McIntosh Power Controller MPC1500 Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: McIntosh

Table of Contents

McIntosh Power Controller MPC1500
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Model Versions
Customer Service
General Information
General Information, Cable Information, Introduction and Performance
Dimensions
MPC1500 – EU
MPC1500 – JA
Packing Instructions
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

McIntosh Power Controller MPC1500

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-tions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appa-ratus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polar-ized 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.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
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.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
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.
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.
To completely disconnect this equipment from the a.c. mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the a.c. receptacle.
The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
Do not expose batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Connect mains power supply cord only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

Model Versions

McIntosh Products are marketed world wide. There are several versions of the MPC1500 to meet the dif-ferent AC Power and Safety Requirements in each country.
This Owner’s Manual covers the three versions of the MPC1500. In the Owner’s Manual there is a sec-tion containing common information for all three ver- sions of the MPC1500 and separate sections pertaining to the specific version of the MPC1500.
The designation of MPC1500-NA refers to the 120VAC version for use in North America. Refer to figure MPC1500-NA.
The designation of MPC1500-EU refers to the 230VAC version for use in Continental Europe. Refer to figure MPC1500-EU.
The designation of MPC1500-JA refers to the 100VAC version for use in Japan. Refer to figure MPC1500-JA.

Model Versions

Thank You
Your decision to own this McIntosh MPC1500 Power Controller ranks you at the very top among discrimi-nating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of enjoyment from this component.
Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos-sible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer name are important to you for possible insurance claim or future service. The spaces below have been provided for you to record that information:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name: ____

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish additional help concerning a suspected problem, you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-724-0549

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For assistance on factory repair return procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department at:
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917

General Information

For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the MPC1500 Power Controller.
The Main AC Power going to the MPC1500 and any other McIntosh Component(s) should not be applied until all the system components are connected together. Failure to do so could result in malfunctioning of some or all of the system’s normal operations.
In the event the MPC1500 Power Controller overheats due to improper ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the Power Controller will switch off. When the MPC1500 has returned to a safe operating temperature, normal operation will resume.
The MPC1500 is designed for connection of Audio/Video Components with low energy consumption.
This would include components such as Preamplifiers, A/V Control Centers, Source Components, Integrated Amplifiers and Power Amplifiers with low to modest power output.
The total amount of current drawn by all the components connected to the MPC1500 should not exceed Amps rating indicated on the rear panel of your MPC1500. Typically, components consuming low amounts of energy are rated in watts. Refer to the chart below for converting a wattage rating into an approximate current rating. | MPC1500 Versions
---|---
NA – (120VAC)| EU – (230VAC)| JA – (100VAC)
Watts Rating on component| Approximate current| Approximate current| Approximate current
0- 50 Watts| 0.5A| 0.25A| 0.6A
51-100 Watts| 1A| 0.5A| 1.2A
101-150 Watts| 1.5A| 0.75A| 1.8A
151-200 Watts| 2A| 1A| 2.4A
201-250 Watts| 2.5A| 1.25A| 3A
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.
For additional information on the MPC1500 and other McIntosh Products please vist the McIntosh Web Site at www.mcintoshlabs.com

General Information, Cable Information, Introduction and Performance

Features

Connector and Cable Information

Power Control Connectors
The MPC1500 Global Power Control Input and Local Power Control Inputs receive On/Off signals from +5 to +12 volts. The Global Power Control Output will provide a +12 volt Output Signal with a current up to 20mA. The Local Power Control Outputs will in turn provide from +5 to +12 volt Output Sig-nal (Input Signal Dependent). The Global Power Control Input has an additional connection for controlling the illumination of the MPC1500 Voltage and Current Output Meters. The 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh Component Power Control Output.
Note: The Power Control Connecting Cable is available from the McIntosh Parts Department:
Data and Power Control Cable Part No. 170-202 Six foot, shielded 2 conductor, with 1/8 inch stereo mini phone plugs on each end.

Connector and Cable Information

Introduction

Now you can add to your system the advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MPC1500 Power Controller. It offers full transformer isolation from the incoming AC Line for the compo-nents connected to it. The MPC1500 helps to assure the sound and video reproduction from your McIntosh System is the best it can be, totally transparent and absolutely accurate.

Performance Features

Toroidal Isolation Power Transformer
The very large Toroidal Isolation Power Transformer used in the MPC1500 occupies over three quarters of the internal space in the chassis. It ensures stable noise free operation for the audio/video components connected to the MPC1500. It also isolates them from potential interference produced from common house-hold appliances that utilize motors, compressors and electronic control devices.
Stable Voltage
The MPC1500’s Large Isolation Power Transformer minimizes variations in the voltage available to the connected components as they draw more current, up to the Amp rating on the Rear Panel.
Lono Technology
The LONOTM (Low Noise) Transformer Technology from Plitron used in the MPC1500, eliminates audible noise emanating from the Transformer and thus will not distract from musical enjoyment, even with vary-ing AC Line conditions.
Superior Line Surge Protection
The McIntosh MPC1500 utilizes the finest, most sophisticated surge suppression technology available. LONOTM – is a registered trademark of Plitron Manufacturing Inc.
Unlike most of the AC Line Surge protection devices available, the MPC1500 doesn’t rely on commonly used inexpensive MOV devices. The MOV’s can fail after just one surge thus no longer providing protection and they can allow as much as 3 times the line voltage through to the connected components allowing substantial damage to occur. The MPC1500 incorporates TorusTM Surge Suppression Circuitry, which activates around 2V above peak nominal voltage providing constant long term protection.
Illuminated Voltage and Current Meters
The Illuminated Voltage and Current Meters indicate at all times the voltage available to your McIntosh Components and the actual current consumed by them.
Power Control
The Power Control Input connection provides convenient Turn-On/Off of the McIntosh MPC1500 with your McIntosh System.
Fiber Optic Solid State Front Panel Illumination
The even Illumination of the Front Panel is accomplished by the combination of custom designed Fiber Optic Light Diffusers and extra long life Light Emit- ting Diodes (LEDs). The glass Front Panel ensures the pristine beauty of the MPC1500 will be retained for many years.

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MPC1500.

Dimensions

Installation

The MPC1500 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom of the MPC1500 when it is custom installed as out-lined below. The four feet together with the mounting screws should be retained for possible future use if the MPC1500 is removed from the custom installation and used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila-tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MPC1500. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the MPC1500 directly above a heat generat-ing component such as a high powered amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in maintaining all the system components at the coolest possible operating temperature.
A custom cabinet installation should provide the following minimum spacing dimensions for cool operation.
Allow at least 4 inches (10.16cm) above the top, 2 inches (5.08cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.54cm) on each side of the Power Controller, so that airflow is not obstructed. Allow 20 inches (50.8cm) depth behind the front panel. Allow 2 inches (5.08cm) in front of the mounting panel for knobs. Be sure to cut out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to the dimensions in the drawing.

Rear Panel Connections

How to Connect in a Two Channel System

The MPC1500 has the ability to automatically switch AC Power On/Off to Components connected to the SWITCHED AC OUTLETS via the Power Control connection coming from the Preamplifier. Source Components switch On/Off via the Power Control connection from the Preamplifier. For additional information refer to “General Information” on page 4 and “Connector and Cable Information” on page 5.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500 GLOBAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack to the Power Control Main Out Jack on the Preamplifier.
2. Connect the AC Power Cord from the Power Am-plifier to MPC1500 SWITCHED AC OUTLET 3.
3. Connect a Control Cable from the Preamplifier Acc Power Control Out Jack to the Power Control In jack on the Disc Player.
4. Connect the AC Power Cords from the Preamplifier and Disc Player to the UNSWITCHED AC OUTLETS 1 and 2.
5. Connect any remaining Components in a similar manner.
6. Using the supplied AC Cord, connect the MPC1500 directly to an AC Wall Outlet.

How to Connect in a Two Channel System

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System

In the following example two of the four SWITCHED AC OUTLETS on the MPC1500 will operate differ- ently from the default settings. Outlet number 4 will be used for the Zone B Power Amplifier. Outlets 3 and 5 for source components to power up for Zone A and/or Zone B. For additional information refer to “How to Operate” on page 12.

1. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500 LO-CAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack number 4 to the Power Control Zone B Out Jack on the A/V Control Center. Place the number 4 switch in the LCL posi-tion.
2. Connect the AC Power Cord from the Power Am-plifier to MPC1500 SWITCHED AC OUTLET 4.
3. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500 GLOBAL POWER CONTROL IN Jack to A/V Control Center ACC Power Control Out Jack.
4. Connect a Control Cable from the MPC1500 GLOBAL POWER CONTROL OUT Jack to the Power Control In jack on the Disc Player.
5. Connect the AC Power Cords from the Disc Player to the SWITCHED AC OUTLET 5. Place the num-ber 6 switch in the ON position.
6. Connect any remaining Components in a similar manner.
7. Using the supplied AC Cord, connect the MPC1500 directly to an AC Wall Outlet.

How to Connect in a Multi Channel System

Front Panel Displays and Controls

How to Operate

The MPC1500 Power Controller is very versatile in its connection and operation in an Audio, Video or Audio/Video System. There are two examples of con- necting and using the MPC1500 on pages 9 and 10 of this Owner’s Manual. By becoming familiar with the “How to Operate” section of this Owner’s Manual many additional connection and operation possibilities will become apparent.

Power Control
To have the MPC1500 automatically turn On or Off when a Preamplifier or A/V Control Center turns on or off, rotate the POWER CONTROL Switch to the REMOTE position. For manual operation, rotate the POWER CONTROLSwitch to the ON or OFF positionas desired. Refer to figure 1.
Notes: 1. There must be a power control connection between the MPC1500 Global Power Control
Input and the Preamplifier or A/V Control Center, in order for the remote power turn-on to function.
2. When the POWER CONTROL Switch is placed in the ON the position, the Global Power Control Input activation is overridden.
3. AC Outlets 3 thru 6 switch On in sequence with a slight delay in time between each outlet activation.

How to Operate

Meter Illumination
Rotate the METER LIGHTS Switch to select the meter operation mode you desire. Refer to figure 2.
OFF – Meter lights are switched Off.
Note: The meters will continue to indicate the Input AC Line Voltage and the consumed Current.
AUTO – Meter lights are switched On. When Global Power Control Input of the MPC1500 is connected to a McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Control Center with Remote Meter Illumination Control, the Meter Illumination will be remotely controlled (On/Off).

How to Operate 1

Volt Meter
The VOLTS Meter indicates the AC Voltage available at the AC Outlets on the MPC1500 Rear Panel.
Refer to figure 3. The MPC1500 utilizes a very large isolation power transformer, so essentially the VOLTS Meter reading is a reflection of the incoming AC Line Voltage. If the VOLTS Meter reading starts to drop more than several volts (from the nominal voltage reading at lower current consumption) when the MPC1500 AMPERES Meter indicates 6 Amps of
current or greater, it may be an indication of a condition known as “AC Line Sag”. AC Line Sag is usually a result of limitations in the AC Wiring in the walls due to small wire size and/or long lengths of wire. For additional assistance in this matter contact your McIntosh Dealer and/or Electrical Contractor.

How to Operate 2

Current Meter
The AMPERES Meter indicates the total amount of current being consumed by the components connected to the MPC1500 AC Outlets. Refer to figure 4. It is normal for the AMPERES Meter indication to fluctuate especially when a Power Amplifier or Integrated Amplifier is connected to the MPC1500 AC Outlets and music is being played loudly.
Rear Panel Options
AC Outlets number 3 thru 6 can be individually configured to become active via three different methods using the Rear Panel Switches. The first way is using the default configuration (the switch in the GLB position) where the outlet is controlled to switch On or Off via the MPC1500 Global Power Control Input or the Front Panel Power Control Switch. Refer to figure 5 on the next page. The second option is to have any one of the AC Outlets (number 3 thru 6) controlled independently On/Off via the MPC1500 Local Power Control Input for each outlet by placing the Rear Panel Switch in the LCL Position. Refer to figure 6. The last option is to have the AC Outlets number 3 thru 6 On all the time by placing the Rear Panel Switch in the ON Position. Refer to figure 7.

How to Operate 4

MPC1500 – NA Specifications

Output Voltage
120 Volts AC Nominal

Load Regulation
± 2.5 %

Power Requirement
120V ~ 60Hz
12 Amps, maximum current
1440 Watts, maximum power

Overall Dimensions
Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.45cm)
Height is 7-5/8 inches (19.37cm) including feet
Depth is 22 inches (55.88cm) including the Front
Panel, Knobs and Cables

Weight
87 pounds (39.46 kg) net, 105 pounds (47.63 kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.93cm)
Depth is 29 inches (73.66cm)
Height is 17 inches (43.18cm)

MPC1500 – EU

(Continental Europe Version)

MPC1500 - EU