Luxman M-800A Pure Class A Amplifier
Owner's Manual
Important Safety Instructions
Warning Symbol: The lightning flash with arrowhead, 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.
WARNING: TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Attention Symbol: 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.
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.
Servicing: NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or back plate. No user serviceable parts inside.
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT:
- Read these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases or beverages, are placed on the equipment.
- To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC socket.
- The power supply cord should be kept in good condition; if it gets chewed up by a pet, it should be replaced.
Thank You
Your decision to purchase this Luxman M-800A Amplifier singles you out as one of the most discriminating music listeners. Luxman has been hand-crafting exquisite audio reproducing equipment in Japan since 1925. Luxman's relentless dedication to Quality is your assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new Luxman.
Front Panel Controls
Diagram Description: The front panel features several controls and indicators. Numbered callouts point to: 1. Power Indicator (LED), 2. Power Stand-by / ON button, 3. Operation Indicator (LED), 4. Balanced Input selector button, 5. Balanced Indicator (LED), 6. Output Meters, 7. Display Mode Switch, 8. BTL (Mono) Status Indicator (LED).
- Power Indicator: LED blinks gently initially to show warming up, shines constantly when the M-800A is fully operational. Yellow in stand-by, blue when operational.
- Power Stand-by / ON: Push button turns the amplifier ON or OFF (stand-by).
- Operation Indicator: LED glows blue to show that the amplifier is operational.
- Balanced Input: This is the input selector. Depress the button to select the Balanced input.
- Balanced Indicator: Blue LED shows that the Balanced input is active.
- Power Meters: Indicate the power delivered to the loudspeakers. The meters respond to all the musical information being produced by the amplifier.
- Display Mode Switch: Toggles between varying intensity of the Power Meters and finally turns them off completely. Pushing the button again cycles through the modes.
- BTL (Mono) Indicator: Blue LED shows that the Bridged Monaural output is engaged.
Rear Panel Controls
Diagram Description: The rear panel provides various connection terminals and controls. Numbered callouts point to: 9. Power Socket (AC), 10. Line Phase Sensor, 11. Power Switch (ON/OFF), 12. Remote On/Off, 13. RCA Inputs, 14. Balanced Inputs, 15. Speaker Terminals, 16. Grounding Post, 17. Stereo / Mono BTL switch.
- Power Socket (AC): Connect the M-800A power cord to a live AC outlet. Caution: The supplied AC Power Cord should not be connected until after the Loudspeaker Connections have been made. Failure to observe this could result in Electric Shock.
- Line Phase Sensor: This device checks the phase of the AC electricity. If the AC outlet is incorrectly wired (live and neutral swapped), a red LED will turn on to warn you. Press it once during installation to check wiring.
- Power Switch (ON/OFF): It is safer to turn the mains power off when not using the amplifier for a prolonged period or during a lightning storm. However, the amplifier may be left on in the standby mode for prolonged periods safely.
- Remote Trigger ON/OFF: Receives a 12-volt DC trigger from a LUXMAN C-1000f, C-800f, or C-600f to toggle between Stand-By and Operate. Uses a simple RJ-11 connector.
- RCA Inputs: Standard input connectors for unbalanced audio signals.
- Balanced Inputs: XLR inputs desirable for minimizing earth loop generated mains hum and ripple, or high frequency interference.
- Speaker Terminals: Connect the right speaker to the terminals marked 'R+' and 'R-', ensuring 'R+' connects to the '+' terminal on your loudspeaker and 'R-' to the '-' terminal. Connect the terminals marked 'L+' and 'L-' to the left speaker similarly. Always use heavy-duty (16 gauge; 1.5mm, or thicker) stranded wire. The high-current binding post terminals can be used as screw terminals for cables terminating in spade or pin sockets, or for cables with bare wire ends.
- Grounding Post: This terminal does not have to be used, but you may connect it to a suitable ground, which under some circumstances will reduce hum and ripple.
- Stereo / BTL Mono: While inputs are summed when using the BTL switch (Bridge Tied Load) or bridged monoblocks, please be aware that a different speaker hook-up is required for Mono use from the normal Stereo configuration.
Note on Polarity: Please take care to observe the correct polarities. Otherwise, one or both speakers might be out of phase. When both speakers are out of phase, for example, the singer will not be clearly defined in the center of the soundstage, but smeared across the center. Bass will not be as taut.
How to Connect Loudspeakers
Prepare the Loudspeaker Hookup Cables by choosing one of the methods below:
Bare wire Cable:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable ends. If the cable is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly as possible. The twisted ends can be tinned with solder to keep the strands together, or attach spade lug or banana connectors.
Spade Lug:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip out.
Banana Plug Connection:
Remove the black plastic cap in the center of the speaker terminal and insert the banana plug.
Note on Polarity: Please take care to observe the correct polarities. Otherwise, one or both speakers might be out of phase. When both speakers are out of phase, for example, the singer will not be clearly defined in the center of the soundstage, but smeared across the center. Bass will not be as taut.
Installation
The M-800A can be placed upright on a table (amplifier stand) or shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice.
Always provide adequate ventilation for your M-800A. Cool operation ensures the longest possible operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not install the M-800A directly above a heat generating component such as a high powered amplifier. If all the components are installed in a single cabinet, a quiet running ventilation fan should be utilized to maintain all the system components at the coolest temperature.
Allow at least 6 feet above the amplifier, 2 inches all around.
XLR Balanced Connection Pin Out
Diagram Description: An XLR connector is shown with three pins labeled: Pin 1, Pin 2, and Pin 3.
Normal Configuration:
- Ground
- Cold (-)
- Hot (+)
Reverse Configuration:
- Ground
- Hot (+)
- Cold (-)
In the USA, most balanced products use Pin 2 = Hot or + (this is the reverse switch setting).
Connections
Stereo Configuration
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the stereo connection setup. A CONTROL AMP is shown connected to a CD/DVD-A PLAYER and a CD/SACD PLAYER via RCA cables. The Luxman M-800A amplifier is connected to the CONTROL AMP using input cables (likely RCA or balanced, though the diagram focuses on the amplifier's rear). The amplifier's speaker outputs are connected to a SPEAKER SYSTEM (Left and Right speakers). The power cord is shown connecting to an AC outlet.
Mono Configuration
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the mono (BTL) connection setup using two Luxman M-800A amplifiers. A CONTROL AMP is connected to both amplifiers. Source components (CD/DVD-A PLAYER, CD/SACD PLAYER) are also shown connected to the amplifiers. The two amplifiers are configured for BTL (Bridged Tied Load) operation. The speaker outputs from both amplifiers are connected to a single SPEAKER SYSTEM (Left and Right speakers), with specific connections for bridged mode indicated.
M-800A Block Diagram
Diagram Description: The block diagram outlines the internal architecture of the M-800A amplifier. It shows the AC input feeding into the power supply section, which includes transformers, rectifiers, and regulators for various voltage rails (+B1L, -B1L, etc.). A Line Phase Sensor and Power Switch control the AC input via relays. The signal path includes input selection (balanced/unbalanced), input buffer amplifiers, the ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) circuit, main amplification stages, and output stages. The BTL amplifier configuration is shown for mono operation. Control circuits manage operation, mute, protection, and indicators. Speaker outputs are connected to the speakers, with protection circuits in place.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Rated Continuous output | 60W + 60W (8Ω)/ stereo, 120W + 120W (4Ω)/stereo, 240W (2Ω), 480W (1Ω) / 240W (8Ω) bridged mode (monaural) |
Installed capacity | 480W + 480W (1Ω)/ stereo, 960W (2Ω)/ bridged mode (monaural) |
Input sensitivity | 773mV/60W (8Ω), GAIN 29dB |
Input impedance | Unbalanced RCA 51KΩ, balanced XLR 67KΩ |
Harmonic Distortion | 0.009% or less (1KHz, 60W/8Ω), 0.1% or less (20Hz – 20KHz, 60W/8Ω) |
Frequency Response | 20Hz~20KHz (+0, -0.2dB), DC~130KHz (+0dB ~ -3dB) |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 117dB (IHF-A) |
Damping factor | 700/8Ω |
Attachment (Front Panel) | Operation switch, operation indicator and stand-by indicator, input Change-over Switch, balance indicator and Bridged indicator, level meter, meter display switch. |
Attachment (Rear Panel) | Mains power switch, Bridge switch (monaural) and input terminal (RCA and balanced; one of each), speaker output (1 systems), signal ground terminal and remote input terminal, line phase sensor and AC inlet. |
Accessories | Power cable and remote turn on / off cable (for use with Luxman control amps C-1000f, C-800f, C-600f). |
Power consumption | 492W (rated power), 396W (signal less), 0.9W (stand by). |
Dimensions | 17.25" (W) × 8.8” (H) × 19” (D) mm. |
Weight | 107 lbs. Net, 175 lbs shipping. |
Warranty
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. LIMITED WARRANTY
Luxman warrants the product designated herein to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser or no later than five (5) years from the date of shipment to the authorized Luxman dealer, whichever comes first, excepting vacuum tubes which are warranted for 90 days only.
2. CONDITIONS
This Warranty is subject to the following conditions and limitations. The Warranty is void and inapplicable if the product has been used or handled other than in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual, abused, or misused, damaged by accident or neglect or in being transported, or the defect is due to the product being repaired or tampered with by anyone other than Luxman or an authorized Luxman repair center. The product must be packed and returned to Luxman or an authorized Luxman repair center by the customer at his or her sole expense. Luxman will pay return freight of its choice. A RETURNED PRODUCT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE DEFECT AND A PHOTOCOPY OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE RECEIPT. This receipt must clearly list model and serial number, the date of purchase, the name and address of the purchaser and authorized dealer and the price paid by the purchaser. Luxman reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products and to change the prices or specifications of any product without notice or obligation to any person.
3. REMEDY
In the event the above product fails to meet the above Warranty and the above conditions have been met, the purchaser's sole remedy under this Limited Warranty shall be to return the product to Luxman or an authorized Luxman repair center where the defect will be rectified without charge for parts or labor, except vacuum tubes.
4. LIMITED TO ORIGINAL PURCHASER
This Warranty is for the sole benefit of the original purchaser of the covered product and shall not be transferred to a subsequent purchaser of the product.
5. DURATION OF WARRANTY
This Warranty expires on the third anniversary of the date of purchase or no later than the fifth anniversary of the date of shipment to the authorized Luxman dealer, whichever comes first.
6. VACUUM TUBES
Vacuum tubes are warranted for the original 90-day period only.
7. DEMONSTRATION EQUIPMENT
Equipment used by an authorized dealer for demonstration purposes is warranted to be free of manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of shipment to the dealer. Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days. After the first year, demo equipment needing warranty service must be packed and returned to Luxman Service Center by the dealer at his sole expense. Luxman will pay return freight of its choice. A returned product must be accompanied by a written description of the defect on an LUXMAN RETURNED GOODS AUTHORIZATION form. Dealer-owned demonstration equipment sold at retail within three (3) years of date of shipment to the dealer is warranted to the first retail customer to be free of manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the duration of the 3-Year Limited Warranty remaining (as measured from the date of shipment of the equipment to the dealer). Vacuum tubes are not warranted for any period under these conditions of sale. In the event warranty service is needed under these conditions, the owner of the equipment must provide a copy of his purchase receipt, fulfilling the requirements described under "2. Conditions" above. The product must be packed and returned to Luxman or an authorized Luxman repair center by the customer at his or her sole expense. Luxman will pay return freight of its choice.
8. MISCELLANEOUS
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES RELATING TO THE ABOVE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY DOES NOT EXTEND TO ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL COSTS OR DAMAGES TO THE PURCHASER. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
9. US WARRANTOR
Inquiries regarding the above Limited Warranty may be sent to the following address: On A Higher Note, PO Box 698, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693.
Luxman Worldwide Contacts
- Luxman, Japan: www.luxman.co.jp
- Luxman, Germany: www.luxman-audio.de (phone (0)5921.78849.27, fax (0)5921.78849.28)
- Luxman, United Kingdom: www.luxman-audio.co.uk (phone +44(0)1900 813064, fax +44(0)1900 818060)
- Luxman, United States: www.luxman.us (phone (1) 949 488 3004, fax (1) 949 488 3284)