4
Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Input on the MC302. Refer to the diagram for connec-
tion:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input
PIN 3: - Input
Power Control Connector
The MC302 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 cur-
rent up to 50mA. An additional
connection is for controlling
the illumination of the MC302
Power Output Meters. The 1/8
inch stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh
Preamplifier or A/V Control Center Power Control
Output.
Note: The Power Control Connecting Cable is available
from the McIntosh Parts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202
Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo
mini phone plugs on each end.
Connector and Cable Information
PIN 2
PIN 1
PIN 3
Introduction
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh
standards of excellence in the MC302 Power Amplifi-
er. The 300 watts power per channel with high current
output will drive any pair of high quality Loudspeak-
ers. The MC302 reproduction is sonically transparent
and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The
Sound of the Music Itself.”
Performance Features
IN
• Power Output
The MC302 is a Power Amplifier with a capability
of 300 watts per channel into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers
with less than 0.005% distortion. The Power Amplifier
Circuitry uses ThermalTrak
1
Output Transistors for
lower distortion and cool operation.
• Patented Autoformer
McIntosh designed and manufactured Output Auto-
formers provide an ideal match between the amplifier
output stages and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms.
The Autoformers also provide perfect DC protection
for your valuable loudspeakers.
• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and
allow long cable runs without compromising sound
quality.
• Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents
the amplifier from being over driven into clipping,
with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage
your valuable loudspeakers.
• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec-
tion circuits ensure the MC302 will have a long and
trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection
Circuits guard against overheating.
• Special Power Supply
A very large Power Transformer and Large Capaci-
tors ensure stable noise free operation even though the
power line varies.
• Illuminated Power Meters
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the
MC302 are peak responding, and indicate the true
power output of the amplifier. The Peak Watt Hold
Mode allows the meter to temporarily stay at the high-
est power output and then slowly decay. The Front
Panel Meter Illumination may be switched Off at any
time.
• McIntosh Custom Binding Posts
McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals
deliver high current output. They accept large diam-
eter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be
used only in the United States and Canada.
• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accom-
plished by the combination of custom designed Fiber
Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit-
ting Diodes (LEDs).
• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Fin-
ish ensures the pristine beauty of the MC302 will be
retained for many years.
Trigger
Control
Ground
Meter
Illumination
Control
1
ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semi-
conductor Components Industries, LLC
