McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York MA8000 Integrated Amplifier Owner’s Manual 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT. 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3.
Thank You Customer Service Your decision to own this McIntosh MA8000 Integrated Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have the best. The McIntosh dedication to precision performance assures many years of musical enjoyment. 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.
General Information, Connector and Cable Information General Information 1. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MA8000. 2. Apply AC Power to the MA8000 and other McIntosh Component(s) only after all the system components are connected together. Failure to do so may cause a malfunction of system operations as the Microprocessor’s Circuitry inside the components is active when AC Power is applied. 3.
Introduction and Performance Features Introduction Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MA8000 Integrated Amplifier. The Power Amplifier section of the MA8000, with a power output of 300 watts per channel, will drive a pair of quality Loudspeakers to a high level of performance. The flexible Preamplifier section provides connections for various input sources and may also be used to drive an external Power Amplifier(s).
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MA8000. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MA8000 into cabinets. Front View of the MA8000 17-1/2" 44.5cm 8-13/16" 22.4cm Side View of the MA8000 9-7/16" 24.0cm 19-3/4" 2-1/4" 5.7cm 50.2cm 16-7/16" 41.8cm 8-1/4" 21.0cm 3/16" 0.5cm Rear View of the MA8000 16-13/16" 42.7cm 7/8" 2.2cm 12-3/4" 32.4cm 7-15/16" 7.9cm 11-1/2" 29.2cm 6 1-1/4" 3.
Installation Installation The MA8000 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 MA8000 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 MA8000 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing.
MA8000 Rear Panel Connections Rear Panel Connections The identification of Rear Panel Connections for the MA8000 Integrated Amplifier is located on a separate folded sheet contained in the Owner’s Manual Packet. Refer to separate sheet “Mc1A” for the Rear Panel Connections.
Connecting Components Connecting Components The MA8000 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via the Power Control (Trigger) connections. The Data Port Connections allow for the remote operation of basic functions using the MA8000 Remote Control. With an external sensor connected to the MA8000, remote control operation of the system is possible from another room and/or when the MA8000 is located in a cabinet with the doors closed.
Passthru Connections Passthru Connections The MA8000 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System for SACD, DVD-Audio and Home Theater. The Right and Left Front Channels from an Audio/ Video Control Center can “Passthru” the MA8000. In the following example the SRVR Input will become the “Passthru” input: 1. Connect Audio Cables from the A/V Control Center Front Left and Right Channel Outputs to the MA8000 SRVR Input Left and Right Jacks. 2.
Connecting for Bi-Amplification Connecting for Bi-Amplification The MA8000’s Power Amplifier, together with an additional separate Power Amplifier, may be used to Bi-Amplify a Loudspeaker System. In the illustration on this page the Power Amplifier of the MA8000 is connected to the Midrange/High Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker. The additional separate Power Amplifier is connected to the Low Frequency Section of the Loudspeaker System.
Output Terminals When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to the MA8000 Amplifier Output Terminals please follow the steps below: 1. Rotate the top of the Output Terminal Post counterclockwise until an opening appears. Refer to figures A and B. 2. Insert the Loudspeaker hookup cable into the Output Terminal Opening Post opening or the cable spade Figure B Figure A lug around the center post of the Output Terminal. Refer to figure C. 3.
Connecting Loudspeakers 5. Connect the MA8000 power cord to an active AC outlet. Spade Lug or Wire Connections: 6. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the MA8000 Negative Output Terminal and Positive Output Terminal indentified as 2Ω (ohms), 4Ω (ohms) or 8Ω (ohms) connection to match the impedance of the Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the correct polarities.
Remote Control Push-Buttons LED illuminates during the time a remote command is sent to the MA8000 Switches the Trigger 1 and/or 2 Power Control Jack(s) On/Off, refer to “Setup, Power Control TRIG 1 and TRIG 2” on page 20 for additional information Selects a Disc Player, Music Server or Recorder Function. Seek Stations Up or Down the AM/FM Dial.
How to use the Remote Control How to use the Remote Control The supplied HR072 Remote Control is capable of directly controlling the functions of contemporary Source Components connected to the MA8000 via the Data Ports. Notes: 1. If at any time the MA8000 seems unresponsive to HR072 Remote Control Commands press the Push-button first. 2. For additional information on using the HR072 Remote Control with the MA8000, please refer to the “How to Operate” section of this Owner’s Manual starting on page 24.
INPUT Control allows the selection of various sources for listening and recording. TRIM allows selection of various types of audio settings.
Setup How to Operate the Setup Mode Your McIntosh MA8000 has been factory configured for default operating settings that will allow immediate enjoyment of superb audio without the need for further adjustments. If you wish to make changes to the factory default settings, a Setup Feature is provided to customize the operating settings using the Front Panel Display.
Firmware Version Source Input Reassignment The MA8000 functionality is controlled by internal software that is know as Firmware. The MA8000 has two different Firmwares, one is the “System Firmware” (responsible for the basic operation of the MA8000) and the other known as USB Audio Firmware (responsible for the “USB Connection and Conversion” of a Digital Audio Signal from the Computer). The Version of the Firmwares in the MA8000 can be identified at any time by utilizing the Setup Mode. 1.
Setup, con’t Input and Power Control Settings Input Name Connection Type New Level (Trim) Triggers 1 2 2. Press and hold the VOLUME Control until the character “A” of the name AUX starts flashing. Refer to figure 9. SETUP: SOURCE NAME AUX >> SAVED Figure 14 SETUP: SOURCE NAME AUX >> AUX TUNER CD CD2 Figure 9 3. Rotate the VOLUME Control until the character “M” appears. Refer to figure 10.
Passthru The MA8000 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System for SACD, DVD-Audio and Home Theater. The Right and Left Front Channels from an Audio/ Video Control Center or Surround Decoder can “Passthru” the Preamplifier Circuitry of the MA8000, and then on to the Power Amplifier Circuitry of the MA8000. The Setup Mode allows the activation of the Passthru Mode and the selection of the specified MA8000 Input Source.
Setup, con’t Comm Port Baud Rate 7. Press the VOLUME Control repeatedly until the Source Input Menu item “SETUP: TRIG1 OUTPUT, Source: TUNER OFF” appears on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figure 22. SETUP: TRIG1 OUTPUT Source: Tuner OFF Figure 22 8. Rotate the VOLUME Control until “SETUP: TRIG1 OUTPUT, Source: TUNER ON” appears. Refer to figure 23. SETUP: TRIG1 OUTPUT Source: Tuner ON Figure 23 9.
Remote Control Codes The Remote Control included with the MA8000 utilizes the NORMal McIntosh Control Codes. The Second Set of Control Codes the MA8000 will respond to is referred to as the ALTernate Codes. When the MA8000 is used in the same location as another McIntosh Preamplifier and/or A/V Control Center, the ALTernate Codes are used. This will prevent the Remote Control from affecting the operation of both units at the same time.
Setup, con’t and notes 23
How to Operate the MA8000 Power On and Off The Red LED above the STANDBY/ON Push-button lights to indicate the MA8000 is in Standby mode. To switch ON the MA8000, Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front Panel or press the (Power) Push-button on the Remote Control. The MA8000 will go through a brief startup intialization with the Front Panel Displays indicating Power Guard is active, last used source and volume setting.
How to Operate the MA8000 ume levels in each Loudspeaker. To adjust the Balance perform the following: 1. Press the TRIM Push-button repeatedly on the Remote Control until “BALANCE 0 dB” appears on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figure 54. BALANCE: || 0 dB Figure 54 Note: The Front Panel INPUT/TRIM Control may also be used. 2.
How to Operate the MA8000, con’t all have the same relative volume levels. Record any changes made to the various inputs from the default settings in the “Input and Power Control Settings” chart on page 19. After approximately 5 seconds the Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and Volume Level. MONO/STEREO MODE By default the Stereo Mode is active for all Input Sources however, any Input Source may be assigned to Mono Mode.
How to Operate the MA8000, con’t Note: To change the Display Brightness preference with Meter Illumination Off, first switch Off the Meter Illumination and then change the Display Brightness Setting. After approximately 5 seconds the Display returns to indicate the Source Selection and Volume Level. DIGITAL AUDIO DISPLAY By default the Digital Audio Display is switched Off.
How to Operate the MA8000, con’t Power Output Meters The MA8000 Power Output Meters indicate the power delivered to the Loudspeakers. Refer to figure 70. Figure 70 The meters respond to all the musical information 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 2,000Hz tone burst. Power Guard During normal operation, the Front Panel Power Guard Indicators will momentarily illuminate during peaks in the audio signals.
How to Operate the MA8000, con’t Fundamental Frequencies of Acoustical Musical Instruments and the Human Voice Connection Diagram separate sheet “Mc2B”), press the Front Panel OUTPUT 2 Push-button or press on the Remote Control the 2nd Push-button followed by pressing the OUTPUT 2 Push-button to switch On or Off the external Power Amplifier.
How to Operate the MA8000, con’t How to Operate the MA8000, con’t of frequencies for each of the Equalizer Controls of the MA8000 at the +6dB and -6dB points. Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs When a Digital Input (Optical or Coaxial Connection) on the MA8000 is selected the Front Panel Display will indicate when a signal is present “2CH PCM”. Refer to figure 74. During the time there is no Digital SOURCE: CD 15% 2CH PCM Figure 74 Signal present the display will indicate “SILENT”. Refer to figure 75.
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 created a power amplifier without compromise, using the most advanced McIntosh circuit design concepts.
Technical Description a substantial amount of time in pursuit of the “Perfect Volume Control System”. A conventional Mechanical Potentiometer for a volume control is totally unacceptable for use in the MA8000. Mechanical Controls have poor tracking especially when it comes to maintaining channel balance and after a period of time they tend to introduce noise into the audio signal, as they are rotated.
2.5 to 10 millivolts (thousandths of a volt). The lower the output voltage of the cartridge, the greater the level of amplification required and thus the greater potential for higher noise levels being generated by the circuitry. McIntosh has designed special ultra low noise circuitry and thus no need for a step-up transformer. A separate power supply is used just for the Moving Coil Preamplifier Circuitry.
Technical Description, con’t circuit into either the feedback or input section of the equalizer amplifier. This provides a 12dB boost or cut at the frequency of the tuned circuit. The overall gain of the stage is 0dB when the potentiometer is at its center detent position. In this position the tone control elements are completely removed from the signal path.
is so low it is virtually impossible to measure. In the rare event of a power amplifier output circuit failure, the McIntosh Autoformer provides absolute protection from possible damage to your valuable loudspeakers. Power Output Meter The McIntosh MA8000 has large Output Watt Meters that respond 95% full scale to a single cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Refer to figure 88.
Technical Description, con’t Power Supply Circuits To compliment the design of the MA8000 Preamplifier, Power Amplifier and Micro Controller Circuitry there is a high current high voltage power supply for both channels. Therefore, it is important that they plug directly into the wall outlet. The turn on inrush current is cushioned by thermistors in the power transformer’s primary circuit. This soft start eliminates component stress during turn-on. Refer to figures 93 and 95.
Photos 39
Photos and Specifications Amplifier Specifications Power Output 300 watts is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, both channels operating Output Load Impedance 2, 4 or 8 ohms Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20,000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% maximum with both channels operating from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz Dynamic Headroom 1.8dB Frequency Response +0, -0.
MA8000 Specifications, con’t Amplifier Specifications, con’t Digital Input Sample Rates Optical: 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 96kHz Coaxial: 16Bit, 24Bit - 32kHz to 96kHz USB: 16Bit, 24Bit, 32Bit - 32kHz to 192kHz Intermodulation Distortion 0.
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 attached to the bottom of the equipment. Two #10 x 2-1/2 inch screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit securely to the bottom pad and wood skid. This will ensure the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 www.mcintoshlabs.com 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.