Introduction - Panamax M5510-PRO Owner's Manual

INTRODUCTION

Your Audio/Video components are constantly
being bombarded by electromagnetic interference
(EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI)
through their power cords. This contaminated
power can affect analog and digital equipment and
will degrade the overall performance of your entire
system. Digital components can also introduce
noise on their AC power lines, which can interfere
with the performance of analog components.
Common symptoms of contaminated power
include pops, hisses, hums, visual artifacts, etc.
Most power filtering devices will remove some of
this interference but don't provide a comprehen-
sive solution to the problem.
The MAX® 5510 Pro's Power Filtration System is
the Complete Solution!
Level 1 - for Digital Source Components or
Display Devices:
True isolation from contaminated power sources is
the first level. The heart of the MAX® 5510 Pro is
a 720VA, Isolation Transformer that provides
power to four outlets for your digital source com-
ponents or displays. AC Regeneration through
electromagnetic coupling between the primary and
secondary windings of the transformer allows only
clean, pure AC power to reach your equipment.
None of the EMI/RFI contamination gets past the
isolation transformer! In addition, any noise gen-
erated by your digital source components is isolat-
ed and prevented from reaching the rest of your
equipment through their power cords.
Two different power modes, Isolated and
Balanced, are available as output from the isolation
transformer. These are selected with the front
panel AC Regeneration pushbutton. In the Isolated
mode, the secondary (load side) of the trans-
former's winding is completely isolated from
ground connections. Digital source components
(with 2-blade power plugs) that are plugged into
these outlets are also isolated, eliminating ground
loops and hum.
In the Balanced mode, a center tap wire from the
secondary winding is connected to ground. This
creates a balanced voltage waveform (+60V Line-
Ground & -60V Neutral-Ground, 180 degrees out
of phase), which still provides 120VAC to your
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equipment but has the benefit of canceling any
common mode noise between Line/Neutral and
Ground.
The MAX® 5510 Pro allows you to switch between
Isolated and Balanced modes since there is no way
to categorically state that "Isolated Power" is bet-
ter than "Balanced Power" or that "Balanced
Power" is better than "Isolated Power".
modes provide clean, regenerated power to your
digital source components. One setting may pro-
vide better results than the other for your particu-
lar system but the only way to really know is to try
both and use the one that sounds better to you.
Results will depend upon the quality of your
incoming power, noise sources close to your home
or system, your combination of components and
the quality and routing of interconnected cabling.
Due to this, different results may be observed
when comparing picture and sound quality from
identical equipment in different physical locations.
Level 2 – for Analog Components:
The second level in the Power Filtration system
features two banks of independently filtered out-
lets (2 outlets per bank) for your analog compo-
nents. These outlet banks utilize "Balanced Double
L" filter circuits which are far superior to any other
design in filtering out all forms of electromagnetic
and radio frequency interference in both common
and normal modes. Cross-contamination between
your components is also eliminated with this
design.
Level 3 – for High-Current Components:
The third level of the system specifically address-
es the unique power requirements of current hun-
gry components such as amplifiers and powered
subwoofers.
large amounts of current to replenish their capaci-
tors after thunderous bass notes. Line condition-
ers that utilize coils (inductors) in series with the
AC power line can "choke" off this large in-rush
current, thereby reducing the amplifiers' ability to
operate at peak performance levels, resulting in a
flat, dead sound. The MAX® 5510 Pro's high-cur-
rent outlets are fed by noise filtration circuitry that
does not utilize coils and provides full, unimpeded
power for your amplifiers and powered sub-
woofers.
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These components rapidly draw
Other Convenience Features Enhance the
Functionality:
Although the MAX® 5510 Pro's functionality
revolves around noise filtration and power protec-
tion, many other exciting features enhance your
overall entertainment experience, including:
• An analog, backlit voltmeter indicates the AC line
voltage coming into your system.
• An analog, backlit ammeter shows the actual
current draw of all your connected components,
giving a visual reference as to how your system is
functioning under a variety of conditions.
• A front panel pushbutton controls the meter
lighting intensity (High, Low, Off) and color (Blue
or Amber).
• A detachable rear panel LED convenience lamp
simplifies system setup in low-light situations.
• An Always-On, convenience outlet on the front
panel is for temporary AC connections.
As you read through the rest of this manual, you'll
discover many more unique features. As home
theater enthusiasts, we care about the quality of
your listening and/or viewing experience.
goals are to:
• Make power better (conditioning that allows your
system to perform up to its full capabilities)
• Make power safer (protect your investment from
damaging power disturbances)
• Enhance the pleasure you get from your A/V sys-
tem
Thank you for choosing Panamax for your power
quality needs. Please finish reading the instruc-
tions, install the MAX® 5510 Pro and enjoy the full
potential of your entertainment system.
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