4
Performance Features
Introduction and Performance Features
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MC2102 Power Amplifier. Two
100 watt high current output channels will drive any high
quality loudspeaker system to its ultimate performance.
The MC2102 reproduction is sonically transparent and ab-
solutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is The Sound of
the Music Itself.
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................ 2
Thank You and Please Take a Moment............................. 3
Technical Assistance and Customer Service .................... 3
Table of Contents and General Notes ............................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................... 4
Performance Features ....................................................... 4
Dimensions ....................................................................... 5
Installation of Tubes and Tube ......................................... 6
Location and Ventilation ................................................... 7
Installation in a Custom Cabinet ...................................... 8
Rear Panel Connections and Switch ................................. 9
How to Connect for Stereo ............................................. 10
How to Connect for Mono Parallel ................................ 12
How to Connect for Mono Bridge .................................. 14
Front Panel Displays and Controls ................................. 16
How to Operate............................................................... 17
Specifications ................................................................. 18
Packing Instructions ....................................................... 19
General Notes
1. Caution: To prevent electrical shock make sure that the AC
POWER CORD IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE
MC2102 when inserting or removing Vacuum Tubes,
as there are hazardous voltages present at the pins of
the Tube Sockets.
2. When Vacuum Tubes are installed or removed, reattach the
Tube Cover with the Original Tube Cover Screws.
3. If the MC2102 has been On, please allow the Hot Vacuum
Tubes to cool first before removing them.
4. The following Connecting Cable is available from the
McIntosh Parts Department:
Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, 2 conductor shielded, with two 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs.
5. For additional connection information, refer to the owners
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC2102.
6. It is very important that loudspeaker cables of adequate size
be used, so that there will be minimum power loss. The size is
specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG, (American Wire Gauge).
The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size.
Connection Terminals will accept up to a 8 AWG wire size:
If your loudspeaker cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 14 Gauge.
If your loudspeaker cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge.
7. Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input connectors on
the MC2102:
PIN 1: Shield or ground
PIN 2: + input
PIN 3: input
·
Power Output
The MC2102 consists of two separate power amplifier
channels, each capable of 100 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm
loudspeakers in stereo. It may also be operated in mono at
200 watts into 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 ohm loudspeakers.
·
Bifilar Wound Transformers and Output Circuit
The Power Output Sections utilize the famous McIntosh
Patented Unity Coupled Circuit with a Bifilar Wound Out-
put Transformer for low distortion, extended frequency re-
sponse and cool operating output tubes.
·
Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and al-
low long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
·
Illuminated Power Meters
Two accurate, peak responding output meters continuously
indicate the power delivered by each channel. A Peak Hold
Meter Mode indicates the maximum power reached over a
given time span. The meter illumination can be turned off
so as not to detract from the listening environment, if de-
sired.
·
Gold Plated Connectors and Tube Socket Contacts
Gold Plated Input Jacks and Output Binding Posts provide
trouble free connections. Ceramic tube sockets with gold
plated contacts provide protection from atmospheric con-
tamination. Output Tube Sockets include Air-Pipe cooling
at their bases.
·
Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and
the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish en-
sures the pristine beauty of the MC2102 will be retained
for many years.
