McIntosh MC301 Owner's Manual
4
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MC301. Refer
to the diagram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input/Output
PIN 3: - Input/Output
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MC301. Refer
to the diagram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input/Output
PIN 3: - Input/Output
Power Control Connector
The MC301 Power Control Input receives an On/Off
signal from +5 to +12 volts. The Power Control Output
will in turn provide a +12 volt
Output Signal with a total cur-
rent up to 50mA. An additional
connection is for controlling
the illumination of the MC301
Power Output Meters. The
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh
Preamplifier or A/V Control Center Power Control
Output.
The MC301 Power Control Input receives an On/Off
signal from +5 to +12 volts. The Power Control Output
will in turn provide a +12 volt
Output Signal with a total cur-
rent up to 50mA. An additional
connection is for controlling
the illumination of the MC301
Power Output Meters. The
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh
Preamplifier or A/V Control Center Power Control
Output.
Output Terminal Connector
When cables with spade lugs are used
for Loudspeaker Connection, the spade
lugs need an opening of at least 3/10 inch
PP
When cables with spade lugs are used
for Loudspeaker Connection, the spade
lugs need an opening of at least 3/10 inch
PP
Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features
Connector and Cable Information
PIN 2
PIN 1
PIN 3
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh
standards of excellence in the MC301 Quad Balanced
Power Amplifier. The 300 watts high current output
will drive any high quality Loudspeaker. The MC301
reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely
accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
standards of excellence in the MC301 Quad Balanced
Power Amplifier. The 300 watts high current output
will drive any high quality Loudspeaker. The MC301
reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely
accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
Performance Features
IN
OUT
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The MC301 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of
300 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than
0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry
uses Thermal Trak
The MC301 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of
300 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than
0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry
uses Thermal Trak
1
Output Transistors for lower dis-
tortion and cool operation.
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The MC301 is fully balanced from input to output. It
consists of two matched power amplifiers operating
in push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIn-
tosh Autoformer. The Quad Balanced configuration
cancels virtually all distortion.
The MC301 is fully balanced from input to output. It
consists of two matched power amplifiers operating
in push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIn-
tosh Autoformer. The Quad Balanced configuration
cancels virtually all distortion.
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McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Auto-
formers provide an ideal match between the amplifier
output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms.
The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection
for your valuable loudspeakers.
McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Auto-
formers provide an ideal match between the amplifier
output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms.
The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection
for your valuable loudspeakers.
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Balanced connections guard against induced noise and
allow long cable runs without compromising sound
quality.
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and
allow long cable runs without compromising sound
quality.
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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 loudspeaker.
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 loudspeaker.
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McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec-
tion circuits ensure the MC301 will have a long and
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec-
tion circuits ensure the MC301 will have a long and
trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection
Circuits guard against overheating.
Circuits guard against overheating.
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A very large Power Transformer and Large Capaci-
tors ensure stable noise free operation even though the
power line varies.
A very large Power Transformer and Large Capaci-
tors ensure stable noise free operation even though the
power line varies.
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The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the
MC301 is peak responding, and indicates the true
power output of the amplifier. The Front Panel Meter
Illumination may be controlled On/Off by comtempo-
rary McIntosh Preamplifiers and Audio/Video Control
Centers.
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the
MC301 is peak responding, and indicates the true
power output of the amplifier. The Front Panel Meter
Illumination may be controlled On/Off by comtempo-
rary McIntosh Preamplifiers and Audio/Video Control
Centers.
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The MC301 incorporates a Power Save Feature to
automatically switch power Off to the Power Ampli-
fier approximately 30 minutes after there has been an
absence of an audio input signal.
The MC301 incorporates a Power Save Feature to
automatically switch power Off to the Power Ampli-
fier approximately 30 minutes after there has been an
absence of an audio input signal.
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McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals
deliver high current output. They accept large diam-
eter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be
used only in the United States and Canada.
McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals
deliver high current output. They accept large diam-
eter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be
used only in the United States and Canada.
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The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
is even Illuminated by the combination of custom de-
signed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life
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The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
is even Illuminated by the combination of custom de-
signed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life
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Trigger
Control
Control
Ground
Meter
Illumination
Control
Illumination
Control
1
ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semi-
conductor Components Industries, LLC
3/10 of an inch
(7.6millimeters)
(7.6millimeters)