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REF500M
M O NO AU D I O PO W ER AMPLI FI E R
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Information
Safety Information ……………………………………………………………………………………2
Certifications/Standards ……………………………………………………………………………………3
Warranty ……………………………………………………………………………………4
Unpacking ……………………………………………………………………………………4
Power Connection ……………………………………………………………………………………4
Setup and Placement ……………………………………………………………………………………5
Design Features ……………………………………………………………………………………5
Rear Panel Connections ……………………………………………………………………………………6
Tips for Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………7
Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………8
Copyright © 2009 Bel Canto Design Ltd.
Bel Canto Design Limited
221 North 1
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Bel Canto
Design. The content of this manual is provided for information use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be
construed as a commitment by Bel Canto Design Limited. Bel Canto Design Limited assumes no responsibility or liability for
any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual. Trademarks used in this publication: Bel Canto and the Bel Canto
logo are registered trademarks of Bel Canto Design Limited. REF500
Design Limited disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. Printed in the United
States.
st
Street
M is a trademark of Bel Canto Design Limited. Bel Canto
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Explanation of symbols used in this manual or on the
rear/underside of the apparatus:
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages
within the enclosure of sufficient magnitude to
cause electric shock.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operation, maintenance
and servicing information in the instruction and
service manuals.
CAUTION
• To reduce the risks of electric shock, do not remove
the cover.
• No user serviceable parts inside.
• Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Replace the mains fuse in the plug with one of the
same type and rating.
• Disconnect supply cord before changing fuse.
WARNING
To reduce the risks of fire or electric shock, do not open
chassis or expose this apparatus to water or moisture.
• Read, keep and follow these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Do not use the apparatus near water, ie near a
bathtub, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, near a swimming pool etc.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions.
Site the apparatus so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For
example, the apparatus should not be situated on
a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block
the ventilation openings, or placed in a built in
installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that
may impede the flow of air through the ventilation
openings.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet; consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and at the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
• 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 power-supply
cord or plug has been damaged, 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.
• Mains plug: Use the mains plug to disconnect the
apparatus from the mains supply. The mains plug
must be accessible at all times. Use the mains
switch (if applicable) when the apparatus is not in
use.
• Objects and liquid entry: Do not let objects or
liquids fall into the apparatus. Do not expose the
apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not place
a vessel containing liquid on top of the apparatus.
• No naked flame sources, such as lighted
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
• The apparatus has been designed for use in
moderate and tropical climates
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Fuse replacement:
This appliance is fitted with a non-rewireable 10 amp
mains plug. The plug contains a 10 amp fuse. If the fuse
has blown it can be replaced as follows:
a) Pull out the black fuse cover/carrier.
b) Remove and dispose of the blown fuse.
c) Fit a new 10 amp BS1362 approved fuse into the carrier
and push the carrier back into the plug.
Bel Canto Design Ltd. declare that this product is in conformance
with the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and Electromagnetic
Compatibility 89/336/EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC and
93/68/EEC.
The conformity of the designated product with the provisions of
Directive number 73/23/EEC (LVD) is proved by full compliance
with the following standards:
EN60065 2002 General requirements
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
Always ensure the fuse cover is fitted. If the fuse cover is
missing do not use the plug. Contact your Bel Canto
retailer to obtain a replacement fuse cover. Fuses are for
fire protection and do not protect against electric shock.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
GROUNDED.
The conformity of the designated product with the provisions of
Directive number 89/336/EEC (EMC) is proved by full compliance
with the following standards:
EN55013 2001 Conducted emissions
EN55013 2001 Absorbed emissions
EN55020 2002 Immunity
The conformity of the designated product with the provisions of
Directive number 2005/32/EC ecodesign requirements is proved
by full compliance with the ‘off mode’ setting power of 0.0 Watts.
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
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WARNIN G !
Please take a moment to fill out your warranty registration sheet. Returning this registration validates your
warranty. This information will not be sold or released outside Bel Canto. Your comments and suggestions help
us continually improve our products and services.
Bel Canto products are automatically covered by a 90 day factory warranty which covers all internal parts and
labor. You have the option to extend your warranty to 2 years by completing and returning the enclosed warranty
registration form within 30 days of purchase. You will need to include a copy of the original sales receipt from an
authorized Bel Canto dealer. Completion of warranty registration will ensure prompt warranty coverage. The
warranty is only valid to the original owner and is non-transferable. Damage caused by unauthorized
modification, abuse, or neglect of product will void your warranty. Any cost associated with return of product is
the sole responsibility of the owner.
Bel Canto products are uniquely identified with a serial number on the back panel of each unit. This number is
required to validate your warranty. Please reference the serial number if service is required. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact us Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST.
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REF500
1 (one) – REF500M Amplifier
packaging contains the following:
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1 (one) – REF500
1 (one) – Power cord [6.6’ – 2 meters long]
1 (one) – Warranty Sheet (North America only)
User’s Guide
Carefully unpack each piece and check for shipping
damage. If there is any damage, or if anything is
missing, please contact your dealer, distributor or
Bel Canto Design.
The power supply on the REF500M is preset for the
proper power voltage. The power cable should have
the correct plug for your local power system. If you
believe this to not be true, please contact your
dealer immediately.
IMPORT ANT !
Save all packing materials! They are custom
designed to protect the unit during transportation or
shipping. If the packing becomes lost or damaged,
please contact your dealer or Bel Canto before
attempting to transport your unit.
This product, like any electrical component, can be
dangerous and cause injury unless correct handling
procedures are observed and used. Before
powering this product, it is necessary to read and
follow proper setup and procedures.
Do not connect power
to this product yet!
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IMPOR T ANT!
Because the REF500M runs cool, it can be placed in
many system locations without compromise. We do
not recommend placing weights or other objects
M
directly on the REF500
. This may scratch or mar
the chassis finish. Do not use harsh chemicals
M
when cleaning the outside of your REF500
.
Make all connections before
powering your unit!
The e.One Series REF500M is a mono audio amplifier designed to deliver over 250 watts into 8 ohm loads and
500 watts into 4 ohm loads. The REF500
3 ohms. This is achieved in a compact and elegant product through our adaptation of the latest analog switching
amplifier and power supply technology from the ICEpower group.
Bel Canto’s new generation of e.One analog switching audio power amplifiers extend our leadership in this
technology. These amplifiers incorporate performance enhancing technologies that bring musicality and
performance to new levels.
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REF500
Features:
• A custom input stage is added for increased linearity, common mode rejection and improved input stage drive
to the amplifier. This circuit results in lower noise in real-world operation, lower distortion and better dynamic
performance for the amplifier.
• This input stage uses the latest advanced amplifiers and passive components including: Caddock resistors,
Solid Electrolytic ultra-low ESR decoupling capacitors and low noise regulated power supplies. These devices
ensure that the input section is utterly transparent, enhancing the performance of the core amplifier.
• The REF1000
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and REF500M Mono amplifiers also include custom power supply rectification and filters that
add 45 Joules of energy storage to the power supply. This stage results in lower noise in operation, reduced
sensitivity to power line effects and better perceived power delivery and dynamics. Incorporating high speed,
low noise rectifiers, high voltage film filter capacitors and high energy storage, this filter allows the regulated
power supply to perform at its best.
• The REF500
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uses 3rd generation switching amplifiers for lower high frequency distortion, increased clarity,
and better high frequency extension.
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The REF500
’s sonic performance will start to stabilize after approximately forty (40) hours of continuous power
up. We recommend that the REF500
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has current drive capability for virtually any loudspeaker load down to
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remains powered for optimal performance.
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Rear Panel Connections
Never Connect Either the Positive or Negative Speaker Output to Any Ground Contact!
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Connecting any Speaker Output on the REF500
could damage the amplifier and void the warranty.
1) Power Switch: Power is on when the switch is
toggled to the I position and off in the O position.
2) Input Connections and RCA/XLR switch: When
using RCA cables for the input ensure that the
RCA/XLR switch is pressed in to the RCA position.
When using XLR cables insure that the switch is out
in the XLR position. Do not connect both XLR and
RCA cables to the inputs!
to Ground will cause the amplifier to go into protection and
3) Output Connections: Attach your loudspeaker to
the output connectors. Be sure that the polarity of
each speaker is correct and the same so that no
phase inversion can occur.
4) IEC power cord jack: Connect a heavy gauge
power cord from this jack to the wall power supply.
Note the power setting indicated on the back of the
amplifier before connecting the power.
Double-check all connections to and from the
amplifier. Power on the preamplifier in your system,
activate its Mute setting and then power on the
REF500
Front Panel Indicator Lamp
What to do if there is hum or ground noise:
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• In case there is hum or ground noise, check that the RCA/XLR switch is in the correct position for the type of
connection being used.
• Ensure that the preamplifier or any source components are not producing hum by setting the preamplifier to a
MUTE or Standby setting.
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• The design of the REF500
using shorter interconnect cables to the preamplifier. Connect all power cables to a common outlet box or
power conditioner unit to reduce the possibility for ground current noise being induced into the audio signal
path.
• If you choose to power your source and preamplifier components from a different AC supply than used for the
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REF500
balanced XLR preamplifier output.
• We do not recommend that you resort to ‘cheater plugs’ or some other means to disconnect the power
ground from the REF500
• The small blue LED lamp indicates that power is connected to the REF500
the ON position. If the amplifier detects a fault or short circuit in the output connections, it will go into a
protection mode and stop playing. If this occurs toggle the power switch to the OFF position and check the
speaker cabling to ensure that no speaker output is either shorted together or connected to a ground. When
you are certain that the loudspeaker cabling is correct, power the unit ON again, check that the blue LED is lit
and that music will play.
• There is an internal fuse protection on the REF500
cable is connected to a functioning power outlet at the correct voltage and the blue LED is not lit, this
indicates that the internal fuse may have blown. If this occurs contact your dealer, distributor or Bel Canto for
service. There are no user replaceable fuses or other parts. Opening the chassis will void your warranty.
amplifiers, we recommend that you use a high quality balanced XLR cable driven from a true
reduces the chance for ground loop induced hum, but we still recommend
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as this may lead to dangerous operation and void the warranty.
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and that the power switch is in
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. If the power switch is in the ON position, the power
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Specifications
Maximum Power Output: 500W 4 ohms, 250W 8 ohms
Power Output 1% THD: 450W 4 ohms, 225W 8 ohms
Minimum Load: 3 ohms
Peak Output Current: 35 amperes
Frequency Response: +/-3 dB 1.5Hz-70KHz, all loads
THD+N: 0.003% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms
IMD (CCIF): 0.0003%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms
Output noise: 35uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
Voltage gain: 27dB (single ended or balanced input)
Damping factor: >1000
Output Impedance at 100Hz: <8 milliohms
Dynamic Range: 121dB
Input Voltage for Max Output: 2Vrms
Input connections: Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR
RCA input impedance: 100Kohms
Balanced input impedance: 200Kohms
Output connections: 1-set WBT 5-way binding posts
Power On usage: 10W
Power Off usage: 0.0W
Size: 8.5 x 3.5 x 12[inches], 216 x 88 x 305[mm] (WxHxD)
Weight: 15lbs, 7Kg
Features and specifications are subject to improvements and changes without prior notice.
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