McIntosh MA6900 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 139 3-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Owners
Manual
MA6900
MA6900 Integrated Amplifier

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO
RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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 constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
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.
The e clamation point within an equi-
lateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servic-
ing) instructions in the literature ac-
companying the appliance.
General:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all 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.
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. Unplug this equipment during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Installation:
9. The equipment shall be installed near the AC Socket
Outlet and the disconnect device shall be easily acces-
sible.
10. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accor-
dance with the manufacturers instructions.
11. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other equipment (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
12. Do not use this equipment near water.
13. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.
14. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the manu-
facturer, or sold with the equipment.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/equipment combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
onnection:
15. Connect this equipment only to the type of AC power
source as marked on the unit.
16. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the equipment.
17. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.

3
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
1 . Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or inte-
gral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk
of fire or electric shock.
19. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
are of Equipment:
20. Clean only with a dry cloth.
21. Do not permit objects or liquids of any kind to be
pushed, spilled and/or fall into the equipment through
enclosure openings.
22. Unplug the power cord from the AC power outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
Repair of Equipment:
23. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Ser-
vicing is required when the equipment has been dam-
aged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the equipment, the equipment has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
24. Do not attempt to service beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other service should be re-
ferred to qualified service personnel.
25. 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.
26. 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.
Customer Service
Technical Assistance
Please Take A Moment
Thank You
Copyright 2001 ã by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
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 MA6900 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:
Purchase 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 Department. For as-
sistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the
McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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]
Fax: [phone]

4
Performance eatures
Introduction and Performance eatures
Introduction
·Power Output
The MA6900 consists of two separate power amplifier
channels, each capable of 200 watts into 2, 4 or ohm
speakers with less than 0.005% distortion.
·Electronic Input Switching
Digital Logic integrated circuits drive Electromagnetic
Switches on all six inputs and operating functions for reli-
able, noiseless, distortion free switching.
·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.
·Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MA6900 will have a long and trouble
free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits
guard against overheating.
·Patented Autoformers
McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Autoformers
provide an ideal match between the amplifier output stages
and speaker loads of 2, 4 and ohms. The Autoformers
also provide perfect DC protection for your valuable loud-
speakers.
·Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Meters on the MA6900 are
peak responding, and indicate the power output of the am-
plifier.
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MA6900 Integrated Amplifier.
Two 200 watt high current output channels will drive any
high quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate perfor-
mance and the flexible Preamplifier Selection provides for
hookup and control of various input sources. The MA6900
reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accu-
rate. The McIntosh Sound is The Sound of the Music It-
self.
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation ........................................................................ 6
Rear Panel Connections and Switch ................................. 7
How to Connect for Loudspeakers ...................................
How to Connect for Audio and Data Control ................... 9
How to Connect for Video .............................................. 10
How to Connect for a Second Room .............................. 11
Front Panel Controls, Display, Indicator Push-Button
and Switch ...................................................................... 12
How to Operate ............................................................... 13
Remote Control Push-Buttons ........................................ 16
How to Operate by Remote Control ............................... 17
Technical Description ..................................................... 1
Specifications ................................................................. 22
Packing Instruction ......................................................... 23
General Notes
1. The following parts are available from the McIntosh Parts
Department:
Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 con uctor shiel e , with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.
Jumper Plugs Part No. 117-781
RCA Phono Jumpers, 14mm center spacing.
2. For a itional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connecte to the MA6900.
3. The MA6900 mutes the speaker outputs for approximately two
secon s when first turne on.
4. It is very important that lou speaker cables of a equate size
be use , so that there will be no power loss. The size is
specifie in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire Gauge).
The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size:
If your lou speaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge.
If your lou speaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge.
5. Pin configuration for the XLR Balance Input connectors on
the MA6900: PIN 1: Shiel or groun
PIN 2: + input
PIN 3: - input
6. In the event that the MA6900 over heats, ue to improper
ventilation an /or high ambient temperature, the protection
circuits will activate. The Front Panel Power Guar LEDs
will continuously in icate ON an the au io will be mute .
When the MA6900 has returne to a safe operating
temperature, normal operation will resume.

5
MA6900 Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MA6900. There is additional infor-
mation on the next page pertaining to installing the
MA6900 into cabinets.
MA6900 Dimensions
17-1/2"
44.45cm
7 -5/8"
19.37cm
3/16"
0.48cm
16-1/16"
40.8cm
Front View of the MA6900
Rear View of the MA6900
Side View of the MA6900
7 -1/8"
18.10cm
13/16"
2.06cm
6"
15.24cm
12-3/16"
30.96cm
18-3/4"
47.63cm
16-1/2"
41.91cm
6-1/4"
15.88cm
1"
2.54cm
13"
33.02cm

6
Installation
The MA6900 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 four feet
may be removed from the bottom of the MA6900 when it
is custom installed as outlined below. The four feet to-
gether with the mounting screws should be retained for
possible future use if the MA6900 is removed from the
custom installation and used free standing. The required
panel cutout, ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are
shown.
Always provide
adequate ventilation
for your MA6900.
Cool operation en-
sures the longest
possible operating
life for any elec-
tronic instrument. Do
not install the
MA6900 directly
above a heat generat-
ing component such
as a high powered
amplifier. If all the
components are in-
stalled in a single
cabinet, a quiet run-
ning ventilation fan
can be a definite as-
set in maintaining all
the system compo-
nents at the coolest
possible operating
temperature.
A custom cabinet
installation should
provide the follow-
ing minimum spac-
ing dimensions for
cool operation. Al-
low at least 6 inches
(15.24cm) above the
top, 2 inches
(3. 1cm) below the
bottom and 1 inch
Installation
6- 5/8 "
16.83cm
17- 1/16 "
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
MA6900 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
Cutout
Opening
for
Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
MA6900 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MA6900 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
14- 1/2 "
36.83cm
1"
2.54cm
6"
15.24cm
Opening
for Ventilation
10- 3/8 "
26.35cm
13"
33.02cm
13"
33.02cm
14- 1/8 "
35.88cm
2"
5.08cm
(2.54cm) on each side of the amplifier, so that airflow is
not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50. cm) depth behind the
front panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) 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.

7
MA6900 Rear Panel Connections and Switch
Main Fuse holder,
refer to information
on the back panel
of your MA6900 to
determine the cor-
rect fuse size and
rating
Right UTPUT
Connections for
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeakers
Left UTPUT
Connections for
2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeakers
The EXT
(external)
SENS R(s)
for a Keypad
or IR Sensor
TAPE input
accepts signals
from the out-
put of a tape
deck
GND terminal
accepts a
ground wire
from a turn-
table
VIDE inputs
for audio signals
from a LV, VCR,
TV or an A/V
Selector
P WER C NTR L
MAIN utput sends
a turn-on signal to an
external McIntosh
Power Amplifier
when the MA6900 is
turned on
P WER C NTR L 1 and 2
utputs send a turn-on signal
to an external McIntosh
Power Amplifier when the
MA6900 Front Panel utput
1 and/or 2 is n
P WER C NTR L
ACC utput sends a
turn-on signal to a
McIntosh Source
Component or Power
Control unit when the
MA6900 is turned on
DATA P RTS send
signals to McIntosh
Compatible Compo-
nents to allow control
with the remote con-
trol
Connect the
MA6900 power
cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to in-
formation on the
back panel to deter-
mine the correct
voltage
CD1 balanced INPUTS
accept high level program
source signals
UTPUTS 1
and 2 supply
the Preamplifier
utput to either
the internal or
external power
amplifier
P WER AMP IN
inputs accept sig-
nals from a sepa-
rate external
preamplifier
JUMPER PLUGS
connect the Pream-
plifier UTPUT 1
Jacks to the P WER
AMP IN Jacks and
are needed for nor-
mal operation
TAPE UTPUTS
provide the Record
ut Signal
AUX accepts high level program
source signals, PH accepts signals
from a Moving Magnet phono car-
tridge, and the small slide switch
selects which one of these two in-
puts is active when the front panel
PH/AUX Push-button is pressed
TUNER and
CD2 inputs ac-
cept signals
from the output
of a tuner and
CD player

8
How to Connect Loudspeakers
Caution: The supplied C Power Cord should not be
connected to the Rear Panel of the M 6900
mplifier until after the Loudspeaker Connections
have been made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.
1. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables that attach to
the Amplifier by choosing one of the methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to figures 1, 2 & 3. If the cable is stranded,
carefully twist
the strands to-
gether as tightly
as possible.
Note: If esire ,
the twiste
en s can be tinne with sol er to keep the stran s
together, or attach spa e lug an /or banana
connector.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of
the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and
tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out.
Refer to figures 4, 5 & 6.
Banana plug connection:
Insert the banana plug into the hole at the top of the
terminal.
Note: Banana Plugs are for use in the Unite States an
Cana a only.
2. Connect the loudspeaker hookup cables to the output
terminals that match the impedance of your loudspeak-
ers, being careful to observe the correct polarities. Out-
put impedance connections of 2 ohms, 4 ohms and
ohms are provided. If the impedance of your loud-
speakers is in-between the available connections, use
the nearest lower impedance connection.
W RNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live
and present a risk of electric shock. For
additional instruction on making
Loudspeaker Connections contact your
McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical
Support.
Right
Loudspeaker
4 ohm
Left
Loudspeaker
4 ohm
How to Connect Loudspeakers

9
How to Connect Audio Components
1. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh CD Player
Audio Outputs to the MA6900 CD2 INPUTS.
2. Connect an Audio Cable from a McIntosh Tuner 1 Out-
puts to the MA6900 TUNER INPUTS.
3. Connect an Audio Cable from a Turntable to the
PH/AUX INPUTS and the Turntable Ground Connec-
tion to the GND grounding post.
4. Connect an Audio Cable from the MA6900 TAPE
OUTPUTS to the Record Inputs of a Tape Recorder
and from the MA6900 TAPE INPUTS to a Tape Re-
corder Outputs.
5. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6900 POWER
CONTROL ACC Jack to the Power Control In on the
McIntosh Tuner.
6. Connect a Control Cable from the McIntosh Tuner
Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In jack
on the McIntosh CD Player.
7. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6900 TUNER
DATA PORT Jack to the McIntosh Tuner Data In
(Tuner 1).
. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6900 CD2
DATA PORT Jack to the McIntosh CD Player Data In
Jack.
9. Connect the MA6900 Power Cord to a live AC outlet.
To AC Outlet
Tape Recorder Turntable
McIntosh CD Player
McIntosh Tuner
How to Connect Audio Components
Out
In

1
How to Connect for Video Switching
How to Connect for Video Switching
1. Connect a Data cable from the MA6900 VIDEO DATA
PORT to the Audio/Video Selector Data In jack.
2. Connect the Audio/Video Selector Control Center Au-
dio Outputs to the MA6900 VIDEO INPUTS.
3. Connect the Audio/Video Selector Video Monitor Out-
put to a Monitor/TV.
Note: Either or both Au io/Vi eo Selector Monitor
Output(s) may be connecte to the Monitor/TV.
4. Connect a McIntosh DVD/CD Player Audio Outputs to
the Audio/Video Selector V-Aux Audio Inputs, the
Video Output to the Audio/Video Selector Video Input
and the Control Out to the Audio/Video Selector Data
Output jack.
5. Connect a Control Cable from the MA6900 POWER
CONTROL ACC Jack to the Power Control In on the
McIntosh DVD/CD Player.
6. Connect other video source components to the appro-
priate audio and video and data jacks on the Audio/
Video Selector.
McIntosh DVD Player
Audio/Video Selector
Monitor/TV