MA6850/MA6800 Integrated Amplifiers - Berner's

1 MA6850/MA6800 Integrated AmplifiersSee SYSTEMS ENGINEERING in main brochure for more onMcIntosh system AmplifiersFeatured TechnologiesEXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH output AUTOFORMERS. An impedance mismatch between a poweramplifier and a loudspeaker can cause distortion and a reduction in power . The legendaryMcIntosh autoformer is a hand-crafted transformer with output connections for 2, 4, and 8 ohms,allowing an ideal impedance match between amp and speaker. A McIntosh amplifier with anautoformer can also safely drive multiple speakers connected in parallel without shorteningthe life of the output stage. There is absolutely no performance penalty with an autoformer. Infact, its frequency response exceedsthat of the output circuit itself, and extends well beyondthe audible range.

2 Distortion is so low it is virtually immeasurable. EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH power ASSURANCE SYSTEM. power Assurance is a collection oftechnologies that enhance performance and reliability and protect the amp and the Guard clipping protection. power Guard ensures that the amplifier will alwaysdeliver full power without causing clipping distortion. If an amplifier channel is overdriven, power Guard automatically reduces the input volume just enough to keep distortion below 2%and prevent any clipping distortion. Thanks to an optical resistor, power Guard acts literally atthe speed of light, producing absolutely no audible side effects. An amplifier with power Guardwill actually deliver clipping-free output well above its rated Monitor current protection.

3 Sentry Monitor continually senses the voltage and currentof the output stage and confines it to a safe limit. Sentry Monitor does not limit power Cutout. If the cooling air is blocked and the power transistors become too hot, thermal cutouts protect against overheating until the amp Failure protection. In the rare event of an output circuit failure, any DC current that appearsin the output is shunted to ground by the autoformer, protecting the loudspeakers from circuit delays operation for about two seconds after turn-on in order toavoid any pops or thumps generated as other equipment turns Start inrush protection. Thermistors in the power transformer act as a cushion againstinrush current, eliminating component stress during turn-on.

4 Soft Start is one of many designdetails that contribute to the remarkable longevity of McIntosh PEAK-RESPONDING METERS. McIntosh meters respond 95% full scale to asingle-cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Response is almost 10-times faster than a professional VU considering a McIntosh system for the first time will find integratedamplifiers a comfortable place to start. In virtually every respect the MA6850and ma6800 perform as well as McIntosh separates. Both models incorporatepremium McIntosh technologies including autoformers, power Assurance, andSilent Electromagnetic Switching as well as several features that facilitate systemintegration and patented McIntosh PowerGuard provides real-time clippingprotection without affecting poweroutput or sound quality.

5 A) test signalb) overdriven amp withoutPowerGuard produces SEVERE clipping c) overdriven amp withPowerGuard produces NO clippingabcMA6850 SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING. In a conventional preamp, an input signal travelsto a switch, and then travels to the input circuitry. Unfortunately, the farther a signal must travel,the more distorted it becomes. And this says nothing of what detritus a dirty switch can add tothe signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signalleads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil andthe entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to thecoil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes theleads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit.

6 The inert gas eliminates corrosionof the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly off, eliminating potential sources ofinterference. PRECISION-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL. Level differences among channels in a stereo orsurround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of McIntosh volumecontrols are electronically trimmed for superior VARIABLE LOUDNESS COMPENSATION. Typical loudness circuits apply a fixedamount of compensation for listening at low volume. The ma6850 and ma6800 each have aseparateloudness control that applies compensation proportionately. When off, the loudness circuitelements are completelyremoved from the signal MCINTOSH TONE CONTROLS.

7 These offer 12dB adjustments with fine resolution,yet in the flat position are completelyremoved from the signal DATA OUTPUTS. To facilitate system integration, the ma6850 and ma6800 outputcontrol data for source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh componentseither by direct connection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote power CONTROL. This enables the MA6850/MA6800 to turn other McIntoshsystemcomponents Technologies (cont d.)About the MA6850/MA6800 Companion ProductsThe McIntosh products shown at right are logical companions for the ma6850 literature is available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for any late additions. McIntoshspeaker systems are also covered in detail in separate AM/FM Tuner.

8 A natural companion for Integrated Amplifiers , the MR7084 tuner is athoroughly engineered broadcast monitor that reveals the upper limits of AM and FM A/V Selector. The MVS3 connects to the VIDEO data output of the MA6850/MA6800 andaccommodates five additional A/V sources. RCT3 Remote Translator. The Translator allows non-McIntosh components to be operated witha McIntosh handheld remote or keypad. It connects to the data outputs on the ma6850 AC power Controller. The PC4 provides five AC outlets (four switched) for turning non-McIntosh components on and off automatically when it is connected to the power control outputof a Control Center or Integrated Home Controller. The HC1 connects to the HOME data output and allows operation of otherdevices such as lights and movie screens via a McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller.

9 SCR3 Speaker Relay (not pictured). This connects to the main output of the ma6850 /MA6800to provide switching for two pairs of speakers. It also includes two switched AC Keypad Controller or R649 IR Sensor. With switching for two pairs of speakers (using theSCR3), the MA6850/MA6800 can feed music to a second zone, with operation via keypad or CompanionsMR7084 AM/FM TUNERMVS3 A/V SELECTORRCT3 REMOTE TRANSLATORPC4 AC power CONTROLLERHC1 HOME CONTROLLERWK2 KEYPAD CONTROLLERR649 IR SENSORThe input selectors on McIntosh ControlCenters actually control state-of-the-artsilent electromagnetic glass tubecircuit completes when leads touchleadswitching command causes DC voltage at coilMA6850/ ma6800 Integrated Amplifiers2 x 150 watts (8/4/2 ohms)Exclusive McIntosh output autoformersWide power bandwidth with ultra -low distortionExclusive McIntosh power Assurance System.

10 power Guard clipping protectionSentry Monitor current protectionThermal CutoutDC Failure protectionTurn-On DelaySoft Start inrush protectionIlluminated peak-responding metersSilent electromagnetic switchingPrecision-trimmed volume control with digital readoutActive Variable Loudness CompensationExclusive McIntosh tone controls8 source selections (phono input on ma6800 only)Switching for 2 pairs of speakers (with optional SCR3 Speaker Relay)Independent listen and record selectionDual processor loopsAccommodates more sources with McIntosh MVS3 A/V SelectorControl data output for source componentsRemote power controlRemote operation of lights, screens, and drapes with McIntosh HC1 Home ControllerPower and mute indications shown on multizone keypads and sensorsElectronically regulated power supply with double-shielded transformerGold-plated input and output jacksFanless convection coolingModular construction with steel chassisGlass front panel with illuminated nomenclatureInfrared remote controlConnector for external IR sensor or keypad controllerHeadphone jack ( ma6800 only) RMS power output (8/4/2 ohms)150W min.