McIntosh MA6500 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 139 3-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
OWNERS
MANUAL
MA6500
MA6500 Integrated Amplifier
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2
Thank You.......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Customer Service............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance eatures ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Connections ..................................................... 6
How to Connect ................................................................. 7
How to Connect for Video Switching ................................ 8
ront Panel Controls, Display, Indicator Push-Button and
Switch ................................................................................ 9
How to Operate ................................................................ 10
Remote Control Push-Buttons ......................................... 12
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................ 13
Performance Charts ......................................................... 16
Specifications .................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 19
NOTES:
1. Connecting Cables are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 cond ctor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone pl gs on each end.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
man al(s) for any component(s) connected to the MA6500
Integrated Amplifier.
3. There is a b ilt-in t rn on delay which will m te the speaker
o tp ts for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is
t rned on.
4. It is very important that lo dspeaker cables of adeq ate size
be sed in yo r m sic system, to ens re that there will be no
power loss or heating. Cable size is specified in Ga ge
n mbers or AWG, (American Wire Ga ge). The smaller the
Ga ge n mber, the larger the wire size:
If yo r lo dspeaker cables are 25 feet (7.62m) or less,
se 16 Ga ge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If yo r lo dspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
se 14 Ga ge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If yo r lo dspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
se 10 Ga ge (AWG) wire size or larger.
5. In the event that MA6500 Integrated Amplifier over heats, d e
to improper ventilation and/or extremely high ambient
temperat re, the b ilt in protection circ its will activate. The
MA6500 Front Panel Power G ard LEDs will both
contin o sly indicate On and the a dio o tp t signal will be
m ted. When the temperat re of the MA6500 has ret rned to
a safe condition, so nd will ret rn and the Power G ard
Indicators will ret rn to normal operation.
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Servi e and Table of Contents
Table of ContentsThank You
Te hni al Assistan e
Customer Servi e
Copyright 1999 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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:
Your decision to own this McIntosh MA6500 Integrated
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.
Serial Number:
Pur hase Date:
Dealer Name:
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.
or assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact
the McIntosh Repair Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
ax: 607-723-1917
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: [phone]
ax: 607-723-3636

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Safety Instru tions
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, con-
tained in this owners manual, before operating this
equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. ollow all operating and use instructions.
5. Warning: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock,
do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
This unit is capable of producing high sound pres-
sure levels. ontinued exposure to high sound pres-
sure levels can cause permanent hearing impair-
ment or loss. User caution is advised and ear protec-
tion is recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. aution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle
or other outlet unless the blades can be fully in-
serted to prevent blade exposure.
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD -
DO NOT OPEN.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-
tute a risk of electric shock to persons.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC -
NE PAS OUVRIR.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
Attention: pour pevenir les chocs elecriques pas
utiliser cette fiche polarisee avec un prolongateur,
une prise de courant ou un autre sortie de courant,
sauf si les lames peuvent etre inserees afond ans en
laisser aucune partie a decouvert.
7. or added protection for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and dis-
connect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning or power line
surges.
8. Do not use attachments not recommended in this
owners manual as they may cause hazards.
Installation:
9. Locate the equipment for proper ventilation. or ex-
ample, the equipment should not be placed on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a
bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
10. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (in-
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Mount the equipment in a wall or cabinet only as de-
scribed in this owners manual.
12. Do not use this equipment near water; for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in
a wet basement or near a swimming pool, etc.
13. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The equipment may fall, caus-
ing serious injury to a person, and serious damage to
the product.
onnection:
14. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
15. Route AC power cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, con-
venience receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the instrument.
16. Do not defeat the inherent design features of the polar-
ized plug. Non-polarized line cord adapters will defeat
the safety provided by the polarized AC plug. If the
plug should fail to fit, contact your electrician to re-
place your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding-type plug.

4
·Power Output
The MA6500 combines a 200 watts per channel power am-
plifier and a sophisticated control center in one compact
unit with less than 0.005% distortion.
·Power Guard
Both channels include the patented McIntosh Power Guard
circuit that prevents the amplifier from being overdriven
into clipping with its harsh distorted sound that can also
damage your valuable loudspeakers.
·Electronic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reli-
able, noiseless, distortion free switching.
·Speaker Switching
ront panel Speaker push-buttons control two switched
outputs that allow you to send signals to two separate pairs
of loudspeakers.
·Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MA6500 will have a long and trouble
free operating life. Built-in thermal protection circuits
guard against overheating.
·Illuminated Power Meters
The illuminated power output watt meters on the MA6500
are peak responding, and indicate the power output of the
amplifier.
Safety Instru tions ont,
Introdu tion and Performan e Features
Introdu tion
The MA6500 Remote Controlled Integrated Amplifier is a
simple but elegant instrument that allows you to enjoy out-
standing music reproduction. It includes a wide range of
convenient operating functions to enhance your listening
experience. The classic McIntosh MA6500 will perfectly
complement a McIntosh Loudspeaker System for a stereo
system of incomparable performance and style.
17. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
are of Equipment:
18. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth. Un-
plug this equipment from the wall outlet and clean the
panel with a cloth moistened with a window cleaner.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
19. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed and/or
fall into the equipment through enclosure openings.
Never spill liquids into the equipment through enclo-
sure openings.
20. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
21. Unplug this equipment from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to a qualified service personnel under the fol-
lowing conditions:
A. The AC power cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into
the equipment.
C. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water.
D. The equipment does not operate normally by fol-
lowing the operating instructions contained within
this owners manual. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions, as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result
in damage and will often require extensive work by
a qualified technician to restore the product to its
normal operation.
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
22. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
23. When replacement parts are required, be sure the ser-
vice technician has used replacement parts specified by
McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the origi-
nal part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
24. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this prod-
uct, ask the service technician to perform safety checks
to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
Performan e Features

5
Installation
ront View of the MA6500
custom installed
Bottom View of the MA6500
custom installed
Installation
The MA6500 can be placed upright on a table or shelf,
standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a
piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The required
panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are
shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MA6500.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MA6500
directly above a heat generating component such as a high
powered amplifier. If all the components are installed in a
single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a defi-
nite asset in maintaining all the system components at the
coolest possible operating temperature.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the following
minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow at
least 6 inches (15.24 cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm)
below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54 cm) on each side of the
amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 21 inches
(53.3 cm) depth behind the mounting panel, which in-
cludes clearance for connectors. Allow 1-1/8 inches (2.9
cm) in front of the mounting panel for knob clearance. Be
sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf ac-
cording to the dimensions in the drawing.
NOTE: In E rope, if the MA6500 is c stom mo nted, an
additional ventilation opening of 6 inches (15.24 cm) in
height, r nning the f ll width of the front panel, needs
to be directly above the front top of the MA6500.
Side View of the MA6500
custom installed

6
MA6500 Rear Panel Conne tions
MA6500 Rear Panel Conne tions
Connect the
MA6500 power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to in-
formation on the
back panel to deter-
mine the correct
voltage
The XT
(external)
S NSORS
for a McIn-
tosh Key-
pad or IR
Sensor
DATA PORTs
send signals to
compatible
source compo-
nents to allow
you to remote
control them
POW R
CONTROL
Output sends
turn-on sig-
nal to a
McIntosh
Component
CD1 and CD2
inputs accept
signals from
separate CD
players
HOM Data Port
is for use with the
optional HC-1
Home Controller
SP AK RS 1 and 2
the signal output
controlled by the
front panel
SP AK R push-
buttons
The PH/AUX
Switch selects
signals from a
Moving Magnet
phono cartridge
or an audio high
level signal
TUN R inputs
accept signals
from the output
of a tuner
TAP inputs
are for tape
recorders
SUM Data Port
connects to a
McIntosh Re-
mote Control
Translator
GND terminal
accepts a
ground wire
from a turn-
table
VID O inputs
for audio signals
from a LV, VCR,
TV or the op-
tional MVS-3 A/
V Selector
TAP OUT-
PUTS supply
record signals
for tape re-
corders
POW R AMP
INPUT Switch
allows an exter-
nal preamplifier
connection to the
MA6500 Power
Amplifier
PH (Phono)/AUX IN-
PUTS accept signals
from a Moving Magnet
phono cartridge or an
audio high level signal,
depending on the posi-
tion of the PH/AUX
Switch
MAIN OUTPUTS supply
the Preamplifier Output
to an external power am-
plifier
Fuse holder, refer
to information on
the back panel to
determine the
correct fuse size
and rating
POW R AMP IN inputs accept
signals from separate external
preamplifier

7
How to Conne t Loudspeakers
and Sensor Components
How to Conne t Loudspeakers and Sensor
Components
1. Prepare the loudspeaker hookup cables as follows:
A. Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the
loudspeaker cable ends to just fit within the bind-
ing post with no
exposed wire acces-
sible. Refer to fig-
ure 1.
B. If the cable is
stranded, carefully
twist the strands
together as tightly
as possible. Refer
to figures 2 & 3.
Note: If desired, the
twisted cable
section can be
tinned with a
solder iron to
keep the
strands
together and/
or attach
appropriate
connector ends.
C. Insert the bare section of the cable end or connector
into the access hole, and tighten the terminal nut
clockwise until the cable is firmly clamped into the
terminal so the wires cannot slip out. Refer to fig-
ures 4, 5 & 6.
Note: The bare sections of the cable ends or the non
ins lated part of the connectors m st not be
exposed on either side of the terminal access
hole.
D. Repeats Steps A through C for each speaker cable
used with the amplifier.
4. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate ter-
minals for your loudspeakers, being
careful to observe the correct polari-
ties.
5. Install the plastic protective loud-
speaker terminal covers that were
supplied with your amplifier. Refer
to figure 7.
6. Optionally connect a Coax cable from the EXT SEN-
SOR to a McIntosh Wall Sensor or WK-2 Keypad in a
second room.
Right Loudspeaker
4 ohm
Figure 7
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Left Loudspeaker
4 ohm
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Right Loudspeaker
4 ohm
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Left Loudspeaker
4 ohm
Second Room
McIntosh
IR Remote
Sensor

8
McIntosh Tuner
McIntosh D/A Converter
How to Conne t Audio
Components
To AC Outlet
Turntable
1. Connect the MA6500 power cord to a live AC outlet.
2. Connect a cable from the TAPE 1 OUTPUTS to the
Record Inputs of a tape recorder and the TAPE 1 IN-
PUTS to a tape recorder Outputs. Connect a second
tape in the same manner to the Tape 2 inputs and out-
puts.
3. Connect a cable from a McIntosh D/A Converter UN-
BALANCED outputs to the CD2 INPUTS.
4. Connect a cable from the McIntosh Transport Digital
OPTICAL output to the McIntosh D/A Converter Digi-
tal OPTICAL input.
5. Connect a cable from a McIntosh Tuner to the TUNER
INPUTS.
6. Connect cables from a Turntable to the PH/AUX IN-
PUTS and the Turntable Ground Connection to the
GND grounding post.
7. Connect cable(s) from the POWER CONTROL jack to
the Power Control In on a McIntosh component or
Power Controller.
8. Connect a cable(s) from the DATA PORTS to the com-
ponents that are to be controlled by the MA6500.
How to Conne t Audio Components
McIntosh PC-3
McIntosh CD Transport
Tape Recorder

9
McIntosh DVD / Video CD / CD Player
McIntosh Video/Audio Selector
How to Conne t the MA6500 for Video
Swit hing
How to Conne t the MA6500
for Video Swit hing
Monitor
1. Connect a Data cable from the MA6500 VIDEO DATA
PORT to the MVS-3 DATA IN jack.
2. Connect the MVS-3 CONTROL CENTER AUDIO
OUTPUTS to the MA6500 VIDEO INPUTS.
3. Connect the MVS-3 VIDEO MONITOR OUTPUT to a
TV or Monitor.
4. Connect a McIntosh DVD/CD Player Audio Outputs to
the MVS-3 V-AUX AUDIO INPUTS, the Video Out-
put to the MVS-3 VIDEO INPUT and the Control Out
to the MVS-3 DATA OUTPUT jack.
Note: The S-Video Connections may also be used when the
Monitor/TV supports them.
5. Connect other video source components to the appro-
priate audio and video and data jacks on the MVS-3.

1
MA6500 Front Panel Controls, Push-
Buttons and Swit h
MA6500 Front Panel Controls, Push-Buttons
and Swit h
POW R
switch turns
all AC power
completely
ON or OFF
MONO push-button
combines the left and
right channel signals for
Mono operation
TR BL control pro-
vides 12dB boost or
cut with a flat center
position
BASS control provides
12dB boost or cut with
a flat center position
VOLUM control
allows you to adjust
the listening level of
both channels
The BALANC control
allows you to adjust the
relative volume balance
between channels
MUT push-
button mutes
the listening
audio
STANDBY/ON
push-button turns
the MA6500 ON,
or OFF (Standby)
IR Sensor
receives
commands
from a re-
mote con-
trol
HEADPHONES jack
allows connection of
Stereo Headphones for
private listening
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20 200
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M T R indicates the
Left Channel Power
Output of the amplifier
POW R GUARD
L Ds light when the
amplifier channel
POW R GUARD cir-
cuit activates
M T R indicates the
Right Channel Power
Output of the amplifier
LOUDN SS
provides fre-
quency re-
sponse con-
toured to com-
pensate for the
behavior of the
human ear at
softer listening
levels
SP AK RS
1 and 2
push-buttons
turn the
speakers On
or Off
Select any
one of the
six Audio
signal
sources

11
How to Operate the MA6500
How to Operate the MA6500
Power On
Press the POWER switch to ON. The Red LED above the
STANDBY/ON push-button, lights to indicate the
MA6500 is in Standby mode. To turn On the MA6500,
press the
STANDBY/
ON push-
button. The
MUTE LED
will light for
approxi-
mately two
seconds af-
ter turn on.
Refer to figures 1 and 2.
Note: For normal operation, t rn the
MA6500 On and Off with the
Standby/On p sh-b tton. If the
amplifier is not going to be sed
for an extended time, t rn off all
AC power with Power Switch.
Yo may also t rn On the
MA6500 by simply pressing the
desired so rce selection p sh-
b tton switch on the Front
Panel or Remote Control.
Source Selection
Select the desired source with the ap-
propriate push-button switch on the
ront Panel or Remote Control. Refer
to figures 2 and 3 and page 15 for ad-
ditional information.
Volume ontrol
Adjust the VOLUME control for the
desired listening level.
PH/AUX Inputs
When using a phono player with a moving magnet car-
tridge connected to the PH/AUX inputs, set the PH-AUX
switch to the PH position.
When using an auxiliary
program source component
connected to the PH/AUX
inputs, set the PH-AUX
switch to the AUX position.
Refer to figure 4.
Balance ontrol
Adjust the BALANCE control as needed to achieve ap-
proximately equal listening volume levels in each loud-
speaker. Turn the BALANCE to the Left to emphasize the
left channel by reducing the level of the right channel. Turn
the BALANCE to the right to emphasize the right channel
by reducing the level of the left channel.
Bass and Treble ontrols
Adjust the BASS and TREBLE controls to suit your listen-
ing preferences. The bass or treble intensity can be in-
creased with clockwise rotation and decreased with coun-
terclockwise rotation. All tone control circuit elements are
removed from the signal path when the controls are in the
center or flat position.
Loud Switch
Press the LOUD push-button to add loudness bass compen-
sation to the volume control for improved low level listen-
ing.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at the SPEAKERS 1 and 2 and HEAD-
PHONES output.
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio in all outputs
except the HEADPHONES and TAPE OUTPUT. The
MUTE LED above the push-button will flash on and off to
indicate that Mute is active. To unmute audio, press
MUTE, press the Remote Control Volume push-button(s)
or press an Input push-button.
Figure 4
Figure 3
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Figure 1
Figure 2

12
How to Operate the MA6500 ont
Speakers 1 and 2
Press SPEAKERS 1 or 2 push-buttons to switch the two
pairs of speakers on or off. You can press either push-but-
ton individually, or both together. Refer to figure 5.
Headphones
Jack
Connect a pair
of dynamic
headphones to
the Headphones
Jack for private
listening. Press
Mute to mute
all other outputs
including the amplifier connected to the loudspeakers. Re-
fer to figure 5.
Reset of Microprocessors
In the event that the controls of the MA6500 stop function-
ing, push the POWER switch O and wait about two min-
utes. Then push the POWER switch ON followed by push-
ing the STANDBY/ON push button. This will reset the
MA6500 microprocessors and the Integrated Amplifier
should be functioning normally.
Note: The above condition is s ally ca sed by either
interr ptions in AC power and/or major changes that
may occ r in AC power line voltage.
Using a Separate Power Amplifier
There are two different ways to use a separate power am-
plifier with a MA6500. The first way is to use the separate
amplifier instead of the MA6500 built-in power amplifier.
Connect the loudspeakers to the separate power amplifier
and set the rear panel POWER AMP INPUT Switch to the
EXT position. Refer to figure 6.
Note: When a separate power
amplifier is connected to
the MA6500 and the
POWER AMP INPUT
Switch to the EXT
position, the MA6500
Front Panel SPEAKERS
P sh-b tton Switches
will no longer f nction.
The second way is to use both a separate power amplifier
and the MA6500 built-in power amplifier. Connect one
pair of loudspeakers to the separate power amplifier and
the second/third pair to the MA6500. Set the rear panel
POWER AMP INPUT Switch to the INT position. Refer to
figure 6.
Note: The MA6500 VOLUME Control will affect the so nd
level of all the lo dspeakers.
How To Make A Tape Recording
1. Select the source signal you wish to record with the
appropriate ront Panel input push-button. If you wish
to record from an Audio/Video source connected to the
optional MVS-3 Audio/Video Selector, using the Re-
mote Control, select the desired source connected to
the MVS-3. Refer to figure 8.
2. Adjust the record level using the tape recorder volume
control and proceed with the recording process.
3. To listen to the tape playback of the program source
just recorded, press the TAPE input push-button. Refer
to figure 7.
Note: The MA6500 TAPE OUTPUTS are not affected by the
VOLUME or BALANCE controls.
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Figure 6
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Figure 7

13
How to Read the Power Output Meters
The MA6500 Power Output Meter scales are based on us-
ing 2, 4 and 8 ohm loudspeakers. The meters are peak re-
sponding and indicate the power output of each channel
with high accuracy when the amplifier is reproducing mu-
sic. Refer to figure 8.
20 200
2.0
. 20
. 02
POWER OUTPUT
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10 0
DECIBELS
WATTS
400
Figure 8
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How to Operate the MA6500, ont

14
Remote Control Push-Buttons
Selects one of the twelve
High Level Audio/Video
Sources or Phono Input
Turns AC Power ON or OFF to
certain McIntosh Components
when connected via the Data Port
Adjusts the volume
level up or down
Press to review Tuner
Station Presets and se-
lects certain functions on
McIntosh CD Players
Selects CD Player or
Tape Recorder Functions
and also performs various
functions on a variety of
McIntosh Components
Press to Power the
MA6500 ON or OFF
Use to select tuner
presets, disc tracks or
any numbered opera-
tion
Selects Speaker 2, FM
Tuner Operating Func-
tions and Track Selection
on certain McIntosh CD
Players
Mutes the audio
Note: The Remote Control p sh-b ttons that are
blackened o t are for se with other
McIntosh Control Centers.
Press MOD to switch
between Stereo or Mono
Modes
Selects Speaker 1, AM
Tuner Operating Func-
tions and Disc Selection
on certain McIntosh CD
Players
Selects On Screen Func-
tions for McIntosh DVD
Players and certain CD
Players
Press TRIM to turn the
Loudness Control On or
Off
Selects the Fast Forward
Mode on Disc Players
and Tuning Up the AM/
FM Dial
Selects the Rewind Mode
on Disc Players and Tun-
ing Down the AM/FM
Dial
Selects Functions for
McIntosh Home Control-
ler and as a shift key
when used with the AM
or FM push-buttons to
select Speakers 1 or 2
Press the push-button
to illuminate the keys

15
How to Operate by Remote Control
The supplied remote control is capable of directly control-
ling the functions of contemporary McIntosh Source Com-
ponents connected to the MA6500. Earlier McIntosh
source components and other brand source components can
be controlled by the MA6500 with the addition of a McIn-
tosh Remote Control Translator (RCT).
Note: Yo r McIntosh Dealer can assist yo with the
installation and operation of the Remote Control
Translator (RCT).
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio at the MAIN
OUTPUT, SPEAKERS 1 & 2. The TAPE OUTPUTS and
HEADPHONES output are not affected by the MUTE
function. The MUTE LED above the push-button will flash
on and off to indicate that Mute is active. Press MUTE a
second time to unmute audio.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at the MAIN OUTPUT, SPEAKERS 1
& 2 and HEADPHONE Output.
Trim
Press the TRIM push-button to active the Loudness Com-
pensations circuit.
Input Source Selection
Press any of the twelve input push-buttons to select a pro-
gram source. When one of the Audio/Video Inputs (SAT,
LV, TV, VCR, VCR2 and DVD) are selected by remote
control, the MA6500 will automatically switch to the
VIDEO Input. If the ront Panel VIDEO Push-button is
pressed, the source device connected to the VIDEO INPUT
Jacks will be heard. When the optional McIntosh MVS Au-
dio/Video Selector is added, multiple Audio/Video Inputs
Sources, such as LV, TV, VCR, VCR2 and DVD (V-Aux),
will become available by just pressing the desired program
source push-button on the remote control.
D/Tape Functions
Use these push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer
or tape recorder.
Numbered Push-buttons
Press push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre-
sets or CD tracks/discs.
Disc and Track
Use the DISC and TRACK push-buttons when a CD player
or changer is being used.
Tuner Push-buttons
Press the AM or M push-button to select the desired
broadcast band. Press and release the Channel Upp or
Downqpush-button to move from station to station. Press
and hold a Channel Upp or Downq push-button to move
continuously from station to station. Press REVIEW to
start the automatic brief audition of each of the presets
stored in the tuner memory. Press REVIEW a second time
to stop on a station preset and exit the Review process.
Volume
Press the Up or Down VOLUME push-button to raise or
lower the listening volume level.
Note: The TAPE OUPUTS are not affected by vol me
changes.
Amplifier Selection
Press HOME push-button followed by the SPEAKER 1 or
2 push-buttons either separately or together, to control the
rear panel SPEAKER 1 & 2 which can feed signals to a
power amplifier or other accessory component.
Acc On
Press ACC ON to turn the power ON to a McIntosh Disc
Player.
Acc Off
Press ACC O to turn the power O to a McIntosh Disc
Player.
E
Press E to perform various functions on a variety of McIn-
tosh Components. It will also pause the playing of a disc or
tape player.
Lighting
Press and release the LIGHTING push-button to momen-
tarily illuminate the upper half of the remote control push-
buttons.
Note: While the LIGHTING p sh-b tton is being depressed,
the remote control will be nable to send a remote
command. When the LIGHTING p sh-b tton is released
the p sh-b ttons will contin e to stay ill minated for
approximately three seconds th s allowing yo to send
the desired command.

16
Performan e Charts
Loudness Compensation Range
dB
(De ibel)
Hz (Hertz)












 N    N N N N
dB
(De ibel)
Frequen y Response
Hz (Hertz)
Note: The Lo dness Compensation Range is a combination of
the Lo dness Circ itry and the Vol me Controls
rotational position. When the Lo dness Circ it is active,
the first 50% rotation of the Vol me Control achieves
maxim m lo dness compensation, as shown on the
pper c rve. When the Vol me control is rotated beyond
the 50% point, the lo dness compensation is grad ally
red ced, as shown by the remaining c rves.












 N    N N N N

17
















 N    N
dB
(De ibel)
Hz (Hertz)
Bass Control Adjustment Range
Treble Control Adjustment Range
Hz (Hertz)
dB
(De ibel)
Performan e Charts, ont

















 N    N N N N

18
Spe ifi ations
Spe ifi ations
Power Output
250, 200, 120 watts minimum sine wave continuous aver-
age power output per channel, both channels operating,
into a load impedance of 2, 4, and 8 ohms respectively.
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum at any power level from 250 milliwatts
to rated power per channel from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, both
channels operating.
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak output per channel
does not exceed twice the rated output with both channels
operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to
20,000Hz.
Output Load Impedance
2, 4 or 8 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dynamic Headroom
2.4dB at 2, 4 or 8 ohms
Damping Factor
60 at 2 Ohms
120 at 4 ohms
230 at 8 ohms
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Signal To Noise Ratio (A Weighted)
90dB (84dB IH ) below 10mV input, Phono Input
100dB (90dB IH ) below rated output, High Level
110dB below rated output, Power Amplifier
Sensitivity
Phono, 2.5mV for 2.5V rated output (0.5mV IH )
High Level, 250mV for 2.5V rated output (50mV IH )
Power Amplifier Input, 2.5V for rated output
Input Impedance
Phono, 47K ohms, 65p
High Level, 22K ohms
Maximum Input Signal
Phono, 90mV
High Level, 8V
Preamplifier Maximum Voltage Output
Phono, 90mV at tape output
High Level, 8V at tape output
Main Out, 8V at preamp output
Voltage Gain
High Level to Tape: 0dB
High Level to Main: 20dB
Tone ontrols
Bass Control ± 12dB @20Hz
Treble Control ± 12dB @10kHz
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.8 Amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.4 Amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 4.0 Amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.0 Amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.0 Amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.0 Amps
NOTE: Refer to the rear panel of the MA6500 for the correct
voltage.
Dimensions
17-1/2 inches (44.5 cm) wide by 7 1/16 inches (17.9 cm)
high. Depth behind front panel is 18-1/8 inches (46 cm)
including connectors. Knob clearance required in front of
the mounting panel is 1-1/8 inches (2.9 cm).
Weight
41 pounds (18.6 Kg) net, 60 pounds (27.2 Kg) in shipping
carton

19
Pa king Instru tions
Pa king Instru tions
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033888 Shipping carton only
4 033887 End cap ( oam pad)
1 033697 Inside carton only
1 033725 Top Pad
1 034008 Bottom pad
3 017218 Plastic foot (spacer)
1 033699 Wood skid
2 101169 #10 x 2-¼ Wood screw
2 104033 #10 x 1-¾ lat washer
4 017218 Plastic foot
4 100159 #10-32 x ¾ Machine screw
4 104083 #10 x 7/16 lat washer
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 at-
tached to the bottom of the equipment. Two #10 x 2-1/4
screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit securely
to the bottom pad and wood skid. This will ensure the
proper equipment location on the bottom pad. ailure 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 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.

McIntosh Part No. 04063201
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903