EM Acoustics AQ-10 User Manual

AQ-10 amplifier

User Manual v1.0

EM Acoustics Loudspeakers

Building 74

Dunsfold Park

Cranleigh

Surrey

GU6 8TB

UK

www.emacoustics.co.uk

AQ-10 Operating Instructions Page 2

AQ-10 Operating Instructions Page 3

CONTENTS

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 4

THANKS 5

INTRODUCTION 5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6

INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES 7

Installing Your Amplifier: Electrical Considerations 8

Installing Your Amplifier: Mechanical Considerations 9

Installing Your Amplifier: RF Emissions 9

About Your Amplifier: Dynamic Amplifier Performance Measurements 10

Connecting To Your Amplifier: Inputs 11

Connecting To Your Amplifier: Speaker Outputs 12

Connecting To Your Amplifier: Bridged (Mono) Operation 13

Operating Your Amplifier: Front Panel Controls and Indicators 14

Operating Your Amplifier: Notes and Switching On 15

Operating Your Amplifier: Rear Panel Sockets and Switches 16

Looking After Your Amplifier: Maintenance 17

Looking After Your Amplifier: Warranty 17

Changing the Gain of Your Amplifier: Internal Adjustments! 18

Performance Of Your Amplifier: Specifications 19

www.emacoustics.co.uk

AQ-10 Operating Instructions Page 4

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, the manufacturer:

MC2 Audio,
Units 6-8 Kingsgate
Heathpark Industrial Estate
Honiton, Devon
England
EX14 1YG

acknowledge our responsibility that the following products:

Kind of equipment: Audio amplifier
Commodity Code: 8518408990
Type Designation: E100 and all OEM variants of this model

are manufactured:

in accordance with EMC Directive 2004/108/EC,
in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):

Technical Regulations: EN55103-1:1996, EN55103-2:1996

and

in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC,
in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):

Technical Regulations: EN/IEC60065:2002 7th Edition

Signed: ……………………………………………………………………

Name: Alex Cooper
Position: Research and Development Manager
Date: January 2012

AQ-10 Operating Instructions Page 5

THANKS

Thank you for choosing an AQ-10 amplifier for your application. Please spend a little time
reading through this manual, so that you obtain the best possible performance from the unit
and become familiar with its operating requirements.

The AQ-10 is designed and manufactured by MC2 Audio in the UK. All MC2 products are
carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge performance and world-class reliability. If
you would like further information about your AQ-10 or any other EM Acoustics product,
please contact us.

We wish you many years of service from this amplifier and look forward to hearing from you
in the near future.

INTRODUCTION

The AQ-10 is the most powerful four channel amplifier within the EM Acoustics range. It has
been designed to meet demands for higher power and increased efficiency, whilst still
maintaining the renowned sonic qualities and unsurpassed reliability associated with our
loudspeaker products.

MC2 proprietary class-D technology with a dual feedback loop system gives exceptional
transient response and a resonant switch mode power supply with a large reservoir gives
extremely high peak power without any “bass sag”.

Newly designed limiters, linked to the output current monitors and power supply, keep mains
input and output currents within a safe operating area at all times, whilst maintaining
transparent sonic performance.

Running cool in even the most difficult conditions, the AQ-10 can deliver over 2500W into 4
ohms with all channels driven, and a massive 2 x 7400W bridged (4R), with outstanding
distortion and noise figures right up to maximum output.

The amplifier, of course, includes full DC, VHF, thermal and short circuit protection to ensure
continuous trouble-free service.

www.emacoustics.co.uk

AQ-10 Operating Instructions Page 6

Read these instructions.

Keep 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 pint where they exit from the apparatus.

The mains circuit breaker shall remain readily
accessible.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

Use only with the cart, tripod, bracket or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from a tip over.

Disconnect this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for a long period of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as if the power-supply cord
or plug is 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.

Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, are placed on the equipment.

To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC
mains, disconnect the power cord from the mains circuit
breaker.

Where the amplifier is mounted in a rack and
permanently connected to the mains, then the rack
should be installed with a readily accessible connector
or an ALL POLE circuit breaker with 3mm breaking
distances.

This unit is fitted with a 3-wire power cord. For safety
reasons, THE EARTH LEAD SHOULD NOT BE
DISCONNECTED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

The cooling fans suck cool air in through the front and
blow hot air out at the rear of the unit through the
ventilating grills. The front and rear of the amplifier
should have free exposure to the air (i.e. in a rack leave
the front and rear doors off), with 2cm air gap at the
sides and top. IF AIR IS NOT ALLOWED TO ESCAPE
FROM THE REAR, OVER-HEATING WILL OCCUR. Take
care when mounting other equipment in the same rack.

The mains switch on the amplifiers only switches one
pole of the mains supply, therefore for units with a
detachable cord to be fully disconnected from the
mains, the mains disconnect device (ie mains plug or
mains coupler) should remain readily operable. For
units with a fixed mains lead the external all pole circuit
breaker with 3mm breaking distances is the disconnect
device and therefore the installation of the amplifier
shall be carried out in accordance with all the applicable
installation rules.

The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the products enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the
appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: Apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection.

WARNING: To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the rack in accordance with the
installation instructions.