McIntosh MC312 2-Channel Power Amplifier

300 Wpc stereo power amplifier with Autoformers, 2.3 dB of dynamic headroom, and McIntosh protection circuitry

The McIntosh MC312 is a solid-state stereo power amplifier delivering 300 Wpc into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeaker loads. McIntosh Autoformer technology makes the amplifier’s full rated output available at each of those impedances, allowing the MC312 to provide consistent power delivery across a wide range of loudspeaker designs.

Compared with McIntosh’s preceding 300 W stereo amplifier, the MC312 doubles filter capacity, increasing dynamic headroom from 1.8 dB to 2.3 dB. The additional energy storage helps the amplifier handle wide dynamic swings while also benefiting bass performance and reducing the likelihood of distortion during demanding musical passages.

The output stage uses a push-pull complementary solid-state circuit, while McIntosh Power Guard continuously monitors the relationship between input and output signals to help prevent clipping. Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less short-circuit protection, disengaging the output stage if current exceeds safe operating limits and automatically restoring operation when conditions return to normal.

Balanced and unbalanced pass-through outputs allow the incoming signal to be routed to another amplifier for bi-amping or tri-amping, a powered subwoofer, or a secondary system. Monogrammed Heatsinks assist thermal management, while the polished stainless-steel chassis, black glass front panel, direct LED illumination, and dual blue watt meters give the MC312 its familiar McIntosh appearance.

Features

300 Wpc Into 2, 4, or 8 Ohms

McIntosh Autoformers allow each channel to deliver its full rated 300 W into 2-, 4-, or 8-ohm loudspeaker loads rather than limiting maximum output to a single nominal impedance.

Increased Filter Capacity

Double the filter capacity of the preceding 300 W McIntosh stereo amplifier increases dynamic headroom to 2.3 dB, providing additional energy storage for musical peaks while also benefiting low-frequency performance.

Power Guard

Power Guard continuously compares the amplifier’s input and output signals and adjusts the input when necessary to prevent clipping that could otherwise produce harsh distortion or damage loudspeakers.

Sentry Monitor

Sentry Monitor provides fuse-less short-circuit protection for the output stage, disengaging it before current exceeds safe operating limits and automatically restoring operation when conditions return to normal.

Monogrammed Heatsinks

McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks are coupled to the amplifier’s high-current output transistors to provide efficient thermal management.

Flexible System Connections

Balanced and unbalanced pass-through outputs can feed another amplifier for bi-amping or tri-amping, a powered subwoofer, or a secondary audio system without requiring an additional output from the preamplifier.

Solid Cinch Speaker Binding Posts

McIntosh Solid Cinch speaker binding posts provide secure speaker-cable connections and are gold-plated to resist corrosion.

Power Control

McIntosh Power Control allows compatible components to receive coordinated power-on and power-off commands as part of a complete McIntosh system.

What’s Included

• McIntosh MC312 2-Channel Power Amplifier
• AC power cord

Specifications

Type: Solid-state stereo power amplifier

Channels: 2

Power Output: 300 Wpc into 2, 4, or 8 ohms

Rated Power Band: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0/–0.25 dB; 10 Hz–100 kHz (+0/–3 dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% maximum, 250 mW to rated power, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Intermodulation Distortion: 0.005% maximum

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120 dB balanced; 118 dB unbalanced, below rated output

Dynamic Headroom: 2.3 dB

Damping Factor: Greater than 40, wideband

Input Sensitivity: 3.4 V balanced; 1.7 V unbalanced

Input Impedance: 22 kΩ balanced; 22 kΩ unbalanced

Voltage Gain: 29 dB into 8 ohms; 26 dB into 4 ohms; 23 dB into 2 ohms

Circuit Configuration: Push-pull complementary

Output Type: Autoformer

Balanced Inputs: 2

Unbalanced Inputs: 2

Balanced Outputs: 2

Unbalanced Outputs: 2

Remote Power Control: Yes

Output Meters: Yes

Meter Light Switch: Yes

Speaker Connections: Solid Cinch speaker binding posts

Front Panel: Glass

Illumination: Direct LED

Chassis: Polished stainless steel and black painted steel

Standby Power Consumption: Less than 0.5 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 9-7/16" × 17-1/2" × 22" (23.97 × 44.45 × 55.88 cm), including feet, front panel, handles, and cables

Weight: 105 lb. (47.63 kg)