Operating Instructions

Dear customer

Thank you for purchasing this AVM product. You now own a versatile, excellent sounding high end component. Before enjoying music, please read this manual carefully. After that you will know how to use your MA / SA 6.3 in the optimal way.

Please note: The range of functions of your MA / SA 6.3 can be easily expanded by means of a firmware update at any time. Hence, the present operating instructions will require continued updates going forward. You can always download the most current version from our website at www.avm.audio.

Sincerely yours,
The AVM Team

Declaration of conformity (for EC only)

We herewith confirm, that the unit to which this manual belongs fulfills the EC rules necessary to obtain the CE sign.

The necessary measurements were taken with positive results.

AVM Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH
Daimlerstraße 8
D-76316 Malsch
Germany

www.avm.audio
info@avm.audio

1 Getting started

1.1 What's in the box?

• OVATION MA / SA 6.3
• Power cord (in some countries)
• Trigger plug(s)

1.2 Control and operating elements

The numbers in the drawings below mark the control elements. They refer to the numbers in the text, where the operation of the unit is described.

1.2.1 Front

A diagram shows the front panel with the following labeled elements:

• 1 Power button (on / off)
• 2 Control LED
• 3 Menu buttons (soft keys)
• 4 Display
• 5 Display button

The blue VF display indicates the actual power (power bar) and the current peak power (numeric) of the MA / SA 6.3. It is also useful to make settings via the intuitive menu system: Configuring the display (power bar & value display, peak power only and display off), setting the display brightness, setting the operating mode (permanent, automatic, trigger, remote) and setting the actual speaker impedance.

If you happen to use an AVM model of the PA or SD series as a pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can be automatically switched on and off via a connected audio cable – without the need for an additional trigger cable. In addition, the display brightness can also be remotely controlled – according to the selected setting on the pre-amplifier (see section 2.3.1).

1.2.2 Rear

Diagrams show the rear panels of the MA 6.3 and SA 6.3 with labeled connections:

• 6 Speaker terminal(s)
• 7 Analog input balanced (XLR)
• 8 Analog input unbalanced (Cinch/RCA)
• 9 Configuration port
• 10 Trigger input (TRIGGER IN)
• 11 Phase-LED
• 12 Mains outlet
• 13 Mains switch

1.2.3 Pin assignment XLR input und Trigger input

Diagrams illustrate the pin assignments for XLR input and a 3.5 mm Trigger input:

• XLR Input (7): 1) GND, 2) POS (+), 3) NEG (-)
• 3.5 mm Trigger input (10): GND, 5V Trigger

1.3 Installation and cooling

The unit can become hot depending on the demanded output power or environmental temperature. Ensure that the cooling air can flow unhindered into the air inlets in the bottom and flow out through the holes in the rear panel. Direct exposure to sunlight is not recommended as it may cause unwanted malfunctions.

Heat sensitive objects such as candles, plastics, records or CD's may also be damaged by the generated heat. Ensure small children do not burn themselves by accidentally touching the amplifier(s). The housing does not feel extremely hot to adults, but small children generally react more sensitively.

PLEASE NOTE: The installed transformers emit magnetic stray fields. To prevent interference, it is recommended to not place the unit(s) either directly on or near the pre-amplifier or record player.

1.4 Connection to mains

Connect the unit to the mains outlet (12) using the provided power cord. Ensure the mains voltage matches the value printed on the rear panel. Set the mains switch (13) to ON.

CAUTION: Keep the unit switched off until all audio connections are made. Also, keep your loudspeakers disconnected when switching the unit on for the first time.

Switch on the unit by pressing the power button (1). The unit performs a self-test. After the initial check, switch off the amp at the mains switch (13). Now the unit is ready to be connected to your hi-fi set. After a few seconds, the unit will be switched on and ready to operate.

NOTE: In case one of the operating modes auto, remote or trigger have been set, the amplifier goes to standby right after the initial self-test (see section 2.3.3).

When this initial check is passed, switch off the amplifier again at the mains switch (13). Now the unit is ready to be connected to your sources and loudspeakers.

If the unit has been transported in cold conditions, allow it to acclimatize in the listening room without a mains connection for at least one hour.

1.5 Connecting a pre-amplifier

The MA / SA 6.3 is equipped with both unbalanced RCA/Cinch and balanced XLR input sockets (7, 8). Ensure correct channel connection (sockets marked "r" for right and "l" for left).

CAUTION: Please note that either the RCA/Cinch cable or the XLR cable is connected to a pre-amplifier. Otherwise, unfavourable sound interferences or even short circuits may occur, if both inputs are operated simultaneously.

1.6 Connecting trigger inputs

If your pre-amplifier has trigger outputs, connect them to the trigger input (10) of your MA / SA 6.3 for automatic switching on and off. Refer to section 1.2.3 for trigger output pinning.

If using an AVM PA or SD series pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can be switched on and off via a connected audio cable, eliminating the need for an additional trigger cable. Display brightness can also be remotely controlled (see section 2.3.3).

1.7 Connecting loudspeakers

Connect the "right" marked clips of the speaker terminal(s) to the right speaker and the "left" marked clips to the left speaker (6). Use good quality loudspeaker cables with sufficient diameter. Ensure correct polarity: connect red marked output clips to the red loudspeaker clip or clip marked with a plus sign. Right and left channels must have the same polarity.

The SA 6.3 features two switchable speaker outlets (6, 14) internally connected in parallel, allowing for bi-wiring mode.

NOTE: If using banana plugs, secure the outer parts of the sockets by clockwise turning before inserting the pin to prevent rattling noises. Remove any plastic plugs covering the 4mm holes of the loudspeaker clips with a thin screwdriver.

For optimal tonal quality, keep speaker cables as short as possible to ensure extremely short paths between the power amplifier and the loudspeaker. Use cables of identical length for the right and left channel.

1.8 Packing advice

The flight case is not symmetrical. Ensure correct positioning when packing the unit into the case.

2 Basic operation and advanced settings menu

2.1 Operating mode / Standby mode

Use the power button (1) to switch between operating and standby mode. When switched on, the display (4) lights up and the control LED (2) is off. In standby mode, the display is off and the control LED is on.

CAUTION: When switched to standby, the unit remains connected to the mains. In case of a thunderstorm or if you leave the house for a longer time, switch off the amplifier using the mains switch (13) or pull the mains plug (12).

2.2 Display button

Press the display button (5) to switch off the display if it disturbs you while listening to music.

2.3 Advanced settings menu

The MA / SA 6.3 offers custom-specific settings accessible via the advanced settings menu. To enter the menu, tap the MENU button (3). The selected menu point is indicated in capital letters on the display, with the option below in lowercase. Use the menu buttons < ITEM > to navigate and < VALUE > to change settings. Press EXIT to store and exit the menu.

2.3.1 Set display brightness

Selects display brightness from 100%, 75%, 50%, to 25%. The display brightness can also be remotely controlled if an AVM PA or SD series pre-amplifier is used and "remote" is set as the operating mode (see section 2.3.3).

2.3.2 Set display mode

• bargraph & value: Displays actual output level as a bar and peak output power numerically.
• value: Displays only the peak output power numerically.

CLIP indicates that the demanded output power exceeded the maximum. Reduce the volume to avoid damaging the tweeters.

2.3.3 Set operating mode

• permanent: The unit is permanently ready to operate after being switched on with the mains switch (13) until switched off.
• automatic: The amplifier switches on automatically when a connected pre-amplifier delivers an audio signal. Standby mode is activated if no signal is received for more than 10 minutes.
• trigger: Operating mode and standby are controlled via the trigger input (10).
• remote: If using an AVM PA or SD series pre-amplifier, the MA / SA 6.3 can be switched on and off via inaudible digital signals over an audio cable, without an additional trigger cable. Display brightness can also be remotely controlled (see section 2.3.1).

2.3.4 Define load impedance

Select the given impedance (4 or 8 Ohms) for your speakers to obtain correct values in the power display (see 2.3.2). This setting is for calibrating the power display only and does not affect amplifier performance.

2.4 Reset (Factory settings)

The Reset menu cancels settings and returns the unit to default settings. To enter the Reset menu, switch off the device using the mains switch (13). Press and hold the middle key under the display (3) while switching the unit on again (13). Release the button when the reset menu appears. Press ALL to reset completely. CANCEL returns to normal operating mode without resetting.

After resetting, the unit automatically switches to standby and restarts based on the selected operating mode (e.g., trigger mode if a trigger voltage is connected - see section 2.3.3).

3 Appendix

3.1 Cleaning

Use a soft cloth and normal glass cleansing fluid.

CAUTION: Ensure no fluid gets into the unit. Do not use scouring cleaners, as they may damage the surface.

3.2 Troubleshooting

Some defects may be caused by operational mistakes or issues with connected units. Please review these tips before contacting your dealer.

1. No playback

• Check if the pre-amplifier and selected signal source are operating correctly. Test the pre-amplifier with headphones. Remember to remove headphones afterwards to allow signal output to the MA / SA 6.3.
• Ensure no breaks or short circuits in the signal cable between the amplifier and pre-amplifier.
• Check the connecting cable between the amplifier and loudspeakers for short circuits or breaks.
• If the LED indicator and display do not light up after pressing the power button (1), a fuse may be blown due to overvoltage (e.g., from a thunderstorm). Contact your dealer.

2. The unit does not switch from STANDBY to OPERATE or switches from OPERATE to STANDBY during music playback

• This may occur in auto mode at low listening levels if the incoming voltage from the pre-amplifier is too low to trigger the auto-circuit. Switch to permanent mode or use a trigger cable (see section 0).
• If in trigger mode, check trigger cables between the pre-amplifier and amplifier for breaks or short circuits.
• If in remote mode without a suitable pre-amplifier (e.g., AVM SD or PA model), choose a different operating mode (see section 2.3.3).
• After switching off the pre-amplifier, the amp may not automatically switch to STANDBY (after approx. 5-10 min.) in "auto" mode. Check for humming or chirping noise from the loudspeakers after switching off the pre-amplifier. Scattering emissions within the cable may interfere with the auto-switch-off circuitry, causing the unit to interpret interference as a music signal. Avoid interferences by repositioning the cable. With balanced XLR cables, this can also arise from incorrect pin settings (see section 1.2.3).
• If the amplifier switches off during normal operation due to overheating, switch off the unit and let it cool down for some minutes.

3.3 Conditions of warranty (EC only)

AVM undertakes to repair defects free of charge for up to three years from the date of purchase, covering material and working time. Transport costs are borne by the owner.

Provisions for this warranty:

• The unit must have been purchased from an authorized dealer. Equipment from other sources will not be repaired.
• The warranty registration card, with a copy of the bill of sale, must be received within four weeks of the date of purchase.
• The defect must not be caused by improper handling or misuse.
• Return the unit in its original packing. AVM reserves the right to refuse acceptance if this is not possible. AVM assumes no responsibility for transport damage.
• Include a short description of the defect with the returned unit.
• AVM reserves the right to request a copy of the bill of sale in cases of doubt.
• AVM reserves the right to levy a handling charge for items returned without good or valid reason, or if the unit proves not to be defective.

NOTE: If returning the unit from a country other than Germany, ensure correct export documents are obtained. AVM cannot accept charges for costs arising from improper or incomplete export documentation. If purchased from a dealer outside Germany, refer to them or the relevant importing firm for warranty processing.

3.4 Technical Data MA 6.3

Amplifier

Other

3.5 Technical Data SA 6.3

Amplifier

Other

Latest version: June 7, 2019.