McIntosh MCT450 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www.mcintoshlabs.com
MCT450
SACD/CD Transport
Owner’s Manual

2
The lightning ash with arrowhead, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en-
closure that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
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.
WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK
OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
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.
CAUTION - Invisible Laser Radiation when open.
DO NOT stare into the beam or view
directly with optical instruments. Use
of controls or adjustments or per-
formance of procedures other than
those specified in the Owners Manual
may result in Hazardous Radiation
Exposure.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
VAROITUS!
VARNING!
Laitteen kayttaminen muulla kuin
tassa kayttoohjeessa mainitulla
tavalla saattaa altistaa kayttajan
turvallisuusluokan 1 ylittavalle
nakymattomalle lasersateiiylle.
Om apparaten anvands pa annat satt
an i denna bruksanvisning specifi-
cerats, kan anvandaren utsattas for
osynbg laserstraining, som over-
skrider gransen for laserklass 1.
This product incorporates an embedded
CLASS 3R Laser (IEC60825-1).

3
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-
ratus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar-
ized or grounding-type plug. 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 t into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by
the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold
with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when mov-
ing the cart/apparatus combina-
tion to avoid injury from tip-
over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service person-
nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects lled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from
the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.
17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall
remain readily operable.
18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such
as sunshine, re or the like.
19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a
mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Copyright 2015 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions..................................................2-3
Table of Contents .......................................................3
Thank You and Please Take a Moment......................4
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .............4
General Information ..................................................4
Connector and Cable Information ......................... 4-5
Disc Information........................................................5
Introduction................................................................5
Performance Features ................................................5
Dimensions ................................................................6
Installation .................................................................7
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections............................................. 8
Connections using Digital DIN Output ....................10
Connection Diagrams (Separate Sheet) ............. Mc1A
Connections using Digital Coaxial, Optical
or XLR ....................................................................11
Connection Diagram (Separate Sheet)............... Mc1B
Front Panel Features:
Front Panel Displays and Push-buttons ....................12
Front Panel Information Display...............................13
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons...................................14
How to use the Remote Control................................15
Operation:
How to Operate the MCT450...............................16-21
Additional Information:
Specifications........................................................... 22
Packing Instruction.................................................. 23

4
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the MCT450 SACD/CD Transport.
2. The Super Audio Compact Discs Audio Signals are
available at the Digital Audio Output DIN Connec-
tor. Compact Discs Audio Signals are available at
the Digital Audio Output XRL, Optical, Coaxial
and DIN Connectors.
3. The IR Input, with a 3.5mm mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model HL85BK Kit. Use a Connection
Block such as a Xantech Model ZC21 when two
or more IR sensors need to be connected to the
MCT450.
5. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regulations
concerning battery disposal.
6. For additional information on the MCT450 and
other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh
Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.
Thank You
Please Take A Moment
Technical Assistance
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 additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Customer Service
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 assistance 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]
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:
Serial Number: _______________________________
Purchase Date: _______________________________
Dealer Name: ________________________________
General Information
Connector and Cable Information
Your decision to own this McIntosh MCT450 SACD/
CD Transport ranks you at the very top among
discriminating music listeners. You now have “The
Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is as-
surance 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 pos-
sible with all the features and functions of your new
McIntosh.
XLR Connectors (Digital Audio)
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Digital Audio Connectors on the MCT450. Refer to
the diagram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Signal
PIN 3: - Signal
Note: When connecting to the MCT450 Digital XLR
Input and Output connectors it is important to use
a twisted pair shielded cable.
Data and IR Input Port Connectors
The MCT450 Data In Port receives
Remote Control Signals. A 1/8 inch
stereo mini phone plug is used for
connection. The IR Ports also use a
3.5mm stereo mini phone plug and
allow the connection of other brand
IR Receivers to the MCT450.
Power Control Connector
The MCT450 Power Control Input receives an On/Off
signal from +5 to +12 volts. The Power Control Output
will then send out a +12 volt
Output Signal with a total cur-
rent up to 50mA. An additional
connection is for controlling the
illumination of the Power Out-
put Meters. The 3.5mm stereo
mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh Preamplifier
or A/V Control Center Power Control Output.
PIN 1 PIN 2
PIN 3
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
IR Data
Control
Ground
N/C
Power
Control
Ground
Meter
Illumination
Control
Pass Thru

5
General Information, Cable Information, Disc Information, Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
Performance Features
The McIntosh MCT450 SACD/CD Transport offers
the latest in audio technology, providing state of the
art reproduction of audio discs. A full complement of
performance features allows for the enjoyment of the
SACD and CD Disc Audio Formats. The advanced
mechanical design of the transport ensures many years
of smooth trouble free operation.
• Twin Laser Pickup
The MCT450 incorporates two laser elements, with
different wavelengths, that are focused through one
lens assembly. This unique design allows reading both
the CD and Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) Discs
Formats.
• Advanced Transport
The MCT450 has a new transport with a Die Cast
Tray. It has the latest in advanced digital servo for
faster, quieter and accurate operation. The Disc Audio
Data is read at twice the normal rate insuring better
disc tracking and error correction processing.
• Advanced Digital DIN Output
A unique Digital DIN Output connects to McIntosh
Preamplifiers with a Digital DIN Connector for the
purist possible sound quality.
• Digital Audio Outputs
The MCT450 Digital Outputs include Coaxial, Opti-
cal, XRL and DIN Connections.
• Power Control and Full Function Remote Control
The Power Control Input Connection switches the
MCT450 On/Off with other McIntosh Components in
a system. The Remote Control with illuminated push-
buttons provides complete control of the MCT450
operating functions.
• Multi-Function Front Panel Display
The MCT450 Front Panel display indicates the current
disc playback status.
• Special Power Supply
The Linear Power Supply has both a special R-Core
Power Transformer and Multiple Regulators to ensure
stable noise free operation even though the power line
varies.
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
The MCT450 has the famous McIntosh Illuminated
Glass Front Panel and Stainless Steel Super Mirror
Finish Chassis. These highly durable materials will
ensure the pristine beauty of the MCT450 will be
retained for many years.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished
by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic
Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Di-
odes (LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumina-
tion and is designed to ensure the pristine beauty of
the MCT450 will be retained for many years.
1. The MCT450 is designed to play round Compact
Discs; do not try other shapes or possible damage
may occur.
2. The MCT450 SACD/CD Transport is designed to
play all industry standard “Redbook” CD Audio
Discs as indicated by the Symbol. It will also
play most CD-R, CD-RW and Dual Discs, however
some recorded discs may not be able to play due to
the condition of the recording or manufacturing.
3. Disc with tracks recorded with MP3 and WMA
Formats will playback on the MCT450 when the
writing software used to create them conforms to
the ISO9660 Level 1 standard.
4. Several of the SACD performance features avail-
able on the MCT450 are active only if the SACD
Disc includes the supporting encoded information.
5. The Audio from playback of SACD Two Channel
Layer and Multichannel Layer Discs is available at
the MCT450 Digital Audio Output DIN Connector.
The Digital Audio XRL, Optical, Coaxial Outputs
will be muted during SACD Playback.
Disc Information
6. The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signal,
is the standard for Audio CD Discs and is avail-
able at all Digital Audio Output Connectors on the
MCT450. Discs with WAV and MP3 file formats
are converted internally to a PCM Digital Signal.
Digital DIN Cable
The Digital DIN Cable supplied with the MCT450 is a
McIntosh Designed Custom Cable. A substitute cable
will not work with the MCT450 and McIntosh Pre-
amplifiers with a Digital DIN Connector. If it should
become necessary to replace the supplied Digital DIN
cable, order part number 171923 from the McIntosh
Parts Department.