MC250 on/off Q

[Rootpusher]

Does the MC250 have an on/off switch?

If not, what do you folks recommend for on/off operation?

Thanks

 

[EasyRiderNYC]

Power strip.

 

[CruzBay]

It doesn't have one.

FWIW, mine has been plugged in constantly since 1986 or so.

No, all my other gear doesn't stay on, just this one.

Mike

-edit- It was intended to be plugged into a "Switched" outlet on one of the preamps of the time.

 

[wajobu]

Normally this amp would be plugged into an MX (tuner/preamp) or C (preamp) to control the on-off function.

 

[Rootpusher]

Now there's a thought!

I'll be using it with a C504, which does have switched "courtesy outlets" on the back.

Any impariment of the MC250s capability by plugging it into the preamp instead of a power strip?

I always turn my pre down after use, so I don't think I need to worry about any turn-on transients if the pre is turning both on at once.

Thanks to all!

 

[beej]

Thanks for posting this. I've left mine plugged into a switched outlet on my Citation 11. I await further guidance. Thanks.

 

[Brian]

I had mine in a power strip but left it on 24/7 most of the time unless going away. I prefer not plugging any power plug into the preamp unless the unswitched outlet.

 

[jlc76]

I do the power strip thing, only because I am paranoid about fires and such when I am gone. I did plug it into the back of my C28 for a while but some speak against it, so I just plugged everything into a strip that I can tap on/off with my toe/shoe. It works...

 

[CarlV]

I would imagine one could find a toggle switch that would fit the fuse holder hole, get an inline fuse holder to put under chassis and store the original where you won't lose it. If it comes time to resell just mount and solder the original fuseholder back in. Haven't done it, just a thought.


Carl

 

[Rootpusher]

MythBusters?

"...I did plug it into the back of my C28 for a while but some speak against it..." :nono:

I've heard this, too, but never an explanation for same.

What, if anything, is the science/engineering behind this concern about plugging the power amp into the pre's switched courtesy outlet? :scratch2:

Thanks.

 

[Victor]

I've heard this, too, but never an explanation for same.

What, if anything, is the science/engineering behind this concern about plugging the power amp into the pre's switched courtesy outlet? :scratch2:

Thanks.

The power switch in the C28 is part of the volume control switch. The extra current from the power amp plugged into the C28 could damage this switch. If this happens you would need to replace the volume/power switch on the C28 and it is difficult to find good replacement parts for this repair.

 

[beej]

The power switch in the C28 is part of the volume control switch. The extra current from the power amp plugged into the C28 could damage this switch. If this happens you would need to replace the volume/power switch on the C28 and it is difficult to find good replacement parts for this repair.

This makes sense to me.

As a follow on question, then, is there a downside to plugging the MC250, the preamp, the tuner and the turntable into the same powerstrip?

 

[Rootpusher]

Thanks, Victor!

My C504 pre has a push button on/off switch separate from its volume control.

With those control separated like that, would there still be a problem plugging my MC250 into the switched courtesy outlet on the back of the C504?

Does the risk of switch damage remain? Even if the C504 switch is easily replaceable, I'd just as soon not go down that road.

Thanks again!

 

[lumpy]

The c-28 has an additional switch on the top to switch the amplifier on and off. There are seperate green colored outlets on the back controled by this switch.

 

[Victor]

This makes sense to me.

As a follow on question, then, is there a downside to plugging the MC250, the preamp, the tuner and the turntable into the same powerstrip?

This should work fine. In fact it will probably be better to plug the C28 into the powerstrip and use the powerstrip on/off switch instead of the C28 power switch, this will save much wear on the volume knob.

Try to find a simple powerstrip without surge protection. Audio amps create power surges when playing music, this is normal as the capacitors recharge. A powerstrip with surge protection designed for use with a computer could limit the power to the amp when playing dynamic music.

 

[Victor]

My C504 pre has a push button on/off switch separate from its volume control.

With those control separated like that, would there still be a problem plugging my MC250 into the switched courtesy outlet on the back of the C504?

Does the risk of switch damage remain? Even if the C504 switch is easily replaceable, I'd just as soon not go down that road.

Thanks again!

I would think there would be no problem with the MC250 plugged into your C504. If it was a bigger amp I would be concerned. I have seen lights dim when turning on MC1021s, I would not want that power surge going through my preamp but I don't see a MC250 causing problems.

 

[Victor]

The c-28 has an additional switch on the top to switch the amplifier on and off. There are seperate green colored outlets on the back controled by this switch.

I did not know that. Thanks for the info. :thmbsp:

I don't see any problem with plugging in a MC250 into one of these switched outlets.

 

[wajobu]

When in doubt, and if available, one could read the Owner's Manual for the MX or C. The configuration I cited earlier came directly from the McIntosh OMs.

 

[EasyRiderNYC]

I did not know that. Thanks for the info. :thmbsp:

I don't see any problem with plugging in a MC250 into one of these switched outlets.

It still needs to go through the volume pot/on-off switch. That switch on top just turns those outlets on. I would not stress the pots.

 

[olli_1963]

Instead of the circuit breaker I installed an on/off-push-button-switch in chrome.
I would do it again because this way the MC250 can't make any stress to other equipment it might be plugged in.
I also installed a better mains cable.
This made a big difference in sound.
More bass, soundstage, clarity.