How to Operate the MC402

Figure 16

Figure 19

Figure 18

Figure 15

Off when a

Power On

To have the MC402 automatically turn On or McIntosh Control Center turns On or

Off, rotate the power switch to the RE- MOTE Position. For manual opera- tion, rotate the power switch to the ON or OFF Position as desired. Refer to figure 15.

Note: There must be a power control connection between the MC402 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. Refer to figures 16 and 17.

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 infor- mation being pro- duced by the ampli- fier. They indicate to an accuracy of at least 95% of the power output 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. It is elec- tronically held to this power level until a higher power peak passes through the ampli- fier. The meter pointer will then rise to the

Mode Switches

The MONO PARALLEL/STEREO Mode Switch, which is located above the Right Channel Outputs

on the Rear Panel of the MC402, allows selection of either MONO PARALLEL or STEREO Modes of Operation. Refer to figures 18.

Note: There is additional information for connecting the MC402 and pertaining to both modes of operation:

“How to Connect

for Stereo” on pages 10 and 11. “How to Connect

for Mono Parallel” on pages 12 and 13.

The Input Mode Switch, which is located below the

UNBALANCED INPUTS on the Rear Panel of the

MC402, allows selection of either the UNBALANCED or BALANCED Input Connectors. Refer to figure 19.

Figure 17

newer higher indication. If no further power peaks are reached, the meter pointer will very slowly return to its rest position or lower power level.

Note: The MC402 Power Output Meters indicate the wattage delivered to the Loudspeakers. When in Mono Parallel, the actual power output is the sum of both the Right and Left Meter Indications.

MC402 specifications

The McIntosh MC402 is a powerful and elegant amplifier that represents the pinnacle of high-fidelity audio performance. This two-channel amplifier stands out in the McIntosh lineup, delivering a robust 400 watts per channel into 2, 4, or 8-ohm loads. It is designed for audiophiles who seek uncompromising sound quality and superior performance, making it an ideal choice for both home studios and high-end listening rooms.

One of the standout features of the MC402 is its unique Autoformer technology, which allows the amplifier to deliver the same power output irrespective of the speaker impedance. This feature ensures that users enjoy consistent performance whether they are using 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm speakers. The use of transformers is integral to maintaining fidelity and output power while providing an additional layer of protection for the amplifier and connected speakers.

Additionally, the MC402 employs a quad balanced circuit design, which helps to eliminate distortion and achieve greater clarity in sound reproduction. This approach ensures that the audio signal remains pure from input to output, allowing listeners to experience their music in the way it was intended to be heard. The dual-construction design of the amplifier not only enhances its aesthetic appeal with the classic McIntosh blue meters and sleek black glass front but also contributes to its durability and reliability over time.

The amplifier features a robust cooling system that includes large heat sinks to dissipate heat effectively, ensuring optimal performance even during prolonged listening sessions at high power levels. This aspect of its design guarantees that the MC402 maintains a consistent performance without overheating.

In terms of connectivity, the MC402 is versatile, featuring balanced and unbalanced inputs to accommodate a variety of audio sources. The amplifier also has a signal sensing circuit that automatically turns it on when an audio signal is detected and powers it down when the signal is absent, helping conserve energy and adding convenience for users.

Overall, the McIntosh MC402 amplifier combines cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Its impressive power output, advanced circuitry, and robust construction make it a top choice for those who demand the best in audio performance. Whether driving efficient speakers or high-power systems, the MC402 is engineered to elevate your listening experience to new heights.