Carver A-500-X Owners manual

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A-500x

A-5OOx

THX@

Stereo Power

Magnified

CurrentrM

Amplifier

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wffiHH

1.

Safety

i. Read
instructions
is operated.

2.

The
instructions
for future

3.
warnings
nent
instructions
followed.

4. Follow
All operating
instructions
followed.

5. Water
The
not
for example,
bathtub,

kitchen
in
a

6. Ventilation
Component
situated

location
not
proper
example,
should
a

bed,
surface
any
or
installation
bookcase
may
air through
openings.

'1

.
nent
radiators,

8. Power

to a power
operation

Instructions

Retain

Instructions

safety

reference.

Heed

Warnings

on the

and

in

Instructions

and

Component

be used

washbowl,

sink, laundry

a

wet basement,

swimming

so

or

interfere

ventilation.

the

not

be

sofa,

that

ventilation

placed

in a built-in

or cabinet

impede

-

Heat

The

should

or other

Sources

supply

instructions

Instructions

should

be read

and

operating

should

be kept

-All

Compo-

these

operating

should

be

and

other

should

be

Moisture

should

near

water

near

a

or

pool,

etc.

-

The

should

be

that

its

position

rug,
may

such

ventilation

be situated

does

with its

For

Component

situated

or similar

block

openings;

as a

that

the

flow

Compo-

devices

-

The

only

--

All

the

before

-

-

-

-

tub,

near

PORTABLE

on

of

away

from

which produce

Component

of the

type

or as

marked

safety

and

the Carver

CAUTION:

REFER

heat

sources

should

described

on the

operation

Component

RISK

OF ELECTRIC

DO

TO

REDUCE

DO

NOT

NO

USER-SERVICEABLE

SERVICING

The

lightning
within
the

user

"dangerous
enclosure,
to

constitute

The

exclamation
triangle
presence

THE

REMOVE

TO

QUALIFIED

an equilateral

to the

voltage"

that

is intended

of important
tenance (servicing)
accompanying

CART

such

heat.

be

connected

in

these

Component.

WARNING

as

Power

9.
routed
by

items placed
attention
point

SHOCK

NOT

OPEN

R|SK

OF ELECTRTC

COVER

PARTS

SERVICE

flash

with

triangle

presence

within

may

be of

a risk

of electric

point

within

to

alert

operating

instructions

the

appliance.

Carts
Component

only
that
the
A

Component
combination
moved
stops,

uneven
the
combination

14.

Servicing
Component
manual.
service personnel.

Cord

Protection

so that

they

upon

to

cords

at

where

they

exit the

(OR

BACK)

INSIDE

PERSONNEL

arrowhead

of

uninsulated

the

sufficient

the

symbol

is

intended
product,s

magnitude

shock

to

an

equilateral

user

of the

and

in

the

and

stands

should

with

a

cart

or stand

is

recommended

manufacturer.

and

should

with care.

excessive

surfaces

Component

beyond

All

other

to

-

force,
may

and

overturn.

The

those

servicing

-

are

not likely

or against

plugs,

convenience

Component.

SHOCK

to

alert

persons.

main-

literature

-

The

be used

bv

cart

be

Quick

and

cause

cart

user

should

means

should

Power-supply

to be

them, paying particular

not

attempt

described

be refemed

cords

walked

10.
Component
cleaned
recommended
manual.

1 1.

power
nent

from
unused
of time.

12.
Entry
taken so

not fall

are not

inside of

13. Damage

Service
nent
only by
personnel

A. The power-supply
cord
damaged;

B.
liquid has
Component;

C. The

been exposed
D. The

not appear
normally

a marked
performance;
or

E. The
been
cabinet

upon

receptacles,

Cleaning

only

Non-use Periods-The

cord of

should be

the

outlet when

for a

Object and Liquid

-

Care

that objects

into and

spilled into

the Component.

-

should be

qualified

when:

the plug

or

Objects have

spilled

Component

Component

to

or exhibits

change

Component

dropped,

damaged.

to

service

in this

to

should

pinched

or

and

-

The

should

as

in this

the Compo-

unplugged

period

long

should

liquids

Requiring

The

Compo-

serviced

service

has been

or

fallen,

into the

or

to

rain;

operate

in

or its

the

operating

qualified

be

the

be

be

do

the

or

has

or

does

has

15.

prevent

To

with

an

blades

can

Pour pr6evenir
fiche polarise6
ou une

autre

Otre ins6r6es

16.

Grounding

taken

so that

Component
I7

:r

. InternallBxternal
external
be reset
voltage
ized

by a qualified

Carver

electric

extension

be

fully inserted

sortie
i fond

or Polarization

the

is not

line

voltage

and re-equipped

Dealer

shock,

cord,

les

chocs

avec

un

de

courant,

sans

grounding

defeated.

Voltage
selector

service

for more

do

not

receptacle

6lectriques

prolongateur,

laisser

with

or other

to prevent

sauf

si les lames peuvent

aucune

-

Precautions

polarization

or

Selectors
switches,

proper

a

technician.

information.

use

this

blade

ne pas

prise

un

pariie

-

Internal

if

any,

plug

See

polarized

outlet

unless

exposure.

utiliser

de courant

d d6couvert.
should

means

of the

or

should

for

alternate

anAuthor-

cette

be

only

plug

the

18.

Attachment
voltage
Dealer
voltage

This
(whichever

from
regulations
tions.

ATTENTION
de bruits

aux appareils
cas)
radio6lectrique
du Canada.

models

for

information

use.

This

apparatus

is

digital

apparatus

of

radio6lectriques

num6riques

prescrites

Plugs

for

-

only)

on the

pertains

does

not

exceed

applicable)

as set

the

Canadian

-

pr6sent

Le

dans

le

rdglement

6dict6 par

Alternate

See

to

limits

d6passant

de class

les ministere

Line

your

Authorized

attachment plug

dual-voltage

the

Class

for radio

out in

the radio

Department

appareil

las

A/de

sur le

Voltage

Carver

for

units

only.

A/Class
noise

emissions

interference

of Communica-

num6rique

limites

applicables

class B
brouillage
des

(selon

communications

(Dual

alternate

B

n'6met

le

pas

WARNING

DO

NOT

CAUTION:

ATTENTION:

DUIRE

LA

CORRESPONDANTE

Gontents

1.

Safety

2.

Prelude

3.

Features

4.

Unpacking

5. Installation

6.

Operation

7.

In

8.

Care

Instructions

and

Specifications

and

..............

Location
Handle
AC
Connection
Rear Panel

Front
System

A quick

and

Removal

Power

Considerations...---..

Tips

Connections

Panel

Features

Configurations

note
Amp-to-Preamp
Amp-to-Speaker

Wiring
Hook-up
Stereo

Mono
Amplifier
Speaker

Case

and

Operation

Operation

Protection

Protection

of Difficulty.............

Service

-

TO

REDUCE

EXPOSE

TO

PREVENT

OF PLUG

pOUR

LAME

LA

THE

THIS

APPLIANCETO

ELECTRIC

TO

WIDE

EVrrnn

PLUS

LARGE

DE

LA

PRISE

RISK

SLOT,

LES

..............

Paperwork...........

General

Precautions

and

..........

Controls

........

on

input/output

Connections

levels

.............

Connections.............

Assistance

OF FIRE

SHOCK,

CHOCS

DE

ET POUSSER

OR ELECTRIC

RAIN

OR MOISTURE.

MATCH

FULLY

INSERT.

Er_pCrnIQuES,

LA FICHE

JUSQU'AU

WIDE

DANS

SHOCK,

BLADE

rNTRO_

LA

BORNE

FOND.

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.............IT

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.........1g

.........1g

......79

.........19

...............2I

................23

g
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l0

2.

Prelude

qw

new Carver

Your

THX

Power
heritage
develo-pment
Carver'engineers
advances
techniques
high-va-lue

innovative

siz!

affordable

an

at

An American
based
besan

prdduct
breamplifier

Sonic
ACCDTM

Detector)
amplifier,
fier-s avaiiable
use.
Carver's
audio
ered
sound
had
cations

Carver
sics".
original

thelr Carver-based

replace
company's
remdins-synonymoui
technology
nents

tool

science

home.

common
Directors,bur
Marketing,
Customei
Staff
Control
products^together
Washingtori.
ment.

quality

r-eprociucing

in the

HolographytM,

As technology

teihnologies

standard

their

and most

At Carver,

used

to

Amplifier

of ovef

and

ln electronics

to

audio

Pacific

in the early

successei

with Auto-CorrelatorrM

lAlymrrietrical

and

one of

productsl'In

advanced

and

first successful

Carver

in a

products

owners

them.

beginning,

exfressed

tha1never

technology

for one

reproducing

of

Everi Carver

go'al,

Accounting

Service

Manufacturing

the

people

vigilant

The

re-liable

and

audio

Magnified

years

15

d-esign

make-use

provide

products

technologies

price.

electronics

Northwest,

BOs

such

the M-L.5

the

at the

has evolved,

and

today-

componentl

are now

are still

who routinely

svstems

has since

As it

become

purpose:

from

Engineering,

and

who actually

here

We love

pursuit of

broducts

with absolute

CurrentrM

carries

state-of-the-art

with a series

the

most

time

fact,

including

signal

the
with
in audio

employee

our

Technical

hom-e

with

of audio

refinemerts.

the

of

manufacturing

which

and

innovator

Carver

the C-4000

as

TX-1L

Charge-Coupled

stereo

for

features

consumer

considered "clas-

in use

obsolete.

is regarded

sound

CEO

and

in Lyrinwood,

tuner

power

powerful

home

so have

a number

consid-

surround-

processing-

Many

with their

upgrade

rather

our

Carver

leading

compo-

to advance

in the

has this

and

Sales

Fin_ance,

Support

and

Quality

put the
entertain-

providing

aimed

it

a

research,
latest

-empha-

features

of

and

with

ampli-

hi-fi

of

appli-

than
name

edge

a

as

the

Board

and

accuracy

of

at

-

whether

recording

-

row
with a

tures and

fier has onlv
one:

beins

ldealTy,
fier
cept
inio it.
which the
amplifier,
meirts
crosstalk
cal
signal

so"me

amplifier.

mize this
effective
signal
simplel
achieve.
lengths
intended!)

phvsics
izents corruption

effects
tion and cumulative

critical

much

reproduction

amplifier's

250

delivers

ohms.

is our

To this

should

terms

There are

The

end,

number

goals

amplifuing

disturbed"by

the signal-coming

masnitude

Yn

such

and

boil?own

has been

way

and efficient

path.

it

Our

to shorteh
allow.

Efr4I, strayfield

of

signal

cle-aner

A-500x

watts

over

It also

from

it be

the digital

or

corporate

A-500x

the

important

of

mihd.

in

one

iob,

ihe

identical

be

to the
realitv, there
signai can

which are

as THD,

phase

changed

from

distortion.

is actually

per

its original

a number

While

engineers

as much

A short

of

conductors.

(and very nearly

cif the

output.

is rated

channel

400 watts

the

has

a treasured

formats

vision.

developed

was

design

power ampli-

A

very

a

but

audio

the

be
described
noise,

shift.

to one

One

that

very

the signal

as technology

the

reactance

signal

sigrial

toudspeaker

of

out
every

in

signal

a-re

of

is to

signal

conservatively

into

per

flexibility

that

subtle

changed

by

offset,

DC

All these

thing

(distorted) in

form

waYs

maY

went

signaf

magnetic

to

the

of

minimize

sound

difficult

to

path

path

from

in the

result

The

perfect)

the

at

8 ohms

channel

vinyl

LP

tomor-

of

fea-

important

without

load.

an ampli-

way ex-

went

ways

an

by

measure-

techni-

-

the

the

by

mini-

most

the

to

great

(pun
and

pre-

the

radia-

is a

at

lnd

into

power

and

in

4

reserves
1noqo

levels
amount
the development

hybrid
Iiagnified
peak
with nanosecond
assign
output
quired,
current when
This maximizes
current capability
available
those that
component
tional amplifiers

As a result
demanding
tional amplifiers
on the output
amplifier
destructing.
tors
qu_encies
coloration.

Carver
Couplin{

TDC means
directlv connected
without
networks
and the loudspeaker
wiQe­and load immunity
amplifier
altering
tional amplifiers
This not
amplifier
provides
frequencies-

to

become an

amplifier when

are heeded.

power,

,of

power

current power

twice the

stage when

or more

also ciuse low

the

opgn loop

"stability

amplifier

Curren{M.

continuoul voltage

than twice

higher

6oth the voltage

for

anrrlo'r.rdspeaker

havsa

that is

to

of

this difficulty

loudspeaker

use

of the

fiom

which can

has

between

module,

only creates

intb

high damping

oscillating and

Unfortunately,

developed Total

(TDC)

that

to combat

the output

usual stabilizing

bandwidth,

are no longer

all speaker

just

not

This is

made possible

of a new

MOSFETs

switching

high voltages

(peak

substbntial

difficult for

drive.

dampin!

create

to

the amplifier

of the

ihe traditional

bandaids"

800 watt+

even higher

an

multi-state

desisn we

It uses

current is needed.

stabilizing
amplifier-to keep

the loudsoeak-er

terminals. Due

a totaliy

in the

iwo 160

the

or

continuous)

loads,

hign frequency

new Carver

loails, it

factor

bass region.

bridged

power

eiormous

through

call

amp

per

channtl,

speed

these induc-

at high fre-

this

circu-itry is

in'ductor

ideal stability

of conven-

to

to the

are re-

continuous

and

load;

reactive

in driving

Direct

even

conven-

conven-

inductors

even

stable
at all

s6lf-

problem.

output

to the

sound

necessary.

power

alsb

-

the

That means
midrange
harsh
natural

Carver engineers
to set new
value.
modular
frame
effective assembly.
benefit of
isolation,
effects
amplifier's

vide

affordS more

away from
current
greater.
amprlrler.

Carver A-500x is

ture of the amplifier.
means
performance
the
to the director's intent.
A-500x
fied
Home

convenience
able input
handles
with two

manufactured
commitment
finest
and home-entertainment.
placing
know
many years

oi rolled

In addition

architeitu?e

of

open air access

The THX logo

that

soundtrack's reproduction

audio equipment

THX Audio

Other features

The

Carver A-500x was

components for

your

full

control in the

and high frequencies.

off high^s,

clarity

The A-500x

design

output

reliability

can

and front phnel

sensitivity

your

from top

to new

also

standards

makes

philosophy

for

This has

providing

eliminating

interchannel

enclosure is

efficient

the

triple-diffused

devices, which results in

and longevity

on the front
another important

the A-500x meets a

standards which

be used

and

sensitivity contlols,

by

to

confidence in

new amplifier

listening

of

with

System.

are included

flexibility

people

providing

iust

to boftom.

audio

designed

in reliabili$

efficient and cost-

superior

the

crosstalk. The

designed

to the heatsinks.

dissipation

THX

The

other

to create

analog

settings.

with

sound reproduction

will

enjoyment.

bass,

No more

pure

and

technology,

A-500x

the

and

fullus-e of their

and open-

the added

channel

detrimental

pro-

to

This

heat

of

planar

panel

certification

ensure that

is

Carver

THX certi-

a true

to

such hs vari-

removable

designed

a lifetime

the world's

Thafiks for

Carver. We

provide

high-

the

of

the

of

fea-

set of strict

faithful

provide

meters

and

tUGASFItM

HX

If you
you
Carver products
nouncements
Web page

have

can

check out the full

access

on

(http://www.carver.com).

to the Internet,

line

and cornpany

World

our

Wide

of
ar.-

3.

Features

and Specifications

A-500x

tr 250 watts

400 watts per

750 watts per
(IHF

800 watts

tr

Certified
Home

tr

Magnified
creased voltage and current

tr

Total
factor at all frequencies

Each

tr

tr

Minimal signal
I/O connectors eliminating internal inter­connect cables

Precision

tr

critical signal
tors in signal

Special

per

dynamic

bridged

by Lucasfilm,

THX Audio Systems

CurrentrM

Direct CouplingrM for high damping

channel
Individual
DC fault
Shorted-load
Excess temperature sense
Power-on

sense

delay

passive

Features

channel
channel
channel into 2 ohms

power)

protected

fusing

sense

path

paths

path)

into

8 ohms

into

4 ohms

mono into

Ltd.

technology for in-

design, with on-card

components used in

(no

8 ohms

for

capability

by:

electrolytic capaci-

use in

all

f,

Fully-complementary differential circuitry

using low-noise, high

throughout

tr

DC

Servo
Instrument Excaliburru operating
controller

tr

Double-stage ground isolation system

prevents ground

tr

Triple-diffused planar

devices
operating

tr

Dual analog lighted meters with

selection switch

tr

Meter light OniOff switch

tr

Gold-plated

tr

International safety compliant
posts

tr

Individual calibrated level trim
each channel

tr

Removable handles for
wide cabinet space

tr

Made

correction

with

capability

in

USA

a combined

RCA input

speed

using

loops and

high-current

of

(with

transistors

new Texas

RF interferenct

output safe

1000 watts

range

jacks

binding

controls fc

placementin 77"

trim end

point

output

caps)

Power Output:

Stereo

Bridged mono

Dynamic Headroom:

Frequency Response:

Separation:

operation:

Power FTC 2OHz-2OkHz,8 ohm
250 watts

400 watts
750 watts

(lHF
800 watts into

> 1.OdB @ 8

per
per
per

dynamic

operation:

ohms

channel
channel into 4 ohms
channel into 2 ohms

power)

8 ohms

with < 0.08% THD

both channels driven

20 Hzto
(+0,-0.2

20 kHz

dB)

> 70 dB @

lkHz

Specifications

Damping Factor: > 150

(20

to 2AkHz)

Input lmpedance: 47 kohms

Sensitivity:

Per THX

1.0V rms input for 100W output into 8 ohms

1.58V rms for rated

Gain:

Input-to-Output

standard:

Phase:

power

into 8 ohms @

29.0 dB

0'(110")

(+/-

1 kH

0.5dE

lM Distortion:

SMPTE
CCIF

THD:

Signal-to-Noise

A-weighted,

Power

Consumption:

50W
330W
880W

Ratio:

at idle
with musical
at full

power

<

O.O3YI

<

O.O1YI

< O.O8%o

>117d8

referenced

A-weightej

7"tt$3#"0 to

program

into

(continuous)

8 Q

to rated

power

1w

4.

Unpacking

Paperwork

Carefully
original
future
storage.

After
visible
from the
ter what
please
proceeding
unit.

lmportant

unpack your

carton

moving,

opening

signs

of damage that

outside

appears

consult

to

Paperwork

packing

and

shipment

the box,

of the box.

to be concealed

your

Carver Dealer

further unpack

and

A-500x

or long-term

please

and keep the

materials

check

were not

you

If

do encoun-

damage,

before

or install

for

for any

apparent

the

Power

Requirements:
120VAC/60H2 (USA
Other voltages

Display:

or

Size(HxWxD):

Net Weight:

Shipping Weight:

Features
change without

and

specifications

notice.

and Canada)

as

required for

2

Analog Meters;

=

OdB

25

watts into

5.75"x19"x18.8"

146mm

with

handles

5.75" x17"

146mm

without

29 lbs.
34 lbs.

export

250 watts

(x10

8Q

x 483mm x478mm

x17.8"

x432mm x 452mm

handles

(13.2

kgs)

(15.4

kgs)

are subject to

into 8 Ct

range)

Make
Your
Iish the
and for insurance
of the

back of the
provided

Model:

Serial

Purchased

Date:

Finally,
tomer Registration
amplifier
us to keep you
technologies

sute to

receipt

serial number

is extremely

duration

amplifier.

below

Number:

take a moment

and return

for convenient

A-500x

at:

informed

as

they become

sflve

of

yout

important

your

Limited Warranty,

purposes.

which

Record

to fill

packed

Card

it to

Carver.

of new

sqles receipt.

to estab-

Next,

is located

make a note

it in the

reference.

out

the Cus-

with

the

This allows

products

available.

on the

space

and

5.

Location

lnstallation

and

General

Precautions

Observe

choosing
O Do not

moisture.

O Protect from prolonged

sunlight.

O Avoid

or dust.

O Do not place

obiects

O Do not place

storage
audio
near
power
tain transformers
are surrounded
fluctuating

field which
magnetic
floppy

O

Protect
allow
ventilation.
away
sources
heating
radiators.
nents produce
heat
so make

ventilation

covered
allowed

freely
and above
Excessive
single

both short-term

long-term
failure.

the following

a location

expose

excessive

heavy

on

the unit.

magnetic

media

or video

the

amplifier.

amplifiers

magnetic

carr erase

tapes

disks).

from heat

adequate

from

direct

of heat,

vents

All

compo-

during

behind,

greatest

operation,

sure that

holes

and

that

to circulate

the

heat

component

for the

the unit

exposure

such

as

tapes

All

con-

that

by a

(or

and

Place

such as

and

some

the"
are not
air is

beside

unit.
is the
source

and

precautions

of

A-500x:

to rain

exposure

or

to extreme

when

to direct

cold

The

amplifier

ment rack
ventilation.
backs,
The
your power
That
tures

O Allow

O

make

situation

creates a

can rise

at least

the

unit, and

Do

NOT place

or any surface

o------->

can

or cabinet

If your

sure there

you

want

amplifier

static

quickly.

3 inches

at least

the

that
ventilation
circulation.

O If

A-500x

separate

nents.
O If

should
nect
contact
or service
out the plug
the

cord;

firmly.

Handle

with
To remove
Phillips
move
each

behind

Remove

install

shown in
the three
of the
spacers

safe

placed

be

which has

shelves

are vent holes

to avoid is placing

in a

air space where

1 inch

amplifier on carpeting

might

possible,

in its

a fluid or foreign

enter the unit, discon-

the power plug

an authorized clealer

in an

do

sealed cubby hoie.

of air space above

tend to block its

slots from air

own shelf space,

from

other compo-

center.

by

grasp

equip-

adequate

not

have open

in them.

tempera-

on either side.

place

the

and

Do

not

pulling

plug

the

Removal

The

A-500x is shipped

the handles

the

screwdriver

the

three screws on

side of the chassis

the front

the handles

the spacers

Figure 4. Reinstall

screws on

chassis to

place.

in

Store the handles

place

for future use.

installed.

handles,

to re-

panel.

and

provided

each side

secure the

in a

object

pull

on

use a

just

as

Figure

4. Handle

Removal