Integrated Amp pre-out/amp-in

[dizzie]

Originally Posted by John 22614

I have the following set up now using "Passthru" mode on my MA5300 to power my mains when connected my Marantz AV processor for watching TV.

If your 8950 has the same option, connect RCA stereo out from processor to unbalanced RCA #4 analogue in on 8950. Then select input to "Passthru" on 8950 and connect "Trigger Out" from to "Passthru" input on 8950. This will automatically turn on the Mc power amp section when you start up the AV processor and will bypass the Mc DAC. See the illustration of this solution on page 9 of the 5300 manual.

I use the optical input on the 5300 for stereo music streaming from AppleTV.

Really appreciate the versatility of the Mc integrated.

John,

Interesting approach. Thanks. I am not using any preamp with a trigger out. Is the advantage to your method automatic power on to the McIntosh? Any performance advantage?

[IllinoisCheesehead]

Originally Posted by dizzie

John,

Interesting approach. Thanks. I am not using any preamp with a trigger out. Is the advantage to your method automatic power on to the McIntosh? Any performance advantage?

I'm also using the same approach with my Anthem AVM 60 HT pre/pro and my McIntosh MA352 integrated. For movies, I use the Anthem processor and the integrated's amp for front L/R. Pre-outs from my Anthem into the MA352 using the HT Passthru inputs. The advantage of using the 12v trigger is that it automatically turns on the MA352 when I turn on the Anthem and sets the input to the HT Passthru input and (depending on whether you use a mono or stereo 1/8" cable) will either illuminate or shut off the blue meters. I forget which cable does which, but I have mine so the meters are off when it's movie time.

[John 22614]

Dizzie,

There a couple advantages I really appreciate: First, it maximizes the use of the very sweet sounding power amp section of the 5300 for both music and home theater. Second, it eliminates the need for an additional stereo power source saving money, rack space and all the connections that go with it.

The trigger function is a nice bonus feature. In your case since your AV source does not have a 12v trigger I suspect you can simply use your 8950 remote to start up Mc and set the input to PassThru.

By the way your 8950 looks like a great piece. I am delighted with the performance of the 5300....it may only be rated at 100 watts per channel but its a beast. I believe its been bench tested at about 130. I rarely get past the mid point on the meters and the sound is
rich and detailed with a beautiful, musical, punchy base. My B&W 804D's never sounded so good.

John

[dizzie]

Thanks for the suggestion to use bypass. Not being a HT user I had not thought of that option.

Now I have to figure out how to program input 4. I also have a 5300 so I am familiar with the frustration of programming. I hate when something does so many things I don't want it to do, I can't get it to do the things I need it to do.

I wish the bypass and "amp in" did not bypass the tone controls. I will miss that feature.

[John 22614]

Dizzie,

The manual just suggests unbalanced input 4 as an example...it may work with other analogue inputs as well. But, I know for sure that 4 works on the 5300. With this solution the tone controls work just fine. Programming is pretty straightforward. Just turn the input knob to unbalanced input 4 and then select "PassThru" using the same knob. Works great. The 5300 manual directions are easy to follow and will take you all of about 30 seconds. (assuming the 8950 solution is the same as the 5300)

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

I also love the tone controls. Some of the vocals I stream on Apple Music are not so clear so the treble control helps somewhat with that. Other times I like to add a dollop of bass.
By the way streaming Apple Music with Apple TV shows beautiful album artwork. I love that.

[dizzie]

Thanks John,

I am waiting for the female XLR to male RCA adapter cables I ordered. I purchased the top end Cardas adapters (not cables) but they are too large in diameter to fit. The inputs on the Mc are closely spaced. I checked with a friend who has less expensive adapters but the XLR requirement is the deciding factor for the diameter. All are too large. My input cable is very long so I use balanced which is my favorite anyway. Bums me I have to insert a cheap adapter cable. I got the shortest one I could find, 1.5'.

[John 22614]

Just to clarify a bit further.....the tone controls as well as all other functions other than the power amps are bypassed when your integrated is functioning in PassThru mode. At that point it operates like any other power amp. All other systems are shut off.

The tone controls, DAC, meter lights, etc. are all activated when the integrated is functioning as a stand alone unit and not receiving current from a separate AV processor.

[dizzie]

I finally figured out how to select "pass through" for unbalanced input 6. Now the input does not show up during programming. It disappeared. How do I select it for use? How do I select it to change back in the future?

Manual says "straight to the onboard amplifier without altering it in any way. Confirms the tone controls would be disabled like I originally thought.

[John 22614]

You're right.....and I forgot about that. Once that input is selected for PassThru it is no longer selectable for another function and it won't show up on the menu. It is activated by the 12v trigger from the AV processor when the processor is turned which then turns on the power amps of the Mc.

I suggest you call customer support to see if the PassThru functions can work without a 12v trigger from the source. They are very helpful.