User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO 100X5R

contents 02 04 06 14 19 23 24 25 26 28 6595P controls welcome features set-up remote control TA G t r o n i c C o m m u n i c a t i o n s B u s grounding and hum running in and warming up care and maintenance technical data five channel amplifier 100x5R s 01 controls controls Specification shown may var y for different countries 02 03 welcome heading welcome welcome to the TAG McLaren Audio home cinema experience Dr. Udo Zucker ­ Physicist, PhD in Science, designer of award-winning control electronics, dedicated audiophile and Chief Executive Officer of TAG McLaren Audio Award-winning TAG McLaren technology the TAG2000 F1 powertrain control system has been selected as a Millennium Product TAG McLaren Audio exists with one aim in mind: to produce the very best highend audio and audio-visual equipment in the world. 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 sound reproduction to the absolute limit; that's why we formed TAG McLaren Audio. At the core of our development team are highly experienced electronics engineers whose heritage of award-winning hi-fi and world-beating electronic control systems is envied by many and equalled by few. In addition to our experience in the world of hi-fi we are able to utilise our expertise in mechanical engineering, material science, multi-layer printed circuit boards, fast digital signal processing, electronic noise suppression, radio frequency technology and software design to name but a few. All these skills are sharpened to compete in the toughest of all technical sports: Formula One motor racing.We directly apply them to enhance high-end audio, for example material science makes better audio interconnects and resonant - free loudspeaker cabinets, suspension technology decouples better electronics from the sound field and digital signal processing makes better home cinema products.The list is almost endless. I have been an audiophile for more than 30 years, and have used and upgraded many, many audio systems in that time. Our aim is sonic perfection combined with aesthetic delight and solid build quality ­ a rare combination in hi-fi but one which TAG McLaren Audio is already delivering. It is our technical expertise, combined with the strongest desire to be the best, which has produced this hi-technology, multi channel amplifier 100x5R. Its development has pushed the boundaries of refinement in the field of home cinema further. It perfectly compliments our excellent AV32R audio-visual processor and DVD32R dvd player.Whether used for twochannel stereo or full five channel surround sound, we are convinced that, with the 100x5R, you will never be disappointed. 05 04 features features Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio five-channel amplifier 100x5R. five channel amplifier 100x5R s The 100x5R is a powerful, hi-performance amplifier which delivers sound reproduction of outstanding clarity and purity for up to five channels.TAG McLaren Audio's expertise in amplifier design has led to a product which will satisfy the audiophile and movie lover. For many years it has been considered quite impossible to setup a home cinema system to the same high standards as an audiophile stereo set-up. However, with the advent of ultrahigh-resolution, high-performance DVD, we now can have `no06 compromise' home cinema with truly excellent sound and picture quality. In many homes the home cinema system has now replaced the two channel stereo set-up, requiring components to complement but also to compete with the best audiophile products. Home cinema provides an all involving sound field, with sound reaching the listener from all directions, just like it happens in the real world. More and more recordings are now available including full surround sound, but even two channel stereo recordings can sound breathtaking when surround information is added.Whilst initial surround sound recordings (such as Dolby Pro LogicTM) provided most of the sound energy to the front channels with often only very subtle information in the surround channels, the latest 5.1 digital recordings can provide full sound to any of the five channels, individually or at the same time. 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 with five channels! The TAG McLaren Audio five-channel amplifier 100x5R includes five completely independent amplifiers, one for each channel, including power switching, transformer, power supply and amplification.The only feature shared is the remote control circuitry which allows each channel to be switched on/off individually using a microcontroller.This microcontroller is also used to switch off the amplifier should problems be detected in a channel. 07 features features TAG McLaren Audio's five-channel amplifier can be equipped with one, two, three, four or all five channels of amplification, making it suitable for a stereo set-up or complete home cinema system. The 100x5R is fully remote controlled and can be expanded into a multi-room set-up using the TAGtronic Communications Bus. topology The 100x5R consists of five identical power amplifier modules in a single compact enclosure. Each 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 functioning. Control signals are required to switch each amplifier module individually on/off and to protect it in case an error condition, such as a short 08 circuit to the loudspeaker, is detected. Each module uses its own custom designed aluminium heatsink for excellent heat dissipation, allowing each module to drive even more critical loudspeakers safely and totally independently from any of the other modules.This results in uncompromised sound quality with perfect channel separation. For added convenience the 100x5R is fully remote controlled, even allowing the user to shut down specific channels, for example when listening to two channel stereo.The remote control also allows the user to adjust the volume of the TAG McLaren AV32R av processor and to run the DVD32R dvd player. massive power resources into 8 ohms, 160 watts into 4 ohms and will drive 190 watts into 2 ohms for short durations. As a result of the 100x5R's selfcontained amplifier module construction, this performance is independant of the number of channels being driven and thus even during the loudest passages of your favourite movie the soundstage remains stable, controlled and detailed. audiophile quality for movie lovers selected and auditioned before a decision about their use in the 100x5R was made. For maximum performance ultra-stable Vishay metal film resistors and lowdielectric loss Wima polypropylene capacitors have been selected, providing the increased transparency and excellent noise suppression which audiophiles attribute to these components. mixed technology construction The 100x5R provides five channels of amplification at audiophile quality. Sound is not compromised if used as a 2 channel stereo amplifier or as a five channel surround sound system. Finally home cinema requirements and audiophile qualities have met. premium-grade audio components With surface mount components for fast digital signal transfer and leaded through-hole components for perfect audio signals, the 100x5R incorporates mixed technology construction to optimise performance.The result is uncompromised sound at a small size. low intermodulation distortion The 100x5R power output of 100 watts into 8 ohms is a conservative rating as the 100x5R will typically deliver 120 watts All components have been carefully A theoretically ideal amplifier 09 features features reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite range of frequencies - starting from well below the audible range and extending far above the capabilities of human hearing. Although sound outside the human hearing range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz cannot be heard, it can significantly distort the quality of music reproduction through an effect which audio engineers call `intermodulation distortion'.This type of distortion moves imperfections that originate outside the hearing range back into the audible frequencies.To minimise this effect, the TAG McLaren Audio amplifiers have a frequency response which extends both above and below the range of normal human hearing. straight line technology s frequencies but block any Direct Current (DC).This is traditionally achieved using capacitors, which also block some of the low-frequency signals. In the 100x5R, a feedback circuit eliminates DC offset voltage and allows the signal path to be direct coupled without any capacitors.This arrangement, which we at TAG McLaren Audio call `Straight Line Technology' is easy to describe but not easy to realise.The design has taken our expert engineers years to perfect.The result is a very precise reproduction of the lowest bass. supersonic high frequency response Exceptional transparency and purity of sound are the result. remote control muting In addition to being able to switch the 100x5R in and out of standby, the user can also switch off any of the 5 channels not currently being used.The most often used functions of the AV32R and the DVD32R player have also been included to make this a compact system remote control for your complete TAG McLaren Audio home cinema set-up. powerful 16-bit processor The 100x5R has a sophisticated muting system, which stops you hearing loud, annoying switching noises and protects the amplifier and loudspeakers. pure oxygen free copper loudspeaker connectors To prevent intermodulation distortion, an amplifier must respond to very low 10 In order to reproduce high frequencies, the 100x5R is constructed using highlyrated, high-precision components.The circuit has been painstakingly designed to minimise audio signals picking up interference and intermodulating. The 16-bit Siemens C161RI microcontroller controls and monitors all functions of the five channel amplifier 100x5R. For excellent sound quality the 100x5R uses high grade 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(1). The benefits of OFHC are clearly audible: improved clarity and transparency, even when compared to high percentage copper alloy terminals. TAG McLaren Audio's OFHC 1. TAG McLaren's expertise in machining exotic and difficult materials for use in Formula One motor racing has overcome this manufacturing problem. 11 features features loudspeaker terminals are gold-plated to ensure consistently good contact quality. Plating is done directly on the OFHC without using a (frequently applied) Nickel separator, as its existence is clearly audible as a more grainy sound. However, without this separator 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 pursuit of best sound quality. The TAG McLaren Audio OFHC copper 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) including 3/8" (10 mm) OFHC spade contacts. 12 made to last TAGtronic Communications Bus The finned centre section of the three part fascia is machined from a solid aluminium extrusion and is then fine paint finished.To complete the fascia assembly the two extruded end caps are machined, bead blasted and linished to create an even texture which is then chemically brightened and hard black anodised or painted. vibration damping The TAGtronicTM Communications Bus enables products equipped with this advanced interface to transfer and share information easily, e.g. multi-room installations. retrospective channel number upgrade should better amplifier technology become available by replacing amplifier modules. The software of the control circuitry can be field upgraded by a PC over the Internet using the TAGtronic Communications Bus. 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. mounting feet The 100x5R can be factory assembled with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 channels. Retrospective upgrade to a higher number of channels is possible without losing or compromising quality.The installation should be carried out at an authorised TAG McLaren Audio service centre as each module is connected by solder joints instead of less reliable and often sound quality affecting connector constructions. future proof engineering The outer shell carries a polyurethane disk which protects the surface of furniture. The 100x5R can be upgraded in future 13 set-up set-up We know you are keen to get your 100x5R working. This section will have you listening as quickly as possible. The controls diagrams located on pages 2 and 3 of this manual will help you find your way around your 100x5R(1). power connection Check that the power button is out so that the power is off when you plug in(1). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your 100x5R to an AC supply outlet. set-up before you start Make sure that all the components of your system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connection. Please be aware, when the front panel switch is in the off position, this unit is still connected to the mains supply. If this unit is not to be used for some time, withdraw the mains plug from the wall socket outlet. surround sound basics Digital surround modes, such as Dolby DigitalTM or DTSTM replay the audio information using five discrete channels to recreate the sound field through a full 360 degrees. In addition there is a further channel which carries the low frequency information or effects. This information is usually replayed through an active subwoofer which can directly connect to an av processor. The five loudspeakers which provide the directional audio information and the subwoofer are located as shown in the diagram below. positioning The 100x5R is capable of consuming over 1300 watts of electrical power during demanding audio-visual presentations. This results in significant heat being dissipated. Please ensure that there is adequate ventilation above and below the unit. Place on an open flat surface. Do not use in a cabinet or on a soft surface such as a carpet. If the 100x5R is going to be run at high levels for many hours at a time then it is not recommended that any other piece of equipment is placed on top of the 100x5R. 1. Throughout this instruction manual, bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your 100x5R and the Remote Control 1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it 14 15 set-up set-up surround sound basics (cont) The five channels of power amplification in the 100x5R are designed to drive the five surround channels. As a result of the self contained amplifier module construction all channels are identical and any amplifier channel can be used to drive any of the surround loudspeakers. For best heat dissipation we recommend connecting the channels as shown below. loudspeaker terminals On the rear panel of the 100x5R you will find five pairs of TAG McLaren Audio loudspeaker terminals. Each pair is connected to one of the five power amplifier modules. The terminals are designed to accept high quality 3/8" (10 mm) spade connectors(1). loudspeaker connections Use high quality loudspeaker cables, such as the TAG McLaren Audio F3-10-SPK, terminated in high quality 3/8" (10 mm) spades to connect the red (+) terminal of the loudspeaker to the red terminal on the rear panel of the 100x5R. In turn connect the black (­) terminal of the loudspeaker to the black terminal on the 100x5R. The diagram opposite shows a standard loudspeaker arrangement 1. To bi-wire your speakers, attach 2 spade connectors to each loudspeaker terminal or preferably use a single run of higher quality loudspeaker cable instead. 16 17 set-up remote control audio-visual processor or preamplifier connection You will require an audio-visual processor (such as our theatre AV32R) or a preamplifier (such as our PA10, PA20R or PA32R) to provide the signals to drive the 100x5R. Use a good quality, screened phono-phono audio cable, such as the TAG McLaren Audio F3-10-ANA, to connect between the phono socket output on the processor/preamplifier and the phono socket input on the rear module panel of the 100x5R. Ensure that the correct processor/preamplifier output e.g. left front is connected to the 100x5R 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. The 100x5R is equipped with a sophisticated micro-controller to monitor and control the 100x5R. The performance of this processor, activated by a tiny remote control, allows for class leading ergonomics, for example the flexibility to not only mute all five channels simultaneously but for example have individual control over each power amplifier module. So if you play CDs in stereo you only need to switch on the left and right channels. For added convenience TAG McLaren Audio has integrated the main control functions for the av processor AV32R and the dvd player DVD32R. The complete audio-visual system can be started, stopped or muted from the tiny remote control of the 100x5R. remote control confirming operation Whenever the 100x5R receives valid infra red (IR) instructions from the remote control the 100x5R acknowledges by flashing the top LED on the right front panel, above the power button. switch on Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on. The five channel status indicators will flash, as the amplifier channels power up sequentially to prevent excessively high current demand from the mains supply. When all five channels have been activated, you should see the five red LEDs softly illuminated, showing that all five channels 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! 100x5R mute The sound output of all five channels can be muted using the single `mute amp' button on the remote. This is a toggle action command - one press will mute and a second press will un-mute. When muted the 100x5R has only disconnected the loudspeakers. The amplifier is still running and the sound will be restored instantly when the `mute' button is pressed again. When the 100x5R is muted the bottom LED on the right front panel, above the power button, will illuminate. 19 18 remote control remote control unit / system standby The 100x5R is provided with a `standby' mode. This function will switch off the power supplies of the amplifier module. The control section of the 100x5R remains active to monitor the status of the 100x5R and to wait for a `wake-up' command from the remote control. Pressing `standby amp' key of the remote control, will `wakeup' the 100x5R. The 100x5R runs through the start up procedure which takes approximately 10 seconds before the unit is finally un-muted. For those channels of the 100x5R which are switched to standby mode the individual channel LED will be extinguished. Only the active channel LEDs are illuminated. channel standby The 100x5R allows for switching individual channels into power saving standby mode. This is beneficial when replaying two channel stereo without surround sound enhancement (such as TAG McLaren Surround). To provide this function certain buttons need to be operated in combination. When pressed, the button marked `channel amp' will, after a time delay of one second switch all five channels between in and out of standby as described above. Alternatively if you press the button `channel - amp' followed (within 1 second) by `1', `2', `3', `4' or `5' then only that channel will toggle in and out of standby. To allow the user to switch several modules together in or out of standby press `channel - amp' immediately followed by any sequential combination of numbers. amp - dvd - av The remote control also allows you to switch the five channel amplifier 100x5R (amp), the dvd player DVD32R (dvd) and the av processor AV32R (av) in and out of standby. dvd and av control The 100x5R remote control allows the convenient control of the major functions of the TAG McLaren Audio av processor AV32R and the dvd player DVD32R. all Pressing the button labelled `all'(1) will switch all three products in and out of standby mode. 1. This function will only work if all 3 products receive the command synchronously (ie all products must either be in standby or out of standby). If a product has gone out of synchronisation, use its individual standby button to bring it back into synchronisation. 20 21 remote control TAGtronic Communications Bus AV32R Two major functions of the AV32R can be controlled: volume Pressing the `+' and `­' buttons adjacent to the `volume' label will increase or decrease the volume of the sound. av input By using either the `+' or `­' buttons adjacent to the label `AV input' the AV32R will step through all available audio and video inputs in sequence. TAGtronic Communications Bus The 100x5R features the TAGtronicTM Communications Bus. This will allow TAG McLaren Audio products to work seamlessly together to form an effective, fully integrated system. Remote control codes can be transferred over the bus, allowing system components to be operated out of sight. The TAGtronicTM Communications Bus will allow the system to be extended to offer multi-room capability in which the output from sources can be controlled and redirected throughout a home. Thus the 100x5R can be incorporated into a home installation where it can be mounted in a convenient unobtrusive location so long as it is provided with adequate ventilation. DVD32R Two buttons, directly below the label `DVD' allow the user to control the most frequently used functions of the TAG McLaren Audio dvd player DVD32R. play/pause The DVD32R will play the disk, and any subsequent presses will bring the DVD player in and out of pause. stop The replay of a disc will be stopped. future proof software updates One of the flexible aspects of the 100x5R is that the microcontroller software is stored in re-programmable FLASH memory. The FLASH can be re-programmed with updated software using a PC suitably connected via the TAGtronicTM Communications Bus. Details of multiroom extension and future upgrades will be published on our website www.tagmclarenaudio.com and the updates themselves will be directly downloadable (using a PC) for user installation. 22 23 grounding and hum grounding and hum power supply The AC mains supply operates at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz (depending on which country you are in). Under some circumstances, you may experience an audible hum in your loudspeakers. Should you have any problems with hum in your system, please follow the steps below or contact your retailer. running in and warming up running in and warming up TAG McLaren equipment is designed to give optimum performance for many years. running in Just like a high quality car, the performance of your 100x5R will improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic components will then have reached and settled down to near perfect specification. avoiding hum To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system: warming up do not link the ground terminals (if available) of separate audio products together; use high quality screened interconnects, such as our F3-10-ANA for your signal connections and keep the five signal channel cables close together. Every time you switch on your 100x5R the performance will improve until the components reach their optimum operating temperature. grounding your system This product is double insulated and does not require a safety ground connection. 24 25 care and maintenance care and maintenance fuses There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your 100x5R. To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and carefully pull out the fuse carrier drawer(1). The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you see when you open the carrier. There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the 100x5R. service care and maintenance The only service you should do to your 100x5R is described on the previous page. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of our authorised service agents. If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG McLaren Audio retailer. If your 100x5R is still under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on how to claim against the guarantee. Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your 100x5R is transported. cleaning In order to maintain the appearance of your 100x5R, you can clean it as follows: before cleaning always disconnect your 100x5R from the AC supply; any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft, lint free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm water and detergent or washing up liquid. Do not use any other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives; take great care not to get any liquid inside the case. If this happens, you should have your 100x5R serviced. 1 You cannot open the fuse drawer while the plug is in the socket 26 27 technical data technical data This section is for those of you who really want to know the `insides' of your 100x5R. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance of your 100x5R if you choose not to read any further. frequency response (-3 dB) 0.2 Hz - 87 kHz frequency response rated power output 100 W into rated load impedance (8 ) (20 Hz - 20 kHz) ± 0.05 dB typical power output 120 W per channel into 8 160 W into 4 and 190 W into 2 for short periods total harmonic distortion + noise less than 0.002% @ 1 kHz 100 W into 8 less than 0.05% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ 100 W into 8 polarity input for full rated power 1.0 V rms (phase) non-inverting between any input and output input impedance 47 k nominal operating temperature range 10 - 35° C ac supply frequency gain 29.0 dB at 1 kHz ac supply voltage 50 - 60 Hz signal to noise greater than 90 dB (relative to 0 dBW) 100 V, 110 - 120 V or 220 - 240 V the voltage is marked on the rear of the product 28 29 technical data power consumption less than 1380 W dimensions (including feet, terminals and controls) 445 mm wide 139 mm high 352 mm deep We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice. Specification may vary for different countries. trademark acknowledgements `Dolby'is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential Unpublished Works. ©1992-1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. `DTS' and `DTS Digital Surround' are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. ©1996 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. 30