McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable Owner’s Manual

McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable

Specifications

• Manufacturer: McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
• Model: MT5
• Address: 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699
• Phone: 607-723-3512
• Website: www.mcintoshlabs.com

Important Safety Instructions:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

11. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
    cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

14. Use this product only with the Power Adapter provided. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or electrical shock.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC mains, disconnect the AC/DC Adapter from the AC receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. If the AC/DC Adapter is provided with a mains power supply cord attachment, the plug of this power supply cord shall remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine,
    fire, or the like.

19. Connect the mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Instructions

The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s en-closure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
WARNING – TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EX- POSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR BACK. NO USER- SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-tions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart
    is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service person-nel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
    WARNING
    Use this product only with the Power Adapter provided. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or electrical shock.

15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the a.c. mains, disconnect the AC / DC Adapt-er from the a.c. receptacle.

17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable. If the AC /DC Adapt-er is provided with a mains power supply cord attachment, the plug of this power supply cord shall remain readily operable.

18. Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

19. Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Thank You from All of Us at McIntosh

You have invested in a precision instrument that will provide you with many years of enjoyment. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the features and instructions to get the maximum performance from your equipment.
If you need further technical assistance, please contact your dealer who may be more familiar with your particular setup including other brands. You can also contact McIntosh with additional questions or in the unlikely event of needing service.

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street

• Binghamton, New York 13903
• Technical Assistance 607-723-3512
• Fax 607-724-0549
• Customer Service 607-723-3515
• Fax 607-723-1917
• Email support@mcintoshlabs.com
• Website www.mcintoshlabs.com

Please Take A Moment
For future reference, you can write down your serial number and purchase information here. We can identify your purchase from this information if the occasion should arise:

• Serial Number:_ __
• Purchase Date:___
• Dealer Name: ____

Caution : To prevent possible damage to the turntable platter bearing, do not move the MT5 Precision Turntable with the platter installed.

1. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MT5 Precision Turntable.

2. The MT5 Precision Turntable comes with the Sumiko Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Cartridge.

3. It is recommended the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of Turntables and Phono Cartridges, install the MT5 Precision Turntable and any associated audio equipment.

4. For optimum performance, the setup and adjustment of the MT5 Precision Turntable requires special test recordings and test/measurement equipment. Contact your McIntosh

5. Dealer for additional information and assistance.5. The MT5 Precision Turntable is supplied with the Sumiko Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Cartridge. It is designed to playback 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm vinyl recordings. If you would like to also playback 78 rpm recordings, the Sumiko Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Cartridge has the ability to playback records of all three speeds. Contact your McIntosh Dealer for additional information and assistance.

6. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules or regulations. Batteries should never be thrown away or incinerated but disposed of in accordance with the local regulations concerning battery disposal.

7. For additional information on the MT5 and other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com.

8. When an AC Line Cord is used to connect the supplied AC / DC Adapter to an AC Outlet, it
   is important the line cord conductor size is a minimum 0.75mm2 for each leg of the two conductor cord.

9. If it should become necessary to replace the supplied AC / DC Adapter and/or the plug adapters, order part number 320508SP from the McIntosh Parts Department. Refer to the illustration below.

Connector and Cable Information

Power Control Connectors
The Power Control Output Jack sends Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0 volt) when connected to other McIntosh Components. An additional connection is for controlling the illumination of the Power Output Meters on McIntosh Power Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is used for connection to the Power Control jacks.

Tonearm Headshell Wiring
Refer to the following list of wire colors in the headshell for installing the cartridge into the Headshell:

Cartridge Connections Headshell Wire Color

• Left Channel (+) White
• Left Channel (-) Blue
• Right Channel (+) Red
• Right Channel (-) Green

Sumiko Amethyst Cartridge Connections

Refer to the following illustration when connecting the McIntosh Cartridge in the Headshell:

• Advanced Technology Turntable
  The MT5 combines the latest technology in Phono Cartridges, Tone Arms, Mechanical Suspensions and Record Platter Rotation for superb performance and accurate operation.

• Moving Magnet Cartridge
  The Sumiko Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge was developed using a very low mass nude extended contact type diamond tip. The tip shape traces the most demanding groove modulations and provides an extended frequency response and very low distortion at high frequency high modulation cutting speeds. Only high purity copper wire is used, and coils wound with lower than typical impedance to extract the finest resolution music playback.

• Tone Arm
  The MT5 Tone Arm is made from Dural-Aluminum with special damping material. The Tone Arm is both light in weight and highly rigid. The noise free Vertical Bearings are made from two high precision ceramic surfaces. The Tone Arms lateral movement is performed by a high precision Horizontal Bearing. It also incorporates adjustable magnetic Anti-Skating.

• Turntable Platters
  The full size Outer Platter is made from a special silicone acrylic material weights five pounds, one and one-half inch thick. This helps to resist external vibrations from reaching the record during playback and its large mass provides the perfect flywheel action for stable playback speed. The inner platter is precision machined Anodized Aluminum weights one and one-half pounds and is six and one quarter inches in diameter.

• Precision Motor and Drive
  Electronics The Swiss made DC Motor has stainless steel brushes and is controlled by a highly refined servo control system assuring very accurate speed rotation.

• Three Playback Speeds
  The three playback speeds include 33 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm. There is a separate trim adjustment allowing for accurate music reproduction for each of the three speeds.

• Magnetic Air Dampened Bearing
  The MT5 Turntable Platter rotates on a ceramic bearing using magnetic suspension together with a cushion of air to provide vibration free rotation.
  Multi-Layered Dampened Chassis
  The MT5 Turntable Chassis has a Stainless Steel base, with a thick Aluminum base plate and Acrylic top plate. The internal dampening material also helps to assure the only sound heard is from the record groove itself.

• Power Control
  The Power Control Input connection provides convenient Turn-On/Off of the MT5 Illumination when connected to a McIntosh System with Power Control.

• Fiber Optic Solid State Illumination
  The even Illumination of the Front Panel and
  the Turntable Platter is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

• Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis Finish
  The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel and the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Finish ensures the pristine beauty of the MT5 will be retained for many years.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MT5.

A Note on Placement
It is important to keep your McIntosh unit out of direct sunlight and only use appropriate gentle cleaners because the Organic Anodize can become discolored over time.
While most products will maintain their classic dark features for their lifetime, some situations can accelerate discoloration. The most pervasive culprit is UV light, especially light directly from the sun, or high intensity spotlights. Even high intensity short-term exposure can result in discoloration.
Chemicals can also alter the finish of the Anodize. Aggressive cleaners will take their toll over time and actually etch away the Anodize finish.

Unpacking the Turntable

To protect the fine finish of the MT5 Precision Turntable during the assembly and adjustment process, it is advisable to prepare a suitable clean working area with a soft, clean fabric, such as a bed linen or blanket.
It is recommended that the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of installation and operation, unpack, assemble, adjust and install the MT5 Precision Turntable.

CAUTION : To prevent possible damage to the turntable platter bearing, do not move the MT5 Precision Turntable after the Inner/Outer Platters are installed.

1. Referring to the illustration on the right, open the shipping carton and carefully remove the following items from the carton and place them in the previ-ously prepared working area:
   A. Owner’s Manual Pack with Tone Arm/Cartridge Alignment Gauge
   B. Record Mat
   C. Dust Cover
   D. Inner Platter
   E. Tonearm Counter Weight
   F. Record Clamp
   G. AC/DC Adapter
   H. Center Spindle
   I. Turntable
   J. Outer Platter
   K. Accessories Pack containing the following:

2. Pair of gloves

3. Belt

4. Grounding Cable

5. Bubble Level

6. Bearing Oil

7. AC Adapter Plugs

8. Cartridge Mounting Screws

9. Screw Driver and Allen Wenches

10. Proceed to Assembly of the Turntable starting on the next page
    CAUTION : To prevent possible damage to the Cartridge Stylus, DO NOT remove the Stylus Guard at this time.

Assembling the Turntable

Place the Turntable in the location where it will
be used. Please keep in mind; the turntable should be the greatest possible distance from the system loudspeakers to reduce the chance of acoustic feedback. To minimize the possibility of the cartridge stylus jumping record grooves, place the turntable on a mechanically stable surface such as wall shelv-ing anchored to wall studs. Perform the following assembly steps:
Note: It is recommended the installation and adjustment of the McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable be performed
by the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer.

1. Remove the protective mesh from the Turntable Vertical Bearing Ceramic Shaft. Refer to figure 1.

2. Locate the supplied Turntable Bearing Oil and place two small drops of Oil on the top sides of the Ceramic Vertical Bearing Shaft. Refer to figure 2.
   
   Ceramic Vertical Bearing Shaft

3. Locate the Center Spindle and Inner Platter.

4. Place the bottom of the Center Spindle on the prepared flat surface. Line up the center opening of the Inner Platter with the Center Spindle and carefully lower the Inner Platter onto the Center Spindle. Refer to figures 3, 4 and 5.

5. Invert the just assembled spindle/inner platter and remove the protective film from the bottom. Refer to figure 6.

6. Very carefully lower the assembled spindle/inner platter onto the Ceramic Vertical Bearing Shaft, keeping the platter parallel with the top surface of the Turntable. Refer to figure 7.
   Note : The Ceramic Vertical Bearing Shaft of the McIntosh  MT5 Precision Turntable is very durable in actual use, however it can be damaged during the assembly process if care is not taken.

7. Using the supplied cloth gloves, place the belt onto the circumference of the inner platter and then onto the pulley of the motor. Rotate the inner platter by hand while seating the belt into it. Refer to figure 8.

8. Next, take the Outer Platter and slowly lower it onto the previously installed spindle/inner platter assembly making sure to keep the Outer Platter parallel to the Turntable surface as it is being lowered. Refer to figures 9 and 10.

9. Locate the Record Mat and place it on top of the platter. Refer to figure 11.

10. Locate the McIntosh Bubble Level and place it on the Record Mat. If the Bubble is not in the center circle of the Bubble Level, adjust the height of the Turntable Feet (by rotating them clockwise or counter clockwise) until it is level. Refer to figures 12, 13 and 14.

11. Locate the Tone Arm Counterweight. Loosen up the knurled knob to permit installing the Counterweight onto the rear of the Tone Arm. Refer to figure 15.

12. Position the Counterweight on the Tone Arm so the front surface of the Counterweight is in the center of the reference position marking on the surface at the rear of the Tone Arm. Tighten the knurled knob to secure the position of the Counterweight. Refer to figures 16, 17 below and 18 on the next page.
    Note: It is recommended to check the tracking force using the supplied Stylus Tracking Force Gauge as outlined starting on page 12.

13. Remove the protective film material from the Tone Arm Rest Position. Refer to figures 19 and 20.
    Note : If another Phono Cartridge (such as the McIntosh MCC10) is to be used with the MT5 turntable, proceed to page 10 “Installing a non-supplied Cartridge” at this time.

14. Carefully slide off the Stylus Guard from the cartridge by pulling the cover straight down. Refer to figures 21 and 22.
    Note : The Tracking Force, Anti-Skating and other adjustments have been preset at the factory for optimum performance. For additional information on setting Tracking Force, Anti-Skating and other adjustments refer to pages 11 thru 13.

15. Using the supplied Tracking Force Scale, set the force to 1.8 – 2.2 gm for the Sumiko Amethyst Cartridge.

16. Proceed to “How to Connect the Turntable” on page 15.

Installing a non-supplied Cartridge

CAUTION : To prevent possible damage to the turntable platter bearing, do not move the MT5 Precision Turntable with the platters installed.

In the event a non-supplied Phono Cartridge is to be installed into the McIntosh MT5 Turntable, please follow the steps below:
Note : It is recommended that the Professionals at your McIntosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of installation and adjustment of the McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable, perform the assembly, installation and adjustments.

1. Uninstall the factory installed Phono Cartridge from the MT5 Tone Arm. First, place the Stylus Guard on the Cartridge. Carefully disconnecting the four push-on wire clips from the phono cartridge rear connection pins, using an appropriate tool. Then remove the mounting screws and nuts using the supplied allen wrench. Place the removed cartridge, spacer plate, screws and nuts in a safe place for possible future use. Refer to figures 23 and 24.

2. Locate the Hardware Package supplied with the new cartridge.

3. Using an appropriate tool, attach the four color coded wire lead connections coming from the front underside of the Tone Arm onto the rear of the new Phono Cartridge, following the instruc-tions supplied with the Cartridge. Refer to figure
   Below is the Tone Arm Headshell wire color lead identification
   Wire Color
   Red – Right Channel Positive (+) Signal Connection Green – Right Channel Negative (-) Ground Connection White – Left Channel Positive (+) Signal Connection Blue – Left Channel Negative (-) Ground Connection
   

4. Position the Cartridge parallel to front and sides of the headshell and secure it with the supplied screws and nuts using the appropriate tools. Refer to figure 24.

5. Proceed to “Tone Arm Adjustments”.

Phono Cartridge/Headshell Alignment
The MT5 Turntable Tone Arm, like all pivoting Tone Arms, follows a slight arc as it transverses across the surface of a phonograph record. By adjusting the distance between the horizontal pivot point of the Tone Arm and the Stylus Tip, the angular error across this playback arc is minimized. The Tone Arm Headshell of the MT5 Turntable allows for making this adjustment by positioning of the Phono Cartridge relative to the Headshell. Follow the steps below using the supplied McIntosh Tone Arm/Cartridge Alignment Gauge:

1. Place the Gauge over the center spindle post on the Platter and position the Gauge so the curved end is in contact with the horizontal pivot of the Tone Arm. Refer to figures 25 and 26.

2. With the Anti-Skate Adjustment set to minimum (refer to figure 37), carefully place the Tone Arm onto the Alignment Gauge with the diamond tip of the stylus on the center of the small circle located between the parallel lines. Refer to figures 27 and 28.
   Note : It may be necessary to slide the Phono Cartridge forwards or backward in the headshell to position the stylus in the center of the circle.

3. It is important the Front and Sides of the Cartridge Body line up with these parallel lines when looking down over the top of the Tone Arm. Refer to figures 28 and 29. If it is not parallel, loosen the mounting hardware securing the Phono Cartridge to the Tone Arm. Reposition the Phono Cartridge so the tip of the stylus is in the center of the small circle and the Front and Sides of the Phono Cartridge are parallel to the lines on the Alignment Gauge. Tighten up the mounting hardware and verify the correct alignment.

Tone Arm Height
To assure the best sound reproduction, it is very important the MT5 Tone Arm is parallel to the record surface during playback. The height of the Tone Arm is adjustable to accommodate the different Phono Cartridge physical heights. To adjust for the proper Tone Arm Height, perform the following the steps:

1. Release the Tone Arm from the Tone Arm Rest, place it on a record and check to see if the Tone Arm is parallel to the surface of the record. Refer to figure 30. With the Tone Arm parallel, no adjustment is needed and proceed to “Setting the Tracking Force”. If the Tone Arm is not parallel, note whether the rear of the Tone Arm needs to go up or down.

2. With the Tone Arm secured in the Tone Arm Rest, carefully loosen the two set screws while supporting the rear of the Tone Arm. Reposition the Tone Arm based on findings in the previous step. Temporarily tighten one of the set screws. Refer to figure 31.

3. Release the Tone Arm from the rest and place it on a record and check to see if the Tone Arm is now parallel. Also check to make sure the Tone Arm is parallel to the record platter and the right side of the turntable base. Refer to figure 30.

4. With the Tone Arm parallel to the record surface, record platter and turntable base, tighten both set screws, which were loosened in step 2. If not, repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 until the Tone Arm is parallel.

Setting the Tracking Force
The MT5 is supplied with a Stylus Tracking Force Gauge for checking and adjusting the Stylus Tracking. The Gauge uses the “Balance Scale” methodology for measurement. Place the Gauge on the record mat and perpendicular to the front of the Tone Arm, with the Stylus Tip over graduation marks. Set the Anti-Skate Adjustment to minimum (refer to figure 37). Adjust the position of the Tone Arm Counterweight to establish a tracking force in the middle of the recommend range from the Cartridge manufacturer as a starting place. Refer to figures 32 thru 35.

Note : Usually, adjusting the tracking force closer to the maximum setting recommend by the Cartridge Manufacturer will produce better sound with less record and stylus wear. Refer to “Trackability Adjustments’ for additional information.

Anti-Skating Adjustment
The MT5 has adjustable Magnetic Anti-Skating to equalize the pressure on both sides of the record groove wall, refer to “Trackability Adjustments” for additional information.

Trackability Adjustments

During playback of Phonograph Recordings, the stylus assembly is subjected to all kinds of extreme operating conditions. One of those conditions is the forces constantly trying to push the stylus up and out of the grooved wall of the recording. Another condition is the uneven side to side pressure applied to the stylus as it tries to stay in contact with both sides of the groove wall of the recording. Refer to figure 40.

The Anti-Skating Adjustment permits equalizing for even side to side pressure. The correct amount of Tracking Force and Anti-Skate varies with the exact shape of the Stylus Tip and finally the audio signal (both frequency and amplitude) contained in the groove wall of the record.
To achieve good performance and the least amount of Stylus Tip/Record Groove wear is to use a Trackablity Test Record. Both Tracking Force and Anti-Skate Adjustments are made as a result of listening to the test record to reduce different forms of audible distortions. Never exceed the manufacturers recommend Maximum Tracking Force Setting. Your McIntosh Dealer, using Test Measurement Equipment and Professional Test Recordings, can achieve via adjustments, the best possible sound quality from your record collection and ensure the greatest longevity.

Rear Panel Connections and Adjustments

1. Connect a Power Control Cable from the
   MT5 POWER CONTROL IN to the POWER CONTROL MAIN Output jack of a McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center.

2. Optionally, connect a Power Control Cable from the MT5 POWER CONTROL OUT to the POWER CONTROL IN jack of a McIntosh source component.

3. Connect a wire from the MT5 GND (Ground) Post to the GND (Ground) post on the McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center.

4. Connect Audio Cables from the MT5 OUT L and R jacks to the MM (Moving Magnet) Inputs on a McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center.
   Notes :

5. For additional information about obtaining optimum performance from the installed phono cartridge, refer to page 17 “Phono Cartridge Loading”.

6.  Contact your McIntosh Dealer for additional information and assistance.

7. Connect the supplied AC / DC Adapter to the MT5 DC IN 12V socket and the Power Supply to a live AC outlet.

How to Connect the Turntable

Front Panel Display, Switches, Lever and Record Clamp

Power Selection

• Rotate the POWER Switch to select the Turntable Operation Mode desired. Refer to figure 50.

• Power Off – The Front Panel and Turntable Platter illumination are switched OFF and there is no Turntable Platter rotation.

• Standby – The Front Panel and Turntable Platter will illuminate when the McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center is turned On.

• Note: There must be a power control connection between the MT5 and the McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center, in order for the Standby Mode to function.

• On – The Front Panel and Turntable Platter illumination are Switched ON. The Turntable Platter will rotate at the selected speed.

Speed Selection
Rotate the SPEED Switch to select the playback speed (33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm or 78 rpm) of the phonograph record to be played. Refer to figure 51.

Phono Cartridge Loading
For optimum performance it is important the PhonoCartridge be connected to the correct load impedance. Refer to the respective Owner’s Manual for the Preamplifier, Integrated Amplifier or Audio/Video Control Center used with the MT5 for additional information.
The Amethyst Low Output Moving Magnet Cartridge supplied with the MT5 Turntable is a Moving Magnet Type. Set the load resistance to 47 K ohms and 50 pF Capacitance.

Tone Arm Lift
The McIntosh MT5 Precision Turntable has a Tone Arm Lift Mechanism for safe placement and removal of the cartridge stylus on the phonograph record. Perform the following steps:

1. Push on the top part of the Tone Arm Lift Lever towards the rear of the turntable. Refer to figure 52.
2. Release the Tone Arm from the Tone Arm Holder. Refer to figure 53.
3. Position the Tone Arm over the desired spot of the Phonograph record.
4. Pull on the top part of the Tone Arm Lift Lever towards the front of the turntable to begin playback.

Amethyst Cartridge Specifications

• Cartridge Type
  Moving Magnet, Low Output

• Output Level
  2.5 mV at 5 cm/s

• Load Impedance
  47 K ohms, 50 pF

• Frequency Response
  12Hz to 35KHz

• Channel Separation
  30dB at 1kHz

• Channel Balance
  Less than 0.5 dB at 1kHz

• Tracking Force Range
  1.8 to 2.2 grams

• Recommended Tracking Force 2.0 grams
  Compliance
  12 x 10-6 cm/dyne

• Total Mass
  6.5 grams

• Stylus
  Extended Line Contact

• Cantilever Material
  Aluminum

• Playback Speeds
  33 1/3 rpm, 45 rpm and 78 rpm

• Motor Type
  DC Stainless Steel Brushes

• Speed Control
  Servo System

General Specifications

Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.5cm)
Height is 7 inches (17.8cm) (without Dust Cover) Note: The Turntable Height is affected by the type of Cartridge installed and the required Tone Arm Height Adjustment.

Height is 7-1/2 inches (19.0cm) (with Dust Cover) Depth is 19 inches (48.3cm) (including the Front Panel, Knobs and Cables)

Weight
31.5 pounds (14.3Kg) net, 38 pounds (17.2Kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 21-1/2 inches (54.6cm)
Depth is 20 inches (50.8cm)
Height is 15 inches (38.1cm)

Packing Instructions

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below. It is very important the four feet are still attached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the proper equipment location on the Platter foam pads. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition.
If a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s)
are needed, please call or write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 3. Please refer to the Part List below for the correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description

• 1 310528SP Shipping Carton only
• 1 310533SP Top Foam Pad
• 1 310532SP Cover Foam Pad
• 1 310531SP Accessory Pack Foam
• 2 310530SP Turntable Foam
• 2 310529SP Platter Foam Pad

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
www.mcintoshlabs.com
The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. who reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.
© 2023 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

References

• McIntosh: Home Audio Systems for Music & Home Theater

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