McIntosh Laboratory Introduces New Powerhouse Amplifier

Double-Balanced MC1201 Delivers 1200 Watts

12-Jan-00

McIntosh Laboratory, a world leader in home entertainment systems for over 50 years, introduces the MC1201 Power Amplifier at the 2001 International Consumer Electronics Show. The MC1201 is an amplifier that delivers an impressive 1200 watts into 2, 4 or 8 ohms, and offers both balanced and single-ended inputs. Featuring a double-balanced, push-pull design, the MC1201 is fully balanced from input to speaker output. In the MC1201, two matched amplifiers with complimentary balanced circuitry operate in a push-pull configuration with their outputs. This double-balanced design successfully cancels virtually any distortion. The Output Autoformer provides the proper matching for 2, 4 and 8-ohm loads, and protects speakers from damage in the event of an output transistor failure. It provides low-distortion power transfer at frequencies well beyond human hearing, and delivers peak output current in excess of 200 amperes.The principle behind the design of the MC1201 is to arrange every stage of voltage or current amplification to be as linear as possible. This is accomplished through the use of several techniques. For example, each transistor is selected to have nearly constant current gain (Beta) over that transistor's entire range of currents, and the load impedance presented to each amplification stage is as uniform as possible for all signal levels. Resistors and capacitors in the signal path are carefully selected to have exceedingly low voltage coefficients. In addition, precision metal film resistors and low dielectric absorption film capacitors are used in all critical circuit locations. The MC1201 incorporates several protection circuits to enhance performance, guarantee reliability and protect loudspeakers. McIntosh's exclusive Power Guard circuit assures that each channel delivers full power, free of clipping distortion and protects speakers from damage. Thermal power sensors turn off the speaker output when improper loading or ventilation causes the amplifier to overheat. McIntosh's exclusive Sentry Monitor senses dynamic operating time, voltage and current of the amplifier output stage, confining it to nondestructive limits, without limiting the available power output from the amplifier. Thermistors in the power transformer primarily cushion the inrush current and eliminate component stress when the amplifier is turned on. Additionally, amplifier operation is delayed for two seconds after power turn-on. This prevents pops or thumps generated in other equipment from causing component or loudspeaker damage. The power supply is electronically regulated to maintain stable operation, even during low voltage brownouts.Additional features that distinguish the MC2101 include:- Famous McIntosh blue illuminated meter to monitor power output in watts- Remote power control- Gold-plated input and output jacks- Gold-plated five-way binding posts- 93dB (unbalanced), 97dB (balanced) A-weighted signal to noise-ratio - Damping factor greater than 100 with 8-ohm loadThe MC1201 Power Amplifier is available now at a suggested price of $7,500. For more information about McIntosh Laboratory, visit www.mcintoshlabs.com.

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