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Performance Features
Introduction
• Power Output
The MC501 is a Power Amplifier with a capability of 500
watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005%
distortion.
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• Full Balanced Quad-Differential Circuitry
The MC501 is fully balanced from inputs to outputs. It
consists of two matched power amplifiers operating in
push-pull with their outputs combined in a McIntosh
Autoformer. The double balanced configuration cancels
virtually all distortion.
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• Patented Autoformers
The McIntosh designed and manufactured Output
Autoformer provides an ideal match between the amplifier
output stage and speaker loads of 2, 4 and 8 ohms. The
Autoformer also provides perfect DC protection for your
valuable Loudspeaker.
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• Patented Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the
amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh stan-
dards of excellence in the MC501 Power Amplifier. The
500 watt high current output will drive any high quality
Loudspeaker System to its ultimate performance. The
MC501 reproduction is sonically transparent and abso-
lutely accurate. The McIntosh Sound is “The Sound of the
Music Itself.”
XLR Connectors
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced Input
and Output Connectors on the MC501. Refer to the dia-
gram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Input
PIN 3: - Input
Power Control and Trigger Connectors
The MC501’s Power Control Outputs provide a 5 volt sig-
nal. Use a 1/8 inch stereo mini
phone plug to connect to the
Power Control Input on other
McIntosh Components.
Positive
N/C
Ground
harsh distorted sound that can also damage your valuable
Loudspeaker.
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Patented Sentry Monitor with Thermal Protection
McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protection
circuits ensure the MC501 will have a long and trouble free
operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection Circuits guard
against overheating.
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Power Control
The McIntosh Power Control Circuit allows for remote
turn-on of the MC501 Power Amplifier from a McIntosh
Audio/Video Control Center or Preamplifier. If any addi-
tional McIntosh Power Amplifiers are part of the system, a
delayed Power Control Output Trigger is available. This
delayed trigger reduces the strain on the house’s electrical
wiring and protection devices.
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• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and al-
low long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
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• Illuminated Power Meter
The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meter on the MC501
is peak responding, and indicates the true power output of
the amplifier. The Peak Watt Hold Mode allows the meter
to temporarily stay at the highest power output and then
slowly decay. The Front Panel Meter Illumination may be
switched Off at any time.
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• Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the
combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffus-
ers and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). This provides even
Front Panel Illumination, together with the extra long life
LEDs.
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• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish
The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel with a
three dimensional look and the Stainless Steel Chassis with
Super Mirror Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the
MC501 will be retained for many years.
Connector Information
Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3