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connecting mono amps to pre amp

Newbie here. I'm 56 and this past year and a half, I've  gotten back into 2 channel. Various amps/pre amps and receivers. I would like to know how to properly connect (2) Mcintosh 2120's to a Mcintosh MA 6100. Have several mac pieces as well as others. But seems Mac is kind of like BMW/Mercedes -European cars with the fact of over engineering or over features, for a lack of better words. Can someone shed some light here with regards to the MONO bloc connection on these? Thank You in advance!!

2channeladdicted
2channeladdicted OP
14 posts
 
i have a question regarding the 6100 mode switch, it says Mono (L+R) as opposed to a true mono that would only play one channel (the same channel) thru both correct??
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
The Mono(L+R) position of the switch will send the sum of the signals for the two channels (which is normally what is considered to constitute a "true mono" signal) into both speakers.  But as can be seen in this photo it appears that other positions of the switch (the two left-most positions) are available that would play one channel through both speakers.

Regards,
-- Al
   
2channeladdicted OP
14 posts
 
Ok, so now that I'm confused as hell........ should the selector switch on the 6100 be left in the stereo position, when using both of the 2120's? or should it be in the "MONO (L+R) position??
2channeladdicted OP
14 posts
 
Ok, So according to Al, unless I'm listening to a MONO recording, the 6100 selector switch should be left in the STEREO position even with BOTH 2120's connected.  Thanks Again!

almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Yes, as I said previously:
The switch on the rear of the 2120 that selects between stereo and mono should be set to mono, as has been said.

The mode selector switch on the front panel of the 6100 should be set to stereo, assuming you are listening to a stereo recording. Setting it to mono would result in both speakers putting out the same sound, corresponding to the sum of the two channels of the recording. Assuming you are playing a stereo recording, what you want is for the left speaker to play the left channel of the recording and the right speaker to play the right channel of the recording. No damage would result, though, regardless of which of those positions the switch is set to, and regardless of whether a stereo or a mono recording is being played. The result would just be that the sound and the imaging would not be right, if you were to play a stereo recording in mono mode.

If you are playing a mono recording though, it would be preferable to set the mode selector switch on the front panel of the 6100 to mono, although it might not make much difference if you leave it in stereo.
The fact that you are using two power amps in mono mode (one for each speaker), rather than a single stereo power amp, has nothing to do with how the 6100’s mode selector switch should be set. The 6100’s mode selector switch should be operated no differently than if you were using a single stereo amp, or the 6100’s built-in stereo power amp, to power the two speakers.

Regards,
-- Al

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