Marantz MA500 Mono Amplifier User Guide

Safety Information

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with 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.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT. FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION: POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU'AU FOND.

Safety Instructions

READ BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT

This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There are, however, some installation and operation precautions which you should be particularly aware of.

1. Read instructions: All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions: All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture: The appliance should not be used near water — for example, near a bathtub, wash-bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
6. Carts and Stands: The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Appliance and Cart Movement: An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
8. Wall or Ceiling Mounting: The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Ventilation: The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
10. Heat: The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. Power Sources: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
12. Grounding or Polarization: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
13. Power-Cord Protection: Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.
14. Cleaning: The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
15. Power Lines: An outdoor antenna should be located away from power lines.
16. Outdoor Antenna Grounding: If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built up static charges. Section 610 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See Fig. 1.
17. Nonuse Periods: The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
18. Object and Liquid Entry: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
19. Damage Requiring Service: The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the appliance; or C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
20. Servicing: The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

Antenna Grounding Example (Figure 1)

FIGURE 1: EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING ACCORDING TO NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLE 810 - "RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT"

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the proper grounding of an antenna system for radio and television equipment, as per National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 810. It shows an antenna lead-in wire connected to an antenna discharge unit (lightning arrestor) mounted on a roof. The discharge unit is connected via grounding conductors to ground clamps, which in turn connect to the electric service equipment and the power service grounding electrode system. The diagram references specific NEC sections for grounding conductors and electrodes.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Unit Connections and Indicators (Diagrams)

Rear Panel:

• 1. NORMAL INPUT jack: Connect to the preamplifier output.
• 2. INVERT OUTPUT jack: For output of signal inverted from the normal input signal.
• 3. REMOTE INPUT/OUTPUT JACKS: For remote power on/off control when connected to compatible Marantz components (color-coded orange).
• 4. BUS SYSTEM selector switch: Selects between SYSTEM 1 (for AV500) and SYSTEM 2 (for other Marantz components) for remote control synchronization.
• 5. SPEAKER SYSTEM terminals: Connect speaker cables here, observing correct polarity (+ and -).
• 6. AC OUTLET: Unswitched AC outlet, rated 120V 60Hz, 200W MAX.
• 7. POWER CABLE connector: For connecting the AC power cord.

Front Panel:

• 8. POWER ON/STANDBY switch: Turns the unit ON or OFF. Leave ON for remote control operation.
• POWER ON indicator: Lights when the unit is powered ON.
• STANDBY indicator: Lights when the unit is in standby mode (powered OFF via remote control).

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE, 4.0A 125V.

Marantz MONO AMPLIFIER MA500

POWER ON STANDBY

LUCASFILM THX

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Marantz MA500 power amplifier for your sound system. Please take a few minutes to read this manual thoroughly, before you attempt connections and operation.

The Marantz MA500 is a monophonic (single channel) amplifier, designed for home theater and high quality audio systems.

Features

• High power output, rated at 125 watts into 8Ω, and 180 watts into 4Ω.
• High current discrete power transistors in the output stage.
• Extensive heat sinks for reliable operation and long life.
• Narrow width chassis designed for convenient shelf or system rack mounting. Five MA500 units placed side by side occupy the same width as other Marantz components like the AV500 A/V Digital Dolby Pro-Logic surround sound preamplifier.
• Bridge mode capability allows two MA500 units to be connected for a very high power amplifier channel, providing 450 watts into 8Ω.
• Remote control input and output jacks, compatible with Marantz D-Bus/RC-5 components, enabling remote power on/off by the main system component (e.g., Marantz AV500).

NOTE on loudspeaker impedance:

The power ratings are based on fixed load impedances and high intensity sine wave test tones. Actual loudspeaker impedance varies with frequency. The MA500 is designed to drive systems with a rated impedance of 4 ohms or higher. For systems with nominal impedances less than 4 ohms, the high current output capability can provide necessary power. However, during extended high-volume passages, the protection circuitry may temporarily interrupt operation. Reduce volume if this occurs; the circuitry is designed not to affect sound quality during normal operation.

Function and Operation

1. NORMAL INPUT jack: Connect to the preamplifier output.
2. INVERT OUTPUT jack: For output of signal which was inverted from the normal input signal.
3. REMOTE INPUT/OUTPUT JACKS: If using a Marantz remote-controlled component (like an A/V pre-amplifier or surround sound receiver), these jacks allow remote power on/off. Check your pre-amplifier's manual for remote-control compatibility. Jacks are color-coded orange.
4. BUS SYSTEM selector switch: For Marantz remote-controlled turn-on/off codes.
   • SYSTEM 1: For Marantz A/V pre-amplifier models (e.g., AV500) that use a single button for power on/off.
   • SYSTEM 2: For other Marantz components (e.g., SR-92, SR-82 receivers, SC-80 pre-amplifier) with separate buttons for power on and off (STANDBY).
   Proper setting ensures synchronized full system power on/off.
5. SPEAKER SYSTEM terminals: Connect speaker cables, observing correct polarity (+ and -) between amplifier and speaker terminals for proper phasing.
6. AC OUTLET: Supplies power regardless of the POWER ON/STANDBY switch setting. Ensure connected equipment does not exceed 200 watts.

Power Cable and Controls

7. POWER CABLE: Plug into a household AC power outlet. For multiple MA500 amplifiers, use a UL-listed 15-ampere outlet strip, avoiding other appliances.
8. POWER ON/STANDBY switch: Press to turn the unit ON or OFF. Leave ON for remote control operation via D-BUS connector.
9. POWER ON indicator: Lights when the unit is ON.
10. STANDBY indicator: Lights when the unit is in standby mode (powered OFF by remote control).

Notes:

• Power amplifiers generate heat during operation; the MA500 has extensive internal heat sinks for protection against over-temperature conditions. Some heat is normal even at low volumes.
• Install the MA500 units allowing free airflow. Avoid blocking ventilation in enclosed cabinets or racks.
• The MA500 has no input volume control. Make all connections before turning power ON. Read the user guide of the connected pre-amplifier or component carefully.

Care and Maintenance

This section describes care and maintenance tasks to optimize Marantz equipment operation.

Cleaning of Equipment External Surfaces

The exterior finish will last indefinitely with proper care. Never use scouring pads, steel wool, scouring powders, harsh chemical agents (e.g., lye solution), alcohol, thinners, benzine, insecticide, or other volatile substances, as these will mar the finish. Do not use cloths containing chemical substances. For dirt, wipe external surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If heavily soiled:

• Dilute washing-up liquid in water (1 part detergent to 6 parts water).
• Dip a soft, lint-free cloth in the solution and wring it out until damp.
• Wipe the equipment with the damp cloth.
• Dry the equipment by wiping with a dry cloth.

Repairs

Only competent and qualified technicians should service the unit. Marantz and its factory-trained personnel have the necessary knowledge and equipment for repair and calibration. For service, call the toll-free number on the warranty for the nearest Marantz Authorized Service Center. Dealers may also provide service. Include model, serial number, purchase receipt copy, and a description of the issue.

Troubleshooting

The amplifier does not operate and the POWER ON indicator does not light.

• Is the power cable plugged in properly to the AC power outlet?

The POWER ON indicator lights, but the amplifier does not function.

• Are speaker cables and input cables connected properly?

Technical Specifications

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Connections

Connection for a 5-channel system

Diagram Description: This diagram shows the rear panel connections for a 5-channel audio system using Marantz MA500 amplifiers. It illustrates how to connect the Marantz AV500 Preamplifier's audio outputs (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R) to the corresponding input jacks on five MA500 Mono Amplifiers. Speaker outputs from each MA500 are then connected to their respective speakers (Front L, Front R, Center, Surround R, Surround L). Remote control connections (D-BUS) are also shown between the preamplifier and the amplifiers.

• Use speakers with impedances from 8 to 16 ohms.
• Connection to the D-BUS connectors is not necessary if the remote control function is not to be used.

BTL Connection Combining 2 Units

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates a Bridged Transformerless (BTL) connection using two Marantz MA500 units to create a single, higher-power amplifier channel. The diagram shows the signal path from the preamplifier output to the input of the first MA500. The output of the first MA500 is then connected to the input of the second MA500. The speaker is connected across the positive terminal of the first MA500 and the negative terminal of the second MA500. A note indicates that a cable is required to connect the negative speaker terminals of the two units, and this cable is not provided.

• Use a speaker with impedance from 8 to 16 ohms.
• Note: When two units are used in BTL connection, be sure to connect a cable between the "-" speaker terminals. (The cable is not provided with the unit.)