Owner’s
Manual
MCC301M Power Amplifier
MCC301M
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
Thank You
Table of Contents
Your decision to own this McIntosh MCC301M Power
Amplifier 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.
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.
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 2
Thank You.......................................................................... 3
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 3
Customer Service............................................................... 3
Table of Contents............................................................... 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Dimensions ........................................................................ 5
Installation ......................................................................... 6
Side Panel Cooling and Connections ................................ 7
How to Connect for Subwoofer......................................... 8
How to Connect for Full Range......................................... 9
Top Panel Controls, Displays and Switches .................... 10
How to Operate................................................................ 11
How to Replace the Fuses ............................................... 12
Block Diagram................................................................. 13
Specifications .................................................................. 14
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15
Please Take A Moment
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:
General Notes
1. An optional McIntosh External Subwoofer Rotary Control,
Model Number R1163, is available from your McIntosh
Dealer.
2. Do not connect the Amplifier’s Speaker Negative Terminal
Connection directly to the Vehicle Chassis. Failure to observe
this could result in damage to your Amplifier.
3. It is advisable to place an inline fuse as close as possible to
the battery.
4. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MCC301M
Amplifier.
5. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker
output for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is
turned on.
6. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size
be used in your music system, to ensure that there will be no
power loss or heating. If your loudspeaker cables are 25 feet
(7.62m) or less, use at least 16 Gauge wire size or larger.
7. The MCC301M Line Level OUTPUT is wired as a “Y”
connection with the INPUT to pass the input signals on to
additional amplifiers (keep cable lengths as short as
possible). The McIntosh MX406 Control Center is capable of
driving several additional power amplifiers with no
degradation of the signal.
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 addi-
tional help concerning a suspected problem, you can re-
ceive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Repair department.
For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact
the McIntosh Repair Department at:
8. The MCC301M can accept speaker level inputs at its Input
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Jacks. Refer to the diagram for
(-) NEGATIVE SPEAKER OUTPUT
connection.
(+) POSITIVE SPEAKER OUTPUT
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MCC301M Power Amplifier. A
300 watt high current output will drive any high quality
loudspeaker to its ultimate performance. The MCC301M
reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accu-
rate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music It-
self.”
· Thermal Protection with Multi-Speed Cooling Fans
Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against overheat-
ing which could shorten the normal long life expectancy of
your McIntosh Power Amplifier. Cooling fan speed is con-
trolled by temperature sensors attached to the interior of
the extruded aluminum cooling tunnel. The fans are nor-
mally off. When needed, the fans will automatically switch
on, and speed is increased as needed for additional cooling.
Performance Features
· Fully Discrete Design
· Power Output
The MCC301M has a fully complimentary double bal-
anced amplifier design and is identical to that found in
McIntosh’s leading home amplifiers.
The MCC301M consists of a power amplifier capable of
300 watts into 4 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% dis-
tortion.
· Balanced Inputs with Pass Through
· High Current Output
The Balanced Inputs cancel out interference noise that is
produced by other sources in the vehicle and can be di-
rectly connected to the bridged speaker output of any head
unit. The MCC301M provides two line level outputs, for
the convenience of connecting multi-amplifier systems.
A peak output current of 50 amperes ensures that the
MCC301M will successfully drive high quality loudspeak-
ers, such as McIntosh, for a truly exciting sound experi-
ence.
· Equalizer and Variable Crossover Filters
· Illuminated Power Meter
The one band equalizer has a center frequency that is vari-
able from 40 Hz to 2,000 Hz which can be either cut or
boosted ±12db. 24dB per octave low pass filter with vari-
able corner frequencies from 40Hz to 120Hz.
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the
MCC301M is peak responding and almost ten times faster
than a professional VU meter. It also indicates the true
power output of the amplifier regardless of the loudspeaker
impedance, as both the voltage and current are measured.
· Subsonic Filter
The selectable frequency Subsonic Filter prevents the am-
plifier circuitry from amplifying non audible signals and
thus wasting amplifier power.
· Remote Subwoofer Control and Line Output
The subwoofer level can be controlled via an optional ex-
ternal rotary control, which can be remotely mounted in the
vehicle. A line level output is provided to drive an external
subwoofer power amplifier.
· Power Guard and Sentry Monitor
The Patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the
amplifier from being overdriven into clipping with its harsh
distorted sound that can also damage your valuable loud-
speakers. McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage
protection circuit is present to ensure the MCC301M will
have a long and trouble free operating life.
· Gold Plated Terminals
McIntosh provides gold plated input and output terminals
on the amplifiers for superior corrosion resistance. It is a
very important feature in the automotive environment.
Speaker wires to 10 AWG and DC input wires to 4 AWG
can be accommodated.
· Speaker Protection
If for any reason, a DC (Direct Current) voltage appears at
the speaker output terminals, a built-in circuit turns off the
amplifier power supplies to prevent damage to your valu-
able loudspeakers.
4
Dimensions
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MCC301M. There is additional in-
formation on the next page pertaining to installing the
MCC301M into your vehicle.
5
Installation
Installation
It is recommended that a professional who is skilled in all
aspects of installation and operation install the MCC301M
and any associated mobile audio equipment.
Warm Air
Cool Air
Amplifier Ventilation
Always provide adequate ventilation for the MCC301M.
The amplifier requires an adequate airflow into the cooling
fans, which are located on the left side of the amplifier. The
warm air exits the amplifier through vents on the heatsinks.
See figure 1. Be sure to provide at least 1-1/2 inches clear-
ance in front of the cooling fans and 1 inch clearance at the
sides of the heatsinks.
Figure 1
Cool Air
The cooling fans are controlled by temperature sensors,
attached to the interior of the tunnel. The fans are normally
off. If the program material contains sustained loud pas-
sages demanding high power, the fans will turn-on to in-
crease cooling. If cooling is still not sufficient, additional
heating will shut down the amplifier’s internal power sup-
ply completely and the Power Guard LED will light. The
fans will continue to run and once normal temperatures are
restored, operation will resume.
Warm Air
Remove Top Cover Screws
The amplifier can be mounted vertically or horizontally
and may be located under a seat if adequate clearance is
available. The preferred installation method is to mount the
amplifier directly to the vehicle frame using the hardware
supplied with the amplifier.
Figure 2
It is not recommended that the amplifier be mounted
under the hood or in a location where it will be directly ex-
posed to the elements. The openings in the fan housings
and heat tunnel vents can allow internal components to be
damaged by exposure to water, chemicals or any form of
road dust or debris.
Remove Top Cover Screws
Remove End Cap Screws
Removing the Glass Panel
To access the MCC301M Controls, remove the glass panel
by removing the four hex bolts with the supplied 3/32” hex
key. See figure 2. Attach the supplied suction cup to the top
center of the glass panel and carefully raise it high enough
to put your hand under. Temporarily place the removed
glass panel in a safe place, remove the suction cup and
save it for future use.
Figure 3
Removing the End Caps
To access the MCC301M Connecting Terminal Block, re-
move the Glass Panel first (the above step) and then re-
move the Phillips Screws holding the End Caps on both
sides of the amplifier and lift the end caps off. See figure 3.
Remove End Cap Screws
6
Side Panel Cooling and Connections
Connect to the Negative (-)
vehicle battery terminal
Connect to the positve (+)
vehicle battery terminal
with an inline fuse
Cooling Fan
Air Intake
Cooling Fan
Air Intake
SUBWOOFER OUTPUTS
supply a summed output
OUTPUTs from the
INPUT Signal Source
for connection to an-
other Power Amplifier
Receives the Amplifier
Turn-ON signal from a
McIntosh Control Center
OUTPUT Connections
for loudspeakers
INPUTs for
audio cables
from a signal
source
Connector for optional
Controls the Power Guard
SUBwoofer REMOTE
Volume CONTROL
Circuit when connected to
certain McIntosh Control
Centers
7
How to Connect for Subwoofer
How to Connect for Subwoofer
There are many different possible Vehicle Audio System
combinations utilizing the MCC301M Power Amplifier. It
is recommended that a professional who is skilled in all
aspects of Vehicle Audio Systems assist you in the selec-
tion and installation. The illustration below is just one of
the many possible combinations.
3. Connect audio cables from the Control Center Outputs
to the McIntosh Power Amplifier (Upper Range) Inputs
1 and 2.
4. Connect audio cables from the McIntosh Power Ampli-
fier (Upper Range) Outputs 1 and 2 to the MCC301M
Inputs 1 and 2.
Note: The Subwoofer Output is summed from both of the
Inputs Jacks and can be remotely controlled by
connecting a cable from the SUB REMOTE
CONTROL jack to the Optional External Rotary
Control.
1. Connect a wire from the Control Center Amp On to the
MCC301M ON Connector on the right side of the am-
plifier.
Note: All cables should be connected to the amplifier
before connecting the DC power cables to the
5. Connect the MCC301M to the vehicle battery termi-
nals using size 4AWG (maximum) cables.
Note: It is advisable to place an inline fuse of a suitable
size as close as possible to the battery.
battery.
2. Connect cables (up to 12AWG) from two loudspeakers
connected to the Amplifier’s A and B OUTPUT Termi-
nals, being careful to observe the correct polarities.
Note: The A and B OUTPUT Terminals are in parallel;
either A, B, or both Terminals may be connected.
McIntosh Control Center
McIntosh Power Amplifier (Upper Range)
Amp ON
Left Front
Right Front
McIntosh External
Subwoofer Rotary Control
(+)
(-)
-
+
Vehicle
Battery
Fuse
(+)
(-)
8
How to Connect for Full Range
How to Connect for Full Range
There are many different possible Vehicle Audio System
combinations utilizing the MCC301M Power Amplifier. It
is recommended that a professional who is skilled in all
aspects of Vehicle Audio Systems assist you in the selec-
tion and installation. The illustration below is just one of
the many possible combinations.
2. Connect a wire from a McIntosh Control Center with
Power Guard to the MCC301M PG Connector on the
right side of the amplifier.
3. Connect a cable (up to 12AWG) from the loudspeaker
system connected to the Amplifier’s A OUTPUT Ter-
minals, being careful to observe the correct polarities.
4. Connect an audio cable from the Control Center Left
Channel Output to the McIntosh Power Amplifier Input
1.
5. Connect the MCC301M to the vehicle battery termi-
nals using size 4AWG (maximum) cables.
Note: It is advisable to place an inline fuse of a suitable
size as close as possible to the battery.
Note: In a typical installation a second MCC301M would be
needed for the Right Channel.
1. Connect a wire from the Control Center Amp On to the
MCC301M ON Connector on the right side of the am-
plifier.
Note: All cables should be connected to the amplifier
before connecting the DC power cables to the
battery.
Midrange
Tweeter
(-)
(-)
(+)
(+)
McIntosh Control Center
Woofer
Power Guard
Amp ON
(+)
Left Front
(-)
Crossover Network
+
-
Woofer
+
-
Midrange
+
-
+
-
Tweeter
Input
-
+
Vehicle
Battery
Fuse
9
Top Panel Controls, Display and Switches
LOW PASS FILTER FREQUENCY
Control selects the Low Frequency
Roll-Off
POWER GUARD
LED lights when the
Power Guard Circuit
activates
SENSITIVITY
Input Sensitivity Control
LOW PASS FILTER
Switch activates the
filter
SUBSONIC FILTER
EQUALIZER Controls
SOURCE Switch selects
either Input 1, or 1 - 2
SUBwoofer (Sum of
Inputs 1and 2)
Switch selects the low
frequency roll-off be-
low 20Hz or 28Hz; or
flat frequency re-
sponse
select the FREQUENCY
and the LEVEL of Boost
or Cut at the Center Fre-
quencies
METER indicates the
actual Power Output
10
How to Operate
Introduction
music you are familiar with, set the equalizer LEVEL Con-
trol to +12 and slowly turn the FRE-
QUENCY Control to get an idea
The McIntosh MCC301M is a highly versatile amplifier
that can be configured in many ways. This manual gives
examples of some of the most common configuration. The
best way to set equalization and filter controls is through
the use of a real-time spectrum analyzer and the expertise
of a professional installer. This manual will guide you
through the basic operation, however we suggest you refer
to your dealer for further information on the use of this
unit. To access the Amplifier Controls and Switches refer
to “Removing the Glass Panel” located on page 6 of this
Owner’s Manual.
where in the musical spectrum the
frequency numbers are located. Then
set the LEVEL Control back to 0 and
listen to the system to determine its
equalization needs. Subtle adjust-
Figure 6
ments are best and cutting usually
sounds better than boosting. Refer to figure 6.
Input Sensitivity Control and Source Switch
The SENSITIVITY Control allows the setting of the input
sensitivity to provide an ideal match for the signal source
being used. The most desirable setting allows the control
center to have a useful volume
Power
The MCC301M will turn On or Off when the Control Cen-
ter turns On or Off.
Note: There must be an Amp ON connection between the
MCC301M and the signal source unit in order for the
amplifier power turn On and Off to function.
range as wide as possible from
loud to soft. A good place to start
is to set the amplifier’s SENSITIV-
ITY Control to the output voltage
called out in your control center
Low Pass Filter
The LOW PASS FILTER Switch OUT Position selects a
Flat Frequency Response.
When the LOW PASS FIL-
TER Switch is in the IN
(low frequency pass) Posi-
tion, the Amplifier will pass
all frequencies below the
owner’s manual. The Level con-
trols can be set for any sensitivity
from .5 volts to 8 volts.
The SOURCE Switch allows selection of the Input Sig-
nal from either the INPUT 1 Jack or both INPUT 1 and 2
Jacks. In the 1-2 SUB position, the optional Subwoofer Re-
mote Control can be used to control the volume. Refer to
figure 7.
Figure 7
setting of the LOW PASS
FILTER FREQUENCY
Control. Refer to figure 4.
Figure 4
Subsonic Filter
The SUBSONIC FILTER Switch OUT Position selects a
Flat Frequency Response. When the
SUBSONIC FILTER Switch is in the
20Hz Position, the Amplifier will pass
all frequencies above 20Hz. In a similar
fashion selecting the 28Hz position, the
Amplifier will pass all frequencies
above 28Hz. Refer to figure 5.
Figure 5
Equalizer
The MCC301M Power Amplifier is equipped with an
equalizer. The equalizer is not intended to act as a tone
control. The one-band equalizer is best utilized as a notch
filter to reduce a peak (as located by real-time analysis
with an RTA) in your system’s frequency response. If you
are attempting to equalize a system without RTA data, play
11
How to Replace the Fuses
How to Replace the Fuses
If the MCC301M produces no sound, there is no
Illumination of the Meter on the Top Glass Panel, and the
power connections seem secure, one or more of the
Amplifier’s Fuse(s) may have failed. Under normal
operating conditions your amplifier’s fuses should not fail.
Failure of a fuse is usually an indication of a problem.
Replacing the fuse, if there is problem in the amplifier,
may incur a risk of further damage. Refer to figures 8, 9
and 10.
Caution: Disconnect the Amplifier from the Vehicle Battery
(or DC Power Supply) as Potentially Dangerous
Currents exist inside the amplifier.
1. Before accessing fuses, disconnect both the positive
and negative power cables from the DC input
terminals on the left side of the amplifier using a
5/32” hex key.
2. Remove the Top Glass Panel by first removing the
four hex bolts with the supplied 3/32” hex key.
3. To remove the Top Glass Panel, attach the supplied
suction cup to the top center of the glass panel and
carefully raise it high enough to put your hand under.
Temporarily place the removed glass panel in a safe
place, remove the suction cup and save it for future
use.
4. Remove the Phillips Screws holding the End Caps on
both sides of the amplifier and lift the end caps off.
5. Remove the two Phillips Screws, one is located above
the row of Controls/Switches and the other near the
Bottom Edge of the Gold Faceplate Control Panel.
6. Remove all 5 crossover, equalizer and sensitivity
knobs.
7. Remove the Gold Faceplate Control Panel.
8. Remove the fuses with needle nose pliers, taking care
to avoid hitting parts on the circuit board.
Note: To determine if the fuse has failed, examine the
link between the two fuse legs to see if it has a
break in it.
9. Replace the fuse with one of the same type and
rating, as unauthorized substitutions may prove
hazardous to you and the amplifier.
10. When reinserting the fuse, set it in place with the
pliers, then push it the rest of the way in with your
finger to avoid having the pliers slip and hit the
circuit board.
11. Re-install the Gold Faceplate Control Panel and all 4
equalizer and sensitivity knobs.
12. Re-connect the power cables to the vehicle battery.
If the replacement fuse(s) fails again, have the amplifier
repaired at a McIntosh Service Center.
12
MCC301M Block Diagram
Specifications
Specifications
Power Output
Input Impedance
300 watts into 4 ohm loads and 600 watts into 2 ohm loads
12,000 ohms
is the minimum sine wave continuous average power out-
put
Power Requirements
12 Volts DC, 2.5 amps (idle) - 50 amps (300 watts)
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dimensions
12.5 inches (31.8cm) wide, 3.0 inches (7.6cm)
high, 13.7 inches (34.8cm) depth
Total Harmonic Distortion
Maximum Total Harmonic Distortion at any power
level from 250 milliwatts to rated power output is:
0.005% for a 2 or 4 ohm load
Weight
14.7 pounds (6.7Kg) net, 17.5 pounds (7.9Kg) in
shipping carton
Dynamic Headroom
1dB
Frequency Response
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz
Sensitivity
0.5 Volts
A-Weighted Signal To Noise Ratio
105dB (1.5V)
One Band Equalizer
Center Frequency is variable from 40Hz to 2,000Hz, level
variable ±12db, Q fixed at 2
Subsonic Filter
Selectable 20Hz or 28Hz (the slope is 18dB per octave)
Low Pass Filter
Adjustable from 40Hz to 120Hz with a slope of 24dB per
octave
Subwoofer Output
Low Pass filtered at 200Hz with a 6dB per octave slope
(level variable ±12dB when using optional McIntosh Ex-
ternal Subwoofer Rotary Control)
Intermodulation Distortion
Maximum Intermodulation Distortion if instanta-
neous peak output per channel does not exceed
twice the rated output, for any combination of fre-
quencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with all channels
operating is:
0.005% for a 2 or 4 ohm load
14
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, failure to do so will result in shipping damage.
Make sure that the Top Glass Panel is firmly secured to the
chassis using the supplied hex head screws.
Quantity Part Number
Description
Shipping carton only
End cap (Foam pad)
1
2
034162
034132
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 Department of McIntosh Labo-
ratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
15
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 040764
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