McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York MXA80 Integrated Audio System Owner’s Manual 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.
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Thank You Customer Service Your decision to own this McIntosh MXA80 Integrated Audio System 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 Connector and Cable Information General Information 1. For additional connection information, refer to the RZQHU¶V PDQXDO V IRU DQ\ FRPSRQHQW V FRQQHFWHG to the MXA80. 2. Apply AC Power to the MXA80 and other McInWRVK &RPSRQHQW V RQO\ DIWHU DOO WKH V\VWHP FRPSRnents 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 MXA80 Integrated Audio System. The Power Amplifier section of the MXA80 will drive Headphones or Loudspeakers to a high level of performance. The flexible Preamplifier section provides connections for various input sources, including Digital sources and music streaming from the Internet via an USB Computer connection.
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MXA80 System. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MXA80 System into cabinets. Side Views of the MXA80 Center Section Front View of the MXA80 23-1/4" 59.05cm 10-7/8" 27.6cm 5-7/8" 14.9cm 5" 11-1/2" 12.7cm 29.2cm 14-5/8" 37.1cm Side Views of the MXA80 Loudspeaker Rear View of the MXA80 10-3/4" 27.7cm 10-3/4" 27.3cm 5-3/8" 13.7cm 8 10-13/16" 27.
Installation Installation The MXA80 Integrated Audio System is designed to be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its feet. The required ventilation requirements are shown. Always provide adequate ventilation for your MXA80. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MXA80 directly above a heat generating device, such as a Power Amplifier.
MXA80 Rear Panel Connections Right OUTPUT connections for an 8 ohm Loudspeaker Left OUTPUT connections for an 8 ohm Loudspeaker DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS for components with Digital OPTICAL, COAXIAL and MCT Digital Outputs sending digital audio signals Main Fuse holder, refer to information on the back panel of your MXA80 to determine the correct fuse size and rating 3:5 &175/ 3RZHU &RQWURO ,1 receives a turn On/Off signal from a McIntosh Component; PWR CNTRL OUT sends a turn On/Off signal to another McIn
Notes 9
Connecting Components The MXA80 has the ability to automatically switch power On/Off to McIntosh Source Components via the Power Control connection. The connection instructions below, together with the MXA80 Connection Diagram on the next page is an example of a typical audio system. Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional information refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4.
Connecting Components 3. Rotate the Output Terminal Post clockwise until it is ¿QJHU WLJKW 5HIHU WR ¿JXUH - 7KHQ XVing the McIntosh Wrench, rotate the top of the Output Terminal one quarter of a Figure I WXUQ Do not over tighten. Refer WR ¿JXUH ( 4.
System Thru Connections System Thru Connections The MXA80 can also be part of an existing Audio or Audio/Video Sound System. The MXA80 allows connection of Headphones for private listening. It can also drive Loudspeakers in a second room. The MXA80 becomes active when the Main Preamplifier or Audio/ Video Controller is On. In the example below, the MXA80 will go On/Off when the OUTPUT 2 function of the Preamplifier is activated using the Power Control 2 connections. 1.
External Power Amplifier Connections External Power Amplifier Connections The MXA80 has the ability to drive an External Power Amplifier. In the example below, the MXA80 automatically switches the External Power Amplifier On/Off via Power Control function. 1. Connect Audio Cables from the MXA80 PREAMPlifier OUTPUT Jacks to the External Power $PSOLILHU ,1 /HIW DQG 5LJKW -DFNV 2. Connect a Control Cable from the MXA80 PWR &175/ 3RZHU &RQWURO 287 -DFN WR WKH ([WHUnal Power Amplifier Power Control IN Jack.
Remote Control Push-Buttons Adjusts or Selects the active TRIM function; also manually tune down the dial with contemporary McIntosh Tuners Directional Push-buttons Up, Down, Left and Right Adjusts or Selects the active TRIM function; also manually tune up the dial with contemporary McIntosh Tuners Press to activate TRIM Mode Scrolls through TRIM Functions Scrolls through TRIM Functions Decreases the volume level Increases the volume level Selects the desired INPUT LED illuminates during the time
How to use the Remote Control How to use the Remote Control The supplied Remote Control performs the various Operating Functions for the MXA80 Integrated Audio System. Note: Refer to the “How to Operate” Section of this manual for additional information. Back and Next When using an optional contemporary McIntosh Tuner with the MXA80, select the next Station Preset by pressing the Push-button. Select the previous Station Preset by pressing the Push-button.
LED indicates when the Right Channel Amplifier POWER GUARD circuit activates LED indicates when the Left Channel Amplifier POWER GUARD circuit activates Meter indicates the Left Channel Output of the amplifier Meter indicates the Right Channel Output of the amplifier IR Sensor receives commands from a Remote Control VOLUME Control allows adjustment of the listening level for both channels.
Setup How to Operate the Setup Mode Your McIntosh MXA80 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 Input Renaming The MXA80 functionality is controlled by internal software that is known as Firmware. The Version of the Firmware in the MXA80 can be identified at any time by utilizing the Setup Mode. 1. Press and hold the INPUT CONTROL until the Front Panel Display indicates “MXA80 V_.__, S/N: AEU____”. The number after the “V” is the firmware version and the number after the “S/N” is the serial number of the unit. Refer to figure 2.
Setup, con’t Record any changes made to the various default Input Names in the following chart for future reference. Input Renaming Default Input Name New Input Name Refer to figure 13. SPEAKER MODE Small OPTICAL SUBWOOFER MODE Disabled Figure 13 UNBAL BALANCED Refer to figure 15. Figure 15 2. Rotate the OUTPUT Control until the Front Panel Display indicates “SPEAKER MODE, Large”. Refer to figure 14. 2. Rotate the OUTPUT Control until the Front Panel Display indicates “SUBWOOFER MODE, Enabled”.
Setup, con’t Power Mode, con’t active. Then rotate the INPUT CONTROL until the Setup Menu item “POWER MODE, Enabled” appears on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figure 17. POWER MODE Enabled Figure 17 2. Rotate the OUTPUT Control until “POWER MODE, Disabled” appears on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figure 18. POWER MODE Disabled Figure 18 3. To exit from the Setup Mode, press the INPUT CONTROL and the Front Panel Display will revert back to its normal display.
How to Operate the MXA80 How to Operate the MXA80 Power On and Off The Red LED beside the STANDBY/ON Push-button lights to indicate the MXA80 is in Standby mode. To switch ON the MXA80, press the STANDBY/ON 3XVK EXWWRQ RQ WKH )URQW 3DQHO RU SUHVV WKH 3RZHU Push-button on the Remote Control. The MXA80 will go through a brief startup initialization, with the Front Panel Display indicating the last used input and volume setting.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t After approximately 5 seconds the Display returns to indicate the Input Selection and Volume Level. BALANCE The Channel Balance while listening can vary with different program sources. When using Loudspeakers, the room acoustics and listening positions also can effect the Channel Balance. Use the Balance Trim Function as needed to achieve approximately equal listening volume levels in each channel. To adjust the Balance perform the following: 1.
How to Operate the MXA80 1. Momentarily press the Front Panel INPUT Control to enter the TRIM Mode. Then rotate the INPUT Control until “MONO / STEREO” appears on the Front Panel Display. Refer to figure 62. MONO | STEREO ______ Figure 62 | STEREO Figure 63 After approximately 5 seconds the Display returns to indicate the Input Selection and Volume Level. Input Trim Settings Connection Type Input Name Figure 64 METER LIGHTS Off Figure 65 2.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t UNBAL MUTE Figure 70 To un-MUTE the Audio, press the MUTE Pushbutton on the Remote Control, adjust the Volume level or change Inputs. Headphones Jack Connect a pair of dynamic headphones to the HeadSKRQHV -DFN ZLWK D ´ PP VWHUHR SKRQH W\SH plug for private listening. Note: Use the OUTPUT Control to select the correct impedance range. Headphone HXD® The MXA80 Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD® ) improves the sound localization for Headphone Listening.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t 2. If desired, select the HXDTM Mode by momentarily pressing the the VOLUME Control. The HXD Icon located above the Headphone Jack will illuminate Green. Refer to figure 71. 3. If desired, select the amount of TRIM Bass Boost by momentarily pressing the INPUT Control. Then rotate the INPUT Control to select BASS BOOST followed by using the OUTPUT Control for the desired increase. Refer to figures 53 and 54 on page 21.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t Profile Mode, con’t 14. To store the renamed Profile into memory press and hold in the VOLUME CONTROL until the Front Panel Display indicates “SAVE PROFILE, Profile Saved”. Refer to figure 89. SAVE PROFILE Profile Saved Figure 89 15. To exit the Profile Rename Mode momentarily press the VOLUME Control. DELETING PROFILES There are two ways to Delete Profiles, delete one saved Profile or delete all saved Profile Names. In the first example, one Profile will be deleted.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t performance. For the best performance, the volume control on the MXA80 should be set to 70%. The Volume Control on the Main Preamplifier or Audio/ Video Controller should be used to adjust the listening volume level. Digital Inputs When a Digital Input (Optical, Coax or AES/EBU &RQQHFWLRQ RQ WKH 0;$ LV VHOHFWHG WKH )URQW Panel Display will indicate the Sampling Frequency when a signal is present “48kHz”. Refer to figure 102.
click on the “Set Default” button. Figure 110 Figure 111 After rebooting, a McIntosh-HD icon will appear on the desktop. Refer to figure 112. USB Connection Figure 112 Connect the USB Cable with Type A to Type B connectors between the PC Computer and the McIntosh Product with the USB-Digital Audio Input. An Icon will appear On-Screen indicating Windows has found new hardware. Refer to figure 113. Figure 113 Upon completion of installing the driver, figure 114 will appear.
How to Operate the MXA80, con’t 3. When the Media Stream Program on the computer is set to output in the “ASIO” format, the McIntosh -HD USB Audio Control Panel allows for changing the settings parameters on the fly. USB Music Playback When the USB Input is selected on the McIntosh MXA80, the Front Panel Display indicates the Sampling Rate (refer to figures 119 and 120 for PCM 6LJQDOV USB 46% 44.1kHz Figure 119 USB 51% 352.
Amplifier Specifications Amplifier Specifications Loudspeaker Power Output 50 watts is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, both channels operating Headphone Power Output 250mWatts - Norm Selection, 1 watt - High Selection Loudspeaker Output Load Impedance 8 ohms Headphone Output Load Impedance 8 - 40 ohms, 40 - 150 ohms, 150 - 600 ohms 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. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage. Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If D VKLSSLQJ FDUWRQ RU DQ\ RI WKH LQWHULRU SDUW V DUH needed, please call or write Customer Service
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.
McIntosh 32/192 PCM DAC, Preferred Settings to Play all File Types with JRiver Media Engine 20 using a Windows 7 or 8 Computer Purpose of this Document: To add the capability of playing DSD-DXD file types over McIntosh 32/192 USB 2.0 DACs as used in C48, C50, C2500, D100, MHA100, MXA70, MA5200, MAC6700, MA6700, MA7900, MA8000 The following hardware will be needed: 1-A modern Win 7 or 8 computer using high performance Quad Core processors 2-A USB 2.
The Sound window should show JR as the default device. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903 • (800) 538Ͳ6576 • www.mcintoshlabs.
If the McIntosh USB shows up as Default or Default Communications Device Check on the Properties tab and Disable. Although the system could be run with two devices checked we are going to use JRMC20 as the main USB device. This will simplify the digital signal path, allow for customization, cut latency by more than half and result in cleaner sound quality with enhanced dynamics, both macro and micro. Next step is to check the Configure in the lower left of the Sound box with JR highlighted blue.
Select full-range speakers and then with no other music playing and the USB–D/A input selected on the McIntosh stereo, click one speaker at a time. You will hear the chime sounds come out of your left and right speaker. After the chimes are played, click Next then Finish in the final box. Next is to make the top tab choices in the JRMC 20 Properties screen. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903 • (800) 538Ͳ6576 • www.mcintoshlabs.
First we need to set Supported Formats: In the Supported Format tab/window, all six, 44.1kHz through 192kHz should be shown. Bit depth will be set later in the JR20 Music program so ignore the 16 bit. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903 • (800) 538Ͳ6576 • www.mcintoshlabs.
Level tab should always be set to 100% as shown since listening Volume is set in the connected McIntosh model and all bits are always sent from the JRiver player to the McIntosh for Bit Perfect conversion to stereo analog playback. Finally open the Advanced Tab section of JRiver Properties screen. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903 • (800) 538Ͳ6576 • www.mcintoshlabs.
Once again 16/44 should be checked or simply Restore Defaults as the data rate will be set in the music program. Exclusive Modes should be checked. If you are using, say a laptop for music storage on multiple USB audio playback devices, each with their own drivers, you will need to switch default devices in the Sound settings whenever you connect to a different device.
ASIO Hosts can change should be checked. The next section will cover the settings in the JRiver Media Engine 20. Settings in JRiver 20 for McIntosh 32/192 PCM DACS. JR20 is a powerful computer program that will allow the manipulation and playback of many types of files. Under the HELP tab at the top left of the JR home screen you will find a drop down menu that lists HELP ->HELP WIKI.
The top left corner of the JR home screen has a series of tabs; File, Edit, View, Player, the Tools where the playback setting are located, and Help. Left click on the Tools tab and go to the bottom of the list and select Options. This will open up the main adjustment page. The top left hand side AUDIO tab should be checked so the adjustments to the Audio Device section of the program are listed. The first selection made needs to be Digital Output under Audio Device.
All of these following adjustments are being made to match the way the data from the WIN computer is sent to the McIntosh ASIO USB input. If only ONE type of digital file was used for all music this would be simple. If however, ANY audio file type and all resolutions are to be played then the JR 20 settings must match the switching cadence of the McIntosh DAC. These recommended settings are based on extended testing using mixed files from 16bit-44 kHz, mp3 quality through 5.
All other tabs in this left hand list can be used but this will result in the loss of Bit Perfect playback, which for maximum fidelity, is the goal of these adjustments. B-Clip Protection should be checked as this will prevent digital overload which can produce harsh sounds. Volume Leveling will also protect against clipping. In the center of the screen output formats are set. This is two columns of input, the original file encoding, and output what is sent to the DAC.
These Setting changes as shown will need to be duplicated for proper playback. 1-DSP & Output format … was set above 2-Bitsreaming: None (recommended) 3- Prebuffering: 6 seconds (recommended) 4-Play silence at startup for hardware synchronization: None 5-Check - Play Files from memory instead of disk. Note: This will pull the music from the solid state memory instead of the spinning disc drive which is more precise.
Track Change 1-Switch Tracks: Standard (gapped) - 3s, allows the time needed by the DAC when tracks are of a different resolution. If the tracks are the same resolution they will switch like a normal CD. 2- Use gapless for sequential album tracks- Check. (Note: this is for albums that are gapless like Dark Side of The Moon, etc.) Stop, Seek and Skip- Set Seek: Seek: Smooth (normal) Stop: immediate Pause: immediate At the bottom of the Options page is a tab, Advanced that will need one setting adjustment.
These are all of the settings needed for smooth playback from the computer to the McIntosh Asio USB input. Please refer to the JRiver Wiki Help forum for detailed advice and information on JRiver operation. Additional questions on the McIntosh ASIO USB input may be sent to McIntosh Tech Support. Thank you, McIntosh Tech Support RC-2-11-15 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903 • (800) 538Ͳ6576 • www.mcintoshlabs.
MXA80 integrated audio system ■ The MXA80 has a compact footprint and full functionality plus support for DSD and DXD digital music files thanks to an advanced digital-to-analog converter (DAC). ■ Features a 50 watt stereo amplifier and a pair of specially designed 2-way desktop speakers that achieve a remarkably rich and full bodied level of performance for their size. ■ 6 inputs – 4 digital and 2 analog – allow you to connect a variety of your music sources.
MXA80 integrated audio system AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS Amplifier Power Output: 50 watts per channel with both channels operating into 8 Ohms Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.
HOME ELECTRONICS THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY W elcome to the family of McIntosh owners. This is the Warranty for your new McIntosh Home Electronic Product (the “Product”). Your Product has been designed to give many years of trouble-free performance. Nonetheless, failures do sometimes occur even with equipment as well-built as McIntosh’s.
Scope and Duration of Warranty Parts and Occurrences that are not Covered by the Warranty Subject to the terms and conditions stated below, McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. (“McIntosh”) warrants to the original owner that this Product shall be free from defects in workmanship or materials for a term of three (3) years from the date when it was purchased from an Authorized McIntosh Dealer.
