McIntosh MC8207

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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 www.mcintoshlabs.com MC8207 Seven Channel Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual 2 The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en - closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or back. No user-serviceable parts inside. 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc - tions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa - ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar - ized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manu - facturer, or sold with the appa - ratus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service person - nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power- supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment. 16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the a.c. receptacle. 17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. 18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. 19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT. 3 Thank You Please Take A Moment Technical Assistance If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar 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 for all McIntosh products at: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903 Phone: 607-723-1545 Fax: 607-724-0549 Customer Service If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department at: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903 Phone: 607-723-3515 Fax: 607-723-1917 Copyright 2011 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. Table of Contents Your decision to own this McIntosh MC8207 Power Amplifier ranks you at the very top among discrimi - nating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit. Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos - sible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh. The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer name are important to you for possible insurance claim or future service. The spaces below have been provided for you to record that information: Serial Number: _______________________________ Purchase Date: _______________________________ Dealer Name: ________________________________ Safety Instructions ...................................................... 2 Thank You and Please Take a Moment ....................... 3 Technical Assistance and Customer Service .............. 3 Table of Contents ........................................................ 3 General Information ............................................... 3-4 Connector and Cable Information .............................. 4 Introduction ................................................................. 4 Performance Features ................................................. 4 Dimensions ................................................................. 5 Installation .................................................................. 6 Connections: Rear Panel Connections .............................................. 7 How to Connect for a Seven Channel System ........ 8-9 Connection Diagram (Separate Sheet) ............ Mc1A How to Connect for a Five Channel and Zone B Sys - tem (or Seven Channel System) ........................... 10-11 Connection Diagram (Separate Sheet) ............ Mc1B Front Panel Displays and Controls ............................ 12 How to Operate ......................................................... 13 Technical Description .......................................... 14-15 Photos ................................................................... 16-17 Specifications ............................................................ 18 Packing Instruction ................................................... 19 General Information 1. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MC8207 Power Amplifier. 2. The Main AC Power going to the MC8207 and any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the system components are connected together. Failure to do so could result in malfunc - tioning of some or all of the system’s normal opera - tions. When the MC8207 and other McIntosh Com - ponents are in their Standby Power Off Mode, some of the circuitry inside each component is active and communication is occurring between them. 3. In the event the MC8207 overheats, due to improp - er ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the protection circuits will activate. The Front Panel Power Guard LEDs will continuously indicate ON and the audio will be muted. When the MC8207 has returned to a safe operating temperature, nor - mal operation will resume. 4. For the best performance and safety it is important to always match the impedance of the Loudspeaker to the Power Amplifier connections. Refer to “How to Connect” pages 8 thru 11. Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually var - ies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different frequencies. As a result, the nominal impedance rating of the Loudspeaker (usually measured at a midrange frequency) might not always agree with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low frequencies where the greatest amount of power is required. Contact the Loudspeaker Manufac - turer for additional information about the actual impedance of the Loudspeaker before connecting it to the McIntosh MC8207. 4 General Information, con,t and Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features XLR Connectors Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MC8207. Refer to the diagram for connection: PIN 1: Shield/Ground PIN 2: + Input/Output PIN 3: - Input/Output Power Control Connector The MC8207 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 MC8207 Ilumeter Power Output Indicators. The 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center Power Control Output. Connector and Cable Information Introduction Performance Features 5. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules or regulations. Batteries should never be thrown away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance with the local regulations concerning battery disposal. 6. For additional information on the MC8207 and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintosh - labs.com. General Information, con’t Power Control Meter Illumination Control Ground Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MC8207 Power Ampli - fier. The Seven Channel Power Amplifier produces a power output of 200 watts per channel and will drive quality Loudspeakers to a high level of performance. The MC8207 reproduction is sonically transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.” • Power Output The MC8207 consists of Seven Power Amplifier Channels, each capable of 200 watts into 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers with less than 0.005% distortion. • Power Guard The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can damage your valuable Loudspeakers. • Dynamic Power Manager TM The MC8207’s Dynamic Power Manager (DPM) cir - cuitry allows for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers, while at the same time delivering identical power output. A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel ensures that it will successfully drive high quality Loudspeakers such as McIntosh, for a truly exciting sound experience. • Versatile Operation The MC8207 can provide power amplification for seven channels in a single Zone A/V System or five channels for Zone A and two channels for Zone B in a Dual Zone A/V System. • Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs There are Balanced Connections for all seven Power Amplifier Input Channels. For convenience when the MC8207 is used in a Dual Zone System there are also two unbalanced inputs. • Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec - tion circuits ensure the MC8207 will have a long and trouble free operating life. Built-in thermal protection circuits guard against overheating. • Ilumeter Power Output Indicators The LED Ilumeter Power Output Indicators are peak responding and indicate the power output of the ampli - fier in watts. • Power Control The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote turn-on of the MC8207 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 and a very large Toroidal Wound Power Transformer, ensures stable noise free operation even though the power line varies. • 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). The glass Front Panel ensures the pristine beauty of the MC8207 will be retained for many years. PIN 2 PIN 1 PIN 3 5 Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MC8207. Dimensions Front View of the MC8207 Rear View of the MC8207 Side View of the MC8207 17-1/2" 44.5cm 8-7/8" 22.5cm 9-7/16" 23.9cm 11-3/4" 29.9cm 16-13/16" 42.7cm 18-5/8" 47.3cm 3/16" 0.5cm 7/8" 2.2cm 8-1/8" 20.6cm 13" 33.0cm 16-1/2" 41.9cm 2-1/2" 6.4cm 6 Installation Installation MC8207 Front Panel Custom Cabinet Cutout Cutout Opening for Ventilation Cutout Opening for Ventilation Support Shelf Cabinet Front Panel Chassis Spacers MC8207 Side View in Custom Cabinet MC8207 Bottom View in Custom Cabinet 12-1/4" 31.1cm 12-3/8" 31.4cm 14-1/4" 36.2cm 2-7/8" 7.3cm 6" 15.2cm Opening for Ventilation 15-3/4" 40.0cm 9-7/8" 25.1cm 10" 25.4cm 14-11/16" 37.3cm 17" 43.2cm Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting Opening for Ventilation Cabinet Front Panel Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit. For purposes of clarity, the above illustration is not drawn to scale. The MC8207 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom of the MC8207 when it is custom installed as out - lined below. The four feet together with the mounting screws should be retained for possible future use if the MC8207 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila - tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown. Always provide adequate ventilation for your MC8207. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MC8207 directly above a heat generating component such as a high powered amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in maintaining all the system components at the coolest possible operating temperature. A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation. Allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom, 3 inches (7.62cm) behind the rear panel and 2 inches (5.08cm) on each side of the Power Amplifier, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 2-1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in front of the mounting 1 panel for clearance. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing. 1 When the MC8207 is installed together with other McIn - tosh Components, check clearances on all components before proceeding. 7 Rear Panel Connections and Switch Connect the MC8207 power cord to a live AC outlet. Refer to the rear panel to determine the correct voltage Selects the impedance (4 or 8 ohms) of the Loudspeakers connected to the MC8207 POWER CONTROL IN (ZA) receives turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh compo - nent for Zone A (Channels 1- 7). POWER CONTROL IN (ZB) receives turn On/Off signals from a McIntosh component for Zone B (Channels 4 and 5). Unbalanced INPUTs ZONE B Right Channel or Chan - nel 5 (Surround Back Right) and ZONE B Left Channel or Channel 4 (Surround Back Left) Balanced INPUTS Channel 7 (Front Right); Channel 6 (Surround Right); Channel 5 (Surround Back Right or ZONE B Right Channel) Circuit Breaker, press to reset if the amplifier will not power up POWER CONTROL OUT (ZA and ZB) send turn On/Off signals to the next McIntosh Component Balanced INPUTS Channel 4 (Surround Back Left or ZONE B Left Channel); Channel 3 (Center); Channel 2 (Surround Left); Channel 1 (Front Left) OUTPUTS Channel 6 (Sur - round Right) connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 7 (Front Right) connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 5 (Surround Back Right) or ZONE B Right Channel connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 3 (Center) connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 4 (Surround Back Left) or ZONE B Left Channel connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 1 (Front Left) connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker OUTPUTS Channel 2 (Surround Left) connection for a 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeaker 1 Refer to page 13 for additional information AUTO OFF Disables or Enables the Power Saving Circuitry 1 8 5. Referring to figure 5, connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables with banana plugs into the hole at the end of the MC8207 Negative and Positive Output Termi - nals, making sure to match up chan - nel designation with Loudspeaker location. 6. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) to match the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are differ - ent impedance, use the impedance of the Front Loudspeakers. If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is 6 ohms, select the 4 ohms setting. Refer to “Gen - eral Information” Note 4 on page 3 for additional information. WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live and present a risk of electric shock. For additional instruction on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Techni - cal Support. 7. Connect the MC8207 power cord to an active AC outlet. Spade Lug or Wire Connections: 8. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the MC8207 Output Terminal being careful to observe the correct polarities, making sure to match up channel designation with Loudspeaker location. Insert the spade lug connector or prepared sec - tion of 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. How to Connect for Seven Channel System Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide Loudspeaker Impedance 25 feet (7.62 meters) or less 50 feet (15.24 meters) or less 100 feet (30.48 meters) or less 2 Ohms 12AWG 10AWG 8AWG 4 Ohms 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG 8 Ohms 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 3. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cable for attach - ment to the MC8207 Power Amplifier: Bare wire cable ends: Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends, refer to figures 1, 2 & 3. If the cable is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly as possible. Notes: 1. If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together. 2. The prepared bare wire cable ends may be inserted into spade lug connectors. 3. Banana plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only. Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only: 4. Attach the previously prepared bare wire cable ends into the banana plugs and secure the connections. Refer to figure 4. Caution: Do not connect the AC Power Cord to the MC8207 Rear Panel until after the Loudspeaker Connections are made and the protective Termi - nal Connections Cover is installed. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock. The connection instructions below, together with the MC8207 Connection Diagram located on the separate folded sheet “ Mc1A ”, is an example of a typical Mul - tichannel System. Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional information refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4. 1. For Remote Power Control, connect a power control cable from the A/V Control Center Power Control Trigger/Output 1 to the Amplifier POWER CON - TROL ZA input. Note: When the Power Control Cable is connected between the MC8207 and an A/V Control Cen - ter, the AUTO OFF Signal Sensing Circuitry is automatically disabled. 2. Connect XLR cables from the Balanced Outputs (FL, C, FR, SR, SL, SBR and SBL) of an A/V Control Center to the MC8207 Balanced INPUTS (1-FL, 3-C, 7-FR, 6-SR, 2-SL, 5-SBR and 4-SBL ) making sure to match up channel designations. This McIntosh MC8207 Power Amplifier is designed for Loudspeakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Connect a single Loudspeaker only to each Channel Output Terminals. When connecting Loudspeakers to the MC8207 it is very important to use cables of adequate size, so there is little to no power loss in the cables. The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size: Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 4 9 9. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) to match the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are differ - ent impedance, use the impedance of the Front Loudspeakers. If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is 6 ohms, select the 4 ohms setting. Refer to “Gen - eral Information” Note 4 on page 3 for additional information. WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live and present a risk of electric shock. For additional instruction on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Techni - cal Support. 10. Connect the MC8207 power cord to an active AC outlet. How to Connect for a Seven Channel System Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 10 Notes: 1. If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together. 2. The prepared bare wire cable ends may be inserted into spade lug connectors. 3. Banana plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only. Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and Canada only: 5. Attach the previously prepared bare wire cable ends into the banana plugs and secure the connec - tions. Refer to figure 4. 6. Referring to figure 5, connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables with banana plugs into the hole at the end of the MC8207 Negative and Positive Output Terminals, making sure to match up channel designation with Loudspeaker location. 7. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) to match the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are different impedance, use the imped - ance of the Front Loudspeakers. If the Loud - speaker’s impedance is 6 ohms, select the 4 ohms setting. Refer to “General Information” Note 4 on page 3 for additional information. How to Connect for a Five Channel and Zone B System 3. Connect audio cables from the A/V Control Center Zone B Left and Right Channel Outputs to the MC8207 Unbalanced L(4-SBL) and R(5-SBR), making sure to match up channel designation. Note: If the A/V Control Center Zone B Left and Right Channel Ouputs are Balanced Connec - tors, then use XLR Cables and connect them to the Balanced Inputs 4-SBL for the Left Channel and 5-SBR for the Right Channel. This McIntosh MC8207 Power Amplifier is designed for Loudspeakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Connect a single Loudspeaker only to each Channel Output Terminals. When connecting Loudspeakers to the MC8207 it is very important to use cables of adequate size, so there is little to no power loss in the cables. The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the wire size: Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide Loudspeaker Impedance 25 feet (7.62 meters) or less 50 feet (15.24 meters) or less 100 feet (30.48 meters) or less 2 Ohms 12AWG 10AWG 8AWG 4 Ohms 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG 8 Ohms 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG 4. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cable for attach - ment to the MC8207 Power Amplifier: Bare wire cable ends: Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends, refer to figures 1, 2 & 3. If the cable is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly as possible. Caution: Do not connect the AC Power Cord to the MC8207 Rear Panel until after the Loudspeaker Connections are made and the protective Termi - nal Connections Cover is installed. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock. The connection instructions below, together with the MC8207 Connection Diagram located on the separate folded sheet “ Mc1B ”. Below is an example of a typical Five Channel and Zone B System. Your system may vary from this, however the actual components would be connected in a similar manner. For additional in - formation refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 4. 1. For Remote Power Control, connect a power control cable from the A/V Control Center Power Control Trigger/Output 1 to the Amplifier POWER CONTROL ZA In. Also connect a power control cable from the A/V Control Center Power Control Trigger/Output 2 to the Amplifier POWER CON - TROL ZB In. Note: 1. When the Power Control Cable is con - nected between the MC8207 Power Control ZA In Jack and an A/V Control Center, the AUTO OFF Signal Sensing Circuitry is automatically disabled. 2. For proper operation of Zone B, a Power Control Connection is required between the MC8207 Power Control ZB In Jack and an A/V Control Center Power Control Zone B Output Jack. 2. Connect XLR cables from the Balanced Outputs (FL, C, FR, SR, SL, SBR and SBL) of an A/V Control Center to the MC8207 Balanced INPUTS (1-FL, 3-C, 7-FR, 6-SR and 2-SL), making sure to match up channel designations. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 4 11 WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazardous live and present a risk of electric shock. For additional instruction on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical Support. 8. Connect the MC8207 power cord to an active AC outlet. Spade Lug or Wire Connections: 9. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the MC8207 Output Terminal being careful to observe the correct polarities, making sure to match up channel designation with Loudspeaker location. Insert the spade lug connector or prepared sec - tion of 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. 10. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) to match the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are differ - ent impedance, use the impedance of the Front Loudspeakers. If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is 6 ohms, select the 4 ohms setting. Refer to “Gen - eral Information” Note 4 on page 3 for additional information. How to Connect for a Five Channel and Zone B System Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazard - ous live and present a risk of electric shock. For additional instruction on making Loudspeaker Connections contact your McIntosh Dealer or McIntosh Technical Support. 11. Connect the MC8207 power cord to an active AC outlet. 12 Front Panel Displays and Controls Standby Power On Indicator Ilumeter indicates the Power Output of the Front Left, Center and Front Right Amplifier Channels LED indicates when the Front Left, Center or Front Right Amplifier Channel POWER GUARD circuit activates LED indicates when the SL, SBL, SBR or SR Amplifier Channel POWER GUARD circuit activates POWER Switch Turns AC Power On or Off/Remote (On/Off) 13 Note: If the Power Save Circuitry has switched Power to the MC8207 OFF, place the POWER in the OFF Position and then in the ON position to reset the circuitry. Impedance Switch The MC8207’s Dynamic Power Manager circuitry allows for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers to its output terminals, while at the same time delivering the same power out - put. Refer to figure 11. Place the IMPEDANCE Switch, located on the rear panel, to the position (4 ohm or 8 ohm) that matches the impedance of the connected Loudspeakers. In the event that some of the Loudspeakers in the system are of different impedance, use the impedance of the Left and Right Front Loudspeakers to set the IMPEDANCE Switch position. Refer to figure 12. Ilumeter Power Output Indicators The MC8207 Ilumeter Power Output Indicators are calibrated to allow for the direct reading of the Power Output in Watts for Loudspeakers connected to Front Left, Center and Front Right Amplifier Channels. The Ilumeter responds to all the musical information being produced by the amplifier. It indicates to an accuracy of at least 95% of the power output with only a single cycle of a 2000Hz tone burst. Refer to figure 13. Note: When Power Control Input of the MC8207 is connected to a A/V Control Center or Audio Preamplifier with Remote Meter Illumination Control, the Ilumbar Illumination will auto - matically be remotely controlled (On/Off). Power With the POWER Switch set to the OFF/REMOTE Position, the MC8207 will turn On or Off when an A/V Control Center turns On or Off. For manual operation, place the POWER Switch to the ON Position as desired. Refer to figure 9. Notes: 1. There must be a power control connection between the MC8207 and the McIntosh A/V Control Center in order for the remote power turn-on to function. 2. To switch the MC8207 back On after the Auto Sense Circuitry has placed the amplifier into the Standby Mode, it is first necessary to place the POWER Switch in the OFF/REMOTE posi - tion. Then place the POWER Switch in the ON position. Refer to “Auto Off Switch” below for additional information. Auto Off Switch The MC8207 incorporates Power Save Circuitry to automatically place the MC8207 into the power saving Standby Mode approximately 30 minutes after there has been an absence of an audio input signal. When there is a Power Control Connection be - tween the MC8207 and a Preampli - fier with Power Save Circuitry, the AUTO OFF Switch is bypassed (located on the Rear Panel Of the MC8207). Refer to figure 10. In the event there is no Power Control Connection and the Power Save Circuitry is activating inappro - priately relative to your specific use of the MC8207, place the AUTO OFF Switch in the DISABLE posi - tion. How to Operate How to Operate Figure 9 Figure 13 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 10 14 less current- hungry 8 ohm speakers and still deliver 200 watts. The power penalty usu - ally paid with 8 ohm speak - ers on high current amplifiers does not exist with this new design. All transistors are selected to have nearly constant current gain over the entire current range they must cover. Output transistors in particular, have matched uniform current gain, high current bandwidth product and large active region safe operating area. These Power Transistors are the very latest in semiconductor technology and incorporate a new design known as ThermalTrak™. Refer to figure 15. This allows for the instantaneous and accurate monitoring of the Power Transistor Temperature. The MC8207 Power Output Circuitry has a specially designed bias circuit to take full advantage of the ThermalTrak™ Power Transistors and thus precisely controls the power amplifier operation over a wide range of music conditions with the benefits of lower distortion and cooler operation. Precision metal film resistors and low dielectric absorption film capacitors are used in all critical circuit locations. A continuous average power output rating of 200 watts and an output current of greater than 25 amperes per channel, makes this one of the most advanced and powerful amplifiers McIntosh has ever manufactured. Refer to figures 14 and 16. The distortion limits for the MC8207 are no more than 0.005% at rated power output for all frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Typical performance at mid frequencies is less than 0.002%. The true distortion readings on the MC8207 are so low, it takes special measuring techniques to make accurate readings. The MC8207 can deliver the best possible performance from any type of high qual - ity Loudspeaker System. Design Philosophy The MC8207 McIntosh Power Amplifier uses the recently developed Dynamic Power Manager TM (DPM) Circuitry. The MC8207 can easily drive 4 ohm speak - ers, with their high current demand. Additionally, the MC8207 can be used with 8 ohm speakers, and deliver equal power. McIntosh’s new DPM TM design enables it to run on higher voltage rails when connected to Technical Description Figure 15 Figure 16 Block Diagram of the Power Amplifier (one channel shown) ThermalTrak DC BIAS MUTE THERMAL SENSORS POWER GUARD ATTENUATOR UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED INPUT + - ILUMETER POWER OUTPUT INDICATOR AMP AMP 4Ω/8Ω DISPLAY CONTROL AUTO SENSE CONTROL TO POWER SAVE CONTROL Figure 14 15 Loudspeaker System tweeters. You will never experience the harsh and damaging distortion due to clipping. The Power Guard circuit is a waveform comparator, monitor - ing both the input and output waveforms. Under normal operating conditions, there are no differences between the shapes of these waveforms. If an amplifier channel is overdriven, there will be a difference between the two signal waveforms. When the difference exceeds 0.3% (equivalent to 0.3% harmonic distortion), the Power Guard activates the PG light and a dynamic electronic attenuator at the amplifier input reduces the input volume just enough to prevent any further increase in distortion. The Power Guard circuit acts so fast that there are absolutely no audible side effects and the sonic purity of the music reproduction is perfectly preserved. The MC8207 Power Amplifier with Power Guard is not limited to just the rated power output, but will actually produce distortion free output well above its rated power due to the McIntosh philosophy of conservative design. Power Supply Circuits To compliment the design of the MC8207, there is a high current power supply for the five power amplifier channels. Refer to figure 21. The Technical Description Figure 18 Input Test Signal Figure 22 Figure 19 Without Power Guard Figure 20 With Power Guard Normal Operating Area Sentry Monitor Safety Area Output Transistor Failure Figure 17 Block Diagram of the Power Supply Figure 21 POWER SAVE CONTROL CIRCUIT BREAKER POWER RELAY AC POWER The high efficiency circuit design of the MC8207 contributes to low operating temperatures. More than 2100 square inches of heat sink area occupies almost half of the MC8207’s chassis space and keeps the amplifier operating safely with convection cooling. No fans are needed. Protection Circuits The MC8207 incor - porates its version of the McIntosh Sentry Monitor output transistor protec - tion circuit. There is absolutely no compromise in sonic performance with this circuit, and it ensures safe operation of the amplifier under even the most extreme operating conditions. Refer to figure 17. The different types of protec - tion circuits incorporated in the MC8207 insure a long and safe operating life. The MC8207 also includes the unique patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit. Power Guard eliminates the possibility of ever overdriving the amplifi - er into clipping. Refer to figures 18, 19 and 20. An overdriven amplifier can produce both audible and inaudible distortion levels exceeding 40%. The au - dible distortion is unpleasant to hear, but the inaudible ultrason - ic distortion is also undesirable, since it can damage valuable very large Power Transfomer, has toroidal windings on a toroidal core and can supply over 35 amps of continuous current. Refer to figure 22 (golf ball is for size comparsion). It is enclosed in the legendary McIntosh Potted Enclosures and weighs over 12kg. The super size main filter capacitors can store over 340 Joules of energy for the seven amplifier channels, necessary for the wide dy - namic range that “Digital Audio” demands. The power amplifier draws high current from the AC power line. Therefore, it is important that they plug directly into the wall outlet. Also, most owners desire one power switch for the whole audio system. The MC8207 is equipped with a circuit that provides remote Power Control from a McIntosh A/V Control Center. When the A/V Control Center is switched On, a (+5V) signal operates the power relay in the MC8207. The MC8207 also has a remote Power Control input for Zone B operation (two of the seven channels). 16 17 Photos 18 Power Output Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, all channels operating is: 200 watts into a 4 ohm or 8 ohm load Output Load Impedance 8 and 4 ohms Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20,000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz Dynamic Headroom 1.7dB Frequency Response +0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz Input Sensitivity (for rated output) 2.0 Volt Balanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker 1.0 Volt Unbalanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker 2.8 Volt Balanced with a 8 ohm Loudspeaker 1.4 Volt Unbalanced with a 8 ohm Loudspeaker Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) 112dB below rated output Intermodulation Distortion 0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power output does not exceed twice the rated power output or less per channel with all channels operating for any combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Wide Band Damping Factor Greater than 70 at 4 ohms Greater than 140 at 8 ohms Input Impedance 20,000 ohms Balanced 10,000 ohms Unbalanced Voltage Gain 29dB Power Guard Less than 2% THD with up to 14dB overdrive at 1,000Hz Power Control Inputs ZA and ZB 5-15VDC, less than 1mA Power Control Output ZA and ZB 12VDC, 50mA maximum total Output is delayed 0.2 seconds from turn On Power Requirements Field AC Voltage conversion of the MC8207 is not possible. The MC8207 is factory configured for one of the following AC Voltages: 100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 14.4 Amps 110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 13.0 Amps 120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 12.0 Amps 220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 7.5 Amps 230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.5 Amps 240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.5 Amps Standby: less than 0.5 watt Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MC8207 for the cor - rect voltage. Overall Dimensions Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.5cm) Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.9cm) including feet Depth is 21 inches (53.3cm) including the Front Panel and Cables Weight 83 pounds (37.6 kg) net, 116 pounds (52.6 kg) in ship - ping carton Shipping Carton Dimensions Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.9cm) Height is 17 inches (43.2cm) Depth is 29 inches (73.7cm) Specifications Specifications 19 Packing Instructions Packing Instructions In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. Four 1/4 - 20x2-1/4 inch screws and washers must be used to fasten the unit securely to the bottom pad and wood skid. This will ensure the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage. Use 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 Depart - ment of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 3. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers. Quantity Part Number Description 1 034052 Shipping carton top 1 034051 Shipping carton bottom 2 034054 Foam Pad (top and bottom) 2 034186 Foam Pad (front and rear) 2 034187 Foam Pad (sides) 1 034136 Inner carton top 1 034137 Inner carton bottom 1 034188 Foam Pad (inner carton) 1 034479 Shipping skid 4 401212 1/4 - 20x2-1/4 cap screw 4 104058 Flat washer The continuous improvement of its products 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.mcintoshlabs.com McIntosh Part No. 04130400