat ing conditions In the event a problem occurs the MC2301 Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Circuitry will activate to pre vent potentially destructive high levels of current from flowing in the amplifier Power Supply Circuits To compliment the fully balanced design of the MC2301 the power supply utilizes a very large Power Transformer golf ball is for size comparison Refer to figure 17 It is enclosed in the legendary McIntosh Pot Figure 17 ted Enclosures The main filter capacitors store energy necessary for the wide dynamic range that today s Audio demands Refer to figure 16 Most owners desire one power switch for the whole audio system The MC2301 15 equipped with a circuit that provides remote Power Control from a McIntosh Control Center When the A V Control Center Technical Description con t Figure 16 is switched On a 5 12V signal operates the power relay in the MC2301 MC2301 also has a remote Power Control Out Jack The Power Control signal from this jack 1s delayed by a fraction of a second so that the turn on power surge of the next power ampli fier occurs at a later time This helps prevent power circuit overload that could trip ci
29. ed 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 MC2301 when it is custom installed as out lined below The four feet together with the mounting screws should be retained for possible future use if the 2301 1s removed from the custom installation and used free standing The required panel cutout ventila tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown Always provide adequate ventilation for your 2301 Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument Do not install the MC2301 directly above a heat generating component such as a high powered amplifier If all the compo nents are installed in a single cabinet a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in maintaining all the system components at the coolest possible oper ating temperature A custom cabinet installation should provide the fol lowing minimum spacing dimensions for cool opera tion Allow at least 12 inches 30 48cm above the top 2 inches 5 08cm below the bottom and 4 inches 10 16cm on each side of the Power Amplifier so that airflow 1s not obstructed Allow 22 inches 55 88cm depth behind the front panel Allow 1 5 8 inch 4 12cm in front of the mounting panel for clearance Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the
30. eter point er will then rise to the newer higher indication If no further power peaks are reached the meter pointer will very slowly return to its rest position or lower power level The decay rate 15 approximately 6dB per minute Input Mode Switch The Input Mode Switch which 15 located on the Rear Panel of the MC2301 allows you to select either the BAL Balanced or 0 UNBAL Unbalanced Input Refer to UNBaL BAL figure 11 MODE Figure 11 Standby Protection Indicator 2301 Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Cir cuitry provides protection to the Power Amplifier in the event of an impedance mismatch between the MC2301 and the Loudspeaker It will also activate if there is a short circuit at the MC2301 Output Termi nals or the Loudspeaker Terminals or if a MC2301 Power Output Tube should fail During normal opera tion the Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Circuitry has no effect on the performance of the Power Amplifier In the event a problem occurs the MC2301 Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Circuitry will activate to prevent potentially destructive high levels of current from flowing in the amplifier The Front Panel Stand by LED will start flashing indicating the Protection Circuitry is active Refer to the illustration on page 16 for the location of Standby LED To reset the Sentry Monitor Tube Protection Cir cuitry place the POWER Switch to the OFF position After waiting approximately one minute place the PO
31. installed and should not be removed The covers provide protection from 4 the hazardous voltages inside the MC2301 The MC2301 has no user serviceable parts including the tubes If repairs are needed they must be performed by an authorized McIntosh Service Agency 1 Orient the MC2301 so the Front Panel is fac ing you and remove the Warning Sheet Refer to figure 1 2 Using a Philips Head Z2 screw driver remove the two chassis screws securing the Tube Cover to the chassis both sides of the MC2301 Refer to figure 2 Also remove the two screws securing the rear of the Tube Covers to the bracket Refer to figure 7B on the next page 3 Carefully lift up and remove the Tube Cover from each side of the MC2301 Refer to figure 3 4 Place the Tube Covers Bracket and the previously removed chassis screws a safe location as the Tube Covers will be reinstalled OOOOOOOOOOOOOOONOOOOOOOO00O00 O000000000000008000000000 O0000000000000008000000000 O000000000000000X00000000 O0000000000000000 0000000 TEE 00000000000
32. is equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids such as vases are placed on the equipment To completely disconnect this equipment from the a c mains disconnect the power supply cord plug from the a c receptacle The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine fire or the like Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection INSTRUCTIONS REMOVAL OF FOAM INSERTS OVER THE VACUUM TUBES PRIOR TO CONNECTING THE A C POWER SUPPLY CORD START ON THE NEXT PAGE Unpacking the MC2301 Caution To prevent damage to the MC2301 Tubes during shipping there is a special foam insert surrounding the Tubes located on both sides of the Power Amplifier BOTH Foam Inserts must be removed from the MC2301 before connecting the AC Power Supply Cord to the power amplifier Failure to do so has the po tential of a Fire Hazard resulting in damage to the MC2301 and the surround ing environment Follow the instructions below for removal of the packing foam before connecting the AC Power Supply Cord to MC2301 In order to remove the foam inserts sur rounding the tubes on the MC2301 it is nec essary to temporarily remove the two Tube Covers After the foam inserts are removed the Tube Covers are re
33. nation of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit ting Diodes LEDs Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Fin ish The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Fin ish ensure the pristine beauty of the MC2301 will be retained for many years Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MC2301 Front View of the MC2301 17 3 4 45 09cm n a 11 12 5 16 27 94 31 27 Side View of the 2301 GE umts 2 NE 21 C MC2301 McIntosh O 54 61 cm 20 1 5 8 i 7 50 86cm 10 1 2 Rear View of the 2301 26 70 17 3 8 44 15cm 7 5 BALANCED POWER CONTROL UNBALANCED LASS 2 WIRING Mtlntosh MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER INGHAMTO MADE IN USA 2 12 1 4 31 11 398 40 00cm 15 34 ph Installation Installation The 2301 can be plac
34. r mance did not come easily Many months of design testing and measuring were required Extensive con trolled listening tests the ultimate form of measuring were made before the final design was accepted MC2301 Design 1111 The design philosophy incorporated in the 2301 10 involved several different techniques all based on fg E sound scientific logic Every stage of voltage ampli d 5 POST fication must be as linear as possible prior to the use ul of negative feedback McIntosh engineers know how n to properly design negative feedback circuits so they contribute to the low distortion performance expected 60 2 from a McIntosh amplifier Refer to figure 12 The gt Precision Performance Il Intosh typical McIntosh owner would never accept the ap lies eee aa proximately 25 times higher distortion of many non feedback designs The fully Balanced Push Pull design is used from Top View of the 2301 input to output The resulting fully balanced con 18 Technical Description O BALANCED IN AMP 0 O BALANCED IN OUT O UNBALANCED INPUT PHASE INVERTER d SWITCH BALANCED AMP Block Diagram of the MC2301 Power Amplifier Protection Circuitry and NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MUTE CONTROL OUTPUT PHASE INVERTER 80 m UNITY COUPLED 1 0 OU
35. rcuit breakers or blow fuses a very important feature in a high power Home Theater System employing multiple 2301 Power Amplifiers 21 Specifications Power Output Minimum sine wave continuous average power output 18 300 watts into 2 ohm load 300 watts into 4 ohm load 300 watts into 8 ohm load Output Load Impedance 2 4 or 8 ohms Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20 000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0 599 maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power 20Hz to 20 000Hz Frequency Response 0 0 5dB from 20Hz to 20 000Hz 0 3 0dB from 10Hz to 100 000Hz Input Sensitivity for rated output 1 7 Volt Unbalanced 3 4 Volt Balanced Signal To Noise Ratio A Weighted 117dB below rated output Intermodulation Distortion 0 5 maximum if the instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice the rated power output for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20 000Hz 22 Wide Band Damping Factor Greater than 15 Input Impedance 47 000 ohms Tube Compliment 2 12 7 Voltage Amplifier 8 KT88 or 6550 Power Output Power Requirements 100 Volts 50 60Hz at 6 6 Amps 110 Volts 50 60Hz at 6 Amps 120 Volts 50 60Hz at 5 5 Amps 220 Volts 50 60Hz at 3 Amps 230 Volts 50 60Hz at 2 75 Amps 240 Volts 50 60Hz at 2 75 Amps Standby 1 watt Note Refer to the rear panel of the MC 2301 for the cor rect voltage Specifications Overall Dimensions Width is 17 3 4 inches
36. rger the wire size 5 14 Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide Loudspeaker Impedance 100 feet 7 62 meters 15 24 meters 30 48 meters or less or less or less 20hms 12AWG 10AWG 8AWG 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG 80hms 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 5 This McIntosh MC2301 Tube Power Amplifier is designed for the connection of a single Loud speaker with an impedance of 2 ohms 4 ohms or 8 ohms Note The remaining Loudspeaker Terminals on the Amplifier should not be connected to another Loudspeaker 6 Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Amplifier by choosing one of the methods below Bare wire cable ends Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends refer to figures 1 2 amp 3 If the cable is stranded 25 feet 50 feet carefully E twist the EN strands Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 together as tightly as possible Note If desired the twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together or attach spade lug and or banana connector Spade lug or prepared wire connection Insert the spade lug connector or prepared sec tion of the cable end into the terminal side ac cess hole and tighten the terminal cap until the cable 15 firmly clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out Refer to figures 4 5 amp 6 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Banana plug connection Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of
37. ssis screws contact the McIntosh Parts Department for replacements 7 Save the two Foam Inserts and Warning Sheet with the MC2301 Shipping Carton for possible further use Figure 2 MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER Precision Performance By Melntosh Mcintosh Laboratory Inc Binghamton New York Figure 1 lt Tube Cover N Chassis id SCFEWS EN Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Foam Insert Figure 6 Figure 7A Tube Cover Chassis Screws SERIAL NUMBER OUTPUT 4 CLASS 2 WIRING McIntosh MC2301 TUBE POWER AMPLIFIER McINTOSH LABORATORY INC BINGHAMTON NY 13903 MADE IN USA Chassis Bracket Chassis screw screw O mm P UT AVIS RISQUE De CHOGELEGTR
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