Kenwood M-A300, M-A100 User Manual

STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

M-A300
M-A100

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

KENWOOD CORPORATION

This instruction manual is used for two models.
Model availability and features (functions) may differ depending on the country and
sales area.

B60-3340-00 (K, P, Y, T, M, C, X, I) MA CH MC
98/12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 97/12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5

Introduction

M-A300/A100 (En)

Before applying power

2

Units are designed for operation as follows.

U.K. ............................................................................................AC 230 V only

U.S.A. and Canada ................................................................AC 120 V only

Australia ..................................................................................AC 240 V only

China............................................................................................... 220 V only

*Other countries............................... AC 110-120/220-240 V swichable

For the United Kingdom

Factory fitted moulded mains plug

1. The mains plug contains a fuse. For replacement, use only a 13-Amp
ASTA-approved (BS1362) fuse.

2. The fuse cover must be refitted when replacing the fuse in the
moulded plug.

3. Do not cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted
is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too
short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety
approved extension lead or adapter, or consult your dealer.
If nonetheless the mains plug is cut off, remove the fuse and dispose
of the plug immediately, to avoid a possible shock hazard by
inadvertent connection to the mains supply.

IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance

with the following code:

Blue: Neutral
Brown: Live

Do not connect those leads to the earth terminal of a three-pin plug.

Caution : Read this section carefully to ensure safe operation.

*AC voltage selection

The AC voltage selector switch on the rear panel is set to the
voltage that prevails in the area to which the unit is shipped. Before
connecting the power cord to your AC outlet, make sure that the
setting position of this switch matches your line voltage. If not, it
must be set to your voltage in accordance with the following
direction.

Note:
Our warranty does not cover damage caused by excessive line
voltage due to improper setting of the AC voltage selector switch.

AC voltage selector switch

AC 220 -

240V~

AC 220 -

AC 110 -

240V~

120V~

FRONTCENTER

SURROUND

(6-16Ω)

C

LL

SPEAKERS

UNSWITCHED

+

-

CONNECT WITH AV
CONTROL CENTER

FRONT SURROUNDWOOFER

R R

SPEAKERS

SUB

SW

AC 110 ­120V~

+

-

(6-16Ω)

Move switch lever to match your line voltage with a small screw­driver or other pointed tool.

Safety precautions

Caution : Read this section carefully to ensure safe operation.

WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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 PRODUCT’S 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 TO
THE PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN THE
LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE, REFER SERVICING TO QUALI­FIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Introduction

M-A300/A100 (En)

Unpacking

Unpack the unit carefully and make sure that all accessories are put aside so they will not be lost. Examine the unit for any possibility of
shipping damage. If your unit is damaged or fails to operate, notify your dealer immediately. If your unit was shipped to you directly, notify
the shipping company without delay. Only the consignee (the person or company receiving the unit) can file a claim against the carrier for
shipping damage. We recommend that you retain the original carton and packing materials for use should you transport or ship the unit in the
future.
Keep this manual handy future reference.

Accessories

Parallel cord (1)

Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................... 2

Before applying power...................................................... 2

Safety precautions ............................................................ 2

Special features ............................................................................................ 3

Controls and indicators................................................................................ 3

System connections...................................................................................... 4

Terminal connection ................................................................ 4

Connection of M-A300 ............................................................ 5

Connection of M-A100 ............................................................ 6

Caution : Read the pages marked carefully to ensure safe operation.

AC plug adaptor (1)*

* Use to adapt the plug on the power cord

to the shape of the wall outlet.
(Accessory only for regions where use is
necessary.)

Operating instructions ................................................................................. 7

In case of difficulty ....................................................................................... 7

Specifications ........................................................................................ 8

3

Special features

Power amplifier for surround play

This unit is the amplifier designed exclusively for use with the surround speaker, center speaker and subwoofer for the surround system of the
SERIES 21.This unit allows you to enjoy the surround play more effectively.

New TRAITR transistor adopted in the final stage

A new TRAITR transistor which features superior temperature tracking characteristics has been adopted in the final stage of the power
amplifier block. This new TRAITR transistor combines a temperature compensation resistor with an emitter resistor and final transistor to
provide ideal temperature compensation characteristics and minimize distortion caused by temperature variations.

Controls and indicators

POWER indicator

POWER

-ON –OFF

POWER AMPLIFIER

POWER switch

System connections

4

Terminal connection

M-A300/A100 (En)

Main unit

1 Strip coating.

3 Insert cord.

•Never short circuit the + and – speaker cords.

•If the left and right speakers are connected inversely or the speaker cords are connected with reversed polarity, the sound will be unnatural with
ambiguous acoustic imaging. Be sure to connect the speakers correctly.

2 Push lever.

4 Return lever.

Speaker unit

1 Strip coating.

3 Insert cord.

2 Push lever.

4 Return lever.

Connection of parallel cord

Caution regarding placement
(Except for U.S.A. and Canada)

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the
unit (from the largest outer dimensions, including projections) equal
to, or greater than shown below:
Left and right panels: 10 cm, Rear panel: 10 cm

AC outlet on the rear panel

UNSWITCHED AC outlet
The power of the component connected to this kind of AC outlet can
be switched ON/OFF regardless of the POWER switch on the main
unit.

•When connecting the parallel cord, insert the plug straight into the
connector until it clicks to lock them securely.

•When disconnecting the parallel cord, push in the two sides of the
plug and pull it straight out.

Ventilation fan

The ventilation fan runs during high-power reproduction. To allow for
proper ventilation, do not block the ventilation fan.

Notes

Notes

1. Connect all cords firmly. Loose connections may prevent proper sound transmission or produce noise.

2. Be sure to remove the power cord from the AC outlet before plugging or unplugging any connection cords. Plugging / unplugging connection
cords without disconnecting the power cord can cause malfunctions and may damage the unit.

3. Do not connect power cords from components whose power consumption is larger than what is indicated on the AC outlet at the rear of this
unit.

System connections

M-A300/A100 (En)

Connection of M-A300

Make connections as shown below. When connecting the related system components, refer also to the instruction manuals
of the related components.
Do not plug in the power lead until all connections are completed.

AC outlet

To AV control
center

−

CONNECT WITH AV
CONTROL CENTER

FRONT SURROUND WOOFER

R R

SPEAKERS

SUB

SW

+

-

(6-16Ω)

Surround speakers

Right Left

−

SURROUND

C

SPEAKERS

+

FRONTCENTER

+

-

LL

+

(6-16Ω)

U.K.

U.S.A., Canada
and China

Australia

Other countries

To AC wall
outlet

UNSWITCHED

5

When using
the speaker
system S-F700

Ventilation fan

Center speaker

−

+

−

+

See-through

White lined

Subwoofer

Front speakers

Right Left

−

−

+

−

+

−

+

−

+

+

Note

Note

The shape of the speakers are variable depending on the system and marketing destination type.

System connections

M-A300/A100 (En)

6

Connection of M-A100

Make connections as shown below. When connecting the related system components, refer also to the instruction manuals
of the related components.
Do not plug in the power lead until all connections are completed.

AC outlet

U.K.

To AV control
center

(6-16Ω)

CONNECT WITH AV
CONTROL CENTER

SURROUND

FRONT

R R

SPEAKERS

Powered subwoofer

SUB
WOOFER

PRE OUT

+

-

(3-16Ω)

L

Ventilation fan

Surround speakers

Right Left

U.S.A., Canada

Center

and China

speaker

Australia

−

+

Other countries

To AC wall
outlet

FRONT

(6-16Ω)

CENTER

C

SPEAKERS

+

-

L

See-through

UNSWITCHED

Note

Note

−

−

+

+

Front speakers

Right Left

−

−

+

+

The shape of the speakers are variable depending on the system and marketing destination type.

White lined

Operating instructions

M-A300/A100 (En)

Switch the POWER key to ON position.

1

POWER

-ON –OFF

Turn on the system by using the AV control

2

center.

Play a music source.

3

7

•The power indicator on the panel lights up.

In case of difficulty

What appears to be a malfunction may not always be serious. If your unit should not perform as expected, consult the table
below to see if the problem can be corrected before seeking help from your dealer or service representative.

Symptom

Sound cannot be produced.
(Indicator is off.)

Sound cannot be produced.
(Indicator lights.)

Sound is not produced from one of the
speakers.

Sound from the surround speaker is not
produced or very low.

•The parallel cord is not connected.

•The speaker cords are short-circuited.

• The protection circuitry is activated due to
internal temperature rise.

•The speaker cords are not connected.

•One of the speaker cord is not connected.

•A speaker cord is not connected.

Cause

Remedy

•Connect them properly referring to “System
connections”.

•Turn the power OFF, remove the short-circuit,
and turn the power ON again.

•Switch the power OFF and wait for the internal
temperature to drop. The unit can be turned
ON and re-used when the temperature drops,
but the fundamental solution of the problem
is not possible unless the unit installation
(heat radiation) condition is corrected. Im­prove the unit installation referring to page 4.

•Connect them properly referring to “System
connections”.

•Connect it properly referring to “System con­nections”.

•Connect it properly referring to “System con­nections”.

Note

Note

Do not use contact cleaners because it could cause a malfunction. Be specially careful against contact cleaners containing oil, for they may deform
the plastic components.

Specifications

M-A300

Caution : Read this section carefully to ensure safe operation.

M-A300/A100 (En)

M-A100

AUDIO section

8

Effective output power during STEREO operation

[Except for the U.S.A., Canada and the UK]

1kHz,10% T.H.D., at 6 Ω .......................................... 100 W + 100 W

Rated output power during STEREO operation

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

100 watts per channel minimum RMS, both channels driven,
at 6 Ω from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0.09 % total
harmonic distortion.(FTC)

[For the UK]

(DIN) 1 kHz, 0.7% at 6 Ω ......................................... 100 W + 100 W

(IEC) 63 Hz ~ 12.5 kHz, 0.7% at 6 Ω ..................... 100 W + 100 W

[For other countries]

1kHz,1% T.H.D.,at 6 Ω .................................................. 80 W + 80 W

Effective output power during SURROUND operation

[For the U.S.A., Canada and the UK]

FRONT (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)........................ 100 W + 100 W

CENTER (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)..................................... 100 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)............... 100 W + 100 W

[For other countries]

FRONT(1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................... 100 W + 100 W

CENTER (1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)................................... 100 W

SURROUND(1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............. 100 W + 100 W

Rated output power during SURROUND operation

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................6 0 W + 6 0 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 60 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).................... 60 W + 60 W

[For the UK]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................5 0 W + 5 0 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 50 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).................... 50 W + 50 W

[For other countries]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................5 5 W + 5 5 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 55 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).................... 55 W + 55 W

Total harmonic distortion ......................... 0.007%(1 kHz, 50W, 6 Ω)

Frequency response

LINE (FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND)

....................................................... 20 Hz ~ 70 kHz, +0 dB, –3 dB

Signal to noise ratio (IHF’66)

LINE ........................................................................................ 105 dB

Input sensitivity / impedance

LINE ................................................................................. 1 V / 47 kΩ

GENERAL

Power consumption

[For the U.S.A. and Canada].......................................................4 A

[Except for the U.S.A. and Canada]..................................... 330 W

AC outlet

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

UNSWITCHED ................................. 1 (total 200 W, 1.6 A max.)

[Except for the U.S.A. and Canada]

UNSWITCHED ............................................ 1 (total 200 W max.)

Dimensions....................................................... W : 400 mm (15-3/4")

Weight (Net)............................................................... 10.6 kg (23.4 lb)

1. KENWOOD follows a policy of continuous advancements in

Notes

Notes

development. For this reason specifications may be changed
without notice.

2. Sufficient performance may not be possible at very low
temperatures.

H : 140 mm (5-1/2")

D : 383 mm (15-1/16")

AUDIO section

Effective output power during STEREO operation

[Except for the U.S.A., Canada and the UK]

1kHz,10% T.H.D., at 6 Ω .......................................... 100 W + 100 W

Rated output power during STEREO operation

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

100 watts per channel minimum RMS, both channels driven,
at 6 Ω from 40 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0.09 % total
harmonic distortion.(FTC)

[For the UK]

(DIN) 1 kHz, 0.7% at 6 Ω ..............................................80 W + 80 W

(IEC) 63 Hz ~ 12.5 kHz, 0.7% at 6 Ω .......................... 80 W + 80 W

[For other countries]

1kHz,1% T.H.D.,at 6 Ω .................................................. 80 W + 80 W

Effective output power during SURROUND operation

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

FRONT (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)........................ 100 W + 100 W

CENTER (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)..................................... 100 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................. 100 W

[For the UK]

FRONT (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................7 5 W + 7 5 W

CENTER (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 75 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 5% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)................................ 75 W

[For other countries]

FRONT(1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................... 100 W + 100 W

CENTER (1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)................................... 100 W

SURROUND(1kHz, 10% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)............................. 100 W

Rated output power during SURROUND operation

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................6 0 W + 6 0 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 60 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 3 Ω).................... 35 W + 35 W

[For the UK]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................4 5 W + 4 5 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 45 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 3 Ω).................... 23 W + 23 W

[For other countries]

FRONT (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω).............................5 5 W + 5 5 W

CENTER (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 6 Ω)....................................... 55 W

SURROUND (1kHz, 1% T.H.D. at 3 Ω).................... 30 W + 30 W

Total harmonic distortion

[For the UK] ............................................. 0.007%(1 kHz, 40W, 6 Ω)

[For other countries] .............................. 0.007%(1 kHz, 50W, 6 Ω)

Frequency response

LINE (FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND)

....................................................... 20 Hz ~ 70 kHz, +0 dB, –3 dB

Signal to noise ratio (IHF’66)

LINE ........................................................................................ 105 dB

Input sensitivity / impedance

LINE ................................................................................. 1 V / 4 7 kΩ

Output level / impedance

SUBWOOFER PREOUT.............................................. 1.6 V / 2.2 kΩ

GENERAL

Power consumption

[For the U.S.A. and Canada].......................................................3 A

[Except for the U.S.A. and Canada]..................................... 200 W

AC outlet

[For the U.S.A. and Canada]

UNSWITCHED ................................. 1 (total 200 W, 1.6 A max.)

[Except for the U.S.A. and Canada]

UNSWITCHED ............................................ 1 (total 200 W max.)

Dimensions....................................................... W : 400 mm (15-3/4")

H : 140 mm (5-1/2")

D : 383 mm (15-1/16")

Weight (Net)................................................................. 9.7 kg (21.4 lb)

For your records

Record the serial number, found on the back of the unit, in the spaces
designated on the warranty card, and in the space provided below. Refer
to the model and serial numbers whenever you call upon your dealer for
information or service on this product.
Model Serial Number