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

Showing 14 responses by 2channeladdicted

I'm trying to connect (2) 2120 power amps and run them as MONO the Ma 6100 has only 1 set of pr amp jacks. and 1 set of power amp jacks, The 2120's have a left and right gain on the front and stated in the manual that if you run the amps as mono to the RIGHT only as it is designed to run as mono. and to switch the button on the back of the amp to mono.
so If I under stand this correctly the left out of the 6100 will go to the right on one of the 2120's and the right out will go to the right of the other 2120. then you would bridge the common/negative on the speaker terminals. In addition on the front of the 6100 the mode position would be in the MONO setting that states (MONO) L + R   .   Is that correct? and MANY thanks!
Thank you all!!! You guys are a plethora of knowledge!  never have had the opportunity to utilize mono application in my younger years,,,,LOL. have a couple of tube amps that I'm using with a mac c26, but using those to bi -amp a set of paradigms so  a little different than trying to do the MONO thing. Thanks again!

the two 2120's can be run as mono i believe as stated in the owners manual with using the right channel only and then bridging the common?  last question when bridging the common on the amp you are using for the left channel speaker you would also bridge the common on the right channel amp you are using for the right speaker? In the 2120 manual it shows using 2 speakers with only one amp in MONO.  Sorry to sound so confusing but just want to make sure nothing gets FRIED!!!


The 2120's in MONO switch in back, and the MA 6100 on the front side that has the mode switch and have it switched to MONO (L+R)
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!

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??
yes, I actually have two tube amps that are paired up with a mac c 26 that are bi-amping a set of paradigms. sounds really good.  Just looking at some options with the ma 6100 and the two 2120's. as mentioned in my user name I have some other pieces, sound craftsmen, nikko, marantz, kenwood. and a couple of pioneer spec pieces, still looking for a couple of other spec pieces to finish up that rack of stuff,  My wife thinks I'm NUTS!!!  buat as I told her I'm home more often since the Harley, and vette are gone. anyway, i really enjot the 2 channel stuff! 
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??
Al, one last question, when using only one 8 ohm speaker per amp did I under stand you correctly that I would connect to the 16 ohm spot. Or is that if I used 2 speakers per amp.

Thanks again!