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 sign
the necessary measurements were taken with positive results.
AVM Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH
Daimlerstraße 8
D-76316 Malsch
Germany
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
1 Power button (on / off)
2 Control LED
3 Menu buttons (soft keys)
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).
4 Display
5 Display button
2
1.2.2 Rear
1
3
2
MA 6.3
SA 6.3
6 Speaker terminal(s)
7 Analog input balanced (XLR)
8 Analog input unbalanced (Cinch/RCA)
9 Configuration port
The unit can become hot depending on the demanded output power or environmental temperature.
Therefore, it is important, 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 because
this will heat up the unit and may cause unwanted malfunctions.
Heat sensitive objects such as candles, plastics, records or CD’s may also be damaged by the
generated heat of the MA / SA 6.3. Great care should also be taken to 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) by using the power cord which is (in some countries) delivered
together with the unit. Make sure the mains voltage is according to the value printed on the rear panel
of the amplifier (near mains connector). Set the mains switch (13) to on (push once).
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 while the AVM logo
appears on the display (4). During this procedure, you will hear clicks in short succession from the
switching relays of the driver stage and supply unit. When this initial check is passed, switch off the
amp at the mains switch (1, push once). Now the unit is ready to be connected to your hi-fi set. After a
few seconds the unit is 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.
Depending on the weather outside during transport, the unit might still be cold after unboxing. In this
case, we recommend to place the unit in your listening room and let it ‘acclimatize’ without a mains
connection for at least one hour.
1.5 Connecting a pre-amplifier
The MA / SA 6.3 is equipped with both an unbalanced RCA/Cinch and a balanced XLR input sockets
(7, 8) which can be used as desired. Please make sure that the right and left channel is connected
correctly. Input sockets are marked with "r" (right) and "l" (left).
CAUTION: Please note that either the RCA/Cinch cable or the XLR cable is connected to a preamplifier. Otherwise, unfavourable sound interferences or even short circuits may occur, if both inputs
are operated simultaneously.
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1.6 Connecting trigger inputs
If you use a pre-amplifier that is equipped with trigger outputs, connect them to the trigger input of
your MA / SA 6.3 (10) which will automatically switch on and off together with your pre-amplifier. The
pinning of the trigger outputs is described in section 1.2.3.
If you happen to use an AVM model of the PA or SD series as a pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can
automatically be 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 remote controlled (see section 2.3.3)
1.7 Connecting loudspeakers
Connect the "right" marked clips of the speaker terminal(s) to the right speaker, the "left" marked clips
to the left speaker (6). We recommend to only use loudspeaker cables of good quality and with
sufficient diameter to connect your loudspeaker to the output clips. Take care of the correct polarity
when connecting. The red marked output clips must be connected to the red loudspeaker clip or
marked with a plus sign. Right and left channels must be the same polarity.
The SA 6.3 is equipped with two switchable speaker outlets (6, 14) which are internally connected in
parallel. Hence, your loudspeakers may also be operated in bi-wiring mode.
NOTE: If you are using banana plugs, secure the outer parts of the sockets (by clockwise turning)
before inserting the pin. This will prevent unwanted rattling noises. On delivery, you may find some
plastic plugs covering the 4mm holes of the loudspeaker clips. These can be removed with a thin
screwdriver.
To be able to fully appreciate the tonal qualities of your MA / SA 6.3 amplifier, we recommend to keep
the speaker cables as short as possible. This way, extremely short paths between the power amplifier
and the loudspeaker, for the transport of electrical power, is achieved. We recommends to only use
cables of identical length for the right and the left channel.
1.8 Packing advice
The bottom of the flight case in which the unit is delivered is not symmetrical. If you want to pack the
unit into the case at a later point in time, please make sure to position the unit correctly.
2 Basic operation and advanced settings menu
2.1 Operating mode / Standby mode
Using the power button (1) you can switch between the operating mode and the standby mode. When
switched on, the display (4) lights up and the control LED (2) is switched off. In standby mode, the
display is switched off and the control LED is on to indicate the unit is still connected to the mains.
CAUTION: When switched to standby, the unit is still connected to the mains. In case of a
thunderstorm or if you leave the house for a longer time, we recommend you switch off the amplifier
by using the mains switch (13) or pull the mains plug (12).
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2.2 Display button
If the display disturbs you while listening to music, you can switch it off by pressing the display button
(5).
2.3 Advanced settings menu
The MA / SA 6.3 offers a wealth of custom-specific settings in its advanced settings menu which may
be accessed during operating or standby mode. To enter the menu, just tap on the MENU button (3).
The currently selected menu point is indicated in the upper area of the display in capital letters – the
respective option is indicated below in lowercase characters. To skip through the available menu
points, use the menu buttonsnamed < ITEM >. To change the setting or option of a selected menu
point, use the menu buttons named < VALUE >. To store and exit the menu again, just press the menu
button EXIT.
2.3.1 Set display brightness
Selects the display brightness from 100%, 75%, 50%, to 25%.
NOTE: The display brightness can also be remotely controlled, if an AVM model of the PA or SD series
is used as a pre-amplifier and remote is set as operating mode (see section 2.3.3)
2.3.2 Set display mode
bargraph & value: While operating, a bar informs about the actual output level. The peak output power
is displayed numerically.
value: Only the peak output power is indicated numerically.
CLIP indicates the demanded output power exceeded the maximum. In this case, we recommend to
reduce the volume in order to not damage the tweeters of your tweeters.
2.3.3 Set operating mode
permanent: When switched on using the mains switch (13), the unit is permanently ready to operate
until it is switched off with the mains switch.
automatic: The amplifier switches on automatically as soon as a connected pre-amplifier delivers an
audio signal to one of the analog inputs (7, 8). Standby mode is activated as soon as the pre-amplifier
has not delivered a signal for more than 10 minutes.
trigger: Switching to operating mode and to standby is controlled via the trigger input (10). For details,
see section 0.
remote: 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 inaudible digital signals sent over 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).
2.3.4 Define load impedance
To obtain correct values in the power display (see 2.3.2), it is necessary to select the given impedance
according to your speakers (4 or 8 Ohms). This setting is only for calibrating the power display and has
no influence on the performance of the amplifier itself.
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2.4 Reset (Factory settings)
The Reset menu cancels certain or all settings and makes the unit return to default settings.
To enter the Reset menu, please switch off your device on the rear of the unit at the mains switch (13).
Keep the middle key under the display pressed (3) while you switch on the unit again (13). As soon as
the display shows the reset menu you can release the multifunctional button under the display (3). Now
press ALL to reset the unit completely. CANCEL will bring the unit back to normal operating mode
without resetting any item.
After resetting your MA / SA 6.3, the unit automatically switches to standby and will restart depending
on the selected operating mode (e.g. if a trigger voltage (10) is connected and the trigger mode is
selected - see section 2.3.3).
3 Appendix
3.1 Cleaning
Use a soft cloth and normal glass cleansing fluid.
CAUTION
Make sure no fluid gets into the unit. Do not use scouring cleaners. They may damage the surface.
3.2 Troubleshooting
Some putative defects are often caused by small mistakes in operation. Sometimes, other units
connected to the amplifier may cause problems, too. We therefore kindly ask you to read the following
tips first, before consulting your dealer or us.
1. No playback
a) First of all, please check whether the pre-amplifier and the selected signal source are operating
correctly. This is best achieved by checking the functioning of the pre-amplifier by using some
headphones. Remember to remove the headphones afterwards, otherwise the pre-amplifier will
not emit a signal to the MA / SA 6.3.
b) Ensure there are no breaks or short circuits in the signal cable between the amplifier and the pre-
amplifier.
c) Check the connecting cable between the amplifier and the loudspeakers for a short circuit or break.
d) Inadvertent switching to standby. Press the power button (1). If the LED indicator and display do
not light up, a fuse can be blown due to overvoltage (e.g. in case of a thunderstorm etc.). Please
contact your dealer.
2. The unit does not switch from STANDBY to OPERATE or switches while listening to music
from OPERATE to STAND BY
a) This can happen when the amplifier is operated in auto mode and you are listening at low levels.
Then the incoming voltage from the pre-amplifier is too low to trigger the auto-circuit. In this case,
we recommend to switch the unit to permanent mode or to make use of a trigger cable (see section
0).
b) If the unit is operated in trigger mode, please check the trigger cables between the pre-amplifier
and the amplifier and ensure there are no breaks or short circuits in the cable.
c) The unit is operated in remote mode without using a suitable pre-amplifier (such as an AVM SD or
PA model). Choose a different operating mode (see section 2.3.3).
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3. After switching off the pre-amplifier the amp does not automatically switch to STANDBY (after
approx. 5-10 min.) although the "auto" mode is selected
a) Please check whether a low humming or chirping noise is heard from the loudspeakers after
switching off the pre-amplifier. If there is such a noise, scattering emissions within the cable are
interfering with the automatic switch-on circuitry. The unit is interpreting the interference as a music
signal and reacts by not switching off the amp. Avoid interferences by placing the cable. Place
your cable differently. With balanced XLR cables, this fault can also arise from errors in the pin
setting (see section 1.2.3).
4. The amplifier switches off during normal operation
a) This can happen if the temperature inside the unit becomes too high. In this case, the amplifier
switches off and the display shows overheat. Switch off the unit and let it cool down for some
minutes.
3.3 Conditions of warranty (EC only)
If despite expectations a defect occurs that cannot be repaired by yourself or your dealer, we undertake
the repair of your unit free of charge for up to three years from date of purchase. The warranty covers
the costs of material and working time, transport costs are to be borne by the owner.
Provisions for this warranty are:
•The unit must have been purchased from an authorised dealer. Equipment from other sources
will not be repaired, not even at charge.
•The warranty registration card, together with a copy of the bill of sale, must be received by us
within four weeks of the date of purchase.
• The defect must not have been caused by improper handling or misuse.
• Return the unit to us only in its original packing. If this is not possible we are entitled to refuse
acceptance. We will not assume responsibility for transport damage under any circumstances.
• A short description of the defect is to be included with the returned unit.
• In cases of doubt we reserve the right to request a copy of the bill of sale.
• We also reserve the right to levy a handling charge for items returned without good or valid
reason, or if the unit proves to be not defective.
NOTE: If you are returning the unit from a country other than Germany you should ensure that correct
export documents are obtained. We cannot accept any charges for costs arising from improper or
incomplete export documentation.
If you have purchased your unit from a dealer outside Germany please refer to him or the relevant
importing firm to process the warranty.