McIntosh MAC 1500 User manual

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To insure your enjoyment please read and carefully fol-
low these instructions. The time spent will make it possible
for you to enjoy thousands of hours of musical enjoyment.
If you are in a hurry read page 4 first. This gives you a
brief outline of what each control and indicator does.
Reading time for this manual is 30 minutes. This is time
well spent.
CONTENTS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1
SPECIFICATIONS 3
IF YOU ARE IN A HURRY 4
CABINET INSTALLATION 5
INSTALLATION-CONNECTIONS 7
COMPLETE SYSTEM HOOK-UP 9
BLOCK DIAGRAM ..... 10
FRONT PANEL INFORMA nON 12
BALANCING YOUR SYSTEM 15
ENJOYING YOUR SYSTEM 16
GUARANTEE ..... Cover

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The MAC 1500 is built in three sections. Each section IS
built with maximum care and skill. Upon completion
each section is ioined with others to make a complete
unit. Each section's physical size is kept to a minimum.
The result is a compact, easy to use stereo instrument.
A stereo instrument that brings you the best in all types
of stereo listening.
A product that brings you the best of both worlds.
Where tubes give superior performance and long life
they are used. Where transistors give improved per-
formance and long life they are used. Here in one unit
you have the most advanced solid state preamplifier,
the most advanced tube and solid state multiplex cir-
cuitry, plus a conservatively rated tubed power ampli-
fier. The FM stereo tuner comes from the same engineers
who make the tuner that AUDIO magazine called
"UNEXCELLED."
The MAC 1500 is new and exciting. For the past three
years the advanced products design department
worked on this product. Every avenue and approach
was searched. New avenues were tried. New types of
circuits were tested. All approaches were evaluated.
The result is a product that comes to you with an an-
cestry founded in the most advanced technology.
The stereo solid state preamplifier in the MAC 1500
gives you full sonic control of your listening room. Bass
and treble controls have ±18db of boost and cut. This
means you can control how your speakers will sound in
D SCRIPTION
The MAC 1500 is a stereo receiver. In one small con-
venient easy to use unit are three top notch stereo
components. A solid state preamplifier, a power ampli-
fier and an FM MPX stereo tuner are combined to give
you the best performance possible. Transistors and solid
state circuit made the MAC 1500 possible. Transistors
reduced the space necessary to combine a stereo re-
ceT~~i:,;~ith a powerful power amplifier. Solid state cir-
bunted on military specification printed circuit
s are mounted vertically. This takes less space.
~~.ce ~p~vedis used for large powerful output trans-
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Distortion on FM is less than 0.5 %. You get all there is
to hear with this FM tuner. The MPX section of the MAC
1500 uses six transistors and two tubes. In test after test
this particular MPX section outperformed all other de-
signs. One added advantage of the predominantly
solid state design of the multiplex section is the long
life expectancy of the circuit.
POWER. This is one thing you have plenty of with the
MAC 1500. The power output section of the MAC 1500
will drive even the most inefficient speaker systems.
Here is a dual power amplifier with 30 watts continuous
power per channel with both channels operating. Dis-
tortion is less than 0.5 %from 30 cycles to 20,000
cycles. Now you can listen to music with the knowledge
your power amplifier delivers all the power your
speakers need. Good full rich music is yours with the
MAC 1500.
superb. The reason is simple. Pride of craftsmanship.
In tuner design, one misplaced wire, one lead length
too long, one capacitor out of place, can affect the
performance of the tuner.
Each MAC 1500 must pass 171 tests before it is ready
for you. The tuner section uses six tubes and two tran-
sistors. Tubes as RF amplifiers still give maximum sensi-
tivity with greatest overload protection. It is virtually
impossible to overload the MAC 1500 with too much
signal from a nearby FM station. A transistor is used in
the oscillator because it is not susceptible to drift.
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Despite the small space available for tuner placement
the MAC 1500 gives you a 2.5 microvolt FM stereo
tuner. This sensitive tuner brings you clear noise free
reception from distant stations. The tuner section is
your particular room. The prime function of a preampli-
fier is to reproduce records and tapes with full accuracy
and sonic realism. Records are made with the bass cut
and the highs boosted. This allows more musical infor-
mation to be put on the record groove. Tapes are also
recorded with the bass cut and the highs boosted. For
true musical enjoyment the MAC 1500 reintroduces the
bass and the highs following accurate and definite
standards. Your records and tapes will sound alive and
thrilling when you hear them through the MAC 1500.
The solid state preamplifier uses 12 silicon planar tran-
sistors. Silicon planar transistors are used because of
their high thermal stability, low noise and superior high
frequency response. The silicon planar transistors make
the fantastic sound reproduction possible.
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TECHNI RES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MAC 1500
FM TUNER SECTION:
USABLE SENSITIVITY (at 100 %modulation): 2.5uV
(I.H.F. Standards)
SIGNAL TO NOISE AND HUM RATIO: 65db.
HARMONIC DISTORTION: Mono, less than .5 %
Stereo, less than .8 %
DRIFT: Less than 25KC
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: Flat from 20 cps to 20KC
with standard 75 fL second deemphasis and 19KC
pilot frequency filter.
CAPTURE RATIO: Better than 2.0db.
IMAGE REJECTION: Better than 60db.
STEREO MULTIPLEX SEPARATION: Better than 30db
at 1KC.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
a) Automatic stereo switching.
b) Muting: IF Injected circuit with at least 50db
quieting between stations.
cl Antenna inputs for 300 ohm balanced (for twin
lead) and 75 ohm unbalanced (for coaxial cable).
d) Nuvistor RFamplifier, Nuvistor mixer.
e) Four stages of IF amplification, with AGC used to
insure that limiting occurs only in the limiter stages.
f) Two limiter stages used for exceptional capture
ratio and smooth muting operation.
g) Multiplex filter and SCA filter, to suppress 19KC
and 38KC signal components at least 40db below
program and to suppress 67KC SCA by 60db.
h) Noise immune logic circuit used to activate MPX
stereo light and automatic stereo switching on
19KC stereo pilot only.
i) D'Arsonval tuning meter for accurate center of
channel tuning.
j) Flywheel tuning for ease of operation and precise
tuning.
AMPLIFIER SECTION:
POWER OUTPUT: 60 watts continuous, 30 watts per
channel, 85 watts total music power (I.H.F. Stand-
ards).
HARMONIC DISTORTION: Less than 0.5 %30 cps to
20KC, both channels operating at rated output at
the same time.
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION: Less than 0.5 %
for any combination of frequencies from 30 cps to
20KC at rated output (equivalent RMS watts). I.M.
decreases as output power is reduced.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: ±0.5db 20 cps to 20KC.
(Power amplifier response is 2 cps to 150KC at
- 3db; power bandwidth is 19 cps to 30KC.)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: 4, 8, and 16 ohms. Rated out-
put is delivered by any of these impedances.
DAMPING FACTOR: Greater than 10.
INPUT SENSITIVITY AND IMPEDANCE:
Tape Head-2.8MV, 1 megohm
Phono 1-5.6MV, 47K ohms
Phono 2-2.8MV, 47K ohms
Aux-400MV, 500K ohms
Tape Monitor-400MV, 500K ohms
TAPE OUTPUT LEVEL: Tuner-1 .2 volts, for other inputs
400MV at rated sensitivity.
HUM AND NOISE:
Power Amplifier, - 90db
High Level Inputs, - 75db
Low Level Inputs, - 60db
TONE CONTROL RANGE:
Bass control +15db to - 18db at 50 cps.
Treble control +15db to - 15 db at 10KC.
L.F. and H.F. FILTER:
L.F. filter, cutoff frequency =50 cps,
attenuation rate =12db per octave
H.F. filter, cutoff frequency =5KC
attenuation rate =12db per octave
SPECIAL FEATURES:
a) Loudness control for full fidelity listening at low
levels.
b) Tape monitor switch for listening to recorded tape
program while recording.
c) Tone controls are "clutched" for tracking opera-
tion of left and right channels or independent
operation.
d) Headphone output fed from special tap on output
transformer for maximum signal to noise ratio.
Speakers may be automatically muted when head-
phone plug is inserted, by use of rear mounted
switch.
e) Silicon transistors used in all preamplifier stages
for low noise and hum free operation.
f) High quality epoxy circuit boards for reliable long
life performance.
g) High quality conservatively operated components
are used throughout for long life.
h) Zener regulated power supply is used for critical
circuits.
i) Equalization and tone control circuits are feed-
back type for lowest distortion and greatest accu-
racy.
MISCELLANEOUS
FINISH: Gold anodized panel and knobs, black finished
chassis.
DIMENSIONS: 16" wide, 5%" high, 16" deep.
WEIGHT: 40 lbs., shipping weight 54 lbs.
POWER CONSUMPTION: 180 watts, 120 volts, 60 cps.
TRANSISTOR AND TUBE COMPLEMENT:
19 silicon transistors
1 germanium transistor
15 tubes
16 diodes, rectifier, and zener diode
3

IF YOU'RE IN A 1 Input Selector ... Aux ... for any device con-
nected to the AUX inputs on back. FM MONO
listen to FM mono broadcasts. FM AUTO ...
listen to FM stereo broadcasts. Phono 1for
phonograph records. Phono 2 for phonograph
records. Tape hd. for a tape playback unit
without preamplifier.
2Tune for center of black area.
3 Adjust to desired volume. Power off. Turns the
system on/off.
4 Tuning ... select desired station.
5 Treble ... modifies high frequency sounds. Set
to your taste.
6 Bass ... modifies low frequency sounds. Set to
your taste.
7 Headphone ... to connect a set of low imped-
ance stereo headphones.
8 Loud ... use this switch to compensate for low
volume listening and still hear full frequency
range.
9 HF Filter In ... reduces high frequency noise
such as record surface noise.
15 Will light only on stations broadcasting MPX
stereo.
13 Stereo ... Mono ... Set to stereo for all stereo
program material. Mono position for all mono
material.
14 Balance ... to make one speaker louder than
the other. Permits you to adjust for unequal
sound caused by room acoustics or program
material.
10 LF Filter In ... reduces low frequency noise
such as turntable rumble.
11 Muting In eliminates interstation noise.
Muting Out use to receive weak stations.
12 Tape Mon monitor position used to monitor
a recording when used with a tape recorder
with separate playback and record heads.
MUST BE IN OUT POSITION FOR NORMAL
LISTENING.
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CABINET INSTALLATION
The MAC 1500 can be installed in furniture cabinets, or custom
built installations. If the unit is to be used on a shelf or table
top, mount it in the attractive MAC 15 WO cabinet.
Allow sufficient cabinet space for air circulation. Minimum
internal cabinet dimensions should be 15'l'16 inches wide,
13 %inches deep, and 51/4 inches high. The back of the
cabinet should be left as open as possible fer ventilation.
Proper ventilation will insure your receiver a long trouble free
life. A fan to circulate the air will further increase the life of
your receiver.
The MAC 1500 installs easily from the front of the cabinet into
a panel cutout. Front panels of any thickness can be used.
Four screws into the bottom of the MAC 1500 through the
mounting shelf hold the unit firmly in place. Due to the weight
of the MAC 1500 we recommend the unit rest on a wooden
shelf of at least 1//' thickness. Unless the MAC 1500 is ade-
quately held in place vertical mounting should not be at-
tempted. If vertical mounting is used a fan delivering 50
c,ubic feet per minute must be used.
Since the MAC 1500 must rest on a shelf, locate the cutout
from the back of the panel. A template to help you make
mounting easy is in the packet that contains the owners manual.
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TIGHTEN SCREWS
On the back of the cabinet panel, scribe a vertical
line through the exact center of the area to be
cut out.
2 Place the template against the back of the panel.
Match the template centerline with the scribed
centerline. The bottom of the template must rest on
the shelf.
3 On each side of the centerline of the template
there are two holes marked "B." These are the
"LOCATING HOLES." These holes are used to
locate the front panel of the MAC 1500 with ref-
erence to the shelf behind the cabinet panel. To in-
sure the MAC 1500 will rest on the cabinet shelf,
follow these instructions carefully.
4 Mark the back of the cabinet panel with a pointed
instrument through the two "B" LOCATING HOLES.
Drill these two holes through the cabinet panel with
a3/16" diameter drill. Be certain the drill is per-
pendicular to the panel.
SPosition the template on the front of the panel.
Align the "C" holes in the template with the drilled
holes in the cabinet paJlel.
6 Mark the "A" corner cutouts in the template. Join
the corner markers. The edge of the template can
be used as a straight edge.
7 Cut out the rectangular opening.
S Take the shelf template and fold along the dotted
line. Put the dotted line against the back of the
front mounting panel. Align the center line of the
shelf template with the scribed front panel center-
line.
9 Mark holes "A" and "B." Drill the holes using a
'1,4" to Y2" bit. The larger you make the holes the
more latitude you will have to position the MAC
1500.
10Scribe the suggested cutout outline. Cut out the
area.
11 Prepare the MAC 1500 for mounting by removing
the four plastic feet fastened under the chassis.
12 The MAC 1500 is installed from the FRONT of the
cabinet. Insert the MAC 1500 power cord through
the rectangular opening of the cabinet panel.
Carefully slide the MAC 1500 through the opening.
Continue to slide the MAC 1500 until its front panel
is against the cabinet mounting panel.
13 Secure the MAC 1500 to the mounting shelf using
the screws supplied in the hardware package.
14 Connect the MAC 1500 to the rest of the system.
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6

INSTALLATION
CONNECTIONS TO YOUR MAC 1500
CONNECTING THE PHONO 1 POSITION for your main record player
Connect the "left" channel to the "L" input of PH 1. Connect
the "right" channel to the "R" input of PH 1. If your record
player has a ground wire connect the ground wire to GND.
CONNECTING THE PHONO 2 POSITION
Phono 2 position can be used if two record players are used in
a system. Connect the "left" channel to the "L" input of PH 2.
Connect the "right" channel to the "R" input of PH 2.
CONNECTING TAPE PLAYER(no preamplifier in tape player)
Use this position only for a tape deck with no electronics. Con-
nect the "left" channel to the "L" input of TAPE HD. Connect
the "right" channel to the "R" input of TAPE HD.
CONNECTING A TAPERECORDERor TAPE PLAYERwith BUILT-IN ELECTRONICS
TAPE PlAYfP
(NO SElf CONTAINED ElECTRONICS)
TAPE TAPE AUX
MON
Connect the "left" channel of the tape player or tape recorder
to the "L" channel AUX input. Connect the "right" channel of
the tape player or tape recorder to the "R" channel AUX input.
CONNECTING A TAPE RECORDERWITH THREEHEADS
Connect the tape outputs of the MAC 1500 to the high level
inputs on the tape recorder. This will make it possible for you to
record from the MAC 1500. Connect the tape recorder outputs
to the TAPE MON inputs on the MAC 1500. Use TAPE MON ...
In for listening to pre-recorded tapes as well as to monitor.
CONNECTING A TAPE RECORDERTO RECORDFROM THE MAC 1500
Connect the TAPE OUTPUTS of the MAC 1500 to the high level
inputs on the tape recorder. TAPE RECORDER
(WITH SElf CONTAINED ElECTRONICS) ~6
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Connect one wire to the C (common) on the left output, connect
a second wire to the impedance that matches your loudspeaker.
Run these two wires to the "left" loudspeaker. Connect one wire
to the C (common) on the right output, connect a second wire to
the impedance that matches your loudspeaker. Run these two
wires to the "right" loudspeaker.
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LEFT LQUOIPEAKER
ANTENNA CONNECTIONS
A convenient flexible indoor FM dipole (300 ohm) antenna is supplied
with the MAC 1500. This antenna is easy to install. It is suitable for good
FM reception in high signal areas.
Connect the two leads of the dipole antenna to the two terminals marked
\\300" on the back panel of the MAC 1500.
The flexibility of the thick flat wire lets you easily locate the dipole behind
the equipment. Open the dipole into a \\T." Extend the arms as straight
as possible. The dipole antenna is somewhat directional. It should be
positioned for best reception of the desired stations.
SPKR ON ... OFF
This switch controls the loudspeakers
when you use the headphone jacks on
the front panel. With the switch in the
ON position the loudspeakers will re-
main on when you plug in the head-
phones. With the switch in the OFF
position the loudspeakers will turn off
when you plug in headphones.
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AC OUTLETS
There are two BLACK AC outlets and
one RED AC outlet. The power to the
black AC outlets is controlled by the
front panel switch. Use these outlets
for accessories such as q tape re-
corder. The red receptacle is on at all
times and is used for a turntable or
record changer. The turntable is pro-
tected by this arrangement. It is nec-
essary to turn off the turntable or rec-
ord changer by its own AC switch.
Connect the AC cord from your record
player to the RED outlet.
SPKR ON
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SPKR Off
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MUTING
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IMPORTANT
Keep the dipole away from large metal
objects or surfaces. They interfere with
the efficiency of the antenna.
This control determines the strength of
signal necessary for a station to be heard
with the tuner in the muting position. The
muting threshold is carefully adjusted to
optimum at the factory using precision
test instruments.Casual adjustment of the
muting threshold is not recommended.
MUTING (on the rear panell
OUTDOOR FM ANTENNA
75 OHM ANTENNA
An outdoor FM antenna is recommended.
It will give you the best reception under
all conditions. In fringe areas, a highly
directional antenna used with a rotator
will give the finest possible FM reception.
Rotate the antenna until it points in the
direction of the station or until it receives
the best possible signal.
An unbalanced 75 ohm FM antenna can
be used with the MAC 1500. Use the two
terminals marked 75.
8

RIGHT LOUDSPEAKER
TAPE PLAYFR
(NO SElF CONTAINED ElECTRONICS)
RECORD PLAYER 2
HOOK-UP TO MAC 1500
COMPLETE SYSTEM
RECORD PLAYER I
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BLOCK DIAGRAM
19 KC
VOLUME
MAC 1500 STEREO RECEIVER
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TAPE HD
TAPE OUT
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Having completed the installation of your MAC 1500 a
new world of musical enjoyment is yours. The following
section gives you a detailed explanation of all the controls
and their functions. It will tell you how to adjust
your MAC 1500 for maximum enjoyment.
If you have any further questions please write:
Customer Service
MciNTOSH AUDIO COMPANY
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
11

ITUNING DIAL SCALES-The MAC 1500 has two dial scales.
The megacycle scale indicates the position of FM stations in the
88 to 108 megacycle FM band. The linear division of the 0-100
logging scale makes it easy to return to a station using a logging
scale number.
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VOLUME ON-OFF-Use the VOLUME control to adjust the vol-
ume to a desired listening level. Turn the VOLUME control clock-
wise to increase the volume. Full counterclockwise rotation turns
the unit off.
TREBLE-The TREBLEcontrol is a dual control. The small knob
controls the treble in the left channel. The large knob controls
the treble in the right channel. The two knobs are friction
coupled. They can be adjusted together or separately. Turn
clockwise to increase treble. Turn counterclockwise to decrease
treble.
BASS-The BASS control is a dual control. The small knob con-
trols the bass in the left channel. The large knob controls the
bass in the right channel. The two knobs are friction coupled.
They can be adjusted together or separately. Turn clockwise to
increase bass. Turn counterclockwise to decrease bass.
INDICATORS-The MAC 1500 has two indicators on the front
panel. One is the tuning meter. When an FM station is correctly
tuned the indicator will be in the black area of the meter. The
action of the TUNING indicator is independent of station signal
strength. The second indicator is the STEREO INDICATOR. The
STEREOINDICATOR will light only when the dial pointer crosses
a station broadcasting multiplex stereo.
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onto the tape at the record head. The signal follows a difficult
path ... the tape is played by the playback head through
the playback preamplifier in the tape recorder out of the
tape recorder into the tape monitor inputs on the MAC 1500
... then through the power amplifier of the MAC 1500 and to
the loudspeakers.
CAUTION: THE SWITCH MUST BE IN THE OUT POSITION
FOR NORMAL LISTENING.
STEREO MON.
Stereo for all normal stereo listening.
Mono for all normal monophonic listening.
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MUTINGlOUD
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HF
STEREO
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HEADPHONE-The headphone jack is for use with low im-
pedance headphones. There is a switch on the rear panel to
control the loudspeakers. With the switch in the SPEAKER OFF
position the loudspeakers will turn off when you insert your head-
phone jack. With the switch in the SPEAKER ON position the
loudspeakers will remain in the system.
LOUD An abbreviation of loudness
OUT This is the normal position for moderate to loud
listening levels. Use the LOUD ... IN position to listen to low
listening levels. It will allow you to hear the full frequency
range. With the volume turned down there is an apparent loss
of bass and treble response. When the volume is low the
human ear's response to bass and treble decreases more
rapidly than its response to notes in the mid-range. The LOUD
control automatically boosts the bass and treble. With the
switch IN the bass and treble are heard in correct proportion
to the mid-range at low listening levels.
HF (High Frequency) FILTER-Use the HF filter switch to reduce
high frequency noise such as record scratch or hiss from tapes.
OUT filter disconnected for normal flat frequency response.
IN reduces high frequencies above 5,000 cycles.
LF (Low Frequency) FILTER-Use the LF filter switch to reduce
low frequency noise such as turntable rumble or acoustic feed-
back coupled from the speakers to the turntable.
OUT filter disconnected for normal flat frequency response.
IN reduces low frequencies below 50 cycles.
MUTING
IN ... turns on the muting circuit. Muting suppresses back-
ground hiss and noise usually heard when tuning between
stations. Weak or distant stations that cannot override the
background noise and interference are suppressed by the
muting.
OUT ... turns off the muting to allow conventional tuning.
Interstation noise will be present. Use this setting to listen to
weak or distant stations that have noise or interference.
TAPE MON.
The MAC 1500 tape switch makes it possible to instantly com-
pare recorded material with the source signal. Tape jacks on the
back panel accept a signal from a tape recorder with a monitor
head and preamplifier.
OUT ... the program source is fed through the MAC 1500 to
the loudspeakers.
IN ... the program source is fed from the MAC 1500 to the
tape output jacks to the tape recorder. The signal is recorded
13

BALANCE
Use the MAC 1500 BALANCE control to balance
unequal volume in the left and right channels.
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Left ... turning the control to left accents the
left channel by reducing the right channel
output.
INPUT SELECTOR
Right ... turning the control to the right ac-
cents the right channel by reducing the left
channel output.
Select anyone of six program sources with this switch.
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14
FM AUTO TUNER ... Use this position
to listen to all FM broadcasts. The tuner
will automatically switch to stereo on all
stations broadcasting stereo. The tuner will
return to mono operation when you tune in
a station broadcasting mono.
NOTE: IF A STEREO BROADCAST IS NOISY
YOU CAN SWITCH THE TUNER TO FM
MONO.
FM MONO ... Use this position to listen to
FM broadcasts. If a stereo broadcast is noisy
you can switch the tuner to FM MONO. This
puts the tuner section into the monaural
mode. It will reduce noise.
AUX ... any auxiliary service requiring flat
amplification, such as a television set, or tape
recorders.
INPUT SElECTOR.
fMAIlTO~
FM 'OliO -,;;.
AUX-
PHONO 1 ... connects the MAC 1500 for
stereo and monophonic operation of records.
PHONO 2 ... Same as PHONO 1.
TAPE HD ... A tape deck that does not con-
tain its own playback preamplifier is con-
nected to the MAC 1500 through the TAPE
HD position.
NOTE: OWNERS OF TAPE RECORDERS WITH
SEPARATE RECORD AND PLAYBACK HEADS
USE THE TAPE MONITOR POSITION TO
PLAY BACK PRE-RECORDED TAPES.

SETTING YOUR CONTROLS.."" a stereo system
The performance and enjoyment of your stereo system increases when the sys-
tem is balanced. There are two factors in balancing. One is unequal program
loudness on the left and right channels of the program source. The other is basic
system balance. The control marked BALANCE on the MAC 1500 is used to cor-
rect both of these problems.
First balance the system. There are many things which affect the balance of
your system: room acoustics, furniture placement, room shape, small differences
in loudspeakers, etc. TO BALANCE SYSTEM
Set the stereo mono switch to MONO.
ADJUSTING PHASE
Set the MONO STEREO switch to MONO.
2 Stand about 10 feet in front of and mid-way between your
loudspeakers. The sound should appear to be directly in front
of you. Have someone switch the leads on one speaker. Be sure
to switch the leads on ONE speaker only. If the sound is not
directly in front of you reverse the leads on one loudspeaker.
When the sound comes from the mid-point between the
speakers they are in phase.
2 Playa familiar recording.
3 Turn the balance control to the 12 o'clock position.
4 While the program is playing, stand in the center of the two
loudspeakers. Listen to see if there is a difference in loudness
from either speaker. The sound should come from a point mid-
way between the speakers. If it does not, turn the control to-
ward the speaker that is not as loud as the other. Do this until
you find the point where the sound comes from the mid-point
between the speakers. If it is impossible to get the sound to
come from the mid-point go on to ADJUSTING PHASE. After
you have adjusted the phase you can start the balancing pro-
cedure over again.
15

I
f;,j"i#If YOUR SYSTEM
LISTENING TO A STEREO RECORD Turn the INPUT SELECTOR to PHONO 1 or PHONO 2, which-
ever is connected to the record player you wish to hear.
2 Set the MONO STEREOswitch to STEREO.
3 Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired volume.
I
16
LISTENING TO MONOPHONIC RECORDS
LISTENING TO TAPE DECKS
LISTENING TO A STEREO TAPE RECORDER
WITH ITS OWN PLAYBACK PREAMPLIFIER
LISTENING TO A STEREO TAPE RECORDER
USING A TAPE RECORDER WITH THREE HEADS
AND SEPARATE PLAYBACK PREAMPLIFIER
MONITORING WHILE RECORDING
Turn the INPUT SELECTORTO PHONO 1, or PHONO 2, which-
ever is connected to the record player you wish to hear.
2 Turn the STEREOMONO switch to MONO.
3 Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired volume.
1 Turn the INPUT SELECTORto TAPE HD.
2 Turn the STEREOMONO switch to STEREO. If a mono tape,
turn the balance control to the side you want to hear.
3 Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired volume.
A stereo tape recorder with its own playback preamplifier should
be plugged in the AUX INPUT ... NOT THE TAPE HD. INPUT.
The AUX input is used:
1 Turn the INPUT SELECTORTO AUX.
2 Switch the STEREO MONO switch to STEREO or MONO de-
pending on the program on the tape.
3 Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired volume.
To listen to tapes connect your tape recorder to the TAPE MON
inputs on the rear of the MAC 1500.
1 Switch TAPE MON to ''IN.''
2 Switch the STEREOMONO switch to STEREOMONO depend-
ing on the program on the tape.
3 Adjust the VOLUME control to the desired volume.
To monitor while recording your tape recorder must have sep-
arate record an-d playback heads as well as separate playback
preamplifiers. The TAPE MONO switch lets you monitor the quality
of tape recording made from the MAC 1500 during the process
of recording. When the TAPE MONO switch is in the IN position
it will play the sound from the tape as it passes the playback
head, a moment after it is recorded. The recording process con-
tinues as usual. When the switch is in the OUT position normal
program from the source is heard.

Your MAC 1500 stereo receiver will give you many years of
pleasant and satisfactory performance. If you have any questions
concerning the operation or maintenance of this receiver please contact: ECE
UARANTEE
Mcintosh Audio Company guarantees this equipment to perform
as advertised. We also guarantee the mechanical and electrical
workmanship and components of this equipment to be free of
defects for a period of 90 days from date of purchase. This guar-
anteedoes not extend to components damaged by improper use
nor does it extend to damage incurred during transportation to and
from Mcintosh Audio Company.
Mcintosh Audio Company
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Our telephone number is 723-5491
The area code is 607
ERVICE CONTRACT
An application for a Free Two Year Factory Service Contract is
included in the packet with this manual. The Free Two Year Factory
Service Contract will be issued by Mcintosh Audio C<;>mpany upon
receipt of this completely filled out registration form. The terms of
this contract are defined in the Two Year Factory Service Contract.
If this application is not mailed to Mcintosh Audio Company, only
the service offered under the standard 90 day guarantee will apply
to this equipment.
TAKE ADV ANT AGE OF 2 YEARS OF FREE FACTORY
SERVICE BY FILLING IN THE APPLICATION NOW

Precision craftsmanship and painstaking at-
tention to finest accuracies make the MAC
1500 meet high standards.
MCINTOSH AUDIO COMPANY
2 Chambers St., Binghamton, N. V. 13903
, ~ 038·093
'\ ..
~ \..J Made in USA
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~:::',:::::::~::::,':o,;,.