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Abbingdon Music Research Dual Mono Pre-Main Amplifier AM-77 Owner's Manual

Dual mono pre-main amplifier
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AM-77 Reference Class
Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier
Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Abbingdon Music Research Dual Mono Pre-Main Amplifier AM-77

  • Page 1 AM-77 Reference Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 3 FCC Declaration of Conformity - United States only This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. FCC WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 4 This products complies with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the European Community. Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following European Norms (in parentheses are the equivalent international standards and regulations): o EN55022 (CISPR 22) - Electromagnetic Interference o EN55024 (IEC61000-4-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11) - Electromagnetic Immunity o EN61000-3-2 (IEC61000-3-2) - Power Line Harmonics...

  • Page 5: Warnings

    WARNINGS The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying this component. This component weighs over 40 kilograms. Do not place this component on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table as the component may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the unit.
  • Page 6 Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any openings. This component should be serviced only by qualified AMR service personnel when: A. The power cable or the power input socket has been damaged; B.
  • Page 7 Precautions This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC Directive using a connection cable shorter than 3 metres. On power sources The mains power cable should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched, especially near the plug or back panel receptacle.
  • Page 8 horizontal position only. Do not place heavy objects on the component. Keep the component away from equipment with strong magnets, such as microwave ovens or large loudspeakers. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place vessels filled with liquids, such as vases, on the component. Touch-Sensitive Buttons On the front fascia of this AMR component are touch-sensitive buttons.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    WARNINGS Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup 1a. Unpacking 1b. Setup Section 2 - Component Overview 2a. Start-Up Section 3 - Advanced Features 3a. Labeling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset 3b. Setting Fixed Input Level 3c. OptiMains® Protection for Excessive Under/Over-Voltages 3d.
  • Page 10 Section 4 - System Configurations 4a. OptiOperation® Different System Configurations 4b. Switching and Connection Diagrams for Different Modes Section 5 - Additional Connectivity 5a. Input for iPod/other portable music players 5b. ‘HiFi/Pro’ Switches for Balanced XLR inputs 5c. RS232 ‘Options’ Connector Section 6 - Technical Features Appendix - Troubleshooting &...

  • Page 11: Section 1 - Unpacking And Setup

    Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup Figure 1.1 - Front Panel of the AM-77 Figure 1.2 - Rear Panel of the AM-77...

  • Page 12: 1A. Unpacking

    Thank you for purchasing this AMR reference class component. We hope you derive as much pleasure from using this component as we have enjoyed making it for you. 1a. Unpacking This section refers to the unpacking of the AM-77 and its subsequent setup. Upon unpacking, please find: Please that check AM-77 Reference Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier.

  • Page 13: 1B. Setup

    1b. Setup Pre-Main Stereo Amplifier Connection Default pre-main The following diagrams illustrate the standard connection of the AM-77 in pre-main stereo amplifier mode. This mode: the AM-77 is the default factory setting and is suitable for the majority of audio systems. Figure 1.3 depicts the use of as an integrated standard banana/spade speaker connectors while figure 1.4 illustrates the use of Speakon connectors.
  • Page 14 Figure 1.3 - System connection using banana plug/spade connector equipped speaker cables AMR recom- mends the sonically supe- rior Speakon connectors Figure 1.4 - System connection using Speakon connector equipped speaker cables Connect the respective spade/banana/Speakon connectors of the speaker cables to the AM-77. Connect the source/s via the respective left and right XLR or RCA connectors to Inputs 1-5.

  • Page 15: Section 2 - Component Overview

    Section 2 - Component Overview Figure 2.1 - AM-77 Front Fascia The plastic protective film covering the display may be removed F1. STANDBY switch: to place the AM-77 in active or standby mode. F2. SOURCE selection buttons: to select between the 5 different inputs. F3.
  • Page 16 Figure 2.2 - AM-77 Rear Panel Warning: en- sure speaker con- nector is in contact with the chassis R1. SPADE/BANANA outputs: for connection of standard termination speaker cables. R2. SPEAKON outputs: for connection of Speakon terminated speaker cables. R3. HIFI/PRO switch: to allow for a source with transformer balanced output*. R4.
  • Page 17 R7. INPUTS 2-5: RCA inputs, for signal input of source equipment. R8. SYNC connectors: for connection of more than one AM-77*. R9. RS232 option connector: to facilitate future upgrades*. R10. Infra-Red Link: for connection of a wireline remote control. R11. IEC power connector: for the connection of a PC-77 mains power cable to the AM-77. R12.
  • Page 18 Figure 2.3 - RC-77 Remote Control RC1. MENU button: to enter Advanced Features mode*. RC2. STANDBY button: to place the AM-77 in active or standby mode. RC3. SOURCE selection buttons: to select between the 5 different inputs. RC4. VOLUME buttons: to adjust the volume level. RC5.

  • Page 19: 2A. Start-Up

    2a. Start-Up 1. Power On/Off Press the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R12) at the rear of the AMP to switch on mains power to the AM-77. Once powered To switch the mains power OFF, press again and release. Always WAIT at least 30 seconds before switching OFF: always wait ON again.
  • Page 20 Once the system check is complete and the OptiMains®circuitry has completed its initiation process, the AM- 77 is ready for operation. 2. Standby After start-up, pressing the STANDBY button (F1) on either the front fascia or the RC-77 (RC2), the AM-77 will switch to STANDBY mode.
  • Page 21 4. Volume Adjustment From either the front fascia of the AM-77 (F3) or the RC-77 (RC4), select the desired volume. Beware: pro- longed listening While adjusting volume levels, there is an audible “click” from AM-77 and the speakers. This is the normal at high volume operation of the relays within the OptiLevel®...
  • Page 22 7. Synch Connectors At the rear of the AM-77 are Synchronisation ‘In’ and ‘Out’ connection points (R8). This is for the linking of multiple AM-77s for alternative system configurations. Please refer to Section 4 - System Configurations for a detailed explanation. 8.
  • Page 23 12. Menu (RC-77 only) The MENU button (RC1) will enter the Advanced Menu system of the AM-77. Please refer to Section 3 - Advanced Features for a detailed explanation. 13. OK (RC-77 only) The OK button on (RC7) the RC-77 is for the confirmation of a desired selection within the Advanced Menu system of the AM-77.

  • Page 25: Section 3 - Advanced Features

    Section 3 - Advanced Features The following section provides instructions to access the AM-77’s advanced features. 3a. Labeling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset With the AM-77, in one process, it is possible to label each of the 5 inputs with a corresponding source and to set the respective level offset.
  • Page 26 List of available inputs: 1. Input X ( default ) All types of sources 2. Aux I accomodated 3. Aux II 4. Aux III 5. CD Processor 6. D/A Processor 7. DVD Player 8. DVD Recorder 9. HD Recorder 10.HDTV 11.Home Theatre 12.iPod 13.LCD TV...
  • Page 27 The following steps outline the procedure to label all the inputs and set the respective level offset. The AM-77’s default labelling of its inputs starts from ‘Input 1’ and runs through to ‘Input 5’: i. Press ‘MENU’ (RC1) on the RC-77. ii.

  • Page 28: 3B. Setting Fixed Input Level

    3b. Setting Fixed Input Level When using the AM-77 as part of a home theatre system with an external processor controlling the overall system volume, it is possible to program one of the five input sources to have a fixed level of Input such as for a home theatre system of either 0.775V (0dbu) or 1.55V (+6dBu).
  • Page 29 - Having entered the ‘Fixed Input’ menu, now select: Fixed Input 1.55V = +6dBu HTD mode: always use an external pre-amp as this mode will switch the AM- 77 to full volume! Fixed Input 0.775V = 0dBu Warning! By selecting Home Theater Direct mode, the volume of the amplifier will be switched to full. Hence if it is used incorrectly, it will damage the connecting speakers.

  • Page 30: 3C. Optimains® Protection For Excessive Under/Over-Voltages

    3c. OptiMains® Protection for Excessive Under/Over-Voltages The AM-77 is fitted with the OptiMains® system to condition and adjust the incoming mains supply for best operation under all normal mains conditions (including situations that will cause audible problems without Opti- Mains®). Sometimes there In almost every country throughout the world, instances do arise where fluctuations in the main electricity are excessive...

  • Page 31: 3D. Optiprotect® Speaker Overload Protection

    3d. OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection Within OptiProtect® the AM-77 has an in-built speaker protection circuit. Unlike common protection systems which are in series with the speaker output and where the music signal always passes through the protection circuit, the AMR speaker protection system acts as a crowbar circuit shorting across the output - hence it is separate from the audio circuitry and does not affect the sound quality unless it is engaged.

  • Page 33: Section 4 - System Configurations

    Section 4 - System Configurations 4a. OptiOperation® Different System Configurations In keeping with AMR’s philosophy that ‘no one sound fits all’ the AM-77 is also adaptable to suit virtually any It is assumed all prior sections system configuration: able to operate at one end, as a pre-main stereo amplifier and at the other, as a single- have been read &...
  • Page 34 In short, the AM-77’s flexibility is limited only to that of the imagination. For example, one may employ: - 3xAM-77s synchronised along with a high-quality digital crossover to drive a fully-active 3-way speaker system to the highest possible level of sound reproduction or; - 3xAM-77s synchronised for a multi-channel surround sound system or;...
  • Page 35 The following pages provide an outline of the theoretical wiring system behind each of the six different config- urations with a brief accompanying summary Figure 4.1 - Mode I: Pre-Main Stereo Power Power 1st AM -77 • Standard system with AM-77 as the only Left Speaker amplifier.
  • Page 36 Figure 4.2 - Mode II: Pre-Main Monoblock Power • Need 2 or more AM-77s. Power • Drive low impedance speakers that only have one set of terminal connections. 1st AM-77 Left • ~600W/2Ohm RMS and ~300W/1Ohm RMS Speaker without current clipping. This is best suited (Apogee Power Power...
  • Page 37 Figure 4.3 - Mode III: Pre-Main Bi-Amplifier Power Power 1st AM-77 Power Power 2nd AM-77 • Need 2 or more AM-77s. • Drive speakers that have more than one set of terminal connections with improved per- formance and dynamic range. Left Speaker •...
  • Page 38 Figure 4.4 - Mode IV: Power Stereo • Same as Mode I, except the Pre-Amplifier Power Left Speaker • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume. Power 1st AM-77 Right Speaker tion has been bypassed.
  • Page 39 Figure 4.5 - Mode V: Power Monoblock Power Power 1st AM-77 Power Power 2nd AM-77 • Same as Mode II, except the Pre-Amplifier section has been bypassed. • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume. Left Speaker Right Speaker...
  • Page 40 Figure 4.6 - Mode VI: Power Bi-Amplifier Power • Same as Mode III, except the Pre-Amplifier section has been bypassed. Power • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume. 1st AM-77 Left Speaker Power Power 2nd AM-77 Right Speaker...

  • Page 41: 4B. Switching And Connection Diagrams For Different Modes

    4b. Switching and Connection Diagrams for Different Modes The following is a description of the switch settings and connections required to engage the various modes. Figure 4.7 - Mode I: Pre-Main Stereo amplifier (default) The default factory setting Speaker Cable This is the factory default setting: the connection for which has been described in detail in Section 1 - Unpack- ing and Setup.
  • Page 42 Figure 4.8 - Mode II: Pre-Main Monoblock amplifiers Speake r R Speake r R Sensitivity: 87dB Impedance: 8Ohms Cont Power Handing 150W Peak Prog Handing: Level Adjustment 600W Resistor Frequency Response: see graph 1000 10000 Frequency Hz Frequency Hz LS 77 Professional Monitor Speaker Cable AM-77: Master AM-77: Master...
  • Page 43 Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised pre-main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) mains switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Connect the cable from the ‘Sync Out’ connector (R8) of the ‘master’ amplifier to the ‘Sync In’ connector (R8) of the ‘slave’...
  • Page 44 Figure 4.8 - Mode III: Pre-Main Bi-amplifier (horizontal bi-amping) Speake r R Speake r R Sensitivity: 87dB Impedance: 8Ohms Cont Power Handing 150W Peak Prog Handing: 600W Level Adjustment Resistor Frequency Response: see graph Frequency Hz Frequency Hz 1000 10000 LS 77 Professional Monitor Speaker Cable AM-77: Master...
  • Page 45 Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised pre-main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) mains switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Connect the cable from the ‘Sync Out’ connector (R8) of the ‘master’ amplifier to the ‘Sync In’ connector (R8) of the ‘slave’...
  • Page 46 Figure 4.9 - Mode IV: Power Stereo amplifier Speaker R Sensitivity: 87dB Impedance: 8Ohms Cont Power Handing 150W Level Adjustment Peak Prog Handing: 600W Resistor Frequency Response: see graph 1000 10000 Frequency Hz Frequency Hz LS 77 Professional Monitor Speaker Cable Dual Mono Amplifier AM 77 AM 77 AM 77...
  • Page 47 i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of the AM-77. ii. Connect the desired separate pre-amplifier to the AM-77 via the Balanced or RCA female connector of Input 1 (R6). iii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the centre to select ‘L R’. iv.
  • Page 48 Figure 4.9 - Mode V: Power Monoblock amplifier Speake r R Speake r R Sensitivity: 87dB Impedance: 8Ohms Cont Power Handing 150W Level Adjustment Peak Prog Handing: 600W Resistor Frequency Response: see graph Frequency Hz Frequency Hz 1000 10000 LS 77 Professional Monitor Speaker Cable AM-77: Master AM-77: Master...
  • Page 49 Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised pre-main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the left to select ‘M’. iii.
  • Page 50 Figure 5.0 - Mode VI: Power Bi-amplifier mode Speake r R Speake r R Sensitivity: 87dB Impedance: 8Ohms Cont Power Handing 150W Level Adjustment Peak Prog Handing: 600W Resistor Frequency Response: see graph 1000 10000 Frequency Hz Frequency Hz LS 77 Professional Monitor Speaker Cable AM-77: Master AM-77: Master...
  • Page 51 Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised pre-main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the right to select ‘MM’. iii.

  • Page 53: Section 5 - Additional Connectivity

    Section 5 - Additional Connectivity 5a. Input for iPod/other portable music players When the 3.5mm jack is used, disconnect the RCA connecion to Input 4 at the Input 4 rear of the AM-77 On the front right-side panel, there is a 3.5mm jack (F4). This is for the connection of an iPod or any other portable music device for music playback through this medium.

  • Page 54: 5B. 'Hifi/Pro' Switches For Balanced Xlr Inputs

    5b. ‘HiFi/Pro’ Switches for Balanced XLR inputs ‘Pro’ switch is for the few pre- amplifiers that have floating transformer balanced outputs For the majority of sources, the HiFi/Pro switch (R3) is best left in the ‘HiFi’ position. However, if the source has a pro-audio style transformer balanced output, the HiFi/Pro switch needs to be set to ‘Pro’.

  • Page 55: 5C. Rs232 'Options' Connector

    5c. RS232 ‘Options’ Connector For future upgrades Dual Mono Amplifier AM 77 AC IN 90V 135V 260V The RS232 ‘Options’ connector port (R9) is for upgrading the functionality of the AM-77 in future. Contact your local AMR distributor/dealer for more detailed instructions.

  • Page 57: Section 6 - Technical Features

    Section 6 - Technical Features The following section provides a brief explanation of the most salient technical features of the AM-77. Circuit ‘X’® is AMR’s unique circuit: with NOS thermionic electron valves for voltage gain with a patent- pending error-cancellation circuit for the Class A matched bipolar output power devices. OptiGain®...

  • Page 58: Appendix - Troubleshooting & Maintanence

    Appendix - Troubleshooting Figure A.1 Troubleshooting Guide Symptom With power ON no power is registered No sound Strange ‘blast’ sound Remote control does not work A ‘humming’ sound can be heard Front switches ‘jump’/ • static electricity enter Standby Other problems Possible cause Solution •...

  • Page 59: Specifications

    Specifications Figure S.1 - Specifications Table Inputs: Volume Control: Input Sensitivity (IHF 2.83V Out)/Impedance: Power Output (see Notes) IHF Dynamic Power: FTC: Output impedance: Frequency Response (-1dB): Signal-to-noise ratio 'A' weighted: Operational Modes: 5 x RCA 1 x XLR Bal. shared with 1 RCA 1 x iPod®...
  • Page 60 ...continued Thermionic Electron Valves Power Transformer: Power consumption: Power Supply Capacitance: Rated voltage: Colour: Dimensions: Weight: Information and specifications subject to change without notice. Monoblock option An unlimited number of AM-77s can synchronised 5687/6900 (NOS): amplification stage 1200 VA Custom Double C-Core Standby: 50 W Power on: 95 W at rated output (4R): 1000 W...
  • Page 61 Notes At AMR we feel that the IHF standard represents the best available rigidly mandated and standardised, musically relevant measurements applicable today (in preference to DIN45500 among others) despite their formidable age and our wish for something more up-to-date, while the FTC mandated standard is applicable under like-for-like ‘fair trade descriptions’...

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