AMR AM-777 Owner's Manual

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AM-777 Premier Class

Pre-Main Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Ver 1.7.5

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.

NOTE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Notice (Avis Canadien)

Class B Equipment

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian

Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du

Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

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 o EN61000-3-3 (IEC61000-3-3) - Power Line Flicker o EN60950 (IEC60950) - Product Safety

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 15 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. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the component and cart combination to overturn.

Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the Manufacturer ’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

Read and follow all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using this component.

All warnings on the component and in its operating instructions should be adhered to.

Retain this Owner’s Manual for future reference.

Do not use this unit near water; for example, near a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.

Unplug the component from the wall outlet before cleaning. Never use benzine, thinner or other solvents for cleaning; use only a soft damp cloth.

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:

The power cable or the power input socket has been damaged;

Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the component;

The component has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind;

The component does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;

The component has been dropped or the enclosure has been damaged.

DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT YOURSELF. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED AMR SERVICE PERSONNEL

Upon completion of any servicing or repairs, request the service point’s assurance that only AMR Authorised Replacement Parts with the same characteristics as the original parts have been used, and that the routine safety checks have been performed to guarantee that the component is in a safe operating condition.

REPLACEMENT WITH UNAUTHORIZED PARTS MAY RESULT IN

FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER HAZARDS

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.

The component should not be disconnected from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the component itself has been turned off.

If this component is not going to be used for a long time, be sure to disconnect the component from the wall outlet. To disconnect the AC power cable, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cable.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

On placement

The AM-777 may become warm during normal operation. Given this, it is imperative that the AM-777 when installed, its location or position

DOES NOT interfere with its proper ventilation.

For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the top or bottom ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air through its top and bottom ventilation openings.

Do not place the component in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or mechanical shock.

Do not place the component in an inclined position.

It is designed to be operated in a 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.

Running-In

AMR estimates that the AM-777 may take between 300-500 operating hours for all of the internal components to be fully-broken in. Please anticipate the sonic performance of the AM-777 to settle only after it has been used for this approximate length of time.

WARNINGS

Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup

1.1 Unpacking

1.2 Setup

Section 2 - Component Overview

2.1 Front Panel

2.2 Rear Panel

2.3 Remote Control

Section 3 - Operation

3.1 Power On/Off

3.2 Volume Adjustment

3.3 Rear Inputs

3.4 USB Input

3.5 Mode switch

3.6 Pre-Main/Power switch

3.7 HiFi/Pro switch

3.8 Preamplifier Output connector

3.9 Speaker Impedance

3.10 Mains Voltage switch

Section 4 - Advanced Features

4.1 Labelling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset

4.2 Labelling Input X

4.3 Setting Level Offset

4.4 Setting Fixed Input Level for Bypass Mode

4.5 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup

Thank you for purchasing this AMR Premier Class component.

We hope you derive as much pleasure from using this component as we have enjoyed making it for you.

1.1 Unpacking

This section refers to the unpacking of the AM-777 and its subsequent setup.

Please check that all contents are present

Upon unpacking, please find: i.

AM-777 Premier Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier.

ii.

RCD-777 Remote Commander.

iii.

Mains power cable.

iv.

AM-777 Owner’s Manual.

AMR Warranty Card.

vi.

AMR System Test Disk.

Please ensure that all items are present. Should an item be missing, please contact your AMR distributor/dealer.

Default Pre-Main mode: the AM-777 as an integrated amplifier

1.2 Setup

Pre-Main Stereo Amplifier Connection (8 Ohm Speakers)

The following diagram illustrates the standard connection of the AM-777 in pre-main stereo amplifier mode. This is the default factory setting and is suitable for the majority of audio systems.

Speaker R Speaker L

Speaker Cable Speaker Cable

Warning: ensure no speaker connector is in contact with the chassis to cause a shortcircuit!

Interconnect Cable

Great Britain

Pre

Out

SERIAL NO

No User Serviceable Components Inside

Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to this equipment will void all warranties

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

Interconnect Cable

L R

Outputs

Great Britain

USB

Input

Digital

Input

Output

No User Serviceable Components Inside

this equipment will void all warranties .

CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OUVRIR

Link

SERIAL NO

～ AC

Power

Off

Outputs

Section 2 - Component Overview

2.1 AM-777 Front Panel

The plastic protective film covering the display may be removed

F1. STANDBY: to place the AM-777 in active or standby mode.

F2. SOURCE: to select between the different inputs.

F3. VOLUME: to adjust the volume level.

Warning: ensure that the correct mains voltage and speaker impedance are selected!

2.2 AM-777 Rear Panel

R10

R11

R13

R12

R1. SPADE/BANANA outputs: for connection of standard termination speaker cables.

R2. USB input: for direct connection to a Computer Audio Source.

R3. HIFI/PRO switch: to allow for a source with a transformer balanced output.

R4. POWER switch: to switch on/off mains electricity to the AM-777.

R5. 115V/230V: to switch to the correct local mains voltage.

R6. INPUT 1: shared XLR and RCA input.

R7. INPUTS 2-4: RCA inputs.

R8. IEC power connector: for the connection of a mains power cable to the AM-777.

R9. PREAMPLIFIER Output: to connect a separate pre-amplifier.

R10. MODE switch: to alternate between Stereo/Monoblock/Bi-Amplification settings.

R11. PRE-MAIN/POWER amplifier switch: to select Pre-Main or Power Amplification setting.

R12. 4R/8R speaker: to select the correct speaker impedance for speakers used.

R13. Infra-Red Link: for connection of a wireline remote control.

In the majority of audio systems, the AM-777 is most likely to be operated as a Pre-Main Amplifier. Please inspect the rear panel of the AM-777 to verify that the default settings (in bold) are as follows:

- HIFI/PRO switch (R3) is set to HiFi (set to lower position)

- MODE switch (R10) is set to LR (set to middle position)

- PRE-MAIN/POWER switch (R11) is set to Pre-Main (set to lower position)

- 4R/8R switch (R12) is set to 8R (unless speakers with 4R or lower impedance are used)

2.3 RCD-777 Remote Control

RC1

RC2

RC3

RC7

RC6

RC5

RC4

RC1. MENU: to enter Advanced Features mode*.

RC2. STANDBY: to place the AM-777 in active or standby mode.

RC3. SOURCE: to select between the 5 different inputs.

RC4. VOLUME: to adjust the volume level.

RC5. MUTE: to mute (temporarily turn off sound) the AM-777.

RC6. BRIGHTNESS: to adjust brightness levels.

RC7. OK: to be used in Advanced Features mode*.

* Please refer to Section 4 - Advanced Features for more details.

Section 3 - Operation

Once powered OFF: always wait 30 seconds before switching on again

3.1 Power On/Off

Press the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R4) at the rear of the AM-777 to switch on mains power . To switch the mains power OFF, press again and release. Always wait at least 30 seconds before switching ON again. This is to enable the AM-777 circuits to shutdown properly.

3.2 Volume Adjustment

Adjust the volume up or down to attain a comfortable level for listening.

Beware: prolonged listening at high volume levels is likely to damage your hearing

3.3 Rear Inputs

At the rear of the AM-777, there are 4 sets of RCA inputs for the connection of source components such as the

CD-777 compact disk processor or a vinyl source. The XLR input is shared with the RCA Input 1. The fifth input is USB only and can only be selected if connected to a Computer Audio Source.

If the AM-777 is used in single-channel mode, all other inputs are defeated. Signal input is allowed only through the

LEFT channel (white) of Input 1: via XLR or RCA.

3.4 USB Input

The AM-777 can be connected via a USB connection (R2) directly to a Computer Audio Source for sound playback. No software drivers are required under Windows XP SP2 or later and Mac OS X. Make sure the playback application is set correctly to output sound to the ‘USB Audio Device’.

3.5 Mode switch

At the rear of the AM-777 the “Mode” switch (R10) allows the AM-777 to alternate between Stereo/Monoblock/

Bi-Amplifier modes.

3.6 Pre-Main/Power switch

At the rear of the AM-777, the “Pre-Main/Power” switch (R11) enables the AM-777 to alternate between Pre-

Main or Power amplification modes.

3.7 HiFi/Pro switch

At the rear of the AM-777, the “HiFi/Pro” switch (R3) allows for a source with a transformer balanced output to be connected to the AM-777.

3.8 Preamplifier Output connector

At the rear of the AM-777, the preamplifier output (R9) allows the AM-777 to drive other amplifiers (including AM-

777 switched to power amplifier mode) or subwoofers. The output level of the preamplifier output varies with volume changes on the AM-777.

3.9 Speaker Impedance switch

At the rear of the AM-777, the 4R/8R speaker impedance switch (R12) allows the AM-777 to be configured to correctly match the impedance of the speakers used.

3.10 Mains Voltage switch

At the rear of the AM-777, the 115V/230V switch (R5) allows the AM-777 to be configured to correctly match the local mains voltage.

Warning: setting this switch incorrectly may damage your AM-777!

This page has been intentionally left blank

Section 4 - Advanced Features

4.1 Labelling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset

With the AM-777, in one process, it is possible to label each of the inputs with a corresponding source and to set the respective level offset. This function is recommended only after ALL desired sources have been connected to the

AM-777.

Setup Labeling

Input X

Setting Level

Offset

A list of available labels is shown overleaf in chronological order.

The main advantage of setting the level offset is that the volume level will change in real-time, so that the user may adjust the offset without the need for additional equipment. By using this function and selecting the desired level offset, one may ‘match’ the volume level of all inputs so that when switching between sources, the volume remains the same, thereby avoiding undesirable and potentially equipment-damaging noise levels.

For example:

Input 1 CD Player (2V output) Offset: 0dB

Input 2 LP (1V output) Offset: +6dB

Input 3 SACD Player (4V output) Offset: -6dB

The following steps outline the procedure to label all the inputs and set the respective level offset.

All types of sources accomodated

List of available inputs:

1. Input X (

default)

2. Aux I

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.iPod

12.LCD TV

13.Media Center

14.MP3 Player

15. PC Audio

16. Phono Stage

17. Plasma TV

18. Pre-Amplifier

19. SACD Player

20. Tape Deck

21. Television

22. Tuner

23. Turntable

24. Uni Player

25. Video Player

26. Home Theatre

27. Home Theatre Direct

4.2 Labelling Input X

• Press the Menu key on the RCD-777

• Use the Volume+/Volume- to scroll through the labels (see previous page for the full list of available labels)

• Press the OK key on the remote to store the new name

You will then move automatically onto ‘Setting Level Offset’

4.3 Setting Level Offset

• Level Offset is flashing on the 1 st line of the display

• Use the Volume+/Volume- to increase/decrease the offset, the volume will also change in realtime

• The range of offset available is from -18dB to +12dB

• Press the OK key on the remote to store the desired offset

Repeat this for all the inputs.

4.4 Setting Fixed Input Level for Bypass Mode

When using the AM-777 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). This allows the 2-Channel music system to be seamlessly integrated into a high-performance multi-channel home cinema system.

- Go to Section 4.1 and follow the instructions to select the last label:

HTD mode: always use an external pre-amp as this mode will switch the AM-77 to full volume!

H o m e T h e a

D i r e c t t r e

• Simultaneously press ‘+’ volume (F3) on the front panel of the AM-777 and ‘OK’ (RC7) on the RCD-77

• Press the Volume+ button untill the display reads +12dB, press Volume+ again

• Press the OK button to enter the (Volume Control) Bypass mode

• Confirm the warning message by pressing Volume+ or press OK to exit without enabling Bypass mode

• Then select one of the following settings using Volume+/Volume - :

or or

Fixed Input 2V = +6dBu

Fixed Input 1V = +3dBu

Fixed Input 0.5V = +0dBu

• Press OK on the remote to store the new fixed input Level

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. AMR assumes no responsibility for any speaker damage arising from use of the AM-777.

4.5 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection

Within OptiProtect® the AM-777 has an in-built speaker protection circuit.

This is primarily a safeguard against equipment failure and/or extreme levels of over-driving the amplifier and speakers.

When the display shows:

S p e a k e r P r o t e c t i o n

E n g a g e d !

This indicates the AM-777 has detected an output condition that could potentially damage the speakers connected to it.

Normally, switching the AM-777 off, waiting 30 seconds and switching it back on will reset the protection circuit if the cause was for example, excessive signal levels. In the extremely rare event that an internal malfunction of the

AM-777 is the cause for the protection circuit to engage, the protection will re-engage on switch-on, indicating the need for the AM-777 to be serviced at an AMR service centre.

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause

With power ON • poor/no power plug connection at mains power point no power is registered

Solution

• insert the power plug firmly into the AC

No sound

Strange “blast” sound

• blown fuse at IEC/mains plug

• incorrect audio cable connections

• incorrect amplifier operation

• check speaker connectors are not in contact with the chassis and terminal

• check and change IEC/mains plug fuse

• connect the sources to the AM-777 correctly

• make sure that the input selector on the AM-

777 is set to the desired source

• adjust fitting between speaker and chassis

• Ensure no contact between chassis and spade terminals (no “short circuiting”)

• replace 2 x AAA batteries Remote control does • remote control batteries have not work expired

• object obscuring remote sensor on the AM-777, no “line of sight”

• Interference from fluorescent lights

• remove any objects directly in front of the

AM-777

• turn off fluorescent lights or redirect the light

away from the AM-777

A “humming” sound • loose cable connections can be heard

• re-attach the loose cables correctly

Other problems • re-trace the setup procedure or contact your nearest AMR distributor/dealer

Abbingdon Music Research is a subsidiary of the Abbingdon Global Group

22 Notting Hill Gate; London; W11 3JE; United Kingdom;

Tel: +44 (0) 870 420 5505; Fax: +44 (0) 700 596 1065 www.amr-audio.co.uk

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