9
How to Operate the
MC162
How to Operate the MC162
Input Level Controls
When using a McIntosh Control Center set both level con-
trols to the 2.5V position. If a pream-
plifier or control center has a .9V out-
put rating set the controls to the .9V
position. If an increase or decrease in
amplifier sensitivity is required for
other applications, set the controls as
desired. Refer to Figure 1.
Power On
To have the MC162 turn on or off when a control center
turns on or off, rotate the power switch to the remote posi-
tion. For manual operation, rotate the power switch to the
on or off position as desired.
Note: There must be a power control connection between the
MC162 and the McIntosh Control Center in order for
the remote power turn on to function.
Mode Switch
The Mode switch allows both MC162 channels to be used
in two different operating configurations.
Stereo: Both channels operate independently as left and
right stereo 160 watt amplifiers.
Bridged: Both channels operate in bridged configuration
for a single monaural 500 watt amplifier.
Meter Selection
Rotate the meter mode switch to select the meter operation
mode you desire:
Lights Off - Meter lights are turned off, however the
meters will still be operating.
Watts - The meters respond to all the musical informa-
tion being produced by the amplifier and indi-
cate to an accuracy of at least 95% of the
power output of either amplifier channel.
Hold - The meter pointer is locked to the highest
power peak in a sequence of peaks. The meter
is electronically held to this power level until
another higher power peak passes through the
amplifier. The meter pointer will then rise to
the newer higher indication. If no further
power peaks are reached, the meter pointer
will very slowly return to its rest position or
lower power level.
The MC162 can be operated in Bridged Mono Mode for
500 watts into 4 ohms or 320 watts into 8 ohms. The
Bridged mode outputs are floating above chassis ground.
Refer to Figure 2.
1. Set the MC162 Mode switch to the Bridged position.
2. Adjust the Left Level control to the 2.5V position if
using a McIntosh Preamplifier or Control Center.
3. Connect the cable from the signal source component
to the Left input.
4. Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate
bridged terminals
How to Operate the MC162 in Bridge Mode
Figure 1
Figure 2
How to Read the Power Output Meters
The MC162 Power Output Meter lower scales are based on
using 4 ohm loudspeakers. If 8 ohm speakers are used, the
actual power out put is one half the power available to 4
ohm loudspeakers. The upper meter scales indicate the
power output of each channel when the MC162 is con-
nected in bridged configuration into a 4 ohm loudspeaker.
Use the chart below to determine the actual power output
sent to your loudspeakers.
Lower Scale Meter Readings
Meter Reading
With 4
Ω
Loudspeaker(s)
With 8
Ω
Loudspeaker(s)
.016
.016 Watts
.008 Watts
.16
.16 Watts
.08 Watts
1.6
1.6 Watts
.8 Watts
16
16 Watts
8 Watts
160
160 Watts
80 Watts
