McIntosh MA6900 User manual

MA6900 Integrated Amplifier

See “SYSTEMS ENGINEERING”
in the main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
Featured Technologies
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH OUTPUT AUTOFORMERS. An impedance mismatch between a power
amplifier and a loudspeaker can cause distortion and a reduction in power. The legendary
McIntosh autoformer is a hand-crafted transformer with output connections for 2, 4, and 8 ohms,
allowing an ideal impedance match between amp and speaker. A McIntosh amplifier with an
autoformer can also safely drive multiple speakers connected in parallel without shortening
the life of the output stage. There is absolutely no performance penalty with an autoformer. In
fact, its frequency response exceeds that of the output circuit itself, and extends well beyond
the audible range. Distortion is so low it is virtually immeasurable.
ILLUMINATED PEAK-RESPONDING METERS. McIntosh meters respond 95% full scale to a
single-cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Response is almost 10-times faster than a professional VU meter.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING. In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels
to a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel,
the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add to
the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input.
The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal
leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and
the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the
coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the
leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion
of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning.
Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly “off,” eliminating potential sources of
interference.
PRECISION-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL. Level differences among channels in a stereo or
surround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of McIntosh volume
controls are electronically trimmed for superior tracking.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH POWER ASSURANCE SYSTEM. Power Assurance is a collection of
technologies that enhance performance and reliability and protect the amp and the loudspeakers.
Power Guard®clipping protection. Power Guard ensures that the amplifier will always
deliver full power without causing excessive clipping distortion. Clipping not only sounds
harsh, but also is the most common cause of tweeter burn out. If an amplifier channel is over-
driven, Power Guard automatically reduces the input volume just enough to keep distortion
below 2% and minimizes clipping distortion. Power Guard acts faster than hearing response
time, producing absolutely no audible side effects. An amplifier with Power Guard will actual-
ly deliver low distortion output well above its rated power.
Sentry Monitor®current protection. Sentry Monitor continually senses the voltage and current
of the output stage and confines it to a safe limit. Sentry Monitor does not limit power output.
Those considering a McIntosh system for the first time will find integrated
amplifiers a comfortable place to start. In virtually every respect the MA6900
performs as well as McIntosh separates. The MA6900 incorporates premium
McIntosh technologies – including autoformers, Power Assurance, and Silent
Electromagnetic Switching – as well as several features that facilitate system inte-
gration and expansion.
McIntosh MA6900 Integrated Amplifier
The input selectors on the
MA6900 actually control state-
of-the-art silent electromagnetic
switches.
lead
coil
sealed glass tube
circuit completes
when leads touch
lead
switching command causes
DC voltage at coil

The McIntosh products shown at right are logical
companions for the MA6900. Separate literature
is available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for
late additions.
MVP841 DVD/CD/Video CD Player. The MVP841
delivers crystal-clear DVD video and outputs
Dolby Digital®and DTS®surround sound.
MR85 AM/FM Tuner with Dual Tuners. Ideal for
multiroom systems, the MR85 is available with a
second tuner (the TM1 module) that operates
independently. A thoroughly engineered broad-
cast monitor, the MR85 reveals the upper limits
of AM and FM performance. The supplied RAA1
AM antenna can be positioned away from
sources of interference (e.g., TV sets, fluorescent
lights) for greatly improved AM quality.
MVS3 A/V Selector. The MVS3 connects to the
VIDEO data output of the MA6900 and accom-
modates five additional A/V sources.
RCT4 Remote Translator. The Translator allows
non-McIntosh components to be operated with a
McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller. It
connects to the data outputs on the MA6900.
PC4 AC Power Controller. The PC4 provides
five AC outlets (four switched) for turning non-
McIntosh components on and off automatically
when it is connected to the power control output
of a Control Center or Integrated Amplifier.
HC1 Home Controller. The HC1 connects to the
HOME data output and allows operation of other
devices such as lights and movie screens via a
McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller.
WK2 Keypad Controller or R649 IR Sensor.
With switching for two outputs, the MA6900 can
feed music to a second zone with the addition of
a power amp and operation via keypad or sen-
sor.
Academy Series Loudspeakers. The Academy
loudspeakers satisfy the often contradictory
demands of pure music versus movie sound. All
Academy loudspeakers use the acclaimed
LD/HP®driver – which significantly reduces bass
distortion while increasing power handling.
Academy models are available in floorstanding,
bookshelf, in-wall, and subwoofer models in a
variety of finishes.
MA6900 Companion Products
RCT4 REMOTE TRANSLATOR
MVP841 DVD/CD/VIDEO CD PLAYER
PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLER
MR85 AM/FM TUNER
MVS3 A/V SELECTOR
Thermal Cutout. If the cooling air is blocked and the power transistors become too hot,
thermal cutouts protect against overheating until the amp cools.
DC Failure protection. In the rare event of an output circuit failure, any DC current that appears in
the output is shunted to ground by the autoformer, protecting the loudspeakers from damage.
Turn-On Delay. This circuit delays operation for about two seconds after turn-on in order to avoid
any pops or thumps generated as other equipment turns on.
Soft Start inrush protection. Thermistors in the power transformer primary circuit act as a cush-
ion against inrush current, eliminating component stress during turn-on. Soft Start is one of many
design details that contribute to the remarkable longevity of McIntosh equipment.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH 5-BAND EQUALIZER. The equalizer provides 12dB of boost or cut at cen-
ter frequencies of 30, 150, 500, 1500, and 10000Hz. Notice that the center frequencies are clus-
tered at the lower end of the spectrum where room correction is most often needed. When an
equalizer control is in the center or flat position, its circuit components are completely removed
from the signal path.
CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the MA6900 outputs control data for
source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh components either by direct con-
nection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator.
REMOTE POWER CONTROL. This enables the MA6900 to turn other McIntosh components on/off.
Featured Technologies (cont’d.)
0 dB
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L
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20Hz 200Hz 2kHz
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20Hz 200Hz 2kHz
The patented McIntosh Power Guard in the
MA6900 provides real-time clipping protection
without affecting power output or sound quality.
a. test signal b. overdriven amp without Power
Guard produces SEVERE clipping c. overdriven
amp with Power Guard produces NO clipping
abc
Consumer electronics products usually are viewed as short-
term investments because they don’t last or they quickly
become obsolete in some way. But behind every McIntosh is
a fifty-year heritage of excellence, proudly carried forward
by every employee. No production lines, no “price-point”
engineering, no planned obsolescence. McIntosh equipment
is made to sound better and last longer.
When customers are presented with McIntosh products, cri-
teria they have been conditioned to overlook – reliability,
longevity, craftsmanship, ease-of-use, adaptability, pride of
ownership – suddenly leap to the top of their list. The choice
then becomes clear: There is nothing like a McIntosh.
Why
Choose
McIntosh?
HC1 HOME CONTROLLER
WK2 KEYPAD CONTROLLER; R649 SENSOR
LS320
Floorstanding, bookshelf, in-wall, and sub-
woofer models available in a range of finishes
PS112

MA6900 Integrated Amplifier
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903
tel [phone] •U.S. toll-free (888) 979–3737 •fax [phone] •www.mcintoshlabs.com
Max. Preamp Voltage Output
Preamp output: 8V
IHF Dynamic Headroom
2.4dB @ 2, 4, or 8 ohms
Damping Factor
> 40
Maximum Input Signal
High level: 8V
Phono: 90mV
Voltage Gain
High level to tape: 0dB
High level to main: 20dB
Input Impedance
High level: 22k ohms
Phono: 47k ohms, 65pf
Main in: 20k ohms
0601.MA6900.10k.MSP
Features & Specifications
RMS Power Output (8/4/2 ohms)
200W min. sine wave continuous
average power output per channel
from 20Hz to 20kHz with both
channels operating
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +0 / -0.5dB
Output Load Impedance
2, 4, or 8 ohms
Rated Power Band
20Hz to 20kHz
Peak Output Current
> 50 amperes
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005% max. at any level from
250 milliwatts to rated power per
channel from 20Hz to 20kHz with
both channels operating
Intermodulation Distortion
0.005% max. if instantaneous
peak power does not exceed
twice the rated output
Input Sensitivity
High level: 250mV for 2.5V rated
output (50mV IHF)
Phono: 2.5mV for 2.5V rated
output (0.5mV IHF)
PWR AMP IN: 2.5V for rated
output
A-Wtd. Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Phono: 90dB below 10mV
input (84dB IHF)
High level: 100dB below rated
output (90dB IHF)
Power Amp: 110dB below rated
output
2 x 200 watts (8/4/2 ohms)
Exclusive McIntosh output autoformers
Wide power bandwidth with ultra-low distortion
Exclusive McIntosh Power Assurance System:
Power Guard®clipping protection
Sentry Monitor®current protection
Thermal Cutout
DC Failure protection
Turn-On Delay
Soft Start inrush protection
Illuminated peak-responding wattmeters
Exclusive McIntosh 5-band equalizer circuit
Silent electromagnetic switching
Precision-trimmed volume control
Loudness Compensation
6 source selections (including phono); one balanced input
Switching for 2 outputs
Accommodates more sources with McIntosh MVS3 A/V Selector
Control data output for source components
Remote power control (1 main, 1 accessory, 2 switched)
Remote operation of lights, screens, and drapes with
McIntosh HC1 Home Controller
Electronically regulated power supply with double-shielded
transformer
Gold-plated input and output jacks
Fanless convection cooling
Modular construction with polished stainless steel chassis
Glass front panel with illuminated nomenclature
Infrared remote control
Connector for external IR sensor or keypad controller
Headphone jack
Bottom internal view
Top internal view
Equalizer Controls
Variable ±12dB at 30Hz, 150Hz,
500Hz, 1500Hz, and 10kHz
Power Guard®
Clipping is prevented and THD
does not exceed 2% with up to
14dB overdrive at 1kHz
Power Requirements
120V 50/60Hz, 4A
Dimensions (h x w x d)
inch: 7.125 x 17.5 x 18.75
cm: 17.9 x 44.5 x 47.6
knob clearance: 1" (2.54 cm)
Weight
74.5 lbs. (34kg) net
92.5 lbs. (42kg) shipping