Cambridge Edge M

User Manual

Preface

Last updated: August 9, 2022 05:03. Revision #10033

This guide is intended to help you install and use this product easily. The information contained in this document has been carefully checked at the time of printing to ensure its accuracy. However, Cambridge Audio will continuously refine its policies, so designs and specifications may change without notice.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic or other means, or in any form, without the prior written permission of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

© Cambridge Audio Ltd. 2022.

For the latest news on future products, software updates, and exclusive offers, please register your product at https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/register.

What's in the box?

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Inside the EDGE M box, you will receive:

• 1. EDGE M Monolithic Power Amplifier
• 2. UK power cable (depending on the country/region where EDGE M was purchased)
• EU power cable (depending on the country/region where EDGE M was purchased)
• CU power cable (depending on the country/region where EDGE M was purchased)
• Japan power cable (depending on the country/region where EDGE M was purchased)
• 3. Connection cable
• 4. User manual
• 5. Warranty card
• 6. Welcome letter
• 7. Unpacking card

Front Panel

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1. Standby/On - Switches between standby mode (LED off) and on mode (LED lit). Standby mode is a low power mode, consuming less than 0.5 Watts.

Auto Power Down (APD)

The product will automatically switch to standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. To enable or disable this function, use the APD switch on the back of the product.

Auto Power On (APU)

If an audio signal is detected, the product will automatically turn back on and resume normal operation. The product will only auto-power on after it has auto-powered off on the same input.

Rear Panel Connections

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1. Voltage Selector Switch. Note: For Cambridge Audio service personnel only!

2. AC Power Socket

3. Balanced/Unbalanced Inputs - XLR inputs are balanced, RCA inputs are unbalanced.

4. Balanced/Unbalanced Switch - Select according to whether the source is connected to a balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA input.

Note: If the correct input source is not selected, the amplifier will not produce sound. For example, if the source is connected to the balanced input, ensure the balanced switch is selected.

5. Loop Outputs - XLR outputs are balanced, RCA outputs are unbalanced.

6. Loudspeaker Terminals. Note: When using banana plugs, ensure the loudspeaker terminals are fully tightened before inserting the plug.

Connect the cable for the left speaker to the left positive and negative terminals, and the cable for the right speaker to the right positive and negative terminals.

In all cases, the red terminal is the positive output and the black terminal is the negative output.

Care must be taken to ensure that no stray wire strands short the speaker outputs. Ensure the speaker terminals are fully tightened to ensure a correct electrical connection.

If the binding posts are loose, it may affect sound quality.

7. Auto Power Down (APD) Switch - This switch is used to enable or disable the auto power down function. When enabled, the amplifier will switch to standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity.

8. Link - Refer to the "Power Sync" section of this manual for more details.

Connections

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Speakers

Please check the impedance of your speakers. You can use products with 4-8 Ohm impedance.

The red speaker terminal is positive (+), and the black speaker terminal is negative (-). Ensure that each speaker connection has the correct polarity, otherwise the sound will be weaker and the phase interference will result in less bass.

Connecting with bare wire

Strip approximately 10mm (3/8 inch) of insulation from the end of the speaker cable to prepare it for connection. More than 10mm may cause a short circuit. Twist the end of the cable to prevent loose wires. Unscrew the speaker terminal, insert the speaker cable, and retighten the terminal to secure the cable.

Note: All connections use standard speaker cables.

Using Banana Plugs

We recommend using banana plugs for a safer and more secure connection, ensuring the cable does not come loose, as this can cause noise and interference. As shown in the diagram below, strip the outer insulation of the cable, twist the cable, firmly connect it to the banana plug, and insert the plug without excessive force.

Note: When using banana plugs, ensure the speaker terminals are fully tightened before inserting the plug.

Basic Connections

Balanced Stereo Connection:

The diagram below shows the basic balanced stereo connection between two EDGE M amplifiers and an EDGE NQ. In a stereo connection, each Edge M drives one speaker. The Balanced/Unbalanced switch on the Edge M must be set to 'Balanced'.

Unbalanced Stereo Connection:

The diagram below shows the basic unbalanced stereo connection between two EDGE M amplifiers and an EDGE NQ. In a stereo connection, each Edge M drives one speaker. The Balanced/Unbalanced switch on the Edge M must be set to 'Unbalanced'.

Power Sync

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Use the connection cable between two Edge M amplifiers to achieve synchronized power on/standby. When you turn one EDGE M on/off, the other EDGE M will also turn on/off.

Trigger

The Edge M can connect to the trigger control output of home automation devices to control the Edge M's power status. The input voltage should be between 5V and 12V.

Protection Circuits

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The EDGE M contains amplifier protection circuits to detect over-temperature, DC, and over-current faults. If any of these faults are detected, the LED standby button will turn red.

Over-temperature

Over-temperature is caused by the combination of high listening levels and low impedance speakers. The EDGE M includes temperature monitoring, which continuously monitors the heat generated by the output transistors. If the monitored temperature reaches a high level (within the allowable range for the output devices), the amplifier will automatically switch to fault mode to protect itself from damage.

If the speaker impedance is low, the amplifier will work harder, and its temperature may rise faster. If the amplifier is installed in a cabinet or the ventilation slots are obstructed, the over-temperature detection may be activated/reactivated after a short period of listening.

Remedy: Allow the unit to cool down for 15 minutes before pressing the standby button to resume normal operation. If the unit has not cooled down completely, the temperature may quickly reach the limit upon powering up the amplifier.

DC Offset

If, due to internal faults, the amplifier's output develops a high, constant voltage (DC), the EDGE M provides speaker protection. This is a rare fault, but it can prevent speaker damage. Remedy: Due to the necessary sensitivity of the DC protection circuit, severe clipping of the amplifier's output may trigger DC protection. If this fault occurs, please contact your dealer for service, or contact our support team at https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/contact.

Over-current

The EDGE M continuously monitors its output transistors to keep them within their safe operating area (SOA) to provide V/I (voltage/current) protection. The SOA is a set of limits provided by the output transistor manufacturer to ensure the reliability of the transistors. The amplifier circuit incorporates a voltage/current protection system to respond quickly to temporary overloads. When voltage/current protection is triggered, the unit will continue to operate, but distorted sound may be heard as the unit protects the output transistors.

Remedy: Reduce the volume. If distortion persists, check the speaker connections and impedance ratings.

Troubleshooting

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No Power

• Ensure the AC power cord is securely connected.
• Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket and that it is switched on.
• Check the fuse in the power plug or adapter.

No Sound

• Ensure the product is not in standby mode.
• Check that your source equipment is connected correctly.
• Check that your speakers are connected correctly.
• Ensure the correct input is selected via the balanced/unbalanced switch.
• If possible, try using different interconnect and speaker cables.
• Check the volume control on your source equipment to ensure it is not muted.
• Check with an alternative source device.

One Channel Has No Sound

• Check speaker connections.
• Check interconnect cables.

Weak Bass or Poor Stereo Imaging

• Ensure the speaker wiring polarity is consistent.

Loud Hum or Buzz

• Ensure all interconnect cables are secure and not faulty.

LED Standby Button is Red

• Refer to the "Protection Circuits" section for troubleshooting steps.

Technical Specifications

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Continuous Power Output:

• 200W RMS @ 8 Ohm
• 350W RMS @ 4 Ohm

THD (unweighted):

• <0.002% 1kHz at rated power (8 Ohm)
• <0.02% 20Hz - 20kHz at rated power (8 Ohm)

Frequency Response:

• <3Hz - >80kHz +/-1dB

Signal to Noise Ratio (ref 1W/8 Ohm):

• >93 dB

Signal to Noise Ratio (ref max power):

• >115 dB

Gain:

• 28dB (RCA) / 22dB (XLR)

Input Sensitivity:

• 1.7V RMS (RCA) / 3.4V RMS (XLR)

Input Impedance:

• Balanced: 100k Ohm
• Unbalanced: 47k Ohm

Inputs:

• Balanced, Unbalanced

Outputs:

• Loudspeaker, Loop Output

Maximum Power Consumption:

• 1000W

Standby Power Consumption:

• <0.5W

Dimensions:

• 150 x 460 x 405 mm (5.9 x 18.1 x 15.9 inches)

Weight:

• 23.6 kg (52.0 lbs)

FAQ

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What speaker impedance can the EDGE M use?

The EDGE M can be used with speakers with an impedance between 4-8 Ohms. The EDGE M will output 200W RMS into 8 Ohms and 350W RMS into 4 Ohms.

What class of amplification does the EDGE M use?

The EDGE M uses Class XA amplification. With Class XA amplification, the crossover point is moved so that both sets of transistors are always conducting, until the signal reaches a sufficiently large level. This means that for low-level signals, the amplifier essentially operates as a Class A amplifier, and the transistors only switch over when the signal is loud enough. As a result, any crossover distortion is masked in the signal.