#Mcintosh compendium how to

Some power amplifier manufacturers claim that their products do not need or do not use protection circuits and that such circuits compromise performance.

Precision metal film resistors, low dielectric absorption film capacitors and premium audio grade electrolytics are used in all critical circuit locations. Resistors and capacitors in the signal path are carefully selected to have exceedingly low voltage coefficients, (change of resistance or reactance with applied voltage). Output transistors in particular, must have matched uniform current gain, high current-bandwidth product and large active region safe operating area. All transistors are selected to have nearly constant current gain (Beta) over the entire current range they must cover. The typical Mclntosh owner would never accept the approximately 100 times higher distortion

#Mcintosh compendium how to

Mclntosh engineers know how to properly design negative feedback circuits so they contribute to the extremely low distortion performance expected from a Mclntosh amplifier. Negative feedback is then utilized to enhance the performance. Every stage of voltage or current amplification is designed to be as linear as possible. The design philosophy incorporated in the MC500 involved many different techniques, all based on sound scientific logic. With a distortion limit of less than 0.005%, the MC500 power amplifier is absolutely transparent, ensuring total sonic accuracy. The MC500 can successfully drive any type of loudspeaker. Each channel of the MC500 can produce a peak current output of more than 112 amperes, the highest ever for a Mclntosh stereo power amplifier.

You ensure maximum amplifier reliability and long operating life with absolutely no sonic limitations or compromises.Įach channel is coupled to the loudspeaker loads by a Mclntosh Output Autoformer with matched impedances of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. Mclntosh Sentry Monitor Output protection circuits are also included. Gold plated Balanced as well as Unbalanced Input connectors ensure reliable signal transfer.Ī rear panel MODE switch is also provided to change the MC500 output configuration from a 500 watt per channel STEREO amplifier to a 1000 watt bridged mono amplifier The patented Mclntosh Power Guard circuit in each channel eliminates the possibility of overdriving the MC500 amplifier into clipping distortion.

Internal heatsink module connectors use gold plated contacts to ensure reliable operation. Typical Mclntosh attention to detail includes the use of 1% metal film resistors and polypropylene capacitors throughout. The high efficiency of the MC500 circuits together with oversize heatsinks utilizing convection cooling eliminates the need for internal cooling fans. Two 5 ½ inch True Power Output meters are mounted behind the ½ inch thick glass front panel. The Mclntosh MC500 is a 500 watt per channel stereo power amplifier created in a stunning new contemporary industrial design.