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3

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced 

Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MI254. Refer 

to the diagram for connection:

  PIN 1: Shield/Ground

  PIN 2: + Input/Output

  PIN 3: - Input/Output

Power Control Connector

The MI254 Power Control Input receives an On/Off 

signal from +5 to +12 volts. The Power Control Output 

will in turn provide a +12 volt Output Signal with a 

total current up to 50mA. An additional connection 

is for controlling the illumination 

of the MI254 Meter Power Output 

Indicators. The 3.5mm stereo mini 

phone plug connects to a McIntosh 

Preamplifier or A/V Control Center 

Power Control Output.

Output Terminal Connector

When cables with spade lugs are used 

for Loudspeaker Connection, the spade 

lugs need an opening of at least 3/10 inch 

(7.6mm) 

General Information, con,t and Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features 

Connector and Cable Information

Introduction

Performance Features

Power

Control

Meter

Illumination

Control Ground

Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh 

standards of excellence in the MI254 Power Ampli-

fier. The Four Channel Power Amplifier produces 

high power output per channel and will drive quality 

Loudspeakers to a high level of performance. The 

MI254 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso-

lutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of 

the Music Itself.”

• Power Output

The MI254 consists of Four Power Amplifier Chan-

nels, each capable of 250 watts into 8 ohms 300 watts 

into 4 ohms Loudspeakers with distortion less than 

0.025%.

• Loudspeaker Guard

The McIntosh Loudspeaker Guard Circuit prevents the 

amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with 

its harsh distorted sound that can damage your valu-

able Loudspeakers.

• Versatile Operation

The MI254 can provide power amplification for four 

channels in a single Zone A/V System or two channels 

for each of a Dual Zone A/V System.

• Balanced, Unbalanced and Bus Inputs

There are Balanced, Unbalanced and Bus Connections 

for all four Power Amplifier Input Channels.

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec-

tion circuits ensure the MI254 will have a long and 

trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection 

circuits guard against overheating.

• Illuminated Power Meters

The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the 

MI254 are peak responding, and indicates the Power 

Output of the amplifiers.

• Power Control

The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote 

turn-on of the MI254 Power Amplifier from a McIn-

tosh A/V Control Center or Preamplifier for a single 

or dual Zone System.

• Special Power Supply

A regulated Power Supply ensures stable noise free 

operation even though the power line varies.

• LED Solid State Front Panel Illumination

The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom-

plished by extra long life Light Emitting Diodes 

(LEDs). The Metal and Glass Front Panel ensures the 

pristine beauty of the MI254 will be retained for many 

years.

PIN 2 

PIN 1 

PIN 3 

5

In the event the MI254 Channel(s) over heat, due 

to improper ventilation or Loudspeaker Imped-

ance, the protection circuits will activate. The Front 

Panel Channel LED will change color and the audio 

will be muted. Refer to page 15. When the MI254 

has returned to a safe operating temperature, 

Channel(s) normal operation will resume.

6. For additional information on the MI254 and 

other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh    

Website at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

 3/10 of an inch

(7.6millimeters)

Summary of Contents for MI254

Page 1: ...McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton New York 13903 2699 Phone 607 723 3512 www mcintoshlabs com MI254 Four Channel Power Amplifier Owner s Manual...

Page 2: ...miliar with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be part of your system If you or your Dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem you can receive technical assistance...

Page 3: ...into clipping with its harsh distorted sound that can damage your valu able Loudspeakers Versatile Operation The MI254 can provide power amplification for four channels in a single Zone A V System or...

Page 4: ...sions Rear View of the MI254 Side View of the MI254 Front View of the MI254 17 1 2 44 5cm 3 15 32 8 8cm 4 5 16 11 0cm 13 1 4 33 7cm 18 1 2 47 0cm 17 1 16 43 3cm 25 64cm 2 0 5 0cm 13 19 32 34 7cm 1 5 1...

Page 5: ...is installed together with other McIntosh Components check clearances on all components before proceeding Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting MI254 Front Panel Custom Cabinet Cutout Support Shelf Chass...

Page 6: ...ut Selector Switch1 CHANNEL 3 Right Input Selector Switch1 CHANNEL 2 Left Input Selector Switch1 CHANNEL 1 Right Input Selector Switch1 BALanced Input CHANNEL 4 Left BALanced Input CHANNEL 3 Right BAL...

Page 7: ...to the respective Channel Left or Channel 4 Left Amplifier Channel 4 Left BALANCED Input Channel 4 Left UNBALANCED Input BUS 2 Left UNBALANCED Input BUS 1 Left UNBALANCED Input Channel 4 Left Switch 1...

Page 8: ...tput Con nections instead of Balanced Connections 3 Place the Input Selector Switches for all four chan nels in the LINE position This McIntosh MI254 Power Amplifier is designed for Loudspeakers with...

Page 9: ...f the cable end into the terminal side access hole Then tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly clamped into the terminals so the lugs or wire cannot slip out Refer to figures 6 7 and 8 WAR...

Page 10: ...the A V Control Center Analog Audio Out Zone 2 Left and Right Channel to the MI254 BUS 1 INPUTS making sure to match up channel designations 3 Connect unbalanced cables from the A V Control Center Ana...

Page 11: ...making sure to match up channel designation with Loudspeaker location Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of the cable end into the terminal side access hole Then tighten the terminal c...

Page 12: ...n impedance of 4 ohms or 8 ohms Connect a single Loudspeaker only to each Channel Output Terminals When connecting Loudspeakers to the MI254 it is very important to use cables of adequate size so ther...

Page 13: ...l side access hole Then tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly clamped into the terminals so the lugs or wire cannot slip out Refer to figures 6 7 and 8 WARNING Loudspeaker terminals are h...

Page 14: ...ush Button switches AC Power On or Off Meter indicates Left and Right Channel Amplifiers 1 and 2 Output LED indicates various Channel 2 Circuitry Functions LED indicates various Channel 3 Circuitry Fu...

Page 15: ...4 when switched On 2 There must be a power control connection between the MI254 and the Audio Source Component in order for the Remote Control Operation Power ON OFF to function 3 When the MI254 is re...

Page 16: ...16...

Page 17: ...17 Photos...

Page 18: ...rtion 0 1 maximum if the instantaneous peak power output does not exceed the rated power output for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20 000Hz Wide Band Damping Factor Greater than 85 8 ohm...

Page 19: ...e the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition If a shipping carton or any of the interior part s are needed please call or write Customer Service...

Page 20: ...cts is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice Printed in the U S A McIntosh Laboratory Inc 2 Chambers Street Binghamton NY 13903 www mcin...

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