McIntosh MCC301M User Manual

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 Amplifiers 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 owners  
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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