McIntosh MC205 5-Channel Home Theater Amplifier

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General:
This MC205 5 channel amplifier is the solution for your McIntosh home theater amplification needs.

Capable of 200 WPC into an 8 or 4 ohm load with all channels driven, the MC205 will drive just about any speaker with authority and ease.

This particular example is in good condition with just a few minor blemishes, very presentable overall.

Standout McIntosh Features Include:
• Power Output
The MC205 consists of five Power Amplifier Channels, each capable of 200 watts into 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers with less than 0.005% distortion.

• Power Guard
The patented McIntosh Power Guard Circuit prevents the amplifier from being over driven into clipping, with its harsh distorted sound that can damage your valuable Loudspeakers.

• Dynamic Power Manager
The MC205’s Dynamic Power Manager (DPM) circuitry allows for the connection of either 4 ohm or 8 ohm Loudspeakers, while at the same time delivering identical power output. A peak output current of 25 amperes per channel ensures that it will successfully drive high quality Loudspeakers such as McIntosh, for a truly exciting sound experience.

• Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
Balanced connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.

• Special Power Supply
A regulated Power Supply and a very large Toroidal Wound Power Transformer, ensures stable noise free operation even though the power line varies.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
This amplifier had a couple of small paint chips on the top of the right side heat sink cover. We lightly repainted the damaged area to prevent the exposed metal from rusting in the future. Otherwise this amplifier is in very good cosmetic condition.

Brand Background:
McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment based in Binghamton, New York. The company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. The company designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners and other consumer electronics products.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, Speaker binding posts

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Just the Unit and Power Cord

Packing:
Will be packed using its original OEM box.  Specs:
Five channels, 200w/ch into 4 or 8 ohms.

Response: 20 - 20 kHz (+0 –0.25 dB). 

Distortion: 0.005%. 

Noise and hum -112 dBA.

Output Impedance: 4 or 8 ohms.

Damping Factor: >70 at 4 ohms or 140 at 8 ohms.

Input Impedance: 10k unbalanced and 20k balanced.

Input Sensitivity: 1v w/4ohm, 1.4v w/8ohm, balanced, and 2v w/4ohm, 2.8v w/8ohm, unbalanced.

Dynamic Headroom: 1.7 dB.

Dynamic Power Manager.
Sentry Monitor.
Power Guard.
Direct Coupled.

Power Requirements: 120V at 10 Amps.

Dimensions:
9-7/16"H, 17-1/2"W, 21"D

Weight:
81 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2007

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Summit Series BiFocal XL Bi-Wire Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best If Applicable

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the amplifier's input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time.

We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier's frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.