McIntosh MQ108, Owner'S Manual

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curves A and B. A person who listens to both rock and classical usually will prefer curve B.
Smoothing the room response and frequency contouring can be accomplished by proper pro-
gramming of the MQ108 equalizer.
Connect the MQ108 between the outputs of a preamplifier or control center and the inputs
of a power amplifier. The MQ108 has both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs and outputs.
The MQ108 can also be connected between the preamplifier outputs and power amplifier
inputs on a receiver or integrated amplifier-preamplifier.
It is not recommended that the MQ108 be connected to a tape monitor loop or signal pro-
cessing loop, since the high output levels could possibly overdrive the MQ108 inputs.
Balanced Jack Pin Configuration:
Pin 1. System Ground
Pin 2. + Signal
Pin 3. - Signal
AC POWER
Connect the MQ108 AC power cord into a switched AC outlet on a preamplifier or control
center. The MQ108 will then turn on and off with the rest of the system.
Before equalization is performed, the room response must first be measured with a Spec-
trum Analyzer with third octave resolution. An analyzer such as the Audio Control SA-3050A,
Mclntosh AA2 or other similar analyzer will be satisfactory.
The analyzer microphone should be located in the listening area at normal ear height.
Measurements should be made for each stereo channel separately. The results will be read
on the instrument display, or by a meter, depending on the type of analyzer used. You may
find it convenient to pencil in the response indications on one of the frequency response charts
included in this manual. This will become your initial reference for determining the needed
equalization.
After the initial room measurements are made, and the required equalization is determined,
the MQ108 should be programmed. The same room measurements must then be repeated
to determine the results of the equalization.
Since so many variables are present with room equalization and listener preferences, you
may find it desirable to measure and then program the equalizer more than once, depending
on the results of listening tests until you get the desired results. A convenient IN-OUT equaliza-
tion switch is provided on the MQ108 for instant comparison of the system equalized and
unequalized. When the switch if OUT, all equalization circuits are bypassed. When the circuit
is IN, all equalization including HIGH FREQUENCY COMPENSATION is in the circuit and active.
7
EQUALIZING
FOR OPTIMUM
LISTENING
HOW TO
CONNECT
MEASURING
THE ROOM
ACOUSTICS