Data and Power Control FAQ's

 

Data

McIntosh Preamps control McIntosh source units ( via the pre amp remote) using the DATA connection. McIntosh remotes do not program to control sources.

The DATA port on the preamp gets all IR commands sent to the preamp when its associated input is selected.

When the unit is set to play back CD, all IR commands received by he preamp get sent out the CD Data port. The commands are in the format of McIntosh Data (Carrier stripped IR or Baseband IR).To control a McIntosh CD player via a McIntosh Preamp remote, connect an 1/8” Stereo mini phone plug male to male cable from CD DATA on the pre amp to DATA IN on the CD player. The transport control buttons on the McIntosh preamp remote (Play, Stop, Next Back, etc) will control the McIntosh CD player.

The transport commands on McIntosh preamplifier remote controls are different from those same commands that appear on dedicated source (CD, DVD, and Server) remote controls. This is why using a preamp remote to operate a CD player will not work without the DATA cable connected. It was deemed necessary to alter the commands in this way to allow a single transport command to operate multiple source units. As long as this common-command is going down a wire there is no way that it can actuate more than one source at any one time (where multiple sources exist in a single system). So, all of our McIntosh sources respond to unique IR codes received “over the air” via their dedicated remote controls, and common IR commands received through DATA cables via preamplifier remote controls.

 

 

McIntosh MPC1500 Operational Features & Advantages

The MPC1500 is an AC Isolation transformer, AC switching hub with 12 rear panel AC outlets that have programmable Power Control options. Front and rear panel status LED indicators are used along with front panel, backlit meters displaying Amperage and Voltage level.

Main applications where isolation transformers are used are:

- Medical equipment that is used in life monitoring/supporting functions.

- Telecommunication equipment

- Building security/automation

- Laboratory Instrumentation

Specific Performance Advantages and Characteristics of the MPC1500

1-The secondary, output AC side of the MPC1500 is grounded to the shielding between the two sides of the transformer. This implementation results in a 100 to 1 attenuation of voltage spike amplitude.

2-Commonmode rejection of broadband AC line noise is a minimum of -30 dB.

3-Active circuit components clamp incoming voltage spikes at +2 volts over the average AC line voltage. The vast majority of ‘Power Conditioners’ use MOV, Metal Oxide Varistors to absorb and limit line voltage spikes. Due to the small size and fragile nature of even the largest MOVs these must be designed to limit at 100s of volts above AC line level. A few repeated spikes at the MOVs absorption level will result in MOV overheating and failure. . This is often promoted as the ‘Power Conditioner’ sacrificing itself to protect connected components.

4-1000 repeats of 6000/3000 volt spikes will not cause connected component or MPC1500 damage. Voltage spikes are reflected BACK into the AC line input side of the MPC1500 transformer.

5-The front panel meters show the OUTPUT side of the MPC1500. The MPC1500 increases the input voltage by 3 volts to make up for the insertion loss of the (45 lb.) transformer.

6-The low frequency knee of the transformer is 2 kHz. Any noise on the AC line above the frequency is attenuated to where it is no longer a performance issue. The vast majority of all other power conditioners use choke coils that will limit response at 1 MHz. The vast majority of AC line noise is between 80 to 120 kHz. This noise cluster is totally removed from the output by the MPC1500.

7-Any type of audio/video component may be connected to the MPC1500 as long as the maximum sustained power draw is under 11.2 amps. Due to the extremely low output impedance of the MPC1500 some power amps will actually show a slight increase in power when used with the MPC1500.

 

Q.Why do I have to go to a authorized dealer to buy McIntosh?
A. McIntosh requires over the counter sales of our products because the expertise and assistance in both pre and post sale environments provided by your carefully selected, highly qualified McIntosh dealer is part of what you pay for when you buy McIntosh, going internet or mail order over a long distance denies you the great, value added feature of your dealer relationship that we feel is a very important part of our product.

Q. Will McIntosh Amplifiers drive my hard-to-please speakers (power-hungry, electro-static, unusual impedance...)?
A. The availability of very high power, impedance matching Autoformers, protection circuitry and general rugged design of McIntosh Amplifiers means you can find an amp that will successfully drive any commercially made loudspeakers available.   

Q.Where can I see reviews of McIntosh gear?
A. For published reviews, go to our Reviews page or to the product page under 'Resources'.
McIntosh Owner's often share their comments and experiences relating a specific product. To read these go to a product page and under Additional Information: click on "Owner's Comments". If there is a published review on this product, you can also access it under Additional Items: "Review". Amateur end user reviews of many McIntosh components can be seen at:
http://www.audioreview.com/
 
Q. How do you tell if you are listening to a digital source on a MX120 or MX136?
A. In the blue alpha-numeric display, to the right of the displayed source, (DVD, CD2, etc.) there will be a dot to indicate digital signal.
DVD = analog
DVD. = digital   

Q.What is the difference between the MVP861 and the MVP871 DVD players?
A. The MVP871 adds HDMI output and scaling capabilities.   

Q. How do I do a system Default on the MX120 or MX136?
A. The soft reset is, with the unit on, to hold the standby button until the unit clicks off and then on again. This will reset the micro but save menu settings. Not in the manual is the System Default that restores factory defaults. In cases where the unit does not respond to controls, some lights are lit and others are not, or the unit just acts funny, a deep reset can often bring it back to life. The system default procedure is: With the unit in standby; press and hold the SYS OFF and LATE NITE buttons simultaneously until ''SYS DEFAULT'' appears on the display.
*Note: it is advisable to write down all user settings like speaker distance and input assignment, as these will revert to factory settings.   

Q. Can I get IR code for my Pronto remote?
A. Some McIntosh IR codes in Pronto's .ccf format are available at http://www.prontoedit.com/ and http://www.remotecentral.com/   

Q. How do I control my non-McIntosh component from my McIntosh system?
A. The McIntosh RCT-4 remote translator generates a lot of questions. Read the manual carefully.Here are some RCT-4 programming tips:
-Fresh batteries, a weak signal may cause the LEARN light to flash, but not teach it the full command.
-Hold the other brand button down long enough because some remotes send out a product code first and then send the IR command.
-Set the remotes on a book so they are even with the RCT eye and don't move during the button pushing.
-Make sure you don't double push the button.
-Not all commands of all brands and models can be learned by the RCT-4, It will repeat commands it can not learn, so point the other brand remote at a keypad or IR sensor and try the button that doesn't seem to be learned to verify the connection to the device you are trying to control.   

Q. What is the difference between a C1000 and C500?
A. The C1000 allows the simultanious use of both Solid State and Tube output modules, and will between modules. The C500 can be purchased with either a Solid State or Tube output module, but does not allow use with both.   

Q. How do I get McIntosh product literature?
A. Go to the product page and the pdf if located under 'Manuals & Literature'. If you still can't find what you need, requests for product literature can be directed to McIntosh Sales Administration Department, 607-723-3512 x388 M-F EST.   

Q. Where can I get parts for my old McIntosh gear? Who do I talk to if I am having trouble hooking up or operating my McIntosh gear?
A. McIntosh Tech. Support is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, M-F. You may call the factory at 607-723-3512 x311 for Chuck Hinton (chinton@mcintoshlabs.com) or phone Ron Cornelius (west coast) at 650-328-1490 (ron-c-mcintosh@msn.com).   

Q. Where can I get Owners Manuals and Service Manuals?
A. For owners manuals of current products, go to the product page under 'Owner's Manuals'. Many owners and service manuals are available from our Parts Department at 607-723-3515 x346 M-F EST.