McIntosh MC500

Commentary

This is a stereo power amplifier that integrates technology accumulated over many years and know-how.

The signal system is composed of all stages of balanced configuration and 10 parallel push-pull output to realize low distortion output.
In addition, the output transformer enables constant high power supply regardless of load impedance, and the output current reaching peak 115A is compatible with low-impedance speakers.

A total of eight large-area heat sinks and a unique high-efficiency amplifier circuit reduce temperature rise and realize natural air cooling.
In addition, it is equipped with seven protection circuits, including temperature protection in case of overheating, sentry monitor, turn-on delay and power guard system to prevent clipping distortion.

Power Guard is a patented circuit that automatically controls the input voltage while comparing the input and output waveforms, enabling overdrive of up to 14 dB until distortion reaches 2%, thereby preventing breakage of speakers due to clipping distortion.
The output transformer also prevents the outflow of DC current caused by an output transistor accident.

Equipped with a power meter that accurately displays the true output power as the product of voltage and current.
This meter has a response speed approximately 10 times that of a professional VU meter. In WATTS mode, when the pointer reaches its peak, it remains stationary for a period of time that is recognized by the human eye and then drops. In HOLD mode, it is fixed at the maximum peak power and drops slowly at a speed of 6 dB / min when there is no further output.

The circuit board consists of modules using gold-plated connectors.

The speaker terminal uses a gold plated output terminal for banana plug, and a cable with core diameter of 5 mm can be connected.

Equipped with a bridge operation function that can be used as a monaural amplifier with output of 1000W.

Equipped with digital logic remote power control terminal which can be operated from the control center of Macintosh.
When multiple generations are connected, a delay circuit of several tenths of a second operates to prevent concentration of rush current.

Model Rating

Type	Stereo power amplifier
Rated Output (Sine Wave Continuous Output)	Stereo : 500W + 500W (2 Ω, 4 Ω, 8 Ω) Mono : 1,000W (4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω)
Load impedance	Stereo : 2 Ω, 4 Ω, 8 Ω Mono : 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω
Output frequency band	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion rate (20 Hz to 20 kHz)	0.005% or Less (250 mW ~ Rated Output)
Intermodulation Distortion Factor (SMPTE)	0.005% (when the instantaneous peak power does not exceed twice the rated output)
Frequency band	20 Hz ~ 20 kHz + 0 -0.25 dB 10 Hz ~ 100 kHz + 0 -3.0 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (A network)	85dB 115 dB (at rated output)
IHF Dynamic Headroom	2.1dB
Damping factor	200 (4 Ω output)
Input Sensitivity / Impedance	2.2V/10k Ω
Power Guard	Clipping prevention, 1 kHz overdrive up to 14 dB THD less than 2%
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz, 14.4A (UL/CSA)
External dimensions	Width 445x Height 255x Depth 491 mm
Weight	49.9kg