McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 [Link].

com

MC255
Power Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
 Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”
Thank You Customer Service General Information
Your decision to own this McIntosh MC255 Five If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in 1. For additional connection information, refer to the
Channel Power Amplifier ranks you at the very top need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
among discriminating music listeners. You now have can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service to the MC255.
“The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is Department. For assistance on factory repair return 2. The MC255 mutes the speaker output for approxi-
assurance that you will receive many years of musical procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department mately two seconds when first turned on.
enjoyment from this unit. at: 3. For the best performance and safety it is important
Please take a short time to read the information in McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. to always match the impedance of the Loudspeaker
this manual. We want you to be as familiar as pos- 2 Chambers Street to the Power Amplifier connections. Refer to “How
sible with all the features and functions of your new Binghamton, New York 13903 to Connect” pages 7 and 8.
McIntosh. Phone: 607-723-3515 Note: The impedance of a Loudspeaker actually var-
ies as the Loudspeaker reproduces different
Please Take A Moment Fax: 607-723-1917
frequencies. As a result, the nominal impedance
The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer Table of Contents rating of the Loudspeaker (usually measured at
name are important to you for possible insurance a midrange frequency) might not always agree
Safety Instructions...................................................... 2 with the impedance of the Loudspeaker at low
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
(Separate Sheet).................... Important Additional frequencies where the greatest amount of power
provided for you to record that information:
Operation Information Guide is required. Contact the Loudspeaker Manufac-
Serial Number:________________________________ Thank You and Please Take a Moment........................ 2 turer for additional information about the actual
Technical Assistance and Customer Service............... 2 impedance of the Loudspeaker before connecting
Purchase Date:________________________________ Table of Contents......................................................... 2 it to the McIntosh MC255.
General Information.................................................... 2 4. In the event the MC255 over heats, due to improper
Dealer Name:_________________________________
Connector and Cable Information...............................3 ventilation and/or high ambient temperature, the
Technical Assistance Introduction..................................................................3 protection circuits will activate. The Front Panel
Performance Features..................................................3 Power Guard LED will continuously indicate ON
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
Dimensions..................................................................4 and the audio will be muted. When the MC255 has
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
Installation...................................................................5 returned to a safe operating temperature, normal
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
Rear Panel Connections and Switch............................6 operation will resume.
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer 5. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
Output Terminals and How to Connect....................7-8
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem, or regulations. Batteries should never be
Connection Diagram (Separate Sheets).........Mc1A-2A
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
Front Panel Displays and Controls............................. 10 thrown away or incinerated but disposed
products at:
How to Operate.......................................................... 11 of in accordance with the local regulations
Technical Description........................................... 12-15 concerning battery disposal.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
Photos.................................................................... 16-17 6. For additional information on the MC255 and
2 Chambers Street other McIntosh Products please visit the McIntosh
Specifications............................................................. 18
Binghamton, New York 13903
Packing Instruction.................................................... 19 Website at [Link].
Phone: 607-723-3512
Fax: 607-724-0549 Copyright 2019 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2
 Cable Information, Introduction and Performance Features

Connector and Cable Information Performance Features

XLR Connectors • Power Output • Special Power Supply
Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced The MC255 is a Five Channel Home Theater Power A very large Power Transformer and Large Capaci-
Input, Input/Output Connectors on the MC255. Refer Amplifier with a capability of 250 watts from the tors ensure stable noise free operation even though the
IN
to the diagram for connection: Front Three Channels (Left, Center and Right) and power line varies.
PIN 1: Shield/Ground 200 watts from the Surround Channels (Left and
PIN 2: + Input/Output Right) into 4 or 8 ohm speakers with less than 0.005% • Illuminated Power Meters
PIN 3: - Input/Output PIN 2 PIN 1 distortion. The Power Amplifier Circuitry uses Ther- The Illuminated Power Output Watt Meters on the
PIN 3
malTrak1 Output Transistors for lower distortion and MC255 are peak responding, and indicate the true
Power Control Connector cool operation. power output of the amplifier. The Front Panel Meter
The MC255 Power Control Input receives an On/Off Illumination may be switched Off at any time.
signal from +5 to +12 volts. The Power Control Output • Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
will in turn provide a +12 volt Balanced connections guard against induced noise and • McIntosh Custom Binding Posts
Output Signal with a total cur- Trigger allow long cable runs without compromising sound McIntosh patent pending gold plated output terminals
rent up to 50mA. An additional Control quality. deliver high current output. They accept large diam-
Meter
connection is for controlling Illumination
eter wire and spade lugs. Banana plugs may also be
the illumination of the MC255 Control Ground • Power Guard used only in the United States and Canada.
Power Output Meters. The 1/8 The patented McIntosh Power Guard circuit prevents
inch stereo mini phone plug connects to a McIntosh the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, • Glass Front Panel and Super Mirror Chassis
Preamplifier or A/V Control Center Power Control with its harsh distorted sound that can also damage Finish
Output. your valuable loudspeakers. The famous McIntosh Illuminated Glass Front Panel
uses long life Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and
Output Terminal Connector • Zone B Operation the Stainless Steel Chassis with Super Mirror Fin-
When cables with spade lugs are used The Zone B on the MC255 provides Two Channel ish ensures the pristine beauty of the MC255 will be
for Loudspeaker Connection, the spade Music Playback in a second room with 200 watts retained for many years.
lugs need an opening of at least 3/10 inch per channel, while at the same time Zone A provides
(7.6mm). 3/10 of an inch Three Channel Home Theater Playback.
(7.6millimeters)

• Sentry Monitor and Thermal Protection

Introduction McIntosh Sentry Monitor power output stage protec-
tion circuits ensure the MC255 will have a long and
Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh
trouble free operating life. Built-in Thermal Protection
standards of excellence in the MC255 Power Ampli-
Circuits guard against overheating.
fier. This Five Channel Power Amplifier with high
current output will drive any pair of high quality
Loudspeakers. The MC255 reproduction is sonically
transparent and absolutely accurate. The McIntosh
Sound is “The Sound of the Music Itself.” 1
ThermalTrak™ and ON Semiconductor are trademarks of Semi-
conductor Components Industries, LLC
3
 Dimensions

Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MC255.

Front View of the MC255

17-1/2"
44.5cm

8-7/8" 9-7/16"
22.5cm
24.0cm Side View of the MC255

18-1/4"
46.4cm

16-5/8"
42.2cm

Rear View of the MC255

5/8"
8-5/16"
16-13/16" 1.6cm
21.1cm
43.0cm 3/16"
0.5cm

13/16"
2.1cm
12" 2"
3" 30.5cm 5.1cm
7.62cm

11-3/4"
29.9cm

4
 Installation

Installation 17"
The MC255 can be placed upright on a table or 43.18cm
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 Opening for Ventilation

of the MC255 when it is custom installed as outlined

below. The four feet together with the mounting
screws should be retained for possible future use if the 14-11/16"
MC255 Front Panel
MC255 is removed from the custom installation and Custom Cabinet Cutout 37.30cm
used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila-
tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your MC255.
Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating
life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the
MC255 directly above a heat generating component Cabinet Front Panel Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting
such as a high powered amplifier. If all the compo-
6"
nents are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running Cabinet 15.24cm
Front
ventilation fan can be a definite asset in maintaining Panel
all the system components at the coolest possible oper- Opening
ating temperature. for Ventilation
A custom cabinet installation should provide the fol-
lowing minimum spacing dimensions for cool opera- MC255 Side View
tion. in Custom Cabinet
Allow at least 6 inches (15.24cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.08cm) below the bottom, 3 inches (7.62cm)
Cutout Opening for Ventilation
behind the rear panel and 2 inches (5.08cm) on each
side of the Power Amplifier, so that airflow is not Support
3"
Chassis
Shelf Spacers
obstructed. Allow 7/8 inch (2.22cm) in front of the 7.62cm
mounting1 panel for clearance. Be sure to cut out a
ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according to
the dimensions in the drawing. MC255 Bottom View 10-1/2"
26.7cm
in Custom Cabinet
1
When the MC255 is installed together with other McIn- 16"
40.64cm
tosh Components, check clearances on all components
before proceeding. Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally

on the unit. For purposes of
clarity, the above illustration
is not drawn to scale.

5
 Rear Panel Connections and Switch

OUPUTS 5 Connec- POWER CONTROL IN ZA (Zone POWER CONTROL OUT OUPUTS 1 Connec-
tions for Right Front A) receives a turn On/Off signal ZA (Zone A) sends a turn tions for Left Front
Channel and for an 8 from a McIntosh component for all On/Off signal to the next Channel and for an 8
ohm or 4 ohm Loud- five channels McIntosh Component ohm or 4 ohm Loud-
OUPUTS 2 Connec-
speaker speaker
tions (ZONE B) for Left
Surround Channel and
for an 8 ohm or 4 ohm
Loudspeaker

OUPUTS 4 Connec- OUPUTS 3 Con-

tions (ZONE B) for nections for Center
Right Channel Sur- Channel and for
round for an 8 ohm or an 8 ohm or 4 ohm
4 ohm Loudspeaker Loudspeaker
Fuse holder, refer to
the nomenclature next
to the fuse holder to
determine the correct
fuse size and rating

Connect the MC255

power cord to a live
AC outlet. Refer to
information on the
back panel of your
MC255 to determine
the correct voltage
for your unit

The Power POWER CONTROL INPUT 5 Balanced INPUTS 2 & 4 INPUT 3 INPUT 1 Balanced
Auto Off OUT ZB (Zone B) Connection for the Unbalanced Con- Balanced Connection for the
Feature is sends a turn On/Off Right Front Chan- nection for the Left Connection Left Front Channel
either ENable signal to the next Mc- nel and Right Surround for the Cen-
Intosh Component Channels ter Channel
or DISable
Sets the impedance POWER CONTROL IN ZB (Zone B) re- INPUT 5 Unbalanced INPUT 4 Balanced Con- INPUT 2 Balanced INPUTS 1 & 3 Unbalanced
of the Connected ceives a turn On/Off signal from a McIntosh Connection for the nection for the Right Sur- Connection for the Left Connection for the Left Front
Loudspeakers component for the LS and RS two channels Right Front Channel round Channel Surround Channel and Center Channels

6
 How to Connect Input Connections and Output Terminals Connections

Output Terminals
When connecting the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables to cable from the Audio Preamplifier or A/V Control Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide
the MC255 Power Amplifier Output Terminals please Center Power Control (Trigger) Output 1 to the 25 feet 50 feet 100 feet
Loudspeaker
follow the steps below: MC255 POWER CONTROL ZA INPUT. Impedance
(7.62 meters) (15.24 meters) (30.48 meters)
or less or less or less
1. Rotate the top of the Output Terminal Post coun- 2. For Zone B Operation, connect a power control
4 Ohms 14AWG 12AWG 10AWG
terclockwise until an opening cable from the Audio Preamplifier or A/V Control
8 Ohms 16AWG 14AWG 12AWG
appears. Refer to figures A and Center Power Control (Trigger) Output 2 to the
B. MC255 POWER CONTROL ZB INPUT. 4. Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cable for attach-
2. Insert the Loudspeaker hookup Notes: 1. When a Power Control Cable is connected ment to the MC255 Power Amplifier:
cable into the Output Terminal between the MC255 and a Preamplifier Bare wire cable ends:
Opening
(or A/V Control Center), the AUTO OFF
Post opening or the cable spade Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the
Figure A Figure B Feature is bypassed. Refer to page 11.
lug around the center post of 2. When a Subwoofer Loudspeakers is being cable ends, refer to figures 2, 3 & 4. If the cable
the Output Terminal. Refer to used together with the MC255, connect is stranded, carefully twist the strands together
figure C. a Power Control Cable from the MC255 as tightly as
3. Rotate the top of the Output POWER CONTROL Output ZA to the possible.
Terminal Post clockwise until it Power Control Input on the Subwoofer
is finger tight. Refer to figure D. Loudspeaker.
Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
4. Place the supplied McIntosh 3. The MC255 has connections for Balanced Audio
Figure C Figure D
Wrench over the top of the Out- XLR Connection Cables that come from the con- Notes: 1. If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned
put Terminal and rotate it one nections on the Audio Preamplifier or A/V Control with solder to keep the strands together.
quarter of a turn (90° ) to secure Center. Refer to the Connections on the separate 2. The prepared bare wire cable ends may be
the Loudspeaker Cable Connec- folded sheets “Mc1A and Mc2A”. UnBalanced inserted into spade lug connectors.
3. Banana plugs are for use in the United
tion. Do not over tighten. Refer Audio Cables can be used instead of the Balanced
States and Canada only.
to figure E. Figure E XLR cables.
The MC255 Power Amplifier is designed for Loud- Banana Plugs are for use in the United States and
How to Connect speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or 8 ohms. Canada only:
Caution: Do not connect the AC Power Cord to the Connect a single Loudspeaker to each of the Output 5. Attach the previously prepared bare wire cable ends
MC255 Rear Panel until after the Loudspeaker Terminals. into the banana plugs and secure the
Connections are made. Failure to observe this When connecting Loudspeakers to the MC255 it connections. Refer to figure F.
could result in Electric Shock. is very important to use cables of adequate size, so 6. Rotate the top of the Output Terminal
The connection instructions below, together with the there is little to no power loss in the cables. The size is Post clockwise until it is finger tight. Figure F
MC255 Connection Diagram located on the separate specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American Wire Refer to figure G. Then using the Mc-
folded sheets “Mc1A and Mc2A”, are examples of a Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger the Intosh Wrench, rotate the top of the
typical audio systems. Your system may vary from wire size: Output Terminal one quarter of a turn
this, however the actual components would be con- (90° ). Do not over tighten. Refer to
nected in a similar manner. For additional information figure E.
refer to “Connector and Cable Information” on page 3. Figure G
1. For Zone A Operation, connect a power control
7
 How to Connect Output Terminals Connections, con’t

7. Referring to figure H, connect the Loudspeaker the lugs or wire cannot slip out. Refer to figures 7
hookup cables with and 8.
banana plugs into the
MC255 hole at the top
of the terminal Figure
to theF Figure H
Negative Output Termi-
nal and the Positive Output Terminal indenti-
Figure 7 Figure 8
fied as 4Ω (ohm) or 8Ω (ohm) connection to match
the impedance of the Loudspeaker, being careful If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between
to observe the correct polarities. Place the LOAD the available connections, use the nearest lower
Switch on the rear panel of the MC255 to either impedance connection. Refer to “General Informa-
the 4 or 8 Ohm Setting, to match the impedance of tion” Note 3 on page 2 for additional information.
the majority of the loudspeakers connected. WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazard-
If the Loudspeaker’s impedance is in-between the ous live and present a risk of electric
available connections, use the nearest lower im- shock. For additional instruction on
pedance connection. Refer to “General Informa- making Loudspeaker Connections con-
tact your McIntosh Dealer or McIn-
tion” Note 3 on page 2 for additional information.
tosh Technical Support.
WARNING: Loudspeaker terminals are hazard-
ous live and present a risk of electric 10. Connect the MC255 power cord to an active AC
shock. For additional instruction on outlet.
making Loudspeaker Connections con-
tact your McIntosh Dealer or McIn-
tosh Technical Support.
8. Connect the MC255 power cord to an active AC
outlet.

Spade Lug or Wire Connections:

9. Connect the Loudspeaker hookup cables to the
MC255 COM (Negative) Output Terminal and
Positive Output Terminal indentified as 4Ω (ohm)
or 8Ω (ohm) connection to match the impedance
of the Loudspeaker, being careful to observe the
correct polarities. Insert the spade lug connector or
prepared section of the cable end into the terminal
side access hole, and tighten the terminal cap until
the cable is firmly clamped into the terminals so

8
9
 Front Panel Displays and Controls

Meter indicates the Front Meter indicates the Front The LED indicates when the POWER Meter indicates the Front
Left Channel Output of Center Channel Output GUARD Circuitry has activated for the Right Channel Output of
the amplifier of the amplifier Amplifier Center Channel (C4) the amplifier

The LEDs indicate when the POWER GUARD The LEDs indicate when the POWER GUARD
Circuitry has activated for Amplifier Channels, Circuitry has activated for Amplifier Channels,
Left Front (LF1) and Left Surround (LS2) Right Front (RF5) and Right Surround (RS4)

METER LIGHTS Switch Standby Power POWER Switch Turns AC Power

on the Illumination of the On Indicator Off, Remote, AC Power On
Left, Center, Right Channel
Meter Display

10
 How to Operate

How to Operate
Power On tion and both the ZA and ZB connectors are receiving Auto Off Switch
There are two ways to have AC Power switched ON to Power Control Signals. The MC255 incorporates Power Save Circuitry to
the MC255: MC255 ZONE A and ZONE B OPERATION automatically place the MC255 into the power saving
REMOTE Setting Standby Mode approximately 30 minutes after there
Zone Channel Number Channel Function
When the MC255 Power Control Con- has been an absence of an audio input signal.
A 1 Left Front
nection (ZA and/or ZB) receives a Power When there is a Power Control Connection be-
A 3 Center (Front)
Control Signal from a Preamplifier or tween the MC255 and a Preamplifier or A/V Control
A 5 Right Front Center with Power Save Circuitry, the
A/V Control Center, it will turn On
B 2 Left AUTO OFF Switch in the ENable position
automatically when the MC255 POWER Figure 9
Control is set to the REMOTE Setting.
B 4 Right is bypassed (located on the Rear Panel of
Refer to figure 9. Meters the MC255). Refer to figure 13. Figure 13
Rotate the METER LIGHTS Switch to the ON posi- In the event there is no Power Control
ON Setting Connection and the Power Save Circuitry is activat-
tion to Illuminate the three Front Panel Meters for the
When the MC255 POWER Control is ing inappropriately relative to your specific use of the
Left, Center and Right Channels. Refer to figure 11.
set to the ON position, it will become MC255, place the AUTO OFF Switch in the DISable
Lights Off - Meter lights are turned off, the Me-
active Zone A only. Refer to figure 10. position.
ters will continue to indicate the power
To switch the MC255 OFF, place the Figure 10 Note: If the Power Save Circuitry has switched Power
output.
POWER Control in the OFF position. to the MC255 OFF, place the POWER in the OFF
Note: When Power Control
Position and then in the ON position to reset the
MC255 Channel Operation Input of the MC255 is
circuitry.
There are two Channel Operation Modes. The first connected to an Audio
operation mode is referred to as Zone A. This occurs
Preamplifier or A/V Load Switch
Control Center with Place the Load Impedance Switch to the 4 Ohms posi-
when the POWER Control is positioned to ON or set Remote Meter Illumi-
to the REMOTE position and is receiving a Power tion if the Loudspeakers Connected to the
nation Control, the Figure 11 MC255 are not 8 Ohms but 4 Ohms. Refer
Control Signal in the ZA connector. When the MC255 Meter Illumination will
is in the Zone A operation mode, the following is a list to figure 14.
automatically be remotely controlled
of Channel Operations: (On/Off). Figure 14
MC255 ZONE A CHANNEL OPERATION Watts- The meters respond to all the musical infor-
mation being produced by the amplifier. They
Channel Number Channel Function
indicate to an accuracy of at least 95% of the
1 Left Front
power output with only a single cycle of a
2 Left Surround
2000Hz tone burst. Refer to figure 12.
3 Center (Front)
4 Right Surround
5 Right Front
The other operation mode is referred to as Zone A/B
when the POWER Control is in the REMOTE posi-
Figure 12
11
Technical Description
McIntosh Laboratory, the company who introduced
the world’s first amplifier that could be called “High
Fidelity”, has done it again. The McIntosh engineering
staff has created a Power Amplifier without compro-
mise, using the most advanced McIntosh circuit design
concepts.
The MC255 has a continuous average power output
rating of 250 watts and with a peak output current of
25 amperes per channel; making this one of the most
advanced amplifiers available today. The distortion
limits for the MC255 are no more than 0.005% at
rated power output for all frequencies from 20Hz to
20,000Hz. Typical performance at mid frequencies is
less than 0.002%. The true distortion readings on the
MC255 are so low, it takes special measuring tech-
niques to make accurate readings. The MC255 can
deliver the best possible performance from any type of
high quality loudspeaker system. Refer to figure 15.
Creating an amplifier with this level of perfor-
mance did not come easily. Many months of design,
testing and measuring were required. Extensive con-
trolled listening tests, the ultimate form of measuring,
were made before the final design was accepted.

Design Philosophy
The design philosophy incorporated in the MC255
involved several different techniques, all based on
sound scientific logic. Every stage of voltage or cur-
rent amplification must be as linear as possible prior
to the use of negative feedback. McIntosh engineers
know how to properly design negative feedback cir-
cuits so they contribute to the extremely low distortion
performance expected from a McIntosh amplifier.
The typical McIntosh owner would never accept the
approximately 100 times higher distortion of many
non-feedback [Link] to figure 16.
Figure 15
12
 Technical Description

Block Diagram of the Power Amplifier (one channel shown)

4Ω/8Ω DISPLAY
CONTROL

ILUMETER
POWER OUTPUT
INDICATOR

AUTO SENSE
CONTROL

ThermalTrak
DC BIAS
TO POWER
SAVE CONTROL

THERMAL
UNBALANCED SENSORS
INPUT

BALANCED
+ AMP
POWER GUARD
AMP MUTE
INPUT ATTENUATOR
-

Figure 18
Figure 16

All transistors are selected to have nearly constant Circuitry has a specially designed bias circuit to take Power Output Meter
current gain over the entire current range they must full advantage of the ThermalTrak™ Power Transis- The McIntosh MC255 has a large three Meter
cover. Output transistors in particular, tors and thus precisely controls the power amplifier Wattage Output Meter that responds 95% full scale
have matched uniform current gain, operation over a wide range of music conditions with to a single cycle tone burst at 2kHz. Refer to figure
high current bandwidth product and the benefits of lower distortion and cooler operation. 19. Voltage and current outputs are electronically
large active region safe operating area. Precision metal film resistors and low dielectric ab- measured, multiplied and fed to a special circuit that
These Power Transistors are the very sorption film capacitors are used in all critical circuit accelerates the pointer movement in the upward direc-
latest in semiconductor technology and locations. tion. When the pointer reaches its peak it pauses only
incorporate a new design known as The high efficiency circuit design of the MC255 long enough for the human eye to perceive its position,
ThermalTrak™. Refer to figure 17. This contributes to low operating temperatures. More than then drops. It is almost 10 times faster than a profes-
allows for the instantaneous and accu- 2800 square inches of heat sink area keep the MC255 sional VU meter.
rate monitoring of the Power Transistor operating safely with convection cooling. No fans are
Temperature. The MC255 Power Output Figure 17 needed. Refer to figure 18.

Figure 19

13
Technical Description, con’t
Protection Circuits The Power Guard Without Power Guard Power Supply Circuits
The MC255 incorporates the McIntosh Sentry Moni- circuit is a waveform To compliment the design of the MC255 Power Am-
tor Output Transistor Protection Circuit. Refer to comparator, monitoring plifier Circuitry, there is a high current high voltage
Figure 20. There is both the input and output power supply. Refer to figures 24 and 27.
absolutely no com- waveforms. Under normal
promise in sonic operating conditions,
performance with there are no differences
this circuit, and it Normal Operating Area
between the shape of
ensures safe opera- these waveforms. If the
tion of the ampli- amplifier is overdriven,
fier under even Sentry Monitor Output there will be a difference
the most extreme Safety Area Transistor
Failure
between the two signal
operating condi- waveforms. When the dif- Figure 22
Figure 20 ference exceeds 0.3%, the
tions. The different
types of protection circuits incorporated in the MC255 Power Guard activates With Power Guard
insure a long and safe operating life. This is just one the PG light and a dy-
of the many characteristics of McIntosh Power Ampli- namic electronic attenua-
Figure 27
fiers that make them world famous. tor at the amplifier input
The MC255 also includes the unique patented reduces the input volume The very large Power Transfomer can supply over 13
McIntosh Power Guard circuit. Power Guard elimi- just enough to prevent amps of current. Refer to figure 25 (golf ball is for size
nates the possibility of ever overdriving the ampli- any further increase in comparsion).
fier into clipping. Refer to figures 21, 22 and 23. An distortion. The Power
overdriven amplifier can Input Test Signal Guard circuit acts so fast
produce both audible (14kHz & 15kHz) that there are absolutely
and inaudible distortion no audible side effects
levels exceeding 40%. and the sonic purity of Figure 23
The audible distortion is the music reproduction
unpleasant to hear, but is perfectly preserved. The MC255 Power Ampli-
the inaudible ultrasonic fier with Power Guard is not limited to just the rated
distortion is also undesir- power output, but will actually produce distortion free
able, since it can damage output well above its rated power due to the McIntosh
valuable loudspeaker philosophy of conservative design.
system tweeters. You
will never experience the
harsh and damaging dis- Figure 21
tortion due to clipping. Figure 25

14
 Technical Description, con’t

CIRCUIT POWER
AC POWER
BREAKER RELAY

Block Diagram
of the POWER SAVE
CONTROL
Power Supply

Figure 24

It is enclosed in the legendary McIntosh Potted Enclo- The power amplifier draws high current from the AC
sures and weighs 30 lbs. The six super size main filter power line. Therefore, it is important that they plug
capacitors can store over 350 Joules of energy which directly into the wall outlet.
is necessary for the wide dynamic range that “Digital Also, most owners desire one power switch for the
Audio” demands. Refer to figure 26. whole audio system. The MC255 is equipped with
a circuit that provides remote Power Control from a
McIntosh A/V Control Center. When the A/V Control
Center is switched On, a (+5V) signal operates the
power relay in the MC255. The MC255 also has two
remote Power Control Out Jacks. The Power Control
signal from these jacks is delayed by a fraction of a
second so that the turn on power surge of the next
power amplifier occurs at a later time. This helps
prevent power circuit overload that could trip circuit
breakers or blow fuses, a very important feature in
high power Home Systems employing multiple MC255
Power Amplifiers.

Figure 26

15
16
Photos

17
 Specifications

Specifications
Power Output (All Five Channels) Signal To Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) Power Requirements
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output 108dB below rated output Field AC Voltage conversion of the MC255 is not
per channel, all channels operating is: possible. The MC255 is factory configured for one of
200 watts into a 4 ohm or 8 ohm load Intermodulation Distortion the following AC Voltages:
0.005% maximum, if the instantaneous peak power 100 Volts, 50/60Hz at 12.0 Amps
Power Output (Three Front Channels) output does not exceed twice the rated power output 110 Volts, 50/60Hz at 11.0 Amps
Minimum sine wave continuous average power output or less per channel with all channels operating for any 120 Volts, 50/60Hz at 10.0 Amps
per channel operating is: combination of frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz 127 Volts, 50/60Hz at 10.0 Amps
250 watts into a 4 ohm or 8 ohm load 220 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 Amps
Wide Band Damping Factor 230 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 Amps
Output Load Impedance Greater than 70 at 4 ohms 240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 6.0 Amps
8 and 4 ohms Greater than 140 at 8 ohms Standby: less than 0.5 watt
Note: Refer to the rear panel of the MC255 for the cor-
Rated Power Band Input Impedance rect voltage.
20Hz to 20,000Hz 20,000 ohms Balanced
10,000 ohms Unbalanced Overall Dimensions
Total Harmonic Distortion Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.5cm)
0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power Voltage Gain Height is 9-7/16 inches (23.9cm) including feet
level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 29dB Depth is 21 inches (53.3cm) including the Front Panel
20,000Hz and Cables
Power Guard
Dynamic Headroom Less than 2% THD with up to 14dB overdrive at Weight
3.6dB 1,000Hz 89.5 pounds (40.6 kg) net, 122.5 pounds (55.6 kg) in
shipping carton
Frequency Response Power Control Inputs ZA and ZB
+0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz 5-15VDC, less than 1mA Shipping Carton Dimensions
+0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz Width is 29-1/2 inches (74.9cm)
Power Control Output ZA and ZB Height is 17 inches (43.2cm)
Input Sensitivity (for rated output) 12VDC, 50mA maximum total Depth is 29 inches (73.7cm)
2.2 Volt Balanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker Output is delayed 0.2 seconds from turn On
1.1 Volt Unbalanced with a 4 ohm Loudspeaker
3.0 Volt Balanced with an 8 ohm Loudspeaker
1.6 Volt Unbalanced with an 8 ohm Loudspeaker

18
 Packing Instructions

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 that the four plastic
feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. Four
1/4 - 20 x 2-1/4 inch screws and washers must be used
to fasten the unit securely to the bottom pad and ship-
ping skid. This will ensure the proper equipment loca-
tion on the bottom pad. 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 Depart-
ment of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 2. Please
see the Part List for the correct part numbers.
Quantity Part Number Description
1 034052 Shipping carton top
1 034051 Shipping carton bottom
2 034054 Foam Pad (top and bottom)
2 034186 Foam Pad (front and rear)
2 034187 Foam Pad (sides)

1 034136 Inner carton top

1 034137 Inner carton bottom
1 034188 Foam Pad (inner carton)
1 034479 Shipping skid
4 101212 1/4 - 20x2-1/4 cap screw
4 104058 Flat washer

19
 McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
[Link]

The continuous improvement of its products is the

policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who
reserve the right to improve design without notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.

McIntosh Part No. 24105101