moon MC-8 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

Evolution Series

MC-8

Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or another apparatus that produces heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug mains cord during transportation.

11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the power cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

____________________________________________________________________________________

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Important Safety Instructions (cont’d)

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

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 the appliance.

Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the

EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the

European Community

Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Simaudio MOON MC-8 Multi-Channel Power Amplifier.

1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component.

2. The MOON MC-8 must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes a protective earthing connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used.

Connect the MOON MC-8 only to an AC source of the proper voltage; Both the shipping box and rear panel serial number label will indicate the correct voltage. Use of any other voltage will likely damage the unit and void the warranty

3. AC extension cords are NOT recommended for use with this product. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.

4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

5. NEVER operate the MOON MC-8 with any covers removed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. An open unit, especially if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock hazard. Refer all questions to authorized service personnel only.

6. NEVER wet the inside of the MOON MC-8 with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your MOON MC-

8, immediately disconnect it from the AC mains and take it to your MOON dealer for a complete check-up.

7. NEVER expose the MOON MC-8 to dripping or splashing of liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on top.

8. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.

9. NEVER bypass any fuse.

10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified

11. NEVER attempt to repair the MOON MC-8. If a problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.

12. NEVER expose the MOON MC -8 to extremely high or low temperatures.

13. NEVER operate the MOON MC -8 in an explosive atmosphere.

14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.

15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.

16. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to excessive heat such as sunshine, or fire or the like.

__________________________________________________________________________

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................... 6

Unpacking........................................................ 7

Installation & Placement ................................... 7

Rear Panel Layout ............................................ 8

Connecting the MC-8 ........................................ 9

Balanced Operation ........................................... 9

Operating the MC-8 ........................................ 10

Troubleshooting .............................................. 10

Remote Operation ........................................... 11

Specifications ................................................ 12

www.simaudio.com

Simaudio Ltd., 1345 Newton Road

Boucherville, Quebec J4B 5H2 CANADA

Date Code: 20140909

____________________________________________________________________________________

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the MOON MC-8 Multi-

Channel power amplifier as a part of your hi-fi reproduction system. This power amplifier has been designed to offer state-of-the-art high-end performance in an elegant package, while retaining all the sonic hallmarks on which Simaudio has made its reputation. We have spared no effort to ensure that it is the finest multi-channel amplifiers available.

We have been building high-performance audio equipment for over 30 years, and the know-how gained through our cumulative experience is an important reason why MOON amplifiers are so musically satisfying. your MC-8 will continue to improve during the first

300 hours of listening. This is the result of a “breakin” period required for the numerous high quality electronic parts used throughout this amplifier.

Before setting up your new MOON MC-8, we encourage you to please read this manual thoroughly to properly acquaint yourself with its features. We hope you enjoy listening to the

MOON MC-8 Mult-channel power amplifier as much as the pride we have taken in creating this fine audio product. We understand the power and emotion of music and build our products with the goal of faithfully capturing these elusive qualities.

Your new amplifier is configured for two (2) through seven (7) channels depending on the choice you made at the time of purchase. The number of channels can easily be changed “in the field” at any time. Please contact your authorized MOON dealer or distributor for further details. The performance of

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this manual is available on our official website at http://www.simaudio.com

Your MOON MC-8 Multi-Channel Amplifier incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world class” level of performance. This is an abbreviated list of the more important features:

An oversized power supply employing a custom

proprietary toroidal transformer design with lower magnetic, electrical and thermal loss, yielding an improved power transfer and lower regulation factor, resulting in increased current speed and better dynamics.

Modular circuit design using edge connectors for each channel’s circuitry, allowing for upgrades “in the field”.

Fully balanced differential circuitry up to the output stage.

Class A output to 5 watts for greater efficiency.

Extremely fast circuitry yielding real-time amplification.

Virtually non-existent transient intermodulation (TIM) distortion.

Proprietary MOON Bipolar Output transistors with unprecedented gain linearity resulting in improved bass response and even more accurate sonic reproduction

A high damping factor which yields superior musical dynamics, improved signal speed and refined timbre accuracy.

Extremely rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations.

Accurate matching of the very finest high quality electronic components in a symmetrical circuit design.

A very short signal path for a faster transient response.

Pure copper circuit board tracings with extremely low impedance characteristics.

A 12 Volt trigger input for remote operations.

Designed to be powered up at all times for optimal performance.

____________________________________________________________________________________

6

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Unpacking

The MOON MC-8 power amplifier should be removed from its crate with care. We strongly advise that you seek another person to help lift the amplifier out of its box, and place it in its final location.

The following accessories should be included inside the box with your amplifier:

9 20A AC NEMA 6-20 power cable (USA and Canada only)

9 This owner’s manual

9 Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)

Once the MC-8 is unpacked, inspect it thoroughly and report any damage to your dealer immediately. you’re required to transport this product. The customized packaging is specially designed to

We suggest that you keep all of the original packaging, storing it in a safe, dry place in case protect the MC-8 from any potential damage during transit.

Please write the serial number of your new MOONMC-8 in the space provided below for future reference.

Serial No.: ________________

Installation & Placement

The MOON MC-8 Multi-Channel Amplifier is powerful and very heavy. It requires reasonable ventilation to maintain an optimum and consistent operating temperature, especially since it will radiate heat when driven hard. Consequently, it should be placed in a location with empty space around it for proper heat dissipation. You should never place another component on top of this amplifier. As well, the amplifier should be placed on a solid level surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat source or inside a closed cabinet that is not well ventilated as this could compromise the amplifier’s performance and reliability. The MC-8 uses a very large toroidal transformer in its power supply; even though it is well shielded, you should not place this amplifier too close to source components sensitive to EMI, such as turntables and phono preamplifiers.

When the amplifier reaches its normal operating temperature you may notice that, not only do the heat sinks become warm, the entire chassis idles at the same temperature. This is normal and intentional in the design of this amplifier: All the parts of the chassis are thermally inter-connected so that each channel reaches approximately the same temperature, even if some channels are driven harder than others. It also allows for previously unattainable sonic matching between channels by eliminating temperature discrepancies as a variable, which normally affects performance. Also, by reducing the average temperature it ensures a longer life for the internal components.

The MC-8 is capable of delivering very high power output and its electrical consumption grows accordingly with its power output. The amplifier comes with a 20 ampere NEMA 6-20 power cord and corresponding 20A IEC connector on the back panel.

The MC-8 requires a 240V/20A AC connection that uses a NEMA 6-20 outlet.

If you require an electrican to arrange for a dedicated 20A circuit for this amplifier, you must ensure that the outlet type is a NEMA 6-20 and

NOT a NEMA 5-20. With a dedicated 20A AC outlet, you will be able to take full advantage of the power potential of the MOON MC-8 Multi-Channel power amplifier.

____________________________________________________________________________________

7

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Rear Panel Layout

Figure 1: MOON MC-8 Rear panel

The rear panel will look similar to Figure 1 (above).

Each channel has one balanced (differential) input inputs, you must first remove the factory on an XLR connector and one unbalanced (singleended) input on a RCA connector. There is no switch to toggle from balanced mode to singleended mode. You may operate the amplifier in either mode, but only one mode at one time for each channel. If you’re using the balanced XLR

installed “dummy” XLR jumpers (see figure 2 below) from the back panel XLR connectors and store them in a safe place. These jumpers are required ONLY when using the single-ended RCA inputs. If you decide to switch to single-ended input mode, you must reinstall the XLR jumpers (between pins 1 and 3) exactly as shown below

:

Figure 2: XLR connector without and with jumper accessory

The lower left section has an RS-232 input on a DB9 connector. To the right of this connector are two 12

Volt triggers, each on a 1/8” mini-jack; one input and one output, the latter for use in the event that wish you to “daisy chain” a second power amplifier on the same trigger circuit. The lower right section has from left to right; the 230V “AC Input” IEC receptacle for the power cord, the “AC Fuse” socket cover and the power “main switch”.

____________________________________________________________________________________

8

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Connecting the MC-8

Prior to making any connections or removing the

XLR jumpers, the power amplifier must be turned off and the AC cable disconnected for at least 1 minute.

1. Connect the input cables running from your preamplifier’s outputs, whether balanced or single-ended, to the amplifier’ s XLR or RCA inputs, respectively. We highly recommend that you use the balanced XLR inputs (provided that your preamplifier has balanced outputs) to take full advantage of MC-8 Power Amplifier’s capabilities. Please refer to the next section,

“Balanced Operation” on for further information.

Do not connect cables to both the XLR and

RCA inputs at the same time. Damage to both the MC-8 and the connected equipment can result that is not covered by warranty.

2. Connect your speakers, with the cables of your choice, to the MC-8’s speaker binding posts.

Take care to respect the polarity (“+” , “-” ) of the outputs. Once again, don’t hesitate to use high quality speaker cables*. Poor quality speaker cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system.

3. Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle, located on the amplifier’s rear panel.

Ensure that the AC wall outlet you use is a

NEMA 6-20 with a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your MC-8 directly into this NEMA 6-20 AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord. In the event that you do not already have a NEMA 6-20

AC wall outlet in your listening room, we strongly recommend that you hire an electrician install one

Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables*. Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system. It is recommended, though not mandatory, to use balanced interconnects between your preamplifier and the MC-8 when using long cable runs (i.e. more than 3 meters in length).

Balanced Operation

When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an

AC power cord) will be reproduced by the amplifier and heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate conductors; one for the ground and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with the other.

* Please speak with your MOON Authorized Retailer about the benefits of high quality cables for your system, and superior quality AC wall outlet.

For example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +5 Volts, the other will be carrying a signal of –5 Volts. When these two inverted signals on a balanced line are input into a differential power amplifier such as the MOON MC-8, any noise picked up by the interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two signals: Noise on a balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore cancel out.

____________________________________________________________________________________

9

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Operating the MC-8

We recommend leaving your MC-8 powered up at all times to maintain optimal performance. When you plan on being away for a few days, it may not be a bad idea to power off your amplifier. Please

Turning on your MOON MC-8 for the first time

Prior to turning the amplifier on for the first time, make sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any problems. Then turn on your preamplifier connected to the MC-8. Flick the main rocker switch, located on the rear panel, labeled “POWER” to the ‘1’ (on) position. The blue LED on the front panel will blink for up to 10 seconds while it achieves standby mode. When it stops blinking and

On and Off Sequence

To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps” and “pops”) emanate from your speakers when powering your MC-8 on or off, you should always

Troubleshooting

keep in mind that once fully “broken-in”, your MC-

8 requires several hours of operation before reaching optimal performance after powering it up again.

is not illuminated, your MC-8 is in standby mode.

Next, briefly press the push button labeled

“Standby” located on the front panel. You will hear a very faint click sound confirming that everything is in order. The blue LED on the front panel will illuminate, indicating that theMC-8 is now powered up and ready for use. power up your preamplifier prior to powering up your MC-8. As well, always power down your MC-8 prior to powering down your preamplifier.

Each red LED located on the front panel indicates the operational status of each channel of your

MOON MC-8. When an red LED it begins flashing on and off during use, the circuitry is either overheating or has detected the presence of DC in the input signal:

DC detection ....................................... LED blinks 2 times

Thermal Protection .............................. LED blinks 3 times

Your MOON MC-8 is a “smart” power amplifier equipped with a self-diagnostic system that will automatically shut down any or all channels when it detects DC (direct current) from any input. If your

MC-8 power amplifier turns off one or more channels or will not power up, there may very well be DC present in one (or more) of the amplifier’s inputs coming from one (or more) of your preamplifier/processor’s outputs or connected source components. You must determine if there is any DC present. The best way to accomplish this is by first powering down the MC-8 via the main power rocker switch, then physically removing thel inputs to the MC-8 leaving only the speakers connected. Attempt to power up your MC-8 again:

A successful power up will indicate the presence of

DC coming from your preamplifier or one of your signal sources (ie. CD Player).

If your MC-8 still doesn’t power up, turn off the main power switch and check the AC fuse. If the fuse appears OK, put it back in its socket and then try to power up again the usual way. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same rating, and repeat the above process. At this point, you should be able to power up your MC-8. If not, immediately consult your dealer for assistance.

____________________________________________________________________________________

10

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Remote Operation

Figure 3: Remote Operation with 12V Trigger

In figure 3 we have a CP-8 Multi-Channel

Preamplifier/Processor and a MC-8 amplifier connected together via their respective 12V triggers;

The 12V trigger output on the CP-8 is connected to the 12V trigger input on the top MC-8 (using a 1/8”

. mini-jack cable). When you turn on the CP-8 via remote control (or its Standby button), the MC-8 will turn on automatically. The same rule applies when you put the CP-8 into Standby mode.

____________________________________________________________________________________

11

MC-8 Reference Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Specifications

Configuration ................................................ From 2 to 7 channels

Power Supply Transformers ............................. 3.0kVA

Power Supply Capacitance - base ................... 216,000µF

Power Supply Capacitance - additional/channel.. 9,000µF

Class Of Operation ........................................ A/AB

Input Impedance .......................................... 24,900 Ω

Input Sensitivity ............................................ 1420mV

Output Device Type ....................................... Bipolars - 8 per channel

Power Output at 8 Ω / 4Ω (any channel) ......... 250 Watts / 500 Watts

Frequency Response ...................................... 10Hz - 100kHz +0/-3dB

Output Impedance ........................................ 0.01

Ω

Damping Factor (static) ................................ 800

Gain ............................................................. 29dB

Signal-to-noise Ratio ..................................... > 105dB @ full power

Slew Rate ..................................................... 80V/µs

Maximum Current – Peak / Continuous ............. 40 amperes / 20 amperes

Crosstalk @ 1kHz .......................................... -90dB

Intermodulation Distortion ............................. Unmeasureable

THD (20Hz - 20kHz) @ 1 watt / 250 watts ... < 0.02 % / < 0.05 %

Power Consumption @ idle ............................. 85 Watts

AC Power Requirements ................................. 230V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz

Dimensions (W x H x D, inches) ..................... 17.4 x 13.4 x 21

Balanced Input Pin Assignment:

12 Volt Trigger: Logic........................... Direct (0V off, 12V on)

Connector ................... 1/8” mini-jack

Input Impedance ......... 1k Ω

Current Consumption ... 12mA

Net weight: Basic Unit .................. 170 lbs. / 76 kgs.

Each additional channel 4 lbs. / 2 kgs.

NOTE: If you require the RS-232 codes for your MC-8, please visit the "Contact Us" page and complete the "Information request" form on our website at www.simaudio.com.

Fuse Replacement: Use a 10A Long Fast blow (3AG size).

____________________________________________________________________________________

12