McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York MC462 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.
Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide” Thank You Customer Service General Information Your decision to own this McIntosh MC462 Stereo Power Amplifier with Quad Balanced Circuitry ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.
Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features Connector and Cable Information XLR Connectors Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MC462. Refer IN OUT to the diagram for connection: PIN 1: Shield/Ground PIN 2: + Input/Output PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 2 PIN 1 PIN 3: - Input/Output PIN 3 PIN 3 Power Control Connector The MC462 Power Control Input receives an On/Off signal from +5 to +12 volts.
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MC462. Front View of the MC462 17-1/2" 44.5cm 8-7/8" 22.5cm Side View of the MC462 9-7/16" 24.0cm 20-1/2" 52.1cm 16-5/8" 42.2cm Rear View of the MC462 3/16" 0.5cm 16-13/16" 42.7cm 2-1/4" 5.7cm DISABLED 11-3/4" 29.9cm 4 12-1/2" 31.8cm 8-3/8" 21.3cm 2-3/16" 5.
Installation Installation The MC462 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 MC462 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 MC462 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing.
Rear Panel Connections and Switch Balanced OUTputs (LEFT and RIGHT Channels) for an audio cable to the next Power Amplifier Input Unbalanced INput (RIGHT Channel) for an audio cable from a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center audio output.
Output Terminals and How to Connect Output Terminals When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to the MC462 Power 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.
Output Terminals and How to Connect Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only: 5. Locate the Terminal Connection Covers from the inside of the MC462 shipping carton. Insert the just prepared Loudspeaker hookup cables thru the cover openings, one cover for each channel. Refer to figure 5. Cover Openings Cover Openings DISABLED Cover Screws Cover Screws Figure 5 (Inside USA and Canada) 6.
Output Terminals and How to Connect for Bi-Amp Output Terminals When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to the MC462 Power 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.
2. The prepared bare wire cable ends may be inserted into spade lug connectors for use outside the United States and Canada only. 3. Banana plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only. Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only: 7. Locate the Terminal Connections Covers from the inside of the MC462 shipping carton. Insert the just prepared Loudspeaker hookup cables thru the cover openings, one cover for each channel. Refer to figure 5.
Output Terminals and How to Connect for Bi-Amp 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. 15. Attach the Terminal Connections Covers to the MC462 Rear Panel with the previously removed Screws. Refer to figure 6. 16. Connect the MC462 power cord to an active AC outlet.
Front Panel Displays and Controls Meter indicates the Left Channel Output of the amplifier LED indicates when the Left Channel Amplifier POWER GUARD circuit activates METER Switch selects the display modes of the Power Output Meter and Meter Illumination 12 Standby Power On Indicator LED indicates when the Right Channel Amplifier POWER GUARD circuit activates Meter indicates the Right Channel Output of the amplifier POWER Switch Turns AC Power Off, Remote, AC Power On
How to Operate How to Operate Power On To have the MC462 automatically turn On or Off when a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center turns On or Off, rotate the power switch to the Remote position. For manual operation, rotate the power switch to the On or Off position as desired. Refer to figure 9. Note: There must be a power conFigure 9 trol connection between the MC462 and the Audio Preamplifier (or A/V Control Center), in order for the remote power turn-on to function.
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. Figure 13 14 The MC462 has a continuous average power output rating of 450 watts and with a peak output current of 75 amperes per channel; making this one of the most advanced amplifiers available today.
Technical Description expertise of McIntosh in the design and manufacturing of autoformers is legendary in the high fidelity industry. The high efficiency circuit design of the MC462 contributes to low operating temperatures. More than 2800 square inches of heat sink area keep the MC462 operating safely with convection cooling. No fans are needed. Refer to figure 16. Autoformers All solid state power amplifier output circuits work best into what is called an optimum load.
Technical Description, con’t McIntosh Autoformer provides absolute protection from possible damage to your valuable loudspeakers. The unequaled expertise of McIntosh in the design and manufacturing of Autoformers is legendary in the high fidelity industry. McIntosh engineers know how to do it right. Power Output Meter The McIntosh MC462 has large Output Watt Meters that respond 95% full scale to a single cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Refer to figure 18.
Technical Description, con’t Block Diagram of the Power Supply BACKUP POWER SUPPLY POWER CONTROL LIGHTING CONTROL INRUSH CURRENT LIMITER AC Power The power amplifier draws high current from the AC power line. Therefore, it is important that they plug directly into the wall outlet. Also, most owners desire one power switch for the whole audio system. The MC462 is equipped with a circuit that provides remote Power Control from a McIntosh A/V Control Center. Refer to figure 26.
Specifications Specifications Power Output Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, with both channels operating is: 450 watts into 2 ohm load 450 watts into 4 ohm load 450 watts into 8 ohm load Output Load Impedance 2, 4 or 8 ohms Intermodulation Distortion 0.005% 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.
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. Four 1/4 - 20x2-1/4 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.
