How to Operate the MC352

Power On

To have the MC352 automatically turn on or off when a control center turns on or off, rotate the power switch to the remote position. For manual operation, rotate the power switch to the on or off position as desired.

Note: There must be a power control connection between the MC352 and the McIntosh Control Center, in order for the remote power turn on to function.

Meter Selection

Rotate the meter mode switch to select the meter operation mode you desire:

Lights Off - Meter lights are turned off and the meters will continue to indicate the power output.

Watts- The meters respond to all the musical informa- tion being produced by the amplifier and indi- cate to an accuracy of at least 95% of the power output of either amplifier channel with only a single cycle of a 2000Hz tone burst.

Hold - The meter pointer is locked to the highest power peak in a sequence of peaks. The meter is electronically held to this power level until another higher power peak passes through the amplifier. The meter pointer will then rise to the newer higher indication. If no further power peaks are reached, the meter pointer will very slowly return to its rest po- sition or lower power level. The decay rate is approximately 6 dB per minute.

Input Mode Switch

The Input Mode Switch allows you to select either the Bal- anced or Unbalanced inputs.

How to Operate the MC352 in Mono

The MC352 can be operated in Mono Mode as a 700 watt amplifier with output impedances of 1, 2 and 4 ohms. Refer to the shaded areas in figure 8.

1.Set the Output Mode Switch to the MONO PARALLEL position.

2.Connect the cable from the signal source equipment to the R MONO Balanced or Unbalanced input and set the Input Mode switch to match.

3.Connect the loudspeaker cables to the appropriate ter-

minals to match the impedance of your loudspeakers.

Note: Mono Parallel output connections require the chosen impedance Plus and Minus terminals of one channel be connected to the matching terminals on the other channel. Refer to the connecting chart below.

Loudspeaker	– (Negative)	+ (Positive)
Impedance	Output Terminal	Output Terminal

1Ω (ohms)	Left & Right 2Ω	Left & Right 2Ω

2Ω (ohms)	Left & Right 4Ω	Left & Right 4Ω

4Ω (ohms)	Left & Right 8Ω	Left & Right 8Ω

Note: The MC352 Power Output Meters indicate the actual wattage delivered to the loudspeakers by responding to the combination of current and voltage output.

Output Mode Switch

The Output Mode Switch allows the two MC352 channels to be used in two different operating configurations.

Stereo - Both channels operate independently as left and right 350 watt amplifiers for stereo applications.

Mono - The right channel input signal is sent to both amplifier channels, which are combined at the outputs for a 700 watt mono amplifier.

Figure 8

MC352 specifications

The McIntosh MC352 is a powerful and revered stereo power amplifier that has garnered admiration among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Renowned for its sheer performance and build quality, the MC352 is part of McIntosh's legacy of producing high-fidelity audio equipment.

At its core, the MC352 boasts a robust output of 350 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8-ohm loads, making it capable of driving a wide range of speakers with ease. This power allows for dynamic musical reproduction while maintaining clarity and precision, ensuring that the rich details of every note are faithfully delivered. The amplifier is engineered with a dual mono design, allowing each channel to operate independently. This not only enhances stereo separation but also minimizes crosstalk between channels, resulting in a cleaner signal path.

One of the standout features of the MC352 is its patented Power Guard technology. This innovative system continuously monitors the audio signal and adjusts the power output to prevent distortion and clipping. This is especially beneficial for those who appreciate high-volume listening, as Power Guard ensures that the amplifier remains within safe operating limits while delivering a clean and undistorted sound.

Another key technology integrated into the MC352 is the Sentry Monitor. This feature protects the amplifier from damage due to short circuits or overheating by automatically disengaging the output transistors if it detects abnormal conditions. The Sentry Monitor allows for continuous operation without worry, providing peace of mind that the amplifier will perform reliably for years to come.

The MC352 also features a high-quality output transformer that optimizes impedance matching for maximum power transfer. This transformer design contributes significantly to the amplifier's overall sound profile, aiding in the reproduction of low-frequency response while ensuring a smooth presentation of higher frequencies.

Aesthetically, the McIntosh MC352 is a sight to behold, featuring the iconic black glass front panel coupled with the signature McIntosh blue watt meters. These meters not only add a distinctive look but also provide real-time feedback on power output, allowing users to monitor their audio levels effortlessly.

In summary, the McIntosh MC352 combines raw power, advanced technology, and classic aesthetics, making it a standout choice for anyone seeking a premium audio experience. Its reliable performance, combined with thoughtful features, ensures that it remains a respected choice in the world of high-fidelity audio.