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McIntosh 7270 speaker connections

Please help a Mc new guy. Have just purchased MC7270, w/o manual. Speaker terminals seem small compared to other amps I have owned (Bryston, Krell). Can only small-gauge wires be used on Mc amps? If not, how are larger wires used? Ques #2: I have Magneplaner 1.6, which are nominal 4 ohm. Connecting to 4 ohm terminals on Mc gives quite low gain--is this normal and usual? Any help greatly appreciated.
redarrow
onemug
784 posts
 
Hi Redarrow, I have used bare 12ga on older Mac. Twist it tight and run 1/4 to 1/2 inch clockwise around the screw so when you tighten, it works together. Or Radio Shack has some gold pins for 12ga that you can crimp on and the pins will fit easily. If you want to go with custom cables there are 1/4 spades that can be ordered on them. That's what I did for the MC275 which has a barrier strip like you 7270. On the Maggies, the 4ohm is correct, + to 4 and - to C. Make sure both speakers are wired exactly the same. Good luck. BTW the 7270 is a great amp.
redarrow OP
1 posts
 
Thanks very much for your information. Really appreciate the help. Best Wishes.
aball
2,018 posts
 
I had the same problem when I had older Mc amps and found the best way to get my MITs connected was to get adapters. You can readily find a couple different types on Ebay. I use the 1/4" spade to bananas - works great.

About your gain question: the lower impedance tap will get less voltage out of the amp so yes, the gain would appear to be lower. Try both taps and see what you like best.

You made a great choice on your amp. Arthur
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