McIntosh MA6850 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
OWNERS
MANUAL
MA6850
MA6850 Integrated Amplifier

2
Thank You.......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Customer Service............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Connections..................................................... 6
How to Connect ................................................................. 7
How to Connect with a MVS-3 and a Second Room ........ 8
Front Panel Displays and Controls .................................... 9
How to Operate................................................................ 10
HR-033 Push-Buttons ...................................................... 12
How to Operate by Remote Control ................................ 13
Specifications .................................................................. 14
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15
NOTES:
1. Connecting Cables and Connectors are available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plugs on each end.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MA6850
Integrated Amplifier.
3. There is a built-in turn on delay which will mute the speaker
outputs for approximately two seconds when the amplifier is
turned on.
4. 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. Cable size is specified in Gauge
numbers or AWG, (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the
Gauge number, the larger the wire size:
If your loudspeaker cables are 25 feet (7.62m) or less,
use at least 18 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 16 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
Customer Service
Copyright 1998 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
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 serial number is located on the rear panel of the
equipment. The spaces below have been provided for you to
record that information:
For your decision to own this McIntosh MA6850
Intergrated Amplifier ranks you at the very top among dis-
criminating 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 MA6850.
This will ensure that you receive all the performance ben-
efits this equipment can offer you, and that it will become a
highly valued part of your home entertainment system.
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
MA6850 Integrated Amplifier, contact your McIntosh
dealer. Your dealer is familiar with your McIntosh equip-
ment as well as other brands that may be included in your
system and is best qualified to help you.
If it is determined that your MA6850 is in need of repair,
you can return it to your dealer or you can return it to
McIntosh Laboratory. Contact the McIntosh Repair Depart-
ment for assistance at,
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Table of Contents
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Safety Instructions
WARNING SHOCK HAZARD -
DO NOT OPEN.
AVIS RISQUE DE CHOC -
NE PAS OUVRIR.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, contained
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. Follow 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 pressure
levels. Continued exposure to high sound pressure
levels can cause permanent hearing impairment or
loss. User caution is advised and ear protection is
recommended when playing at high volumes.
6. Caution: to prevent electrical shock do not use this
(polarized) plug with an extension cord, receptacle or
other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
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. For 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. For 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.
Connection:
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 pur-
pose of the grounding-type plug.
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.
Care 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.

4
Performance Features
Safety Instructions cont,
Introduction and Performance Features
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 follow-
ing the operating instructions contained within this
owners manual. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions, as an im-
proper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the product to its nor-
mal operation.
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
F. 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 con-
dition.
Introduction
·150 Watt per Channel Integrated Amplifier
The MA6850 combines 150 watt per channel power ampli-
fier with McIntosh Autoformers and a sophisticated control
center in one compact unit.
·Power Guard with Sentry Monitor
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 loud-
speakers. Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MA6850 will have a long and trouble
free operating life.
·Illuminated Peak Responding Output Meters
Output meters respond to 95% of full scale reading with a
single cycle of a 2KHz tone burst to indicate output power
with high accuracy.
·Output and Speaker Switching
Front panel Speakers push-buttons control two pairs of
speakers when the optional SCR3 switching relay is added.
·Listen and Record Circuity
Separate Record and Listen circuits allow you to record
one program source while listening to another. Separate
signal processor loops are provided for both the Listen and
Record circuits.
·Electronic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
switches on all eight inputs and operating functions for re-
liable, noiseless, distortion free switching
·Tone Control Bypass
At the flat settings the Bass and Treble control circuit ele-
ments are removed from the Listen signal path.
·Active Loudness Circuity
A continuously variable active Loudness control allows
any degree of loudness compensation. All Loudness circuit
elements are removed from the signal path in the flat set-
ting.
The remote controlled MA6850 is a sophisticated, yet easy
to operate Integrated Amplifier that will provide the supe-
rior fidelity music reproduction that is traditional from
McIntosh. It includes a wide range of convenient operating
functions to enhance your listening enjoyment. The classic
McIntosh MA6850 will perfectly complement a pair of
McIntosh Loudspeakers for a stereo system of incompa-
rable performance and style.

5
Installation
The MA6850 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 MA6850.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MA6850
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.
Installation
17-1/2"
444mm
17-1/16"
433.4mm
7/32"
5.3mm
Support Shelf
Outline of Front Panel
Edge of Cutout
Panel Height
7.00"
177.8mm
6-9/16"
166.7mm
1/4"
6mm
3/16"
5.1mm
End Caps
7-1/16"
179.8mm
Bottom of Cutout and Top
of Support Shelf Must
Coincide
Mounting Surface
Outline of Unit
(Side View)
Support Shelf
Mounting Bracket at Both Sides of the Rear Panel.
Fasten with 6-32 x 3/8 Machine Screw and Washer to Chassis.
Fasten with 6 x 1/2 Wood Screw and Washer to Support Shelf
6"
15"
9"
Mounting Surface
Cut Out Center
for Ventilation
(Bottom View)
(Front View)
Cut Out Center
for Ventilation
Front View of an MA6850
custom installed
A custom cabinet installation should provide the follow-
ing minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow
at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the top and 1 inch (2.54
cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is not ob-
structed. Allow 21 inches (53.3 cm) depth behind the
mounting panel, which includes 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 according to the dimensions in the
drawing.
NOTE: In Europe, if the MA6850 is custom mounted, an
additional ventilation opening of 1-1/2 inch (3.8 cm) in
height, running the full width of the front panel, needs to
be directly above the front top of the MA6850.
Side View of an MA6850
custom installed
Bottom View of an MA6850
custom installed
See the note above

6
MA6850 Rear Panel Connections
MA6850 Rear Panel Connections
Connect the
MA6850 power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to
information on the
back panel to de-
termine the cor-
rect voltage
Fuse holder,
refer to
infromation on
the back panel
to determine
the correct
fuse size and
rating.
DATA PORTs send signals
to compatible source com-
ponents to allow you to
remotely control them
POWER
CONTROL
Output sends
a turn-on sig-
nal to a
McIntosh
Component
High Level
Inputs accept
signals from
the output of
a TUNER,
CD 1 & 2,
TAPE 1, 2 &
3 and AUX
RECORD TAPE 1, 2
and 3 OUTPUTS
supply record signals
for tape recorders
SPEAKERS allows
one pair of speakers to
be connected
SUM Data port
allows connection
to a McIntosh Re-
mote Control
Translator
PREAMP OUT send signals to an ex-
ternal power amp inputs, POWER
AMP IN jacks accept signals from an
external preamplifier or signal source,
EXT-IN PWR AMP INPUT switch
disconnects the power amplifier from
the built-in preamplifier
The EXT (external)
Sensor for a McIntosh
Keypad or IR sensor.
The HOME Data
Port is for use with
the optional HC-1
Home Controller
LISTEN
PROCESSOR
FROM and
TO jacks for a
Listen signal
processor
RECORD
PROCESSOR
FROM and TO
jacks for a
Record signal
processor
SCR for the
optional McIn-
tosh Speaker
Control Relay.
VIDEO, inputs for
audio signals from
VCR, TV, LD or
the optional MVS-3
A/V Selector
SPEAKERS allows
one pair of speakers to
be connected

7
McIntosh Tuner
How to Connect the MA6850
How to Connect the MA6850
To AC Outlet
McIntosh CD Player
Tape Recorder
McIntosh PC-3
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Right 4Ω
Loudspeaker
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Left 4Ω
Loudspeaker
1. Connect the MA6850 power cord to a live AC outlet.
2. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate ter-
minals for your loudspeakers, being careful to observe
the correct polarities. Output impedance connections of
2 ohms. 4 ohms and 8 ohms are provided. If the imped-
ance of your loudspeakers is rated at other than the
listed impedance connections, use the nearest lower
connection.
NOTE: To prevent the possibility of
user contact with potentially
dangerous voltages, install the
protective cover(s) over the
loudspeaker output terminals
after the loudspeaker cables
have been connected. The
covers and cover mounting
screws are located in an
accessory package that is enclosed in the amplifier
shipping carton. There are two types of screws in the
package. Install the protective covers with the Phillips,
6-32 by 5/16 inch self tapping screws. The other screws
are No. 6 by ½ inch wood screws used to secure the
amplifier custom mounting brackets to a shelf.
3. 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.
4. Connect cables from a McIntosh CD Player to the CD1
INPUTS. Connect a second CD Player to the CD-2 IN-
PUTS. Connect a McIntosh tuner to the TUNER IN-
PUTS.
5. Connect a cable from the POWER CONTROL jack to
the Power Control In on a McIntosh component or
Power Controller.
6. Connect a cable(s) from the DATA PORTS to the com-
ponents that are to be controlled by the MA6850.
NOTE: If a Signal Processor is used in either the Record or
Listen channels, connect cables from the Signal
Processor Outputs to the Processor From jacks, and the
Signal Processor Inputs to the Processor to jacks.
Activate the signal process circuits as needed with the
front panel Lis Proc or Rec Proc push-buttons.
Listen Signal
Processor
Record Signal
Processor

8
How to Connect the MA6850 with a
MVS-3 and a Second Room
To AC Outlet
How to Connect the MA6850 with a MVS-3
and a Second Room
Second Room
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Left 4ΩLoudspeaker
McIntosh
Remote
Sensor
McIntosh MLD7020 Video Disc Player McIntosh MVS-3 A/V Selector
1. Connect the MVS-3 power cord to a Switched outlet
on a McIntosh PC-3 Power Controller.
2. Connect a Data cable from the MA6850 Video Data
Port to the MVS-3 Data In jack.
3. Connect the MVS-3 Control Center Audio Outputs to
the MA6850 Video Inputs.
4. Connect a McIntosh LD Player audio outputs to the
MVS-3 LV Audio Inputs and the Data Out to the MVS-
3 LV Data Port.
5. Connect other video source components in a similar
manor and refer to the MVS-3 Owners Manual for
Video Connections.
6. Connect an SCR-3 Switching Relay cable to the
MA6850 SCR jack and the MA6850 Speaker outputs
to the SCR-3 Power Amplifier terminals.
7. Connect cables from the main area loudspeakers to the
SCR-3 Speaker 1 terminals and cables from the second
room loudspeakers to the Speaker 2 terminals.
8. Connect a coax cable (RG6 or RG59/U) from the
MA6850 EXT Sensor jack to a McIntosh remote sen-
sor in the second room.

9
MA6850 Front Panel Displays
and Controls
MA6850 Front Panel Displays and Controls
METER indicate power output
of the right amplifier channel
POWER GUARD LEDs light
when the amplifier channel
Power Guard Circuit activates
METER indicate power output
of the left amplifier channel
IR (Infra Red) sensor accepts
IR signals directly from an
HR033 Remote Control
POWER
switch turns
all AC power
completely
ON or OFF
MUTE push-button
mutes audio at the
Preamp and
Speaker Outputs
STANDBY/ON
push-button turns
the MA6850 ON,
or OFF (Standby)
LOUDNESS control
(smaller inner knob)
provides adjustable fre-
quency response con-
toured to compensate
for the behavior of the
human ear at softer lis-
tening levels.
The BALANCE control
(large outter knob) al-
lows you to adjust the
relative volume balance
between channels
TREBLE control
provides 12dB
boost or cut with
a flat center posi-
tion
BASS control
provides 12dB
boost or cut with
a flat center posi-
tion RECORD selector
selects which of the
eight input program
signal sources will
appear at the
Record Outputs
Volume control allows you
to adjust the listening level
at the Pre Amp and Speak-
ers outputs
Listen selector se-
lects which of the
eight input signal
sources will appear
at the Pre Amp and
Speakers outputs
Indicates volume
level in % from
1 to 99
Press to activate
the Listen and
Record processor
circuits
MONO push-button
combines the left
and right channels
for mono operation
at the Speakers and
Pre Amp outputs.
The Record Outputs
are not affected
Press to select either pair
of loudspeakers or both
pairs at the same time
when the optional SCR-3
Speaker Control Relay is
added
Press Rec Mon
(Record Monitor)
to listen to the sig-
nal being sent to
the Record Out-
puts
POWER GUARD LEDs light
when the amplifier channel
Power Guard Circuit activates
Stand-by On
Indicator

10
Power On
Press the Power Switch to on. The red LED to the right of
the switch lights to indicate the MA6850 is in standby
mode. For normal operation, turn the MA6850 on and off
with the Standby/On push-button. If the amplifier is not
going to be used for an extended time, turn off all AC
power with Power Switch. Refer to Figure 1.
NOTE: You may also turn on the MA6850 using the HR033
Remote Control.
Source Selection
Select the desired listening source with the LISTEN
Switch.
Volume Control
Adjust the VOLUME control for the desired listening
level.
Balance Control
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 Controls
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
How to Operate the MA6850
How to Operate the MA6850
removed from the signal path when the controls are in the
center or flat position.
Loudness Control
After first setting the desired listening volume, rotate the
LOUDNESS control clockwise to increase the intensity of
the bass according to your listening preference. When the
LOUDNESS control is in the fully counter clockwise or
flat position, all loudness circuit elements are removed
from the signal path.
Mono
Press the MONO push-button to combine left and right ste-
reo signals to mono at the PRE-AMP OUTPUTS and
Speaker Outputs.
Mute
Press the MUTE push-button to mute audio at the Preamp
and Speaker Outputs.
Listen Processor
Press the front panel Lis Proc (Listen Processor) push-but-
ton to select the signal processor that will affect the listen
channels. The normal listen signal will be sent out to the
Processor to be modified and then received back into the
listen channels. For example, a processor in the listen chan-
nels, such as an equalizer, can be used to modify the sound
that is heard in the loudspeakers to satisfy a specific
listeners needs.
Record Processor
Press the Rec Proc (Record Processor) push-button to se-
lect the processor that will affect all three record outputs.
The record signals will be sent out to the processor to be
modified and then received back to appear at the record
outputs. The type of processor used can modify the record
signals to make an improved quality recording. Any pro-
cessing used to modify the record output signal will not
affect the listen signals. To listen to the record signals at
any time, press the Rec Mon push-button.
Note: If a processor is connected and selected, the processor
must be on and operating or in bypass mode for signal
to pass through the system. If a processor is selected
and no processor is connected, no signal will pass
through.
Figure 1

11
How to Operate the MA6850 cont
How to Read the Power Output Meters
Figure 2
How To Make A Tape Recording
The separate RECORD and LISTEN switches allow you to
make a tape recording from one program source while lis-
tening to another. You can also listen (monitor) to the re-
corded signal off the tape, a fraction of a second later, dur-
ing recording when a three head tape recorder is used. Re-
fer to Figure 2
1. Select the desired program source to record with the
front panel RECORD selector switch.
2. If a signal processor is connected for use in the record
channels, press the Rec Proc push-button to select the
record processor.
3. Adjust the record level using the tape recorder volume
control.
4. To listen to the tape playback of the program source just
recorded, turn the LISTEN switch to the desired input.
5. Press the Rec Mon (Record Monitor) at any time to lis-
ten to the program signals that are being sent to the
Record Outputs.
NOTE: The MA6850 RECORD OUTPUTS are not affected by
the VOLUME or BALANCE controls. To listen to a
different program source while recording, turn the
LISTEN switch to the desired source. The recording
process will not be affected and will continue.
Speakers 1 and 2
With the optional SCR-3 Speaker Control Relay
connected, select either one of two pairs of loud-
speakers or both pairs at the same time.
Reset of Microprocessors
In the event that the controls of the MA6850 stop
functioning push the POWER switch OFF and wait
about two minutes, then push the POWER switch
ON followed by pushing the STANDBY/ON push
button. This will reset the MA6850 microproces-
sors and the Amplifier should be functioning nor-
mally.
NOTE: The above condition is usually caused by either
interruptions in AC power and/or major
changes in voltage.
Meter Reading Actual Power Output Meter Reading Actual Power Output
150 150 Watts .15 0.15 Watts
- 60 Watts - 0.06 Watts
- 30 Watts - 0.03 Watts
15 15 Watts 15mw 15 Milliwatts
- 6 Watts - 6 Milliwatts
- 3 Watts - 3 Milliwatts
1.5 1.5 Watts 1.5mw 1.5 Milliwatts
- 0.6 Watts - 0.6 Milliwatts
- 0.3 Watts - 0.3 Milliwatts
The MA6850 Power Output meters are peak responding
and accurately indicate the actual wattage delivered to the
loudspeakers by responding to the combination of current
and voltage output. The power outputs for the meter scale
indications between the numerical markings (high-lighted
in gray) are shown below.

12
HR033 Push-Buttons
HR033 Push-Buttons
Select any of the audio
sources high level input
Selects any one of five
externaly switched Audio/
Video Program Sources
Turns power ON to a
component connected via
the Data Port
Adjusts the volume
level up or down
Reviews tuner
station presets Select CD player, CD
changer or tape recorder
functions
Press to operate
the optional
McIntosh Home
Controller
Press to turn off
the entire
MA6850 system
off
Press to turn the MA6850
ON or OFF
Use to select tuner
presets or any num-
bered operation
Select FM tuner
operating func-
tions
Select AM tuner
operating functions
Select Switched two pairs
of speakers when the op-
tional McIntosh Speaker
Relay is added
Mutes the audio
Tunes to the next
radio station
Note: The HR033 Remote Control push-buttons
that are shown in black only work with
other McIntosh Products

13
How to Operate the HR033
How to Operate HR033
Mute
Press MUTE to mute the LISTEN signals at the PREAMP
and SPEAKER Outputs. 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 PREAMP and SPEAKER Out-
puts.
Audio
Press any of the eight Audio push-buttons to select a LIS-
TEN program source.
Video/Audio Selection
When the optional McIntosh MVS Audio/Video Selector is
added, first press VIDEO, and then the desired push-button
to select any of the five A/V sources connected to the
MVS.
CD/Tape
Use these push-buttons to operate a CD player, CD changer
or tape recorder, when the component is connected to the
MA6850 with a McIntosh RCT Translator.
Numbered Push-buttons
Press push-buttons 0 through 9 to access tuner station pre-
sets, CD tracks/discs, or operate a McIntosh Home Con-
troller.
Disc and Track
Use the DISC and TRACK push-buttons when a CD player
or changer is being used.
Tuner Push-buttons
Use with a McIntosh tuner. Select AM or FM broadcast
band. Press and release SEEK Up or Down to move from
station to station. Press and hold a SEEK 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, the Record Outputs are
not affected.
Speaker Selection
Press SPKR 1 or SPKR 2 push-buttons either separately or
together, to control the optional McIntosh Speaker Control
Relay which can switch two pairs of speakers on and off,
separately or together.
Home
When the optional HC-1 Home Controller is added to the
MA6850 system, press the SV/HM (Home) push-button to
select the HC-1. Within 5 seconds press one of the num-
bered push-buttons to activate a desired relay in the HC-1.
Acc On
Press Acc On to turn on a McIntosh Video Disc Player or
any accessory component connected using a McIntosh Re-
mote Control Translator.
NOTE: When other brands of components are connected with a
McIntosh Remote Control Translator (RCT), refer to the
RCT Owners Manual for further information on
alternate HR033 push-button functions.

14
Specifications
Specifications
Power Output Per Channel
150 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm loads minimum sine wave
continuous average power output per channel both channels
operating.
Output Load Impedance
2, 4 or 8 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20,000Hz
Dynamic Headroom
2.4dB
Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% maximum at any power level from 250 milliwatts
to rated power per channel from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, all
channels operating.
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% maximum if instantaneous peak output per channel
does not exceed twice the rated output with all channels
operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to
20,000Hz.
Signal To Noise Ratio
110dB below rated output, Power Amplifier (A-weighted)
100dB below rated output, Preamplifier (A-weighted)
Sensitivity
250mV for 2.5V rated output, Preamplifier inputs
2.5V for rated output, Power Amplifier
Preamplifier Maximum Voltage Output
8V from 20Hz to 20,000Hz
Preamplifier Maximum Input Signal
10V
Damping Factor
Greater than 40
Power Requirements
100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 7.8 amps
110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 7.2 amps
120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.5 amps
220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.15 amps
230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.15 amps
240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 3.15 amps
NOTE: Refer to the rear panel of the MA6850 for the correct
voltage
Dimensions
Front Panel: 17/1/2 inches (44.5cm) wide, 7-1/16 inches
(17.9cm) high. Depth behind front mounting panel is 20
inches (50.8cm) including clearance for connectors. Panel
clearance required in front of mounting panel is 1-1/8
inches (2.9cm).
Weight
70 pounds (31.86Kg) net, 89 pounds (40.4Kg) in shipping
carton

15
Packing Instructions
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. Three #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. Failure 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 car-
ton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or
write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labora-
tory. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 033888 Shipping carton only
4 033887 End cap (Foam pad)
1 033697 Inside carton only
1 033725 Top Pad
1 033698 Bottom pad
3 017218 Plastic foot (spacer)
1 033699 Wood skid
3 101169 #10 x 2-¼ Wood screw
3 104033 #10 x 1-¾ Wood screw
4 017218 Plastic foot
4 100159 #10-32 x ¾ Machine screw
4 104083 #10 x 7/16 Flat washer
1 040572 Shipping carton complete with
all the above parts
Packing Instructions

McIntosh Part No. 04058101
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903