McIntosh MS750 User manual

MS750
Owner’s Manual
Music Server
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Gracenote CDDB® Client Software, copyright 2000-2006 Gracenote. This product and service
may practice one or more of the following U.S. Patents: #5,987,525; #6,061,680; #6,154,773,
#6,161,132, #6,230,192, #6,230,207, #6,240,459, #6,330,593, and other patents issued or
pending.
Gracenote and CDDB are registered trademarks of Gracenote. The Gracenote logo and
logotype, and the “Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote.
M

2
The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “danger-
ous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient
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 im-
portant operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the litera-
ture 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 performance of proce-
dures 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 overskrider
gransen for laserklass 1.
This product incorporates an embedded
CLASS 3B 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 instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A ground-
ing type plug has two blades and a third ground-
ing 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.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience re-
ceptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when mov-
ing the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified 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 appara-
tus 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 filled with liq-
uids, 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, fire or the like.

4
Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh MS750 Music Server
ranks you at the very top among discriminating music lis-
teners. 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.
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:
Serial Number: __________________________________
Purchase Date: __________________________________
Dealer Name: ___________________________________
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
Toll Free: 866-458-6910 (9:00am - 6:00pm EST, M-F)
Phone:[phone] (8:30am - 5:00pm EST, M-F)
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]
Copyright 2007 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment ............................. 4
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 4
Table of Contents .............................................................. 4
Connector and Cable Information ....................................5
Important Information ...................................................... 6
Introduction .......................................................................7
Performance Features .......................................................7
Dimensions .......................................................................8
Installation ........................................................................9
Connections:
Rear Panel Connections ..................................................10
How to Connect the MS750 ............................................11
Front Panel Features:
Front Panel Indicators and Push-buttons ........................ 12
Remote Control:
Remote Control Push-buttons ......................................... 14
How to Operate by Remote Control ............................... 15
Setup:
How to Operate the Setup Mode ....................................16
Getting Disc Information ........................................... 16-17
User Preferences ........................................................ 17-18
Other Modes ...................................................................18
Setting Your Time Zone .................................................18
Password Protection ........................................................19
Ethernet Settings .............................................................19
Server Settings and MS750 Music Sharing ....................20
Selecting the Audio Encoder Type .................................20
Setting the Disc Insert Preferences .................................21
Video Adjustments ..................................................... 21-23
Using a Touch Panel .................................................. 23-24
IR Remote Control ..........................................................24
Direct Access Codes .......................................................24
Play List Hot Push-buttons .............................................24
Serial COM Ports ............................................................25
MS750 Utilities ...............................................................25
Restarting the System .....................................................25
Updating the Software ....................................................26
Operation:
Getting Music Into the MS750 ................................... 28-31
Erasing a CD-RW Disc ................................................... 31
Browsing your Music Library .................................... 31-32
Changing Guide Views ..............................................32-33
Jukebox Play Modes ..................................................33-35
Table of Contents

5
Connector and Cable Information
Power Control Connector
The MS750 Power Control Input Jack receives Power
On/Off Signals when connected to other
McIntosh Components. A 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plug is used for connection to
the Power Control Input on the MS750.
Note: The Data ad Power Control Connect-
ing Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Depart-
ment:
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.
Data and IR Input Port Connectors
The MS750 Data In Port receives Remote Control Signals.
A 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug is
used for connection.
The IR IN Port also use a 1/8 inch
stereo mini phone plug and allows the
connection of other brand IR Receivers
to the MS750. It also provides +12 Volts
to power the external sensor.
Connector and Cable Information
Power
Control
Ground
N/C
Data
Signal
N/C
Data
Ground
IR Data
Control
Ground
+12V
Communication Ports 1-3 (RS232 Connector Pin Out)
1. Carrier Detect 6. Data Set Ready
2. Receive Data 7. Request to Send
3. Transmit Data 8. Clear to Send
4. Data Terminal 9. Ring Indicator
5. System Ground
Communication Port 4 (RS232 Connector Pin Out)
1. Carrier Detect 6. Data Set Ready
2. Transmit Data 7. Request to Send
3. Receive Data 8. Clear to Send
4. Data Terminal 9. Ring Indicator
5. System Ground
RS232 Cable - Straight Thru Connections
Pin Number Pin Number Pin Number Pin Number
1 → 1 6 → 6
2 → 2 7 → 7
3 → 3 8 → 8
4 → 4 9 → 9
5 → 5
RS232 Cable - Null Modem Connections
Pin Number Pin Number Pin Number Pin Number
1 → 1 6 → 4
2 → 3 7 → 8
3 → 2 8 → 7
4 → 6 9 → 9
5 → 5
Ethernet RJ45 Socket
1. Tranceive Data (+) 5. N/C
2. Tranceive Data (-) 6. Receive Data (-)
3. Receive Data (+) 7. N/C
4. N/C 8. N/C
Ethernet Cable - Straight Thru Connections
Pin Number - Wire Color Pin Number - Wire Color
1. Orange/White → 1. Orange/White
2. Orange → 2. Orange
3. Green/White → 3. Green/White
4. Blue → 4. Blue
5. Blue/White → 5. Blue/White
6. Green → 6. Green
7. Brown/White → 7. Brown/White
8. Brown → 8. Brown
Ethernet Cable - Crossover Connections
Pin Number - Wire Color Pin Number - Wire Color
1. Orange/White → 1. Green/White
2. Orange → 2. Green
3. Green/White → 3. Orange/White
4. Blue → 4. Blue
5. Blue/White → 5. Blue/White
6. Green → 6. Orange
7. Brown/White → 7. Brown/White
8. Brown → 8. Brown
Pin 1
Pin 8
Pin 1
Pin 8
Creating Play Lists ..........................................................35
Creating Groups ..............................................................36
Internet Radio Stations ...................................................36
Adding Internet Radio Stations ......................................37
Updating the Internet Radio Station List ........................37
Editing Music Information .............................................37
Editing Track Names ......................................................38
Searching and Selecting Covers ...............................38-39
Editing Radio Info, Play Lists and Groups ............... 39-40
Deleting Music, Play Lists, and Groups .........................41
Creating CDs and a Custom Mix CD .............................42
Duplicating a CD ............................................................42
Recording from an External Source ...............................43
Controlling the MS750 from a Web Browser .................43
Setting up the MS750 Web Server ..................................43
Using the Web User Interface and Music Client ............44
MS750 Backup and Restore ...................................... 44-45
ID3 Tag Support ..............................................................45
Troubleshooting ..............................................................45
Additional Information:
Specifications .................................................................. 50
Packing Instruction .........................................................51
Table of Contents, con’t

6
Important Information
1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to
the MS750 Music Server.
2. The MS750 Music Server will play all standard CD
Audio Discs that conform to the Official Compact Disc
Standards which is indicated by the Symbol .
3. The MS750 requires Connection to the Internet for the
MS750 to be registered and authenticated. The built-in
Gracenote Program also requires the Internet for look-
ing up the Album Title, Track Name, and Track Playing
Time of the music and display it.
4. The MS750 IR IN jack is configured for non-McIntosh
IR sensors such as Xantech Model 291-80 or other com-
patible sensor.
5. When connecting external CD Changers to the MS750
there are two possible communication connection types,
S-Link and RS232 Com Port. These connections allow
the MS750 to control the changers. Refer to the Owner’s
Manual supplied with the changer to determine which
connection type(s) and the correct cable types to use.
At the time of the printing of this Owner’s Manual the
Sony DVP-CX777ES changer is known to be compat-
ible with the MS750.
6. The MS750 may be controlled by an external Touch
Screen Panel from the following companies:
• AMX • Net Streams
• Crestron • Opus
• Elan Via • Phillips Pronto
• Home Theater Master • RTI
• Lexicon • Sonance
• Marantz • Xantech
7. The Ethernet Connector on the MS750 allows for con-
nection to a computer network for accessing the Inter-
net and adding a second MS750 to the Audio/Video
System.
If there is no computer network available, an external
modem may be connected to the MS750 for access
to the Internet. In both cases, please refer to Owner’s
Manuals supplied with the external equipment to be
connected to the MS750 for the correct cable types. On
page 5 of this manual there is information on different
cable types.
8. The MS750 basic transport functions may also be
controlled by using the Remote Control that comes with
a McIntosh Control Center or Preamplifier. McIntosh
Keypads can also be used to remotely control the basic
transport functions of the MS750. Remote Controls of
certain McIntosh Control Centers or Preamplifiers also
have additional Push-buttons including Direction Keys,
Select, Title, Display and Menu that perform the same
functions as the supplied MS750 Remote Control. The

McIntosh Remote Controls for A/V
Control Centers and Preamplifiers
Important Information
labeling of Push-buttons on some McIntosh Remote
Controls and Keypads are different from the supplied
MS750 Remote Control. Refer to the following listing
and illustrations:
MS750 Remote Control Control Center/Preamp/Keypad
Directional ( ) Directional ( )
0-9 0-9
Play Play
Stop  Stop 
Pause  E
Fast Forward  Fast Forward
Reverse  Reverse
Ch  Channel Up
Ch  Channel Down
Option Title
Select Select
Guide Display
Menu Menu

7
Introduction
Performance Features
The McIntosh MS750 Music Server offers the latest in
audio technology, providing state of the art audio reproduc-
tion with the convenience of instant access to your music
library. When the MS750 is added to a McIntosh Multi-
zone System, the music from this source may be enjoyed in
any part of your home. The advanced design ensures many
years of smooth trouble free operation.
• High Storage Capacity
The MS750 incorporates a massive 750GB Hard Drive
capable of storing the contents of a large CD Music Collec-
tion.
• CD Record and Playback Transport
The MS750 has a new advanced transport for fast, quiet
and accurate operation. Transfer music from a CD to the
internal hard drive in less than 5 minutes.
• Graphical User Interface
When connected to a TV/Monitor, the On Screen Display
provides information such as Album Name, Artist Name,
Song Name, Playing Time and Location for each of the se-
lections. This allows for easy song selection from multiple
rooms in your home.
• Automatic CD Identification
When the MS750 is connected to the Internet, it will
automatically look-up information on the loaded CD. This
includes Album Name, Artist Name, Song Name and Play-
ing Time. This information is then stored internally for
later recall.
• Multiple Video Outputs
The MS750 has Component Video Output, S-Video Out-
puts and Composite Video Outputs for a variety of applica-
tions.
• Internet Radio Stations
The MS750 also allows for listening to Internet Radio Sta-
tions when connected.
• Select your Music
Listen to the music you want by creating your own play
lists and/or groups of music types. Take the music with
you by recording CDs from your favorite play lists and/or
groups.
Introduction and Performance Features
• Expand the Music Server System
Multiple MS750s may be connected together with access to
any two MS750s at one time. This provides for unlimited
music storage capacity.
• Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs
There are Coaxial and Optical Digital Audio Inputs/Out-
puts for connection to other components.
• Alphanumeric Fluorescent Display
The display on the MS750 Front Panel provides various
information on the operating status and the current music
playing.
• On Screen Setup
The On Screen Setup allows for customizing various set-
tings such as audio, video, network and external control to
match the components in your system.
• Power Control
The Power Control Input connection provides convenient
Turn-On/Off of the MS750 when connected to a McIntosh
System with Power Control.
• Remote Control
The Remote Control with illuminated push-buttons, pro-
vides control of the MS750 operating functions. A Data
Port Connection to a McIntosh A/V Control Center or
Preamplifier allows for convenient system operation using
one Remote Control. An External IR Sensor Input allows
for remote operation when the MS750 is located behind
closed doors.
• Special Power Supply
A fully regulated Power Supply ensures stable noise free
operation even though the power line varies.
• Machined Side Panels
The sides of the MS750 are machined from thick alumi-
num panels with a smooth black finish.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Glass Front Panel is accomplished
by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light
Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs). This provides even Front Panel Illumination and
is designed to ensure the pristine beauty of the MS750 will
be retained for many years.

8
Dimensions
Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your MS750. There is additional informa-
tion on the next page pertaining to installing the MS750
into cabinets.
17-1/2"
44.45cm
4-5/8"
11.75cm
6"
15.24cm
14-1/2"
36.83cm
15-7/8"
40.32cm
3/16"
0.48cm
4-13/16"
12.22cm
10-1/2"
26.67cm
13-1/4"
33.65cm
17"
43.18cm
Front View of the MS750
Rear View of the MS750
Side View of the MS750
5-3/8"
13.69cm
13/16"
2.06cm
2"
5.08cm
1-15/16"
4.92cm

9
4-7/8"
12.38cm
17-1/16"
43.34cm
Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
MS750 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout
8-5/8"
21.91cm
15-1/2"
39.37cm
15-1/16"
38.26cm
1"
2.54cm
Cutout Opening
for Ventilation
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
Support
Shelf
Cabinet
Front
Panel
Chassis
Spacers
MS750 Side View
in Custom Cabinet
MS750 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet
1-1/16"
2.70cm
12-5/16"
31.27cm
3"
7.62cm
Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.
Installation
Installation
The MS750 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 MS750 when it is
custom installed as outlined below. The four feet together
with the mounting screws should be retained for possible
future use if the MS750 is removed from the custom instal-
lation and used free standing. The required panel cutout,
ventilation cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MS750.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life
for any electronic
instrument. Do not
install the MS750
directly above a
heat generating
component such
as a high powered
amplifier. If all the
components are
installed in a single
cabinet, a quiet run-
ning ventilation fan
can be a definite
asset in maintain-
ing all the system
components at the
coolest possible
operating tempera-
ture.
A custom
cabinet installation
should provide the
following minimum
spacing dimensions
for cool operation.
Allow at least
2 inches (5.08cm)
above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm)
below the bottom,
1 inch (2.54cm)
on each side and
2 inches (5.08cm)
behind the Music
Server, so that
airflow is not ob-
structed.
Do not block the ventilation holes on the top cover,
bottom cover and rear panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54 cm) in
front of the mounting panel for clearance. When the CD
tray is opened, the panel clearance required in front of
mounting panel is 6-3/4 inches (17.2cm). Be sure to cut out
a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the
dimensions in the drawing.

10
Rear Panel Connections
POWER CONTROL IN
receives turn-on signals
from a McIntosh com-
ponent
Connect the MS750
power cord to a live AC
outlet. Refer to informa-
tion on the rear panel to
determine the correct
voltage for your unit
IR INput for
connecting an
IR Receiver
DATA IN
receives
operat-
ing data
from a
McIntosh
Control
Center
COAXIAL and OPTICAL
DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
send signals to a Control Cen-
ter with a D/A Converter or a
decoder
RS-232C
connector for
connection
to a remote
control device
Y OUTPUT connects to the Y
Component Input of the TV/Mon-
itor or other video component.
PB/CB OUTPUT connects to the
PB/CB Component Input of the
TV/Monitor or other video com-
ponent.
PR /CR OUTPUT connects to the
PR /CR Component Input of the
TV/Monitor or other video com-
ponent
S-VIDEO OUTPUTS
supply video signals to
a S-Video Input of an
A/V Control Center or
other video component
ANALOG AUDIO
OUTPUT connects
to the Analog Input
of an A/V Control
Center
S-LINK sends
operating data
to external CD
Changers
OPTICAL and COAXIAL
DIGITAL AUDIO IN-
PUTS receive signals from
external CD Changers
COMPOSITE VIDEO OUTPUTS
supply video signals to a Compos-
ite Input of an A/V Control Center
or other video component
ANALOG AUDIO
INPUTS connect
to external CD
Changer Audio
Outputs
RS-232C connector
for connection
to control CD
Changers
ETHERNET Network
Connector for
connecting the MS750
to a Broadband
Ethernet Network