MC 811a User manual

Dedication to Performance
ELECTRONIC
Reference Amplifier
Made in Germany
Owner’s Manual

Important Information!
Attention: Keep the unit away from high humidity, vibration, excessive dust and direct sunlight. Excessive
heat or cold will affect the unit´s functionality. The permitted operating temperature is 10°C up to 50°C.
Avoid extreme variations in temperature. Do not operate the unit near other electric appliances (for instance
neon light and motors). The unit should not be opened without the assistance of a qualified technician.
KETI, CE-
Marking
This product is in conformity with the EMC directive and low-voltage directive. Your MC component
complies with the household power and safety requirements in your area.
Warranty
MC affords a full warranty. Please pay attention to the details given in the warranty card which ac-
companies the unit. Warranty is only issued, if you send back the warranty card.

Contents
General
1
Contents
Page
2 A. General
2 1. Accessories
2 2. Placement
2 3. Maintenance
3 B. mc 811a / 833
3 1. mc 811a Views
3 1.2 Rear view
42. Connecting the power amplifier to speakers
5 3. Connection the power amplifier to pre-amplifier
6 C. mc 812s / 812
61. mc 812 Views
72. Connecting the power amplifier to speakers
83. Connection the power amplifier to pre-amplifier
9 D. Operating the remote control
91. Replacement of the batteries
9 2. CD player controls
10 3. Pre / Integrated amplifier controls
10 F. Troubleshooting
11 G. Specifications
11 mc 811a / 833 / 812s /812
12 mc 811.a Addendum Sheet

mc 701
2
A. General
1. Accessories
Your new MC Lines component comes with a multi-usable system remote control for your convenience. It can be used to
control any or all of the MC product range including the preamplifier, CD player, power amplifier and integrated amplifier
The system remote control is not included in the delivery of the MC power amplifier.
2. Placement
Please ensure that there is sufficient ventilation and flow of air on all sides of the unit. There must be a minimum space of
2 cm (approx. 1”) above all MC amplifiers to allow for excessive heat to escape.
In case you wish to operate two or more amps, you can stack them, place them on shelves, or fit them under a cabinet.
Notice: Never completely cover or operate the amp in a place with insufficient flow of air. If you do, the amp may
overheat.
3. Maintenance
Unplug the unit before cleaning!
To clean the exterior surfaces of your MC unit use a dry, soft cloth. To wipe off finger prints and other grease spots, use a
soft, wet cloth moistened with a mild detergent dissolved in water.
Caution: The cloth must never be dripping wet! If water or other fluids enter the cabinet, you risk to damage the unit.
Never use scouring pads, steel wool, scouring powders or harsh chemical agents, alcohol, thinners, benzine, insecticide or
other volatile substances, as these will destroy the finish of the cabinet.

mc 811a / 833
3
E. mc 811a / 833 Mono Power Amplifier
1.1 mc 811a / 833 front view
* made of 20 mm special material to absorb mechanical resonances and signal distortion.
1.2 mc 811a / 833 rear connection panel view

mc 811a / 833
4
2. Standard connecting the power amplifier to the speakers
There are two pairs of speaker terminals on the back of the amplifier. Two speakers can be connected to the amplifier.
To connect the speakers only use high quality cables. Especially recommended are coaxial cables with high copper quality.
Example for Connection:
Standard
Connection
Bi-Amplifier

mc 811a / 833
5
Bi-Wire
3. Connecting the power amplifier to the preamplifier
To connect the power amplifier to the preamplifier you can either use the XRL or the RCA input.
Notice: Remove all cables from inputs not in use. Never use both XLR and RCA inputs at the same time.
Pin assignment of XLR plug
1 = earth (0V)
2 2 = + in phase
3
1 3 = - counter phase
Balanced input (use XLR cables) Unbalanced input (use RCA cables)
OUT1 OUT2 BAL ANCED OUT OUTPUT
L R L
R
OUT1 OUT2 BAL ANCED OUT O UTPUT
L R L
R
R L R L
R INP UT INP UT LR INP UT INP UT L

mc 812s / 812
6
E. mc 812s / 812 Stereo Power Amplifier
1.1 mc 812s / 812 front view
* made of 15 mm special material to absorb mechanical resonances and signal distortion.
1.2 mc 812s / 812 rear view

mc 812s / 812
7
2. Connecting the power amplifier to the speakers
There are two pairs of speaker terminals on the back of the amplifier. Two speakers can be
connected to the amplifier.
To connect the speakers only use high quality cables. Especially recommended are coaxial cables
with high copper quality.
Example for Connection:
Stereo Connection
Bi - Amplifier

mc 812s / 812
8
3. Connecting the power amplifier to the preamplifier
To connect the power amplifier to the preamplifier you can either use the XRL or the RCA input.
Notice: Remove all cables from inputs not in use. Never use both XLR and RCA inputs at the same time.
Pin assignment of XLR plug
1 = earth (0V)
2 2 = + in phase
3
1 3 = - counter phase
Examples for Connection:
Balanced input (use XLR cables) Unbalanced input (use RCA cables)
OUT1 OUT2 BAL ANCED OUT OUTPUT
L R L
R
OUT1 OUT2 BAL ANCED OUT O UTPUT
L R L
R
R L R L

Remote Control
9
F. Operating the remote control
1. Replacement of the batteries
First unscrew the four screws on the bottom of the remote control to remove the bottom plate. Inside
the unit you will find the battery holder. Insert the batteries with correct +/- orientation. Replace the
bottom plate and re-screw it on the remote control.
Attention: Use only standard “AAA” batteries (1.5 V). Do not use old and new batteries together. If
the performance of your remote control becomes unsteady, always change the batteries. If you do
not use the remote control for an extended period of time, please remove the batteries. Dispose of
batteries in an ecologically friendly manner.
2. CD player controls
The CD button (1) activates the CD player. The other CD player related controls
are as follows:
Button Function
2: preamp volume up
PRE CD TUNER D/A
1
3: preamp volume down
4: skip back
5: skip forward
6: review (during playback)
7: fast forward (during playback
8: play
9: CD pause
10: CD stop
2
4
5
3 6
OUT
7
123
8
4
11 56
9
789
10
11: select title by number REPEAT A/B 0PROG
12: press 1x: CD repeat
press 2x: active title repeat
press 3x: repeat off
13: specify passages for repeat playback (works only during playback)
14: program title
15: remaining time indicated in the display changes between active title and
entire CD
16: random play
12 13 14
DISPOFF
ERR
LEV
15 16 17
MUTE T IME SHUFFLE STANDBY

Remote Control
10
3. Pre / Integrated amplifier controls
The PRE button (1) activates the preamplifier or integrated amplifier. The other preamplifier related controls are as
follows:
Button Function
2: volume up
PRE
1
CD TUNER D/A
3: volume down
4: select input up
5: select input down
6: output group 1 on / off
7: output group 2 on / off
8: step through brightness levels of the display
9: Mute: turns sound on and off
10: switch to standby mode
2 4
5
3 6 OUT
7
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
REPEAT A/B 0
8
DISP OFF
ERR LEV
PROG
Please note: The power amplifier volume can be controlled at any time.
G. Troubleshooting
1. Replacement of the fuses
9
10
MUTE TIME SHUFFLE STANDBY
The fuse holder is integrated in the main socket. It is located on the rear side of the unit. When replacing the fuses,
remember to:
• Pull the plug from the wall outlet first! If you do not, you will risk damage to the unit as well as to your life.
• Pull out the fuse holder, which is installed above or below the power connector on the back panel.
• The fuse holder contains 2 fuses (0.5 AT for 230 VA, and 1.0 AT for 110 VA). The left fuse is the active one, the
right one is in reserve. Exchange accordingly and put the fuse holder back in an re-plug the unit to the wall.
2. Change of main voltage
A change of the main voltage can only be done by an authorized dealer. This procedure is not a warranty ser- vice. A
change of the main voltage always requires a change of the fuses.
Warning: If opened by anybody other than qualified MC dealers, MC will not take responsibility for any damage to
machinery or life. And any warranty claims will be voided.

Specifications
11
H. Specifications
Quick Reference Technical Specifications:
Models:
811a
833
812s
812
Peak Pulse Power
1300W @4ohms
1500W
@4ohms
1300W
@4ohms
1200W
@4ohms
Rated Power
360W(4ohms);
302W(8ohms)
720W(4ohms);
604W(8ohms)
360W(4ohms);
302W(8ohms)
330W(4ohms);
280W(4ohms)
Output Voltage Max.
35V peak
85V peak
70V peak
68V peak
Output Current Max.
20A peak
38A peak
45A peak
45A peak
Inputs:
Outputs:
Freq. Response:
DC – 140kHz
DC – 140kHz
DC – 140kHz
DC – 140kHz
Output Level:
Output impedance:
Noise Distortion:
<0.004%, 4ohms, 1kHz,
50W
<0.004%, 4ohms, 1kHz, 50W
<0.004%, 4ohms, 1kHz,
50W
<0.004%, 4ohms, 1kHz, 50W
Input Sensitivity:
315mV
315mV
315mV
315mV
Signal to Noise Ratio
Maximum Loading
Level
Input Impedance
XLR 10kohms,
10Kohms, RCA;
XLR 10kohms,
10Kohms, RCA (Stereo);
10Kohms XLR(Stereo)
10Kohms, RCA (Stereo);
10Kohms XLR(Stereo)
Channel Separation
S/N Ratio
(Unweighted):
117db
120db
120db
120db
S/N Ratio (A-
Weighted):
120db
125db
1250db
125db
Damping Factor:
300 @4ohms
300 @4ohms
300 @4ohms
300 @4ohms
Power Consumption:
18VA (Standby Mode;
88VA (idle mode);
Max. 480VA
20VA (Standby Mode; 90VA
(idle mode);
Max. 1000VA
20VA (Standby Mode;
80VA (idle mode);
Max. 1000VA
20VA (Standby Mode;
80VA (idle mode);
Max. 1000VA
Main Voltage:
230 or 115Vac, 50/60 Hz
230 or 115Vac, 50/60 Hz
230 or 115Vac, 50/60 Hz
230 or 115Vac, 50/60 Hz
Weight:
67lbs, 30kg
90lb, 45.5kg
132lbs, 60kg
110lbs, 50kg
Dimensions Max.
(W*H*D) mm
318*373*567 with feet
477*560*850 with feet
480*260*580
With feet
480*260*580
With feet
Model:
811a
833
812s
812
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
12
mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
The 811 Mono amplifier is one of our current success model and it is hot in the high end circle, our
management intended to enhance it and upgrade this model to highest level. During the past year,
we implemented a lot of significant upgrades on the structure as well as sound technology areas.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
13
Acoustic and resonance:
We replaced the entire base section to a more serious
professional feet mounting design. It is greatly improve of
the resonance and make the appearance more promising.
Sound performance:
We improved the output cables with three bundle wire
dressing method and also used the OCC copper terminal
allowed a better electrical pass through abilities for the
amplifier.
Soft Touching switching:
We replaced the front buttons from mechanical switches
to soft touch switching function to get the better hand
touch feeling for the operation.
We also upgraded the secondary power supply and higher
grade standard in order to stabilize the electrical supply
on the unit.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
14
Cable management:
We implemented a more tidy and clean cable dressing
method in order to improve the internal looking feel. It
is also benefit for the signal path and avoid any
interference inside the unit.
Left knob: On / Standby Switch
Once the power switch (at the back) is on, use the left knob to
switch on the mc 811.a mono amplifier. Pressing this knob
again puts the amplifier back in standby.
Central knob: Alpha Drive & Beta Drive Switch
The central knob enables you to switch between the two
different drive modes: Alpha Drive and Beta Drive.
This feature allows you to tailor the mc 811.a mono amplifier
output stage to your loudspeaker’s impedance, specifically
whether the loudspeaker likes to be driven by voltage or by
current.
Use the Alpha Drive mode for a voltage driven loudspeaker. Use
the Beta Drive mode if your loudspeaker needs more current.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
15
General Circuit design of the 811.a Reference Mono Amplifier:
For the general design of a high end amplifier, the most common design is one amplifier to handle
one channel of the signal path. That means the input signal will go into the circuit with +/- together.
811.a used separate amplifiers to handle (+) and (-) signals. The amplifier run two separate power
amplifier modules all the way. The benefit is to expand a double capacity of the power and double
headroom according to the power rating. For audiophiles, we all understand the advantage by using
dual amplifier method.
Besides of the (+), (-) signals running design, MC also implement our custom power management
successful circuit into 811.a. Please reference below:
What is “Alpha” mode?
A well calculated power rating design, by using “Alpha” mode (Alpha Blue sign light up) the power
amplifier is powered up by a constancy power section. It is enough for the entire amplifier power
consumption. It is also well performing the sound reproduction with smoothest and details.
What is “Beta” mode?
When using “Beta” mode (Beta Red sign light up), the amplifier is running two power supplies which
double the input power consumption so that you will find it almost no power limit for any dynamical
music reproduction.
By the design, you will be experience the difference when the power go higher dynamic signals and
deeper bass reproduction. The second power supply will handle well the highest requirement of the
power. The bigger headroom allows the sound go deepest and fastest without distortion.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
16
Right knob: LED On / Off Switch
With the right knob you can switch the upper LED on and off
to adjust the illumination to your listening environment.
Engraved glass
The piece of glass with the engraved logo snaps in place.
Press down the thin layer of rubber and pay attention to the
upper aluminum frame, you might have to push it up slightly
to allow the glass piece to slide in. The fit is tight so that it
won’t move once in place.
Level up or down the mc 811.a
You can level the mc 811.a mono amplifier by turning the
part of the feet with the MC logo.

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
17
Base mounting System:
A) Assembly
B) Placing method

mc 811.a Addendum Sheet
18
©2018 MC - music culture technology GmbH. All rights reserved.
Manuals are subject of copyright. It is not allowed to copy the information of this manual without written permission of MC.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. MC is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
MC - music culture technology GmbH
Gartenfelder Str. 29-37
D-13599 Berlin, Germany
www.music-culture.com