Marantz MM8003 8-Channel Power Amplifier

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Marantz MM8003 8-Channel Power Amplifier. This component is engineered to provide many years of home theater enjoyment. Please read this manual thoroughly before connecting and operating the MM8003. For optimal setup, consult your Marantz A/V specialist dealer regarding your specific home theater configuration.

Accessories Check

Before use, verify that the following accessories are included:

• AC power cable
• Remote control cable
• Warranty Card (USA x 1, Canada x 1)

Important Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operating the equipment. This product is designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. Pay close attention to the following precautions:

• Keep these instructions for future reference.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings; install according to manufacturer instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources like radiators or stoves.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of polarized or grounding plugs. If the plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
• Only use manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Use with appropriate carts/stands and exercise caution when moving.
• Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Additional Safety Information:

• Avoid built-in installations without proper ventilation.
• Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing; do not place liquid-filled objects on it.
• The apparatus is not completely switched off from the mains when the switch is in the OFF position.
• Install the equipment near an easily accessible power supply.
• Do not touch hot spots during and immediately after use, as the unit can become hot.
• Avoid excessive heat such as direct sunlight or fire.

Declaration of Conformity: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to conditions preventing harmful interference. U.S. Responsible Party: Marantz America, Inc. Type of Product: 8 Channel Power Amplifier. Model: MM8003.

Features

The MM8003 offers an 8-channel power amplification with upgraded functions, supporting the latest surround sound formats.

• Current feedback type of discrete power amplifier with high sound quality: Utilizes complementary push-pull circuitry for improved stability and high-speed sound reproduction. Employs a Wilson current mirror circuit for treble range amplification with low distortion.
• Improved instantaneous current supply capability: Features LAPT (high-performance power transistor) and copper bus bars for enhanced current supply. A large toroidal transformer and high-quality capacitors (100,000 µF total) contribute to superior sound quality.
• High-sound-quality design based on the pure surround concept: Incorporates a chimney-type heat sink and quiet cooling fan for efficient heat dissipation, regulated by a temperature sensor. The chassis is copper-plated to protect against high-frequency noise, ensuring a clean audio signal path. High-quality components are used throughout.
• BALANCED/UNBALANCED switching function: Allows selection of BALANCED (XLR) or UNBALANCED (RCA) input for each channel.
• Remote power control: Enables synchronized power on/off operation with a Marantz AV8003 AV pre-tuner via a remote power control function. A floating ground connection prevents ground loops.
• Other functions: Includes an IR flasher input connector for custom installations and DC trigger input/output connectors.

Before Use

Ensure the unit is placed in a suitable environment for optimal performance and longevity. Avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, dust, and mechanical vibrations. Ensure adequate clearance (8 inches / 0.2 m) around the unit for heat dissipation.

Keep Objects Off: Do not place objects on the unit, as blocking vents can cause accidents and damage.

Do Not Touch Hot Spots: Areas of the unit, particularly the top panel, may be hot during and immediately after use. Avoid touching these areas to prevent burns.

Names and Function

Front Panel

The front panel features:

• POWER ON/STANDBY button: To turn the unit on or put it into standby mode.
• STANDBY indicator: Illuminates when the unit is in standby mode.
• Illumination lamp: Lit when the amplifier is operating.

Rear Panel

The rear panel includes:

1. UNBALANCED (RCA) input connectors: For connecting unbalanced audio sources.
2. BALANCED (XLR) input connectors: For connecting balanced audio sources, offering noise reduction.
3. Input selector switches: To select BALANCED or UNBALANCED input for each channel.
4. SPEAKER SYSTEMS output connectors: For connecting speakers (6-8 OHM).
5. Flasher input connector: For external control via a keypad or device.
6. DC CONTROL IN/OUT connectors: For controlling external components or being controlled by them.
7. REMOTE CONTROL IN, OUT connectors: For synchronized operation with other Marantz components.
8. AC IN socket: For connecting the power cable.
9. AC OUTLET: An unswitched outlet for powering other components (up to 150W).

Basic Connections

Proper cable preparation and connection are essential for optimal performance.

Preparing the Connection Cables

BALANCED CONNECTIONS (XLR audio cable): XLR cables are used for professional audio applications, providing balanced signal transmission that minimizes noise. The connectors feature a locking mechanism for reliability.

European vs. U.S. System: Note the pin configuration (pin 2 = hot, pin 3 = cold for European; pin 2 = cold, pin 3 = hot for U.S.). This amplifier uses the European system. Reversing pins 2 and 3 on the cable end may be necessary if connecting to a U.S. system pre-amplifier to correct signal phase.

UNBALANCED CONNECTIONS (RCA audio cable): Standard RCA cables are used for unbalanced audio sources.

REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTIONS (RCA cable): Used to connect Marantz components for synchronized operation.

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

Connect speaker cables to the SPEAKER SYSTEMS output connectors. Ensure correct polarity (+ to +, - to -) for proper sound reproduction. Speakers with an impedance of at least 6 Ω are recommended to prevent overheating and protection circuit activation.

INPUT CONNECTOR SWITCHING

For each channel, select the input type (BALANCED or UNBALANCED) using the input selector switches before powering on the unit. Incorrect matching may result in no sound output.

AV8003 Connections

This section illustrates connecting the MM8003 to a Marantz AV8003 AV pre-tuner for 7-channel sound reproduction. Use XLR cables for BALANCED inputs and RCA cables for UNBALANCED inputs. Connect the PRE OUT connectors of the AV8003 to the input connectors of the MM8003.

Notes:

• Connect all power cables only after all other connections are complete.
• Ensure all cable plugs are firmly inserted to prevent noise.

Speaker Placement

Proper speaker placement is crucial for immersive sound. The guide provides recommendations for front, center, surround, and surround back speakers.

• Front left and right speakers: Position at a 45-60 degree angle from the listening position.
• Center speaker: Place in line with or slightly behind the front speakers.
• Surround left and right speakers: Position in line with or slightly behind the listening position, angled towards the center of the room.
• Surround back left and right speakers: Place behind the listening position.

Height: Position front speakers so their mid-range/high-range units are at a similar height. Place surround speakers 70 cm to 1 meter above the listener for better sound localization.

Note: Use magnetically shielded speakers if placing them near a TV set.

Power Cable Connection

Connect the power cable to the AC IN socket on the rear panel of the amplifier, then plug into a wall socket (AC 120 V, 60 Hz). Ensure the total power consumption does not exceed the socket's capacity.

Warning: Do not connect components that exceed the allowable power rating to prevent fire or electric shock.

Using AC Outlets

The amplifier features an UNSWITCHED AC outlet (up to 150W) on the rear panel, which provides continuous power regardless of the amplifier's power state. This can be used to power other components.

Operation

Turning the Power On

1. Press the POWER ON/STANDBY switch.
2. Sound output begins after the standby indicator turns off and the illumination lamp blinks for approximately 7 seconds. This delay is due to the muting circuit ensuring stable operation.

Note: Turn down volume controls on connected components before powering on.

Turning the Power Off

1. Press the POWER ON/STANDBY switch.
2. The unit enters standby mode, indicated by the illumination lamp turning off and the standby indicator lighting up.

Note: Power is still supplied to some circuits in standby mode. Disconnect the power cable for prolonged periods of non-use or to prevent accidents.

Advanced Connections

Bi-Amplifier Connections

This feature utilizes four channels of the amplifier to achieve bi-amplification for front speaker systems, enhancing sound quality by separating bass and mid-range/treble amplification. This minimizes interference from the bass speaker's back electromotive force.

Notes: Balanced cables are recommended, but unbalanced cables can also be used. If bi-amplifying front speakers with the AV8003, sound will not be heard from the surround back channels.

Multi Zone Speaker Connections

The MM8003 can be used with the AV8003 for multi-zone audio. This allows stereo sound to be played in up to four rooms.

Multi Zone Connections

Illustrates connections for using six pairs of power amplifiers with the AV8003 for multi-zone setups, enabling stereo sound in up to four rooms.

Remote Control and External Component Connections

Remote Control Connections

Connect the REMOTE CONTROL OUT connector of the AV8003 to the REMOTE CONTROL IN connector of the MM8003 using an RCA cable. This synchronizes standby operations between the components.

Connections with External Control Components

• Flasher input connector: Allows control via external keypads or devices.
• DC CONTROL OUT connector: Outputs 0V (OFF) or 12V (ON) to control external components. Maximum output current is 44 mA. Do not use as a power supply.
• DC CONTROL IN connector: Receives DC 5-15V to control the amplifier's power state (0V for standby). Ensure voltage does not exceed 15V to prevent malfunction.
• Remote control connector: Enables system control by connecting Marantz products. Synchronizes power on/standby with the AV8003.

Troubleshooting

If issues arise, check connections and settings before assuming a fault. Contact your dealer or Marantz service for persistent problems.

• No sound: Check power plug, cable connections, and input selector switch settings.
• Power suddenly goes off (slow blinking standby indicator): Likely due to amplifier overheating. Turn off, allow to cool, and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Power suddenly goes off (rapid blinking standby indicator): Protection circuit tripped, possibly due to speaker cable shorts or conductor contact. Check speaker cables and connections.
• Sound distortion or low volume: Ensure connected component volume is appropriate. Check speaker impedance (minimum 6 Ω).

Resetting the Amplifier

The amplifier features a microcontroller that can be reset:

1. Set the amplifier to standby or turn it on.
2. Using a needle-tip object, press the reset switch (located in a small hole) for at least 1 second.
3. The amplifier will initialize and then turn back on (or enter standby if it was already on).

Specifications

Rated power output: 140 W/ch (8 Ω, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08% two channels driven), 170 W/ch (6 Ω)

Output bandwidth: 5 Hz - 40 kHz (8 Ω load, 0.09%)

Frequency response: 8 Hz – 100 kHz (± 3 dB, 1 W, 8 Ω)

Damping factor: 100

Input sensitivity/impedance: 1.2 V/ 22 kΩ (UNBALANCED), 2.4 V/30 kΩ (BALANCED)

Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A): 105 dB

Voltage amplification level: 29 dB

Supply voltage: AC120V 60 Hz

Power consumption: 800 W

Standby power: 0.4 W

Weight: 17.9 kg

Accessories: Power cable, Remote control cable, Warranty card (USA, Canada), Operating instructions.

Outside Dimensions: Width: 17-3/8 ins. (440 mm), Height: 6-3/4 ins. (170.5 mm) (without feet), Depth: 15-1/8 ins. (384 mm) (without front panel).

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning of Equipment External Surfaces

Clean the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth slightly dampened with a mild detergent solution (1 part detergent to 6 parts water), then wipe dry with a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or chemical agents.

Repairs

Servicing should only be performed by qualified, factory-trained technicians. Contact your dealer or Marantz service for repairs, especially after the warranty period.