Emotiva MPS-1 User Manual

USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Precautions ................................................... 6

NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards.............................. 8

A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer ................................................... 8

Antenna Grounding Outside the House ................................................................. 8

Thank You for your MPS-1 Purchase....................... 9

Unpacking the MPS-1.............................................. 10

Recording the Serial Number.................................................10

Emotiva MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier ............. 11

Modular Professional Power Amplier Features ................. 11

MPS-1 Front Panel Features................................... 12

Panel Dim Selector Button..................................................................................... 12

Power Button .......................................................................................................... 12

Amplier Channel Display ..................................................................................... 12

MPS-1 Finished Rear Panel Layout .......................13

Balanced XLR Inputs.............................................................................................. 13

Unbalanced RCA Inputs......................................................................................... 13

Speaker Output Terminals ..................................................................................... 13

Turn On Selector Switch ........................................................................................ 14

External Trigger Connection.................................................................................. 14

Fuse #1 .................................................................................................................... 14

Fuse #2 .................................................................................................................... 14

IEC Line Cord Socket ............................................................................................. 14

Installation and Connections .................................15

Installation of the EPM-300 Power Modules .........................15

Tools Required........................................................................................................ 15

Unpacking the EPM-300 Module ........................................................................... 15

Orienting the Module to the MPS-1 Chassis ........................................................ 16

Inserting the EPM-300 Module............................................................................... 17

Completing the EPM-300 Installation.................................................................... 17

MPS-1 Installation Accessories .............................................18

Piano Black Wood Side Panels ............................................................................. 18

Rack Mount Installation Hardware........................................................................ 18

AC Power Considerations ......................................................19

Input Connection Considerations.......................................... 19

Output Connection Considerations....................................... 19

Automatic Operation of the Cooling Fan(s)..........................20

Connection Tips for Superior Sound.....................................20

Connection Diagrams .............................................................21

Unbalanced Connections....................................................................................... 21

Balanced Connections........................................................................................... 22

12V Trigger Connections ....................................................................................... 23

Speaker Output Connections ................................................................................ 23

Series and Parallel Speaker Connections.............................24

Series....................................................................................................................... 24

Parallel..................................................................................................................... 25

Technical Note about Multiple Speaker Connections ......................................... 25

Speaker Placement Tips ......................................... 26

Tips Before You Begin ............................................................26

The Front Speakers ................................................................................................ 27

The Center Speaker................................................................................................ 27

Side-Axis Speakers ................................................................................................ 28

The Surround Speakers ......................................................................................... 28

Surround Back Speakers....................................................................................... 29

Subwoofer Location ............................................................................................... 29

Troubleshooting Guide ........................................... 31

No Sound (from one or more speakers connected to the MPS-1) ..................... 31

The amplier shuts down often or the line fuse(s) blows often......................... 31

Poor Bass Performance From Full Range Speakers connected to the MPS-1. 31

Turn-on and turn-off thumps ................................................................................. 32

“Hum” Noises in the Speakers.............................................................................. 32

Other Probable Causes of Noise........................................................................... 33

One or more RED lights on the Front Panel are On ............................................ 33

Technical Specications......................................... 34

Limited Warranty ..................................................... 35

Service Assistance for the MPS-1......................................................................... 35

Emotiva Disclosure ................................................................................................ 36

Page 7

Safety Precautions

Read this Owner’s Guide thoroughly before attempting to install and congure the Emotiva MPS-1
Modular Power Amplier. All the safety and operation instructions should be read before any op­eration of the component(s) begin. After successful installation and conguration of the Emotiva
MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier, be sure to retain this manual in a safe place for any future reference
needs.

All warnings on the Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier and in these operating instructions should be followed.
Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free installation. The vast majority of the
subsequent safety precautions involve simple common sense. If you are not comfortable with the
installation of audio/video entertainment equipment, it will be to your benet to seek the services
of a qualied installation professional.

• The Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier should NEVER be used near water such as a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

• The Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier should be situated so that its location or installation position does not
interfere with proper ventilation.

• The Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may
block any ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase, cabinet, or closed
equipment rack that may impede the ow of air through ventilation openings. If installed in a closed
equipment rack for custom installations, be sure to add forced air ventilation so that it has adequate
air circulation.

• The Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, or any other
devices which produce heat.

• The Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in this
User’s Guide and what is labeled on the MPS-1 component. Power supply cords should be routed so
that they are not in high foot trac areas or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at the wall plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they con­nect into the MPS-1 Amplier. The power cord of the MPS-1 Amplier should be unplugged from the
outlet when unused for a long period of time.

When it’s time for cleaning the Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier, it should be cleaned only as recommended
in this Owner’s Guide. Never spray liquids directly into the component’s vent openings. Care should
be taken so that small objects do not fall into the inside of the MPS-1 Amplier.

The following situations require your Emotiva MPS-1 Amplier is serviced only by qualied service
personnel:

1. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

2. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the component; or

3. The MPS-1 has been exposed to rain; or

4. The MPS-1 does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

5. The MPS-1 has been dropped, or its enclosure or chassis is damaged.

Page 6

The user should not attempt to service the MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier beyond the means
described in this Owner’s Guide. All other servicing should be referred to qualied service per­sonnel.

To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or
other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

Pour preevenir les chocs electriques ne pas utiliser cette che polarises avec un prolongateur, un prise de
courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent titre inserees a fond sans laisser aucune
parIIIe a decouvert.

Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization
means of the component is not defeated.

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant las limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le reglement sur
le brouillage radioelectrique edicts par les ministere des communications du Canada.

For questions regarding service, please contact:

Emotiva

106 Mission Court, Suite 101
Franklin, TN 37067
Tel - [phone] (877) EMO-TECH
Fax - [phone] www.emotiva.com

If you purchased your MPS-1 from AV123, please contact them directly for service or technical ques­tions. They can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].

WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG

TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA

LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE

DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.

Page 7

Page 9

NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards

A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer

This reminder is to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and in particular, species that the cable ground shall be connected
to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

Antenna Grounding Outside the House

If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to
provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the Na­tional Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the
lead-in wire to an antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements
for the grounding electrode. See diagram below.

Cable TV Coaxial Cable, Satellite

Dish Cables, and Television

Antennas should be grounded

BEFORE the point of entry into

the house.

Page 8

Thank You for your MPS-1 Purchase

Dear Home Entertainment Enthusiast,

Thank you for purchasing the Emotiva MPS-1 Modular
Power Amplier. We sincerely believe that it oers
you outstanding performance and value. Emotiva
products are engineered and produced with the
highest quality materials and incorporate the latest
technology. We think you will nd the Emotiva MPS-1
meets or exceeds your expectations.

The Emotiva MPS-1 is a exible, high perfornmance amplifer. It has been designed for maxmum
performance, ease of use, and installation exibility. By employing cutting edge technology, the
Emotiva MPS-1 easily power to your speakers at high power levels, at the same time remaining
as ecient as possible, regardless of volume levels. This allows you to fully enjoy audio and video
sources without concern for dynamic headroom during complex musical passages and high level
eects. What’s more, the Emotiva MPS-1 does it all with exceptionally rened cosmetics and a sound
quality that will satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.

The Emotiva MPS-1 features an array of leading edge technologies and all the features necessary to
perform the functions expected of a high end Modular Power Amplier.

The Emotiva MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier is a rock solid component that allows you to control
and manage all of your system’s speakers with 7 individual ampliifers in a single, easy-to-use amplier
chassis. This makes installation of your home entertainment system much easier than connecting
multiple mono or two channel ampliers. At Emotiva, we remember that creating home audio/video
products means that they should be easy to use while delivering unparalleled performance.

Page 9

Page 11

Unpacking the MPS-1

The Emotiva MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier should reach you in awless condition. If you notice
any shipping damage or other issues upon unpacking the unit, please contact your Emotiva Retailer
immediately.

Gently lift out the unit and remove all the packing material and accessories. It is important to save all
the packing materials and the box in case your Emotiva MPS-1 ever needs to be moved or shipped
back to the factory for service.

Make sure that you keep your sales receipt. It is the only way for Emotiva to establish the duration
of your Limited Warranty and it may come in useful for insurance purposes. Please take a moment
to ll out and mail the Emotiva Customer Response card.

Recording the Serial Number

Please read the serial number located on the rear panel and record it below. Also record the place
where you purchased this product and the date of purchase.

Model Number

Serial Number

Place of Purchase

Date of Purchase

MPS-1

Page 10

Emotiva MPS-1 Modular Power Amplier

Modular Professional Power Amplifier Features

• Audiophile quality, modular power amplier

• True card cage design can accommodate up to seven independent 200 watt mono block power modules

- power modules glide in and out on Nylon rails

• Power modules feature independent 350VA, low noise toroid power transformers w/ high speed rectiers
and 48,000uF of storage per channel for a 336,000uF total, across seven independent channels

• High eciency Class H power amplier design, minimizes power losses and allows cool and ecient
operation

• Complementary, discrete power amplier design incorporating high current, high speed, Toshiba power
devices

• 200 Watts x 7 into 8 Ohms (using seven EPM-300 Power Modules)

• 300 Watts x 7 into 4 Ohms (using seven EPM-300 Power Modules)

• 400 Watts x 7 into 2 Ohms (using seven EPM-300 Power Modules)

• Power modules are completely stable into 2 ohm loads

• Truly transparent, integrated soft clip circuitry

• Balanced XLR and RCA inputs

• Silent turn on/o - No audible transients

• THD less than .015%, 20Hz-20kHz with 80kHz measurement bandwidth

• DC oset, less than 1mv, servo controlled.

• Crosstalk between ANY channels – greater than 120dB

• All aluminum capacitors are premium quality, low ESR, 105°C rated for high reliability and perfor­mance

• Doubled sided, plate through, glass epoxy, FR4 PCB’s used throughout with 2 ounce poured copper on
all power sections and ground planes

• Individual channel status indicators for standby, operate, and fault behind tinted acrylic panel

• Fully protected from all fault conditions with ultra quiet, module mounted, fan assisted cooling for
severe duty cycle applications

• Soft start circuitry

• Signal sensing auto turn-on or remote 12 VDC trigger. Soft touch power switch

• Modules are designed for eld replacement with the removal of four screws

• Black lacquered, piano nished wood side panels are included, as are milled aluminum rack ears for
professional installations

• Massive, multi element milled aluminum faceplate with “oating” wing detail – indirect, cobalt blue
panel illumination with panel dimmer

• IEC power inlet, 120/230 VAC user congurable

Page 11

Page 13

MPS-1 Front Panel Features

3

Power Button

1

This turns the main power to the MPS-1
on or o. It is a main power button, but it
is not required to turn this on and o each
time the MPS-1 is used. When enabled, the
AUTO ON/OFF MODE will automatically
switch the amplier on when an audio
signal comes from a source or control
unit (such as a preamplier). The TRIGGER
MODE will turn the amplier on when an
external source (such as a preamplier)
provides a 5-24 VDC input on the trigger
terminals.

Panel Dim Selector Button

2

This button selects the overall brightness
of the lighting on the front panel of the
MPS-1. The button has four steps, each
consecutively after the other. The four
levels of brightness are:

• High

• Medium

• Low

• OFF

Pressing the PANEL DIM button repeatedly
will scroll through each level of bright­ness.

1

2

Amplier Channel Display

3

This multi-color LED display behind a tinted
acrylic panel shows activity of any of the
seven power modules on the MPS-1 doing
amplication duties.

BLUE LIGHT: Power Module is installed, on
and ready.

AMBER LIGHT (middle row): Power mod­ule is installed and powered on but is in a
standby situation waiting for audio signal
or exernal trigger.

RED LIGHT: This indicates a fault condition.
A fault condition is one or more of the foll­wing:

• Excessive Operating Temp

• Excessive Current (Short Circuit)

• DC on the Outputs

See the “Troubleshooting Section” for more
details on the display.

Note - When there is NO LIGHT - The power
module is not installed, the power module’s
fuse is blown, or connection between the
power module and the chassis is mis­aligned.

Page 12