Page 1
See SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
in the main brochure for more on
McIntosh system architectures.
Featured Technologies
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH OUTPUT AUTOFORMERS.An impedance mismatch between a power
amplifier and a loudspeaker can cause distortion and a reduction in power. The legendary
McIntosh 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 an
autoformer can also safely drive multiple speakers connected in parallel without shortening
the life of the output stage. There is absolutely no performance penalty with an autoformer. In
fact, its frequency response exceedsthat of the output circuit itself, and extends well beyond
the audible range. Distortion is so low it is virtually immeasurable.
ILLUMINATED PEAK-RESPONDING METERS.McIntosh meters respond 95% full scale to a
single-cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Response is almost 10-times faster than a professional VU meter.
SILENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SWITCHING.In a conventional preamp, an input signal travels
to 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 to
the signal. McIntosh Silent Electromagnetic Switching literally brings the switch to the input.
The distortion-free switch consists of a glass tube containing oxygen-free gas and two signal
leads separated by mere thousandths of an inch. The tube sits in a multilayer copper coil and
the entire assembly is encased in shock-absorbent plastic. When DC voltage is applied to the
coil in response to a switching command, current flow creates a magnetic field that causes the
leads to bend and contact one another, completing the circuit. The inert gas eliminates corrosion
of the contacts, ensuring a low-resistance, distortion-free switch that never needs cleaning.
Another benefit is that non-selected inputs are truly off, eliminating potential sources of
interference.
PRECISION-TRIMMED VOLUME CONTROL.Level differences among channels in a stereo or
surround system compromise sound imaging. The left and right sections of McIntosh volume
controls are electronically trimmed for superior tracking.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH POWER ASSURANCE SYSTEM.Power Assurance is a collection of
technologies that enhance performance and reliability and protect the amp and the loudspeakers.
Power Guard
®clipping protection.Power Guard ensures that the amplifier will always
deliver full power without causing excessive clipping distortion. Clipping not only sounds
harsh, but also is the most common cause of tweeter burn out. If an amplifier channel is over-
driven, Power Guard automatically reduces the input volume just enough to keep distortion
below 2% and minimizes clipping distortion. Power Guard acts faster than hearing response
time, producing absolutely no audible side effects. An amplifier with Power Guard will actual-
ly deliver low distortion output well above its rated power.
Sentry Monitor
®current protection.Sentry Monitor continually senses the voltage and current
of the output stage and confines it to a safe limit. Sentry Monitor does not limit power output.
T
hose considering a McIntosh system for the first time will find integrated
amplifiers a comfortable place to start. In virtually every respect the MA6900
performs as well as McIntosh separates. The MA6900 incorporates premium
McIntosh technologies -“ including autoformers, Power Assurance, and Silent
Electromagnetic Switching -“ as well as several features that facilitate systeminte-
gration and expansion.
McIntosh MA6900 Integrated Amplifier
The input selectors on the
MA6900 actually control state-
of-the-artsilent electromagnetic
switches.
leadcoil sealed glass tube
circuit completes
when leads touch lead
switching command causes
DC voltage at coil
Page 2
The McIntosh products shown at right are logical
companions for the MA6900. Separate literature
is available. Check with your McIntosh dealer for
late additions.
MVP841 DVD/CD/Video CD Player. The MVP841
delivers crystal-clear DVD video and outputs
Dolby Digital
®and DTS ®surround sound.
MR85 AM/FM Tuner with Dual Tuners.Ideal for
multiroom systems, the MR85 is available with a
second tuner (the TM1 module) that operates
independently. A thoroughly engineered broad-
cast monitor, the MR85 reveals the upper limits
of AM and FM performance. The supplied RAA1
AM antenna can be positioned away from
sources of interference (e.g., TV sets, fluorescent
lights) for greatly improved AM quality.
MVS3 A/V Selector.The MVS3 connects to the
VIDEO data output of the MA6900 and accom-
modates five additional A/V sources.
RCT4 Remote Translator.The Translator allows
non-McIntosh components to be operated with a
McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller. It
connects to the data outputs on the MA6900.PC4 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 output
of a Control Center or Integrated Amplifier.
HC1 Home Controller.The HC1 connects to the
HOME data output and allows operation of other
devices such as lights and movie screens via a
McIntosh handheld remote or keypad controller.
WK2 Keypad Controller or R649 IR Sensor.
With switching for two outputs, the MA6900 can
feed music to a second zone with the addition of
a power amp and operation via keypad or sen-
sor.
Academy Series Loudspeakers.The Academy
loudspeakers satisfy the often contradictory
demands of pure music versus movie sound. All
Academy loudspeakers use the acclaimed
LD/HP
®driver -“ which significantly reduces bass
distortion while increasing power handling.
Academy models are available in floorstanding,
bookshelf, in-wall, and subwoofer models in a
variety of finishes.
MA6900 Companion Products
RCT4 REMOTE TRANSLATOR
MVP841 DVD/CD/VIDEO CD PLAYER
PC4 AC POWER CONTROLLERMR85 AM/FM TUNER
MVS3 A/V SELECTOR
Thermal Cutout.If the cooling air is blocked and the power transistors become too hot,
thermal cutouts protect against overheating until the amp cools.
DC Failure protection.In the rare event of an output circuit failure, any DC current that appears in
the output is shunted to ground by the autoformer, protecting the loudspeakers from damage.
Turn-On Delay.This circuit delays operation for about two seconds after turn-on in order to avoid
any pops or thumps generated as other equipment turns on.
Soft Start inrush protection.Thermistors in the power transformer primary circuit act as a cush-
ion against inrush current, eliminating component stress during turn-on. Soft Start is one of many
design details that contribute to the remarkable longevity of McIntosh equipment.
EXCLUSIVE MCINTOSH 5-BAND EQUALIZER.The equalizer provides 12dB of boost or cut at cen-
ter frequencies of 30, 150, 500, 1500, and 10000Hz. Notice that the center frequencies are clus-
tered at the lower end of the spectrum where room correction is most often needed. When an
equalizer control is in the center or flat position, its circuit components are completelyremoved
from the signal path.
CONTROL DATA OUTPUTS.To facilitate system integration, the MA6900 outputs control data for
source components. This allows remote operation of non-McIntosh componentseither by direct con-
nection to compatible data inputs or via a McIntosh Remote Translator.
REMOTE POWER CONTROL.This enables the MA6900 to turn other McIntosh components on/off.
Featured Technologies (contd.)
0 dB
-20
L
O
G-40
-60
-80
-90
20Hz 200Hz 2kHz
0 dB
-20
L
O
G-40
-60
-80
-90
20Hz 200Hz 2kHz
0 dB
-20
L
O
G-40
-60
-80
-90
20Hz 200Hz 2kHz
The patented McIntosh Power Guard in the
MA6900 provides real-time clipping protection
without affecting power output or sound quality.
a.test signal b.overdriven amp without
Power
Guard produces SEVERE clipping c. overdriven
amp with
Power Guard produces NO clipping
a b c
Consumer electronics products usually are viewed as short-
term investments because they dont last or they quickly
become obsolete in some way. But behind every McIntosh is
a fifty-year heritage of excellence, proudly carried forward
by every employee. No production lines, no price-point
engineering, no planned obsolescence. McIntosh equipment
is made to sound better and last longer. When customers are presented with McIntosh products, cri-
teria they have been conditioned to overlook -“ reliability,
longevity, craftsmanship, ease-of-use, adaptability, pride of
ownership -“ suddenly leap to the top of their list. The choice
then becomes clear: There is nothing like a McIntosh. Why
Choose
McIntosh?
HC1 HOME CONTROLLER
WK2 KEYPAD CONTROLLER; R649 SENSOR
LS320 Floorstanding, bookshelf, in-wall, and sub-
woofer models available in a range of finishes
PS112
