User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO 100X5R:10

owner's manual 02 05 06 08 10 12 16 17 19 20 controls welcome introduction the 2 x 80 Watt Stereo module 120 Watt Monobloc module once installed in the 100x5R:10 safety first Stereo module's operating modes Monobloc module power and loudspeaker connection 21 22 23 25 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 contents | 01 AV processor connection power up and switch on remote control extended remote control TAGtronic communications Bus software upgrades grounding and hum running in and warming up care and maintenance service technical data 100x5R:10 12/02 10010B 02 | controls 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s 6. 1 power / standby LED 2 five module status LEDs 3 mute LED 4 remote control receiver window 5 remote control active LED 6 power button Specification shown may var y for different countries controls The 100x5R:10 can be equipped with 120W Monobloc modules and 80W Stereo modules, allowing the amplifier to be configured with up to 10 channels. The configuration below shows the most frequently used version consisting of 3 Monobloc modules and 2 Stereo modules, giving in total 7 channels of amplification. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. | 03 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B BUS IN OUT 1A 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 Double insulated: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 2 CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 220-240V ~ 50-60Hz Fuse; T1A L250V + ­ A + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C A A A A C + ­ OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS 1 B + ­ 2 B + ­ 3 B + ­ 4 B + ­ 5 B + ­ serial number multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s made in United Kingdom 12. 13. 14. 15. 7 8 9 10 11 12 TAGtronic Communications Bus fuse carrier line level inputs 1 & 2 of Stereo module mode selection switch (stereo, bi-amp, bridged) single line level input of Monobloc module AC supply socket 13 loudspeaker terminals of channel A (Stereo module) 14 loudspeaker terminals of channel B (Stereo module) 15 loudspeaker terminals of Monobloc module 04 | controls This picture shows the rear panel layout of a 100x5R:10 equipped with five Stereo modules, offering an amazing 10 channels of amplification. 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B BUS IN OUT 1A 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 Double insulated: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 2 CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN 220-240V ~ 50-60Hz Fuse; T1A L250V + ­ A + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C A A A A C + ­ OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS 1 B + ­ 2 B + ­ 3 B + ­ 4 B + ­ 5 B + ­ serial number multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s made in United Kingdom welcome | 05 welcome to TAG McLaren Audio exists with one aim in mind: to produce the very best audio and audio-visual equipment. Like many people, I often have my best ideas when relaxing to a piece of music or watching a movie. For years, knowing the technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I have nurtured the ambition to push music and movie reproduction to the absolute limit without compromising ease of use; that's why we formed TAG McLaren Audio. TAG McLaren's aim is sonic perfection combined with aesthetic delight and solid build quality ­ a rare combination in hi-fi but one which this product is already delivering. Dr. Udo Zucker Chief Executive Officer TAG McLaren Audio Pushing technological boundaries; TAG McLaren's F1 electronics Dr Udo Zucker 06 | introduction Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio ten channel amplifier 100x5R:10 The 100x5R:10 is an advanced design, based on the highly regarded five channel amplifier 100x5R. It has been launched in response to requests of our customers to offer a convenient addition of channels to expand their 5.1 systems to 7.1 channels or to allow easier use of bi-amplification in their systems. The 100x5R:10 can be equipped with any combination of the powerful 120 Watt Monobloc module, used in the 100x5R, and a new 120 Watt / channel Stereo module, providing between 2 and 10 channels of amplification. Versions purchased with fewer than 10 channels may be upgraded to add extra channels at a later stage. introduction | 07 TAG McLaren provides complete solutions, shown here are the DVD player DVD32R, AV processor AV32R and 100x5R:10 08 | the 2 x 80 Watt Stereo module advanced technology The new 80 Watt / channel Stereo module has been made possible by design advances that first appeared in the threechannel amplifier 250x3R, itself based on technology developed for the remarkable F1 monobloc amplifier F1- 600MR. versatility The new Stereo module offers a high degree of flexibility, with three operating modes, conveniently selected by a switch on the back of the module: · a conventional two-channel mode providing 2 channels of 80 Watt each · a bi-amplification mode in which both 80 Watt channels are driven from one input · a channel bridging mode that provides a single channel of conservatively-rated 120 Watt, just like the Monobloc module, described on page 10 the 2 x 80 Watt Stereo module key features · self contained Stereo amplifier module, including all essential components · three operating modes: stereo, bi-amp & bridged · mixed technology construction · premium-grade audio components · bi-polar output transistors for best linearity · Cascode Compensation for highest stability · exceptionally accurate quiescent stability for best sound quality · minimal intermodulation distortion through high bandwidth · Straight Line technology for unlimited bass performance · Purity and fidelity through low distortion · aluminium to prevent magnetic interaction with magnetic stray fields | 09 10 | 120 Watt Monobloc module best sound quality by monobloc design Audiophiles have known for many years that precision, clarity, stereo image and depth can be improved by using so-called monoblocs or single channel amplifiers. Providing completely independent amplification for each channel prevents interaction between them, resulting in a cleaner signal and hence better clarity and stereo imaging. This is true whether dealing with two channels or five! The 120 Watt Monobloc module is a complete self-contained amplifier, including its own power transformer, bridge rectifier, energy storage capacitors and amplification stage, requiring only mains supply and control signals for operation. The Monobloc module uses its own aluminium heat sink for excellent heat dissipation, allowing each module to drive even more critical loudspeakers safely and totally independently of any of the other modules. 120 Watt Monobloc module As a result of the Monobloc amplifier module construction, its performance is independent of the number of channels being driven and therefore even during the loudest passages of your favourite movie, the sound stage remains stable, controlled and detailed. The 120 Watt power output into 8 Ohm of the Monobloc module is a conservative rating, as it typically delivers 150 Watt into 8 Ohm, over 200 Watt into 4 Ohm and over 400 Watt into 2 Ohm (IHF toneburst). | 11 key features: · self contained monobloc design for lowest channel interaction · high power reserves · mixed technology construction · premium-grade audio components · bi-polar output transistors for best linearity · minimal intermodulation distortion through high bandwidth · Straight Line technology for unlimited bass performance · Purity and fidelity through low distortion · aluminium to prevent magnetic interaction with magnetic stray fields 12 | once installed in the 100x5R:10 best sound quality through independence All modules in the 100x5R:10 are completely independent, ensuring that heavy demand on one module has no effect on another with each module having its own high-efficiency heatsink and power supply. The only feature shared is the control circuitry which allows each module to be switched on and off individually using a micro-controller. This micro-controller is also used to switch off the amplifier should problems be detected in a given channel. from 2 to 10 channels Stereo modules may be combined with Monobloc modules, providing between 2 and 10 channels of amplification. adding channels The 100x5R:10 can be factory assembled with 2 to 10 channels. Retrospective upgrade to a higher number of channels is possible without losing or compromising quality. The installation is carried out at an authorised TAG McLaren Audio service centre, as each module is connected by solder joints instead of using less reliable connector constructions which often affect sound quality. once installed in the 100x5R:10 heading full remote control The 100x5R:10 offers full remote control in addition to the TAGtronic Bus for control of channels / modules by AV processors. For added convenience, the full remote control allows the user to shut down specific modules, e.g. when listening to two channel stereo. The remote control also allows the user to adjust the volume of TAG McLaren AV processors and to operate TAG McLaren DVD players. TAGtronic Communications Bus The TAGtronic Communications Bus enables products equipped with this advanced interface to transfer and share information easily. For example the Bus allows TAG McLaren Audio AV processors to control the 100x5R:10 remotely. For details see later in this manual. standby without regret The control circuitry for the 100x5R:10 is powered by its own small transformer for optimum sound quality and the most efficient energy usage in standby. muting Both module types include a sophisticated muting system which prevents loud, annoying switching noises and which protects the amplifier and loudspeakers. | 13 software upgrades The micro-controller in the 100x5R:10 stores its software in re-programmable memory, which can be re-programmed with updated software using a PC suitably connected via the TAGtronic Programming Cable. Details of future upgrades will be published on TAG McLaren's website www.tagmclaren.com 14 | once installed in the 100x5R:10 pure oxygen free copper loudspeaker connectors For excellent sound quality the 100x5R:10 uses high grade gold plated(1) oxygen free high purity copper (OFHC) loudspeaker terminals, designed and manufactured by TAG McLaren. Very few companies provide OFHC loudspeaker terminals due to the difficulties in machining solid copper. The benefits of OFHC are clearly audible: improved clarity and transparency, even when compared to high percentage copper alloy terminals. The knobs of the 100x5R:10 have been manufactured from nonconductive Pocan without a metal insert as it was found that this gave the best sonic result as it minimises the cross section, essential for best electro-magnetic compatibility. The TAG McLaren loudspeaker terminal allows for spade connection, as it is superior to all other types of loudspeaker cable connections. Please make sure that you use a high quality loudspeaker cable, such as our Cable AvantGarde F3-10- SPK. 1. Plating is carried out directly on the OFHC without using a nickel separator, such as is often applied, as its use would be clearly audible as a more grainy sound. However, without this separator the copper atoms will slowly diffuse into the gold plating, making it lose its brilliant shine and gold colour. This change of colour and shine has no affect on the sound quality, it is a purely cosmetic affect which has been accepted by our engineers in the pursuit of the best sound quality once installed in the 100x5R:10 made to last The finned centre section of the three part fascia is machined from a solid aluminium extrusion and is then fine-paint finished. The two end caps are machined, bead blasted and linished to create an even texture which is then hard black anodised or painted. vibration damping The cover panel is stiffened by formed ribs, then bonded with viscoelastic laminate to provide a low Q panel which provides rapid absorption of externally induced vibrations. | 15 mounting feet The outer shell of custom designed rubber damping mounting feet carries a polyurethane disk which protects the surface of furniture. hardware upgrades The 100x5R:10 can be upgraded in the future by replacing amplifier modules, should even better amplifier technology become available. 16 | safety first preparation We know you are keen to get your 100x5R:10 up and running. This section will have you listening as quickly as possible. The controls diagrams located on pages 2-4 of this manual will help you find your way around your 100x5R:10(1). safety first To prevent the risk of shock follow these instructions carefully. If in doubt consult a qualified electrician. positioning The 100x5R:10 is capable of consuming over 1300 Watts of electrical power during demanding presentations. This results in significant heat being generated. · Please ensure that there is adequate ventilation above and below the unit. · The ventilation of the 100x5R:10 should not be impeded by covering the ventilation slots with items such as newspapers, table cloths, curtains etc. · Place the 100x5R:10 on an open flat surface. · Do not use in a cabinet or on a soft surface such as a carpet. · Do not place any other piece of equipment on top of the 100x5R:10. · Do not place naked flame sources such as lighted candles on the 100x5R:10. · Do not expose the 100x5R:10 to dripping or splashing liquids. · Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the 100x5R:10. before you start Make sure that all the components of your system are disconnected from the mains supply whenever you change any connection. the front panel power switch Please be aware that even when the front panel switch is in the off position, the unit is still connected to the mains supply. If the unit is not to be used for some time, unplug the mains connector from the wall socket outlet. 1. Throughout this instruction manual, bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your 100x5R:10 and the remote control Stereo module's operating modes Stereo modules can be combined with Monobloc modules, providing between 2 and 10 channels of amplification. The next paragraph describes the operating modes of the Stereo module. See page 19 for details on the Monobloc module. Each Stereo module offers three different modes of operation, selected by a slide-switch on the rear of the module: | 17 Stereo mode Switch position 1 -> A In this mode, the two channels within a Stereo module are independently fed from their two separate INPUTS. The maximum power output with both channels driven is 80 Watt / 8 Ohm. The signal connected to line INPUT 1 will be available, in amplified form, on the loudspeaker connectors OUTPUTS A. 2-> B bi-amplification mode Switch position 1 -> A 1-> B In this mode both channels within a Stereo module are driven from INPUT 1 - any signal connected to INPUT 2 will be ignored. The maximum power output with both channels driven is 80 Watt / 8 Ohm. + ­ OUTPUTS 1A 1A 2B 1B 1 C power x2 1 2 INPUTS + ­ A C B + ­ This mode is used to drive e.g. two sections within a loudspeaker with separate amplifiers through two sets of connecting speaker cables (-> bi-amping). The signal connected to line INPUT 2 will be available, in amplified form, on the loud-speaker connectors OUTPUTS B. Don't forget to remove any link between the two sections of your loudspeaker to prevent damage to your amplifier! 18 | Stereo module's operating modes Channel Bridging mode Switch position 1 -> C power x 2 In this mode both amplifier channels are combined to give an amplifier of higher power - with very close performance to that of the single channel amplifier of the Monobloc module. The power output of the combined amplifier is 120 Watt / 8 Ohm. The combined amplifier is driven from INPUT 1, any signal presented to the INPUT 2 is disregarded. In this mode the loudspeaker must be connected between the OUTPUTS C + and the OUTPUTS C - terminals, as shown. The positive (red or +) connection to the loudspeaker goes to C + terminal and the negative (black or -) to the C - terminal. 1A 1A 2B 1B 1 C power x2 1 2 INPUTS + ­ A + ­ C OUTPUTS B + ­ Changing modes Do not change the mode with power applied or if music is playing as this can destroy your amplifier or loudspeakers! Do not change any connection without powering down all your components in your system as otherwise you can destroy your amplifier, preamplifier or loudspeakers! Monobloc module You can install Stereo modules and Monobloc modules into the 100x5R:10, providing between 2 and 10 channels of amplification. The previous paragraph described the three different modes available for the Stereo module. This paragraph covers the Monobloc module: The Monobloc module offers a single channel high power mode, in which the signal connected to INPUT 1 is amplified and made available through loudspeaker OUTPUTS A. The Monobloc module does not contain an INPUT switch, INPUT 2 or OUTPUT B connectors. OUTPUTS | 19 1A 1A 2B 1B 1 C power x2 1 2 INPUTS + ­ A + ­ C B + ­ 20 | power and loudspeaker connection power connection Check that the power button is out, so that the power is off when you plug the unit in(1). Do not connect the power cable until you have made all other connections. loudspeaker connection On the rear panel of the 100x5R:10 you will find up to ten pairs of loudspeaker terminals, designed to accept high quality 8 mm spade connectors. Connection to a Stereo module should be done as described in the section operating modes; connection to a Monobloc module as described on page 19. Only use high quality loudspeaker cables, such as our TAG McLaren F3-10-SPK, terminated with high quality 8 mm spade connectors. 1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it AV processor connection audio-visual processor or preamplifier connection You will require an audio-visual processor (such as our AV32R) or a preamplifier (such as our DPA32R) to provide the signals to drive the 100x5R:10. Use good quality, screened phono-phono audio cables, such as the TAG McLaren F3-10-ANA, to connect between the phono socket output on the processor / preamplifier and the phono socket input on the rear panel of the 100x5R:10. Details are given in the section operating modes and Monobloc module connections, on page 19. Ensure that the correct processor / preamplifier output e.g. left front is connected to the 100x5R:10 module which in turn is connected to the left front speaker. Continue in this manner until all of the channels are connected. When you have completed the set-up and have connected all cables between all components, ensure that the volume control on the AV processor / preamplifier is set to minimum before switching on. RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN | 21 Recommended connections when using a 100x5R:10 with 7 channels Most seven channel versions of the 100x5R:10 will be built as shown on page 3, ie: Monobloc, Stereo, Monobloc, Stereo, Monobloc. It is recommended that you attach the speakers of a 7.1 configuration as follows (looking at the rear panel of your 100x5R:10)(1): RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER SURROUND LEFT/RIGHT SPEAKERS CENTRE SPEAKER BACK LEFT/RIGHT SPEAKERS LEFT FRONT SPEAKER 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1A 1A 2B 1B 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 C power x2 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS 1 2 INPUTS + ­ A + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C + + ­ ­ C A A A A C + ­ OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS 1 B + ­ 2 B + ­ 3 B + ­ 4 B + ­ 5 B + ­ multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s made in United Kingdom This way the five module status LED's will be associated as follows(1) 1. CENTRE SPEAKER LEFT FRONT SPEAKER RIGHT FRONT SPEAKER BACK LEFT/RIGHT SPEAKERS SURROUND LEFT/RIGHT SPEAKER This configuration will also allow the AV processor AV32R, if connected to the 100x5R:10 via TAGtronic bus, to deactivate modules not required, e.g. Backs in 5.1 22 | power up and switch on After connecting your preamplifier / AV processor and your loudspeakers connect the power cable, supplied to the 100x5R:10(1). Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on. The five module(2) status indicators will flash as the amplifier modules power up sequentially to prevent excessively high current demand from the mains supply. When all five modules have been activated, you should see the five red LEDs softly illuminated, showing that all five modules have energised. Then the amplifier is ready to play source material through the system. Raise the volume level at your AV processor or preamplifier slowly at first, until sound is replayed through the audio system. Sit back and enjoy! 1. 2. Check that the power button is out, so that power is off when you plug in Assuming you have five modules installed remote control class leading ergonomics The 100x5R:10 is equipped with a sophisticated microcontroller to monitor and control the 100x5R:10. The + + performance of this processor, activated -by a compact remote control, allows for + class-leading ergonomics, such as -the flexibility not only to mute the complete amplifier but also to have control over each power amplifier module. Therefore, if you play e.g. CDs in stereo, you only need to switch on the left and right channels. S TA N D B Y AV | 23 confirming remote reception Whenever the 100x5R:10 receives valid infra red (IR) instructions from the remote control it acknowledges the command by flashing the remote control active LED. 100x5R:10 mute The sound output of the complete amplifier can be muted using the single mute amp button on the remote control. This is a toggle action command - one press will mute and a second will un-mute. When muted, the 100x5R:10 merely disconnects the loudspeakers. The amplifier is still running and sound will be restored instantly when the mute amp button is pressed again. When the 100x5R:10 is muted, the mute LED, above the power button, will illuminate. channel amp DVD 1 dvd vo lu me 2 av p y la /p au se 3 all