AM-77 Reference Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier Owner’s Manual Ver 3.6.
FCC Declaration of Conformity - United States only the receiver is connected. 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. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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. 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.
Precautions On placement 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. The AM-77 may become warm during normal operation. Given this, it is imperative that the AM-77 when installed, its location or position DOES NOT interfere with its proper ventilation.
Contents WARNINGS 3 Section 1 - Setup 1.1 Unpacking 1.2 Setup 9 10 Section 2 - Component Overview 2.1 AM-77 Front Panel 2.2 AM-77 Rear Panel 2.3 RC-77 Remote Control 13 14 16 Section 3 - Operation 3.1 Power On/Off 3.2 Volume Adjustment 3.3 Rear Inputs 3.4 Speakon Outputs 3.5 Synch Connectors 3.6 Mode Switch 3.
3.8 Hifi/Pro Switch 3.9 RS232 Option Connector 3.10 Menu (RC-77 only) 3.11 OK (RC-77 only) 3.12 Mute (RC-77 only) 3.13 Brightness (RC-77 only) 18 19 19 19 19 19 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 4.5 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection 4.6 OptiMains® Protection for Excessive Under/Over-Voltages 21 23 23 24 25 26 Section 5 - System Configurations 5.
Mode V: Power Monoblock Mode VI: Power Bi-Amplifer 5.3 Switching and Connection Diagrams for Different Modes Mode I: Pre-Main Stereo Mode II: Pre-Main Monoblock Mode III: Pre-Main Bi-Amplifier Mode IV: Power Stereo amplifier Mode V: Power Monoblock Amplifier Mode VI: Power Bi-Amplifer 33 34 35 35 36 38 40 42 44 Section 6 - Additional Connectivity 6.1 Input for iPod/other portable music players 6.2 HiFi/Pro Switches for Balanced XLR inputs 6.
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Section 1 - Setup Thank you for purchasing this AMR Reference 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-77 and its subsequent setup. Upon unpacking, please find: Please that check all contents are present i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. AM-77 Reference Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier. RC-77 Remote Commander. Mains power cable. Synchronisation (3.
1.2 Setup Pre-Main Stereo Amplifier Connection Default pre-main mode: the AM-77 as an integrated amplifier The following diagrams illustrate the standard connection of the AM-77 in pre-main stereo amplifier mode. This is the default factory setting and is suitable for the majority of audio systems. Figure 1.1 depicts the use of standard banana/spade speaker connectors while Figure 1.2 illustrates the use of Speakon connectors. Figure 1.
Figure 1.2 System connection using Speakon connector equipped speaker cables AMR recommends the sonically superior Speakon connectors i. Connect the respective spade/banana/Speakon connectors of the speaker cables to the AM-77. ii. Connect the source/s via the respective left and right XLR or RCA connectors to Inputs 1-5. iii. Connect the IEC of the mains power cable to the AM-77 and the socket to a mains source.
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Section 2 - Component Overview 2.1 AM-77 Front Panel The plastic protective film covering the display may be removed F1. STANDBY: to place the AM-77 in active or standby mode. F2. SOURCE: to select between the 5 different inputs. F3. VOLUME: to adjust the volume level. F4. iPod 3.5mm input connector: for the connection of an iPod or similar portable music device. F5. iPod USB charging connector: for re-charging an iPod or similar portable music device.
2.2 AM-77 Rear Panel Warning: ensure no speaker connector is in contact with the chassis * Please refer to Sections 3 - 5 for a more detailed explanation 14 R1. SPADE/BANANA outputs: for connection of standard termination speaker cables. R2. SPEAKON outputs: for connection of Speakon terminated speaker cables. R3. HIFI/PRO switch: to allow for a source with transformer balanced output*. R4. INT/POWER amp switch: to alternate between Pre-Main and Power Amplification setings*. R5.
R7. INPUTS 2-5: RCA inputs, for signal input of source equipment. R8. SYNC connectors: for connection of more than one AM-77. R9. RS232 option connector: to facilitate future upgrades*. R10. Infra-Red Link: for connection of a wireline remote control. R11. IEC power connector: for the connection of a mains power cable to the AM-77. R12. POWER: rocker switch to power on/off mains electricity to the AM-77.
2.3 RC-77 Remote Control RC1. MENU: to enter Advanced Features mode*. RC2. STANDBY: to place the AM-77 in active/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-77. RC6. BRIGHTNESS: to adjust brightness levels. RC7. OK: to be used in Advanced Features mode*.
Section 3 - Operation 3.1 Power On/Off Once powered OFF: always wait 30 seconds before switching on again Press and release the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R12) at the rear of the AM-77 to switch on the 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 OptiMains® circuit to shutdown properly. The display will light up to indicate the unit is switched on and ready for use.
3.4. Speakon Outputs At the rear of the AM-77 are Speakon female connectors (R2) to allow speaker cables terminated with Speakon male connectors to be connected to the AM-77. 3.5 Synch Connectors At the rear of the AM-77 are Synchronisation ‘In’ and ‘Out’ connection points (R8). This is for the linking of multiple AM-77s for alternative system configurations. Please refer to Section 5 - System Configurations for a detailed explanation. 3.
3.9 RS232 Option Connector At the rear of the AM-77, the RS232 connector (R9) allows the AM-77 to be upgraded. Please refer to Section 6 - Additional Connectivity for a detailed explanation. 3.10 Menu (RC-77 only) The MENU button (RC1) will enter the Advanced Menu system of the AM-77. Please refer to Section 4 Advanced Features for a detailed explanation. 3.11 OK (RC-77 only) The OK button on (RC7) the RC-77 is for the confirmation of a desired selection within the Advanced Menu system of the AM-77.
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Section 4 - Advanced Features 4.1 Labelling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset With the AM-77, in one process, it is possible to label each of the 5 inputs for 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-77. Setup Labeling Input X Setting Level Offset A list of available labels is shown overleaf in chronological order.
List of available inputs: All types of sources accomodated 1. Input X (default) 15. PC Audio 2. Aux I 16. Phono Stage 3. Aux II 17. Plasma TV 4. Aux III 18. Pre-Amplifier 5. CD Processor 19. SACD Player 6. D/A Processor 20. Tape Deck 7. DVD Player 21. Television 8. DVD Recorder 22. Tuner 9. HD Recorder 23. Turntable 10.HDTV 24. Uni Player 11.iPod 25. Video Player 12.LCD TV 26. Home Theatre 13.Media Center 27. Home Theatre Direct 14.
4.2 Labelling Input X • Press the Menu key on the RC-77 • 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.
4.4 Setting Fixed Input Level When using the AM-77 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.
4.5 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection Within OptiProtect® the AM-77 has an in-built speaker protection circuit. Sometimes there are excessive mains fluctuations This is mainly a final safeguard against equipment failure and/or extreme levels of over-driving the amplifier and speakers. When the display shows: S ...
4.6 OptiMains® Protection for Excessive Under/Over-Voltages The AM-77 is fitted with the OptiMains® system to condition and adjust the incoming mains supply for best operation under all normal mains conditions (including situations that will cause audible problems without OptiMains®). In almost every country throughout the world, instances do arise where fluctuations in the main electricity exceeds that of a correctly operating mains supply and any electrical item/product is no longer properly served.
Section 5 - System Configurations 5.1 OptiOperation® Different System Configurations It is assumed all prior sections have been read & understood with all requisite connections made Six different modes In keeping with AMR’s philosophy that ‘no one sound fits all’ the AM-77 is adaptable to suit virtually any system configuration; able to operate at one end as a Pre-Main stereo amplifier and at the other, as a single-channel power amplifier.
In short, the AM-77’s flexibility is limited only to that of the imagination. For example, one may employ: - 3xAM-77s synchronised along with a high-quality digital crossover to drive a fully-active 3-way speaker system to the highest possible level of sound reproduction or; - 3xAM-77s synchronised for a multi-channel surround sound system or; - 2xAM-77s synchronised in monoblock or bi-amplification mode to drive suitably-equipped speakers. 5.
The following pages provide an outline of the theoretical wiring system behind each of the six different configurations with a brief accompanying summary. Mode I. Pre-Main Stereo L R Pre Amp (L) Power Amp (L) Pre Amp (R) Power Amp (R) Left Speaker • Standard system with AM-77 as the only amplifier.
Mode II: Pre-Main Monoblock L Pre Amp (L) Power Amp (L) Power Amp (R) • Need 2 or more AM-77s. • Drive low impedance speakers that only have one set of terminal connections. • ~600W/2Ohm RMS and ~300W/1Ohm RMS without current clipping. This is best suited to driving very low impedance speakers.
Mode III: Pre-Main Bi-Amplifier L Pre Amp (L) Power Amp (L) Power Amp (R) 1st AM-77 R Pre Amp (L) • Need 2 or more AM-77s. • Drive speakers that have more than one set of terminal connections with improved performance and dynamic range. • Virtually all the power supply power is available to the low frequency channel with impproved channel separation.
Mode IV. Power Stereo L R (L) (R) Power Amp (L) Left Speaker Power Amp (R) 1st AM-77 Right Speaker 32 • Same as Mode I, except the Pre-Amplifier sec tion has been bypassed. • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume.
Mode V. Power Monoblock L (L) Power Amp (L) Power Amp (R) 1st AM-77 R (L) Left Speaker • Same as Mode II, except the Pre-Amplifier section has been bypassed. • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume.
Mode VI. Power Bi-Amplifier L (L) Power Amp (L) Power Amp (R) 1st AM-77 R (L) Left Speaker Power Amp (L) Power Amp (R) 2nd AM-77 34 Right Speaker • Same as Mode III, except the Pre-Amplifier section has been bypassed. • A separate pre-amplifier is needed to control the volume.
5.3 Switching and Connection Diagrams for Different Modes The following is a description of the switch settings and connections required to engage the various modes. Mode I: Pre-Main Stereo amplifier (default) The default factory setting This is the factory default setting: the connection for which has been described in detail in Section 1 - Setup.
Mode II: Pre-Main Monoblock amplifiers 36
Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised Pre-Main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) mains switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Connect the cable from the ‘Sync Out’ connector (R8) of the ‘master’ amplifier to the ‘Sync In’ connector (R8) of the ‘slave’ amplifier. The amplifier with the cable connected to ‘Sync In’ becomes ‘slaved’ to the other and will automatically follow the ‘master’ AM-77.
Mode III: Pre-Main Bi-amplifier (horizontal bi-amping) 38
Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised Pre-Main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) mains switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Connect the cable from the ‘Sync Out’ connector (R8) of the ‘master’ amplifier to the ‘Sync In’ connector (R8) of the ‘slave’ amplifier. The amplifier with the cable connected to ‘Sync In’ becomes ‘slaved’ to the other and will automatically follow the ‘master’ AM-77. iii.
Mode IV: Power Stereo amplifier 40
i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of the AM-77. ii. Connect the desired separate pre-amplifier to the AM-77 via the Balanced or RCA female connector of Input 1 (R6). iii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the centre to select ‘L R’. iv. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘INT/POWER AMP’ switch (R4) to the left to select ‘POWER AMP’. v. Power the AM-77 back on via the ‘POWER’ switch (R12).
Mode V: Power Monoblock amplifier 42
Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised Pre-Main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the left to select ‘M’. iii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘INT/POWER AMP’ switch (R4) to the left to select ‘POWER AMP’. iv. Repeat this process for the other AM-77. v. Power ON both AM-77s via the respective ‘POWER’ switch (R12).
Mode VI: Power Bi-amplifier 44
Note: This function requires at least 2 x AM-77 synchronised Pre-Main amplifiers. i. Power OFF via the ‘POWER’ (R12) switch at the rear of both AM-77s. ii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘MODE’ switch (R5) to the right to select ‘MM’. iii. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, move the ‘INT/POWER AMP’ switch (R4) to the left to select ‘POWER AMP’. iv. Repeat this process for the other AM-77. v. Power ON both AM-77s via the respective ‘POWER’ switch (R12).
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Section 6 - Additional Connectivity 6.1 Input for iPod/other portable music players When the 3.5mm jack is used, ensure the RCA of Input 4 is disconnected On the front right-side panel, there is a 3.5mm jack (F4). This is for the connection of an iPod or any other portable music device for music playback through this medium. To select this source, change selection to Input 4 (disconnect any RCA connection to Input 4 at the rear panel).
6.2 HiFi/Pro Switches for Balanced XLR inputs ‘Pro’ switch is for the few pre-amplifiers that have floating transformer balanced outputs For the majority of sources, the HiFi/Pro switch (R3) is best left in the ‘HiFi’ position. However, if the source has a pro-audio style transformer balanced output, the HiFi/Pro switch needs to be set to ‘Pro’.
6.3 RS232 Options Connector For future upgrades The RS232 ‘Options’ connector port (R9) is for upgrading the functionality of the AM-77 in future. Contact your local AMR distributor/dealer for more details.
Appendix A - Troubleshooting Symptom Possible cause Solution With power ON no power is registered • poor/no power plug connection at mains power point • insert the power plug firmly into the AC • blown fuse at mains plug • check and change IEC/mains plug fuse • incorrect audio cable connections • connect the sources to the AM-77 correctly • incorrect amplifier operation • make sure that the input selector on the AM-77 is set to the desired source Strange ‘blast’ sound • check speaker connectors
