McIntosh MS100 User manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
OWNERS
MANUAL
MS100
MS120
MS100 / MS120
Subwoofers

2
Technical Assistance
Customer Service
Copyright 1998 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Thank You, Please Take A Moment,
Customer Service and Table of Contents
Thank You
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:
Your decision to own this McIntosh MS100 or MS120
Subwoofer 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.
Table of Contents
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Thank You.......................................................................... 2
Please Take a Moment ....................................................... 2
Technical Assistance .......................................................... 2
Customer Service............................................................... 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 2
Safety Instructions ............................................................. 3
Introduction ....................................................................... 4
Performance Features ........................................................ 4
Overall Dimensions ........................................................... 4
Installation and Enclosures ................................................ 6
How to Connect ................................................................. 9
Specifications .................................................................. 10
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 11
NOTES:
1. Do not exceed the power handling capacity of the MS100
or MS120 Subwoofer(s).
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MS100 or
MS120 Subwoofers.
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 Sales Corporation
661 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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 Repair department.
For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact
the McIntosh Repair Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Safety Instructions
General:
1. Read all the safety and operating instructions, con-
tained in this owners manual, before operating this
equipment.
2. Retain this owners manual for future reference about
safety and operating instructions.
3. Adhere to all warnings and operating instructions.
4. Follow all operating and use 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. Continued exposure to high sound
pressure levels can cause permanent hearing
impairment or loss. User caution is advised and ear
protection is recommended when playing at high
volumes.
Installation:
6. Do not attempt to install the unit yourself, please have
an authorized dealer install the unit for you.
7. Locate the equipment away from heat sources such as
heater ducts that produce heat.
8. Mount the equipment only as described in this owners
manual.
Connection:
9. Connect this equipment only to the type of power
amplifier as described in this owners manual.
10. Route cords so that they are not likely to be pinched by
items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to the point where they exit from the instru-
ment.
Care of Equipment:
11. Clean the instrument by dusting with a dry cloth.
12. Do not permit objects of any kind to be pushed into
and/or fall into the equipment through enclosure
openings. Never spill liquids into the equipment
through enclosure openings.
Repair of Equipment:
13. Refer servicing to a qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
A. The cords or the connectors have been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen onto, or liquid has been spilled
into the equipment.
C. The equipment has been exposed to rain or water.
D. The equipment does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions contained
within this owners manual.
E. The equipment has been dropped or damaged in any
way.
F. The equipment exhibits a distinct change in perfor-
mance - this indicates a need for service.
14. When replacement parts are required, be sure the
service technician has used replacement parts specified
by McIntosh or have the same characteristics as the
original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
15. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.

4
Introduction
Performance Features
Introduction, Performance Features
and Overall Dimensions
·Patented LD/HP Technology
The patented LD/HP1Magnetic Circuit Design dramati-
cally reduces second harmonic distortion, improves
speaker linearity and provides higher output.
·Die Cast Frames
Die cast aluminum frames ensure maximum rigidity, di-
mensional integrity and lasting value. Machined front and
back plates provide precision attachment to the magnet.
·High Power Handling
Thick front and back plates, a die-cast chassis, heavy mag-
net and aluminum sleeves all contribute as a heat sink to
reduce power compression and ensure a long and stable
operating life.
·Extended Cone Excursion
A one-half inch thick front plate and one-quarter inch voice
coil overhang allow greater cone-excursion for extended
bass response.
·Type V Strontium Ferrite Magnet
The Strontium V magnet ensures high loudspeaker effi-
ciency, a high heat tolerance and reliable operation at high
power levels.
·Special Materials and Durable Finish
Blue polypropylene cones with butyl rubber surrounds
have low Q with excellent stability over a wide tempera-
ture and humidity range. The Black Powder Coat finish is
both attractive and durable.
·Easy Installation
Gold plated spring terminals accommodate up to an 8
gauge wire.
Side View of the MS100
Front View of the MS100
Overall Dimensions
1Patent Number 5,151,943
The McIntosh MS100 and MS120 Subwoofers offer ex-
tremely smooth frequency response, low distortion, high
sensitivity and high power handling capability. When these
subwoofers are combined with matching McIntosh compo-
nent loudspeakers and McIntosh Power Amplifiers you
will enjoy music reproduction in your vehicle that meets
McIntosh traditional standards of excellence, The Sound
of the Music Itself.

5
Overall Dimensions cont
Side View of the MS120
Front View of the MS120

6
Ported High Pass System
Cut-a-Way Side View
Sealed High Pass System
Cut-a-Way Side View
Installation and Enclosures
Installation and Enclosures
Formulas for Calculating Port Lengths:
It is recommended that a qualified professional install all
McIntosh Automotive Products.
McIntosh Subwoofers are designed to operate in the
bass frequency range below 120Hz and should be used in
conjunction with McIntosh Component Loudspeaker com-
binations to reproduce the full audio frequency range.
Subwoofers need not be physically close to midrange and
tweeter speakers in order to maintain good imaging and
system frequency balance.
A custom loudspeaker enclosure constructed according
to the recommendations in this manual will result in the
best performance from a McIntosh subwoofer. The enclo-
sure should be constructed with high-density particleboard.
To ensure minimum cabinet vibration, the enclosure panels
should be at least ¾ inch thick, with adequate cross bracing
to increase stiffness. Ports may be constructed with plastic
pipe or cardboard tubing. The subwoofer should be
mounted in the enclosure so it radiates in a horizontal
plane.
Refer to the notes, charts and drawings in this manual
for recommended dimensions of three different types of
subwoofer enclosures and four different maximum power
ratings.
NOTES:
1. Use the enclosed template to locate and cut the loudspeaker
mounting holes.
2. Install the Subwoofer using the supplied gasket.
3. Enclosure dimensions of Depth, Width and Height listed in
the charts are internal measurements in inches. Volume
measurements listed in the charts are of the air in the
enclosure in cubic feet and do not take into account the
volume occupied by the port, the loudspeaker or any internal
braces you may have added. Port length is in inches and
port surface area is in square inches.
4. All ports are round with an inside diameter of 4 inches and
flared at both ends. If you wish to use a Non-Round Port or
a different Port diameter, use the formulas below to
determine dimensions. For Bandpass enclosures, the Volume
in the formula must be the Front Volume.
5. All Resonance frequency indications are in Hertz.
6. Max Power is in Watts.
Port Length =
(round)
8466 x Internal Port Radius2
Volume x Resonance Frequency2- 1.463 x Internal Port Radius
Port Length =
(non-round)
2695 x Internal Port Surface Area
Volume x Resonance Frequency2- 0.825 Port Surface Area
√

7
Ported High Pass System
Enclosure Dimensions
Sealed High Pass System
Enclosure Dimensions
Installation and Enclosures
cont
001SM
rewoPxaMemuloVhtdiWthgieHhtpeD
0601.100.3100.3105.21
02108.000.3100.3105.9
04206.000.3100.3105.7
00364.000.3100.3100.6
021SM
rewoPxaMemuloVhtdiWthgieHhtpeD
0687.200.7100.7105.71
02128.100.7100.7157.11
04222.100.5100.5105.01
00368.000.5100.5157.7
001SM
rewoPxaMemuloVecnanoseRhtdiWthgieHhtpeDhtgneLtroP
0601.49100.8100.8105.2200.02
02182.26200.1100.7152.2200.91
04294.18300.1100.7100.5157.21
00363.12400.1100.7157.3152.11
021SM
rewoPxaMemuloVecnanoseRhtdiWthgieHhtpeDhtgneLtroP
0657.55100.0200.0205.5252.32
02103.31205.3100.9152.3252.02
04242.20300.3100.9157.6157.31
00369.14300.3100.9157.4100.21

8
Installation and Enclosures
cont
Sealed Band Pass System
Cut-a-Way Side View
Sealed Band Pass System
Enclosure Dimensions
001SM
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emuloV
tnorF
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tnorF
ecnanoseR htdiW tnorF htpeD
raeR
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0669.035.05600.115.657.1105.4152.21
02106.075.01700.1157.800.0105.1157.8
04204.015.01800.1152.805.700.1152.7
00392.065.00900.1100.900.600.1105.4
021SM
rewoPxaM raeR
emuloV
tnorF
emuloV
tnorF
ecnanoseR htdiW tnorF htpeD
raeR
htpeD thgieHhtgneLtroP
0600.297.00500.3157.657.6100.7152.41
02172.168.08500.3105.905.4100.3157.8
04267.069.05600.3105.0152.900.3105.5
00316.001.18600.3100.2157.700.3157.3

9
How to Connect
How to Connect
It is recommended that a dedicated power amplifier or am-
plifier channel be used to drive the subwoofer(s). McIntosh
offers many different models of power amplifiers and most
include a built-in electronic crossover. Shown below are
two examples for connecting subwoofer(s) to a McIntosh
Power Amplifier. A pair of MS100 subwoofers are con-
nected to the two channels of a McIntosh amplifier in ste-
reo mode. A single MS120 subwoofer is connected to a
McIntosh amplifier in bridged mode. Connect the Red and
Black subwoofer terminals to the matching (+) and () ter-
minals of the power amplifier. Refer to your amplifier
owners manual for exact connecting details.
MS100 Subwoofer
Negative
Terminal
(Black)
Positive
Terminal
(Red)
MS100 Subwoofer
Negative
Terminal
(Black)
Positive
Terminal
(Red)
McIntosh Power Amplifier (Stereo Mode)
McIntosh Power Amplifier (Bridged Mode)
MS120 Subwoofer
Negative
Terminal
(Black)
Positive
Terminal
(Red)

10
Specifications
MS100 Subwoofer MS120 Subwoofer
Basic Parameters
Maximum Music Power 300 Watts 350 Watts
Continuous Power 175 Watts 200 Watts
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 250 Hz 20 Hz - 250 Hz
Reference Sensitivity (SPLo) 90 dB 91 dB
Nominal Impedance (Znom) 4 Ohms 4 Ohms
Free Air Resonance (Fo) 23 Hz 22 Hz
Total Q (Qts) 0.2 0.3
Equivalent Acoustic Volume (Vas) 0.1 m30.1 m3
Voice Coil Overhang (Xmax) 6.4 mm 6.4 mm
Additional Parameters
Voice Coil Resistance (Revc) 3.2 Ohms 3.2 Ohms
Piston Area (Sd) 0.033 m20.047 m2
Flux Density x Wire Length in Gap (BL) 13 T·m 13 T·m
Impedance Maximum (Zmax) 77 Ohms 58 Ohms
Reference Efficiency ( ηo) 0.64 % 0.76 %
Mechanical Q (Qms) 4.6 5.3
Electrical Q (Qes) 0.2 0.3
Mechanical Compliance (Cms) 696 µm/N 569 µm/N
Moving Mass (Mmd) 65 grams 86 grams
Moving Mass + Air Load (Mms) 68 grams 92 grams
Magnetic Gap Height (Hag) 12.7 mm 12.7 mm
Voice Coil Winding Height (Hvc) 25.4 mm 25.4 mm
Maximum Stroke (Hag + Xmax) 19.1 mm 19.1 mm
Motor Inductance (Levc @ 1 kHz) 0.7 mH 0.7 mH
Motor Inductance (Levc @ 20 kHz) 0.4 mH 0.4 mH
Motor Resistance (Rem @ 1 kHz) 2.6 Ohms 2.6 Ohms
Motor Resistance (Rem @ 20 kHz) 18.5 Ohms 18.5 Ohms
Resistance Constant (Krm) 8.4 mOhms 8.4 mOhms
Resistance Exponent (Erm) 0.65 0.65
Reactance Constant (Kxm) 4 mH 4 mH
Reactance Exponent (Exm) 0.8 0.8
Dimensions
Overall Diameter 10 7/8 inches (276mm) 12 15/16 inches (328mm)
Overall Depth 5 3/8 inches (136 mm) 6 1/8 inches (155mm)
Mounting Depth 5 inches (127mm) 5 11/16 inches (144mm)
Mounting Hole Diameter 9 3/8 inches (238mm) 11 ½ inches (292mm)
Occupied Volume 0.06 cubic feet (1.7 liters) 0.08 cubic feet (2.3 liters)
Weight
Net 12 lbs. (5.4kg) 13 lbs. (5.9kg)
In Shipping Carton 13.3 lbs. (6 kg) 14.5 lbs. (6.6kg)

11
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. Use the original shipping carton and interior parts
only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If a ship-
ping carton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please
call or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh
Laboratory. Please see the Part List for the correct part
numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 034030 Shipping carton only
1 033872 Foam pad
1 033871 Centering Protector
1 033874 Polybag
1 049257 Shipping carton complete
Packing Instructions
MS100 Shipping Carton Parts List
MS120 Shipping Carton Parts List
Quantity Part Number Description
1 034031 Shipping carton only
1 033872 Foam pad
1 033873 Centering Protector
1 033875 Polybag
1 049258 Shipping carton complete
Shipping carton
Foam pad
Centering Protector
Polybag
MS100 or MS120
Loudspeaker

McIntosh Part No. 040609
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903