Marantz AMP10 Power Amplifier: Owner's Manual

This document provides comprehensive information for the Marantz AMP10 power amplifier, covering its features, connections, operation, troubleshooting, and specifications.

Features

High Quality Sound

The Marantz AMP10 utilizes a 0 16-channel switching power amplifier module, delivering a high output of 200W per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, T.H.D.: 0.05%, 2-channel operation). It achieves excellent performance with minimal distortion across all frequencies and little change in frequency characteristics due to speaker impedance. This is combined with a high-speed preamplifier circuit featuring HDAM for accurate reproduction of fine nuances from DSD and high-resolution audio sources. The unit also features a high-speed current feedback amplifier circuit for accurate amplification of signals from HD audio devices like Blu-ray disc players, contributing to natural sound field reproduction. High audio quality components, including high audio quality MELF resistance and electrolytic capacitors, are used throughout the circuit design. It also incorporates a double-layered chassis and high-end machined brass speaker jacks.

High Performance

The unit offers the flexibility to switch between UNBALANCED RCA and BALANCED XLR input channels. It includes a BI-AMP/BTL connection setting function, allowing for bi-amp and BTL connections for each of the two channels without additional preamplifier cables. Bi-amp connection prevents interference from counterelectromotive force by powering the woofer and tweeter with separate amplifiers. BTL (Bridge) connection provides high drive performance by directly powering the positive and negative terminals of speakers according to amplifier output levels, stabilizing ground potential and reducing noise. The AMP CONTROL function allows simultaneous operation control (power, illumination) when connected to a Marantz AV 10 Preamplifier via the AMP CONTROL jack. Additional functions include an IR flash input for custom installations and DC trigger input/output terminals.

Front Panel

The front panel features several controls and indicators:

[Power Button] (X): Used to turn the power on or switch to standby mode.
Illumination: Lit when the power is on. Brightness can be adjusted using the DIMMER button.
[METER ON/OFF Button]: Toggles the level meter display and meter lighting on or off.
[Level Meter]: Displays the signal level for channel 1. Can be turned off using the METER ON/OFF button.
[Protection Indicator]: Blinks when the protection circuit has operated.
[DIMMER Button]: Press to change the brightness of the illumination.

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides various input and output connectors:

UNBALANCED RCA INPUT connectors: Used to connect a preamplifier with UNBALANCED RCA output connectors.
RCA/XLR INPUT selector: Switches according to the jack used for connecting to the preamplifier (UNBALANCED RCA or BALANCED XLR).
NORMAL/BI-AMP/BTL selector: Allows setting bi-amp or BTL connection for the power amplifier of each of the two channels.
BALANCED XLR INPUT connectors: Used to connect a preamplifier with BALANCED XLR output connectors.
Speaker terminals (SPEAKERS): Used to connect speakers. Supports 4 to 16 ohms impedance.
AUTO STANDBY selector: When set to "ON", the unit automatically enters standby after 15 minutes of no input signal and no operations.
[AMP CONTROL Jacks]: Connect to a Marantz preamplifier with AMP CONTROL jacks for simultaneous operation control (power, illumination).
[DC CONTROL Jacks]: Used to connect devices equipped with trigger functions for linked power on/standby operations. The DC CONTROL OUT jack outputs a 12 V DC/150 mA signal.
[FLASHER IN Jack]: Used to connect commercially available (sold separately) IR repeaters for remote control operation when the unit is installed out of direct line of sight.
[REMOTE CONTROL Jacks]: Used to connect a Marantz product equipped with REMOTE CONTROL terminals to control this unit with a remote control.
RS-232C connector: Used to connect home automation controller devices fitted with RS-232C connectors for serial control.
AC inlet (AC IN): Used to connect the power cord.

Note: Do not touch the inner pins of the rear panel connectors to avoid permanent damage from electrostatic discharge.

Connections

Preparations

Ensure all connections are completed before plugging in the power cord. Avoid bundling power cords with connection cables to prevent noise.

Speaker Connections

Connect speaker cables carefully, ensuring correct left (L) and right (R) channels and positive (+) and negative (-) polarities. Peel about 5/8 inch (15 mm) of sheathing from the cable tip, twist the core wire tightly, or terminate it. Attach the included speaker terminal wrench to the speaker terminal, turn it counterclockwise to loosen, insert the core wire, and turn clockwise to tighten. Ensure speaker cable core wires do not protrude from the terminal to prevent short circuits. Never touch speaker terminals while the power is connected. Use speakers with an impedance of 4 to 16 ohms.

Preamplifier Connections

Connect one end of the audio cable to the input terminals of this unit and the other end to the output terminals of the preamplifier. This unit has UNBALANCED RCA connectors and BALANCED XLR connectors. Select the appropriate connectors for your preamplifier and set the RCA or XLR selector on this unit accordingly. If the preamplifier has both types, either can be used. For BALANCED XLR connectors, the PIN arrangement typically follows the European method: A=GND, B=HOT, C=COLD. Ensure not to short HOT and GND or COLD and GND. Disconnect power from both units before connecting.

Example Connection Variations

The unit supports various multi-channel configurations:

7.1ch connection: Connects to standard surround sound setups (FL, FR, C, SW, SL, SR, SBL, SBR).
15.2ch connection: Supports more channels including front wide (FWL, FWR), front height (FHL, FHR), rear height (RHL, RHR), and top middle (TML, TMR).
17.4ch connection: Adds center height (CH) and top surround (TS) channels.
ZONE2/ZONE3 connection: Allows audio output to separate zones using ZONE2 (Z2L, Z2R) and ZONE3 (Z3L, Z3R) speaker terminals.

Bi-amp Connection

This method connects separate amplifiers to the tweeter and woofer terminals of a speaker that supports bi-amplification. Set the NORMAL/BI-AMP/BTL selector to BI-AMP. Input to an odd-numbered channel (e.g., channel 1) and connect one cable from channel 1 to the tweeter and another from channel 2 to the woofer. Ensure any short-circuiting plates or wires between the speaker's woofer and tweeter terminals are removed.

BTL Connection

A BTL connection uses two channels to power one speaker, achieving powerful audio reproduction by outputting antiphase signals from one input signal. Set the NORMAL/BI-AMP/BTL selector to BTL. Input to an odd-numbered channel (e.g., channel 1) and connect one cable from the positive (+) side of channel 1 to the negative (-) side of the speaker, and another cable from the positive side of channel 2 to the positive side of the speaker.

Connecting External Control Devices

AMP CONTROL Jacks: Connecting to a Marantz AV 10 Preamplifier with an AMP CONTROL jack allows simultaneous control of power and illumination settings for both units.

REMOTE CONTROL Jacks: When connected to a Marantz AV 10 Preamplifier, the power of this unit can be switched ON/STANDBY together with the AV 10 power supply.

FLASHER IN Jack: Connecting a commercially available IR repeater allows remote control operations even if the unit is installed in a location where the remote control signal may not reach, such as inside a cabinet.

DC CONTROL Jacks: The DC CONTROL OUT jack can control the power ON/STANDBY of connected trigger-compatible devices (outputs 12 V DC/150 mA). The DC CONTROL IN jack allows linking the power ON/STANDBY of this unit with a connected device that has a DC CONTROL OUT jack.

Setting the Auto Standby Function

Set the AUTO STANDBY selector to "ON" to enable the auto standby function. The unit will automatically enter standby mode after 15 minutes of no input signal and no operations. The factory setting is "OFF".

Connecting the Power Cord

After completing all connections, insert the supplied power cord into a household power outlet.

Playback

Basic Operation

Turning the Power On: Press the [Power Button] (X) to turn on the unit. The level meter and illumination will be lit. It is recommended to turn the volume control of connected devices down to the minimum when turning the power on.

Turning to Standby: Press the [Power Button] (X). The unit switches to standby mode. Note that some circuits remain active even in standby. For prolonged periods of non-use, remove the power plug from the wall socket.

Convenience Functions

Turning the Level Meter Display On or Off: Press the [METER ON/OFF Button]. This button toggles the level meter display on and off. The factory setting is "On".

Changing the Brightness of the Illumination: Press the [DIMMER Button]. This button cycles through four brightness levels. Setting the illumination to off can reduce noise that could affect playback, potentially achieving higher audio quality. The factory setting is the brightest illumination level.

Troubleshooting

If a problem arises, first check connections, operation as described in the manual, and the proper operation of other devices. If the unit does not operate properly, consult the following symptoms:

Power Does Not Turn On / Power Is Turned Off

Power does not turn on: Check if the power plug is correctly inserted into the power outlet.
Power automatically turns off: The auto standby function is set to "ON". The unit enters standby after 15 minutes of no operation or input signal. To disable this, set the AUTO STANDBY selector to "OFF".
The unit immediately turns off when power is turned on: The protection circuit has been activated. Unplug the unit from the power outlet, wait at least 1 minute, and then plug it back in.
Power turns off and the protection circuit indicator shows one long blink and four short blinks: The protection circuit has activated due to a rise in temperature. Turn off the power, wait about an hour for the unit to cool down, and then turn the power on again. Ensure the unit is in a well-ventilated place and check speaker impedance and connections.
Power turns off and the protection circuit indicator shows one long blink and five short blinks: The protective circuit has operated. Remove the power plug, re-examine installation conditions and speaker cable connections. If the same situation occurs again, contact the Marantz Service Center.

No Sound Comes Out

Check speaker connections and connections to other devices.
Alter the input selector to match the input connector (BALANCED or UNBALANCED) of the connected device.
Ensure connection cables are inserted all the way.
Check that input and output connectors are not reversely connected.
Check cables for damage.
Ensure speaker cables are properly connected, and that cable core wires do not come into contact with the metal part on speaker terminals or each other. Securely tighten the speaker terminals.

Explanation of Terms

Speaker Impedance: This is the resistance of the speaker set to alternating current, expressed in ohms. A smaller impedance results in greater output but increases the load on the amplifier. Use speakers whose impedance is supported by this unit (4 to 16 ohms).

Protection Circuit: This function prevents damage to devices within the power supply when an abnormality such as an overload, excess voltage, or over-temperature occurs for any reason.

Specifications

General Specifications

Rated output: Normal, BI-AMP: 200 W x 2 (8 ohms load, 1kHz, T.H.D. 0.05 %); 400 W x 2 (4 ohms load, 1kHz, T.H.D. 0.7 %). BTL: 400 W x 2 (8 ohms load, 1kHz, T.H.D. 0.05 %).
Speaker impedance: 4 to 16 ohms (Normal, BI-AMP); 8 to 16 ohms (BTL).
Frequency response (1 W, 8 ohms): 5 Hz – 70 kHz ±3 dB.
Input sensitivity/impedance: 1.4 V / 47 k ohms (UNBALANCED); 2.8 V / 100 k ohms (BALANCED).
Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): 110 dB.
Voltage amplification level: 29 dB.
Operating temperature: 41 °F – 95 °F (5 °C – 35 °C).
Power supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz.
Power consumption: 500 W.
Power consumption in standby mode: 0.2 W.

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 17.6 in. (446 mm) W x 17.44 in. (443 mm) D x 7.4 in. (189 mm) H (approximate main unit dimensions).
Weight: 43.7 lb (19.8 kg).

For purposes of improvement, specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

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