Monacor MPA-5150 Owners manual

Signature MPA 5150

Monster® Home Theater Music Five Channel Reference Power Amplifier

Owner’s Manual • Guide d’utilisation

™

Page

Important Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

A Note from The Head Monster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Unique Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Design Minds Behind The Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Connection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

MPA 5150 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

System Connection Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Amplifier Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read and observe the following safety points at all times.

WARNING – Power Sources

Do not plug your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier into a power outlet that differs from the source indicated for safe use. If you don’t know the type of electrical power that is supplied to your home, please consult your local power company or a qualified electrician.

WARNING – Power Cord Safety

When routing your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier AC power cord, do not place

it near heavy foot traffic areas (e.g., hallways, doorways, and kitchen floors). Do not create a trip hazard with the power cord.

If the power cord protective jacket begins to rip or fray, exposing the internal wiring, shielding, etc.,

disconnect it from the power source and discontinue use of the Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier immediately.

WARNING – Grounding and Polarization

Do not force your amplifier plug into an outlet that is not designed to accept grounded 3-prong AC plugs. This plug

is designed to be inserted into a grounded-type outlet only. If this plug doesn’t fit directly inside your outlet, do not attempt to force it into the outlet. Never attempt to dismantle the plug in any way (or to alter a power cord). If you have questions about grounding, consult your local power company or a qualified electrician.

If you use rooftop devices such as satellite dishes, antennas, or any other component with wire that directly

or indirectly connects to your MPA 5150, be sure the wires are properly grounded. This protects against voltage surges and static charges.

Do not place any antenna near overhead power lines or any other power circuit. Do not touch any power line or power circuit. Doing so may cause severe physical injury or possibly death.

WARNING – Avoiding Electrical Shocks

Do not operate your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier if liquid of any kind is spilled onto or inside the unit. Do not operate your amplifier near rain or water that’s spilled or is openly exposed (e.g., bathtub, kitchen, etc.).

WARNING – Storm Precautions

In the event of a lightning storm, immediately disconnect your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier from its power source.

WARNING – No User Serviceable Parts Inside

If, for any reason, your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier is not operating properly, do not remove any part of the unit for repair. Unplug the amplifier and use this owner’s manual as a resource for warranty and service information.

CAUTION – Exposure to Heat

Do not expose your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifier to direct sunlight or place it near wall heaters, space heaters, or any enclosed space prone to temperature increase. Please see the section on installation for more information.

CAUTION – Proper Cleaning

In general, the only cleaning necessary for your Monster PowerCenter is a light dusting. Unplug your component from the wall before cleaning it. Do not use any type of liquid or aerosol cleaners.

iii

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD MONSTER

Dear Enthusiast,

THANK YOU for purchasing my Signature MPA 5150, Monster Home Theatre Music 5-Channel Reference Power Amplifier. I started my Signature Series in 2002 by introducing special editions of the Monster Power Automatic Voltage Stabilizer AVS 2000, Home Theatre Power Source HTPS 7000 and Reference Home Theatre PowerCenter HTS 5100. Each of these products represented a breakthrough in performance and affordability and included special enhancements for audiophiles and videophiles who appreciate minute attention to detail and elegant design… all geared towards getting the most from their home theater system.

Now, I am introducing my signature line of Monster Home Theatre Music Reference Power Amplifiers for those of you who are passionate about movies and music. I’ve spent years perfecting this design working with renowned audiophile designers Richard Marsh, Demian Martin and the other dedicated professionals at Monster. After countless hours of critical listening and dozens of prototype designs, we have finally completed an amplifier that is good enough to be part of The Head Monster’s Signature Series.

Noel Lee

The Home Theatre Music amplifiers are designed to please the most demanding critical listeners…like me! I like to listen to music LOUD with all the complex harmonics and dynamic range reproduced as accurately as possible. I also like to watch movies and to have the power and responsiveness necessary to reproduce movie soundtracks from the subtlest rustle of leaves to the most violent explosions. It takes a very special amplifier design to satisfy the needs of both home theater and music.

I also understand the convenience of having the power you need all in a single chassis. The MPA 5150 was designed to meet the needs of those movie and music fans who love the big sound you experience from a separate power amplifier, but have space limitations and need the convenience of having all five channels in one chassis.

I hope you enjoy your favorite music and movies even more with your new Monster Home Theater Music Reference 5-Channel Power Amplifier.

Monsterously,

Noel Lee

The Head Monster

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE MONSTER HOME THEATRE

MUSIC REFERENCE 5-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER:

MONSTER MIRRORED AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY™ (MMAT™)

The MPA 5150 uses an innovative, patent pending, exclusive current-feedback topology we call MMAT™ to ensure low distortion and greater clarity even at the highest playback levels. Any signal put into this amplifier will be mirrored at the output — and only amplified – with all the sonic details intact. Your MPA 5150 employs fully complimentary differential circuits, so the input and output stages of the amplifier are mirror images of themselves — helping to lower noise and distortion.

INNOVATIVE CIRCUITS DESIGNED FOR SUPERIOR IMAGING AND MAXIMUM DYNAMIC IMPACT

A balanced, complimentary push-pull stage delivers ultra-wide bandwidth for true reproduction of today’s ultra-high resolution 192kHz DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD formats. Because the formats’ bandwidth is so wide, high-frequency overtones provide pin-point imaging and soundstaging never before possible.

At the output end, high-current MOSFET output transistors deliver instantaneous current for maximum transient impact. From earthquakes and explosions, to snare drum backbeats and power chords, your MPA 5150 will provide the high current peak delivery necessary for an engaging, exciting home theater music experience.

TRUE POWER METERS

Monster True Power Meters are the most sophisticated meters available in a home theater power amplifier. Whether you are measuring power to protect your speakers, calibrating a multi-channel system, or just like to see how much energy that explosion or bass guitar riff requires, True Power Meters will tell you exactly how much power the speakers require.

™

Measuring actual wattage in real time is a complex task – the meters have to measure voltage and current simultaneously in a circuit with constantly changing impedance. The meters also have to be readable, which is why the Head Monster designed them to be peak reading meters so power could be easily read without sluggish performance.

The output display can be turned off if you like, and turned back on to show-off to friends.

SEPARATE POWER SUPPLIES FOR THE FRONT AND REAR CHANNELS

A unique feature of the MPA 5150 is that the front and rear channels each have their own transformer and power supply. Receivers that share a single, ordinary power supply for all channels will actually deliver far lower power levels under heavy demand. Monster amplifiers do not sag when the power demands are high because they are designed to support the high current loads required of today’s music and movie sound effects. The MPA 5150 delivers detail, clarity, dimensionality and low distortion audio with powerful bass at virtually any power level.

The MPA 5150 delivers 250 continuous watts per channel into 4 ohms with all channels driven (150 watts/channel into 8 ohms). Instantaneous peak power exceeds 500 watts into 4 ohms (300 watts/channel into 8 ohms).

THE DESIGN MINDS BEHIND THE MONSTER HOME THEATRE

MUSIC REFERENCE POWER AMPLIFIERS

Richard Marsh – There are few experts in the world able to solve the complex problems of AC power, and Richard

Marsh is one of the illustrious few. With Noel Lee, he designed MMAT amplifier circuitry, and the True Power Meters, along with many other refinements to power amplifier design. Richard Marsh had designed best-selling power conditioning components costing thousands and thousands of dollars, before bringing his expertise to Monster Power. Richard developed Monster’s patented Clean Power™ circuitry for Monster Power’s power conditioning products, and is also responsible for several other groundbreaking designs. Richard’s power circuitry expertise, and his research of amplifier and capacitor designs led to his development of the Servo-DC feedback concept in power amplifiers – a design used by virtually every amplifier manufacturer today. His reputation as both the inventor of the MultiCap™ internal bypass capacitor and the driving force behind the high-end audio balanced circuit design concept, has influenced the audiophile community for many years. Richard is also responsible for some of the world’s most respected high-end audio product designs, essays and articles, and has contributed to Fi, Richard Marsh is listed in

Demian Martin – Demian Martin has been solving complex AC power problems for several years. As a technical consultant for successful paper and steel mills, Demian helped create several innovative AC power solutions. He developed techniques to dramatically improve the efficiency of these factories’ high power motor control systems up to 50,000 watts – helping them avoid the costly premiums many factories must pay for AC power inefficiency. Demian was also the co-founder of Spectral Audio and was the chief designer of their many pioneering designs for amplifiers, D/A converters, and other high-end audio designs. He now brings his expertise to Monster Power’s elite research and development team.

Noel Lee – Always the passionate audiophile, Noel Lee is best known for popularizing the concept of high performance audio cable over 25 years ago with the creation of Monster Cable. Originally a laser-fusion design engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and later a touring musician, Noel invented or co-invented products receiving over 125 U.S. and international patents, and he drives the explosive growth of The Monster Group into more than 80 countries worldwide. Monster Power is his realization of a long-nurtured vision of creating affordable power solutions that deliver the best possible sound and picture.

Who’s Who in the West

The Absolute Sound

and

Audio

magazines.

OVERVIEW

The following information will guide you through the set-up and operation of the MPA 5150, your Monster Home Theatre Music Reference 5-Channel Power Amplifier. For full home theatre music enjoyment please read this entire manual before set-up.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Please make sure you have the following items available to best enjoy the high performance of your MPA 5150:

This owner’s manual.

Your favorite pen or a computer with an Internet browser (for registering your warranty information).

Your MPA 5150 power amplifier.

Your source equipment, speakers and their owner’s manuals.

Monster Cable interconnects and Monster Cable speaker cable to connect source components and speakers

to your Monster Home Theater Music Reference Power Amplifier(s).

RECOMMENDED CABLES FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE OF 5 AUDIO CHANNELS

5 individual Monster Cable M-Series™, Z-Series™ or Sigma Retro™ Audio Interconnects – length determined by your

system component center. Connector type is determined by the connectors on your receiver/preamp. (Not included)

5 runs of Monster Speaker Cable – length determined by the size of your room and speaker placement.

(Not included)

If your Receiver/Preamp has a remote trigger out:

2 runs of 1/8"-to-1/8" mono mini cable (included with the amplifier)

If your receiver does not have a remote trigger out:

1 run of 1/8"-to-1/8" mono mini cable and a 3–30V power transformer (included with the amplifier)

UNPACKING YOUR MPA 5150

Take care in unpacking your new MPA 5150 amplifier so as not to scratch or damage the unit. Monster recommends saving the box should you ever move the amplifier or need to ship it for any reason.

While unpacking please make note of the enclosed items and set them aside.

Items Included

1 Each Owner’s Manual

1 Each 1/8"-to-1/8" mono mini remote trigger cable

1 Each DC Power Transformer to be used as a remote trigger (if needed)

1 Pair Front Rack Mounting Ears

1 Pair Rear Rack Mounting Bracket

1 Set Screws for Rear Rack Brackets

1 Each PL 400 IEC-type AC Power Cord

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Before placing, connecting and using your new MPA 5150, please read these guidelines to become familiar with the installation specifications.

HEAT DISSIPATION

The MPA 5150 is a high current design, and like all amplifiers will produce heat under normal operating conditions. To maintain proper operation of your MPA 5150:

DO NOT stack your amplifier in enclosed environments such as closets or completely enclosed audio racks or

• component centers.

When placing your amplifier into your component center allow 3” of clearance on the top and 2” of clearance

• on each side to allow for proper heat dispersion. The MPA 5150 should be placed on a separate shelf with space above and space to the sides to allow for heat dissapation.

If your MPA 5150 must be installed in an enclosed environment, use a quiet fan to disperse excess heat from

• the enclosure.

DO NOT place the MPA 5150 directly on a carpeted floor. An amplifier placed on carpeting restricts the flow of air

• from the bottom causing the amplifier to heat up quickly. This will also pose a safety hazard because the carpeting may come in direct contact with the amplifier chassis, which will radiate heat.

AC POWER LINE

The MPA 5150 is designed to operate from a 120V 60 Hz AC power line. Connection is made through a heavy-duty grounded power cord. For safety and proper operation, DO NOT remove the ground pin, cut the power cord or use a ground lifting, 3-prong to 2-prong adapter.

For proper operation and the best possible sound, Monster recommends using a Monster Power Reference Home Theatre PowerCenter to deliver clean AC power and protect your MPA 5150 from surges and spikes on the AC power line. Consult your Monster dealer for information or visit MonsterPower.com.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

When purchasing cables to connect your MPA 5150 to your system, make sure the cables are long enough to have some slack between components. DO NOT stretch the cables tightly between components. Cables should be of sufficient length so that they are not tightly pulled around shelves or other components.

Speaker cables for the all five channels should be of equal length to maintain best delivery of sound. Determine the length needed for the speaker that is the greatest distance away from the amplifier, then cut the others to the same length.

If five runs of speaker cable at the same length is not practical, be certain that the lengths of speaker cable for the three front channels are the same, and match the lengths of the speaker cable for both surround channels.

TRUE POWER METERS

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One the major features of the MPA 5150 are its laboratory-grade digital meters. The meters display the actual wattage output to the speaker.

True Power Meters display wattage using a proprietary “Peak-hold” system that allows meters to be read easily. True Power Meters can be used to calibrate and fine tune your system, protecting your loudspeakers, determining if speakers are connected should speakers and amplifier be installed in different rooms, and displaying performance of your system during particularly dynamic movie and music passages.

RACK MOUNTING

MPA5150

MONSTE R HOME THEATRE MUSIC

FIVE C HANNEL REFEREN CE POWE R AMPLI FIER

POWER O N/OFF

DISPLA

BRIGHTN ESS

CENTER CHANNE

GAIN

CENTER CHANNE

FULL VO LUME

CENTER CHANNE

POWER O N

LEFT CH ANNE

GAIN

LEFT CH ANNE

FULL VO LUME

LEFT CH ANNE

POWER O N

LEFT RE AR CHA NNE

GAIN

LEFT RE AR CHA NNE

FULL VO LUM

LEFT RE AR CHA NNE

POWER O N

RIGHT C HANNE

GAIN

RIGHT C HANNE

FULL VO LUME

RIGHT C HANNE

POWER O N

RIGHT R EAR CH ANNE

GAIN

RIGHT R EAR CH ANNE

FULL VO LUME

RIGHT R EAR CH ANNE

POWER O N

Trim Plate Allen Screws

Your new MPA 5150 comes with front and rear rack mounting accessories for equipment rack mounting. The front rack ears are separate from the unit and must be attached prior to rack mounting. Please follow these instructions to securely mount your MPA 5150 into a rack unit, with weight support both front and back.

Remove the 10 Allen screws (5 on each side) that secure the front outer trim plates of the amplifier and set them

aside. To avoid scratching the rack ears or faceplate, take care when removing the Allen screws.

Attach the rack ears by placing them along side each side of the amplifier. There is a small metal strip on the back

Top View of Amplifier

ont of Amplifier

Rack Ear R

ack Ear

of each rack ear that will fit flush with the side of the amplifier.

Carefully put back the 10 Allen screws. Make sure that the screws are tight, but do not over tighten the screws.3.11Carefully place the MPA 5150 into the rack. Hold the amplifier in position and tighten the front screws. (This is best

4.12Keeping the amplifier supported, adjust the depth of the rear rack bracket to match the rails at the back of the rack.5.13Attach the rear rack brackets to the amplifier, using the set of screws included.6.14Using the rear brackets, attach the rear of the MPA 5150 to the rack. Continue to support the amplifier until

done with two people.)

the rear rack brackets are secured to both the unit and the rack.

CONNECTION GUIDE

The following section will guide you through the steps required to connect your MPA 5150 to the rest of your system. Read through this section carefully before connecting.

This section has been broken into steps for each amplifier.

KNOWING THE CONNECTIONS

Before connecting components to your MPA 5150, please familiarize yourself with the amplifier back panel. This will allow you to make the proper connections, prevent damage, and ensure you get the most enjoyment from your amplifiers.

MPA 5150 REAR PANEL

MPA 5150

S/N

MONSTE R HOME THEATRE MUSIC FIVE CH ANNEL R EFERENC E POWER AMPLI FIER

CHANNEL 4 RIGHT REAR

SPEAKER OUTPUT 5

(RIGHT REAR)

OUTPUT FUSE (RIGHT REAR)

7A 125V SLOW

(REPLACE WITH SAME SIZE AND RATING)

UNBALANCED

INPUT 5

(RIGHT REAR)

BALANCED

INPUT 5

(RIGHT REAR)

CHANNEL 2 RIGHT

SPEAKER OUTPUT 2

(RIGHT)

OUTPUT FUSE (RIGHT)

7A 125V SLOW

(REPLACE WITH SAME SIZE AND RATING)

UNBALANCED

INPUT 2 (RIGHT)

BALANCED

INPUT

(RIGHT)

CHANNEL 3 CENTER

SPEAKER OUTPUT 3

(CENTER)

OUTPUT FUSE (CENTER)

7A 125V SLOW

(REPLACE WITH SAME SIZE AND RATING)

UNBALANCED

INPUT

(CENTER)

BALANCED

INPUT

(CENTER)

CHANNEL 1 LEFT

SPEAKER OUTPUT 1

(LEFT)

OUTPUT FUSE (LEFT)

7A 125V SLOW

(REPLACE WITH SAME SIZE AND RATING)

UNBALANCED

INPUT

(LEFT)

BALANCED

INPUT

(LEFT)

CHANNEL 5 LEFT REAR

SPEAKER OUTPUT 4

(LEFT REAR)

OUTPUT FUSE (LEFT REAR)

7A 125V SLOW

(REPLACE WITH SAME SIZE AND RATING)

UNBALANCED

INPUT

(LEFT REAR)

BALANCED

INPUT

(LEFT REAR)

GROUND

AC 120V/240V

SWITCHABLE

VOLTAGE SELECTOR

FUSE 12A SLOW 120V FUSE 6A SLOW 240V

IN AC/DC 3-30V

OUT DC 12V

REMOTE TURN ON/OFF

115

AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS MPA 5150 REAR PANEL

AC Power Receptacle – Connect to your AC power line from the wall using the supplied power cord. Monster

recommends connecting all electronic components to a Monster PowerCenter for clean, noise free AC power and protection for system components.

Voltage Selection Switch – Selects the input supply voltage. Make sure that this switch is set to 115V.

(In the US, nominal AC power is 120V.)

Main Power Fuse – 12A 120V Slow-Blow fuse protects the amplifier from power overload. Replace only with

same type fuse rated at the same amperage.

Remote On/Off – Allows amplifier to be automatically turned On or Off when receiver or preamplifier is turned

On or Off. One trigger cable and one power transformer are included with each amplifier.

Selectable Balanced/Unbalanced Input Switch – Selects between the unbalanced and balanced input

for each channel. Verify that the switch is at the proper setting for the type of input used.

Amplifier Input – Monster has provided both Unbalanced (RCA) and Balanced (XLR) inputs to match a variety

of receivers and preamplifiers. Do not use both inputs at the same time.

Grounding Connection – Connection to ground for other components in the system. If using a Monster

PowerCenter, connect the MPA 5150 ground post to the PowerCenter’s ground post to maintain the lowest possible noise floor.

Speaker Terminals – 5-way, 24k Gold Contact binding posts allow for multiple types of speaker connections.

(They are Banana Plugs, Ring Lugs, Spade Lugs, Pin Connectors, and stripped bare wire. Connecting to bare wire is not recommended and should be considered only as a temporary option until other connectors are attached to the ends of the speaker cable.)

Unbalanced RCA Input Balanced XLR Input

Channel Fuses – 7A 120V Slow-Blow fuses protect the individual amplifier channels from power overload.

Replace only with same type fuse rated at the same amperage.

INPUT CONNECTIONS

When you are ready to connect your MPA 5150 to your receiver or preamplifier, you will notice that the MPA 5150

provides both unbalanced (RCA) type and balanced (XLR) type connections.

Should your receiver/preamplifier have both types of connections, Monster recommends using balanced connections for cleaner more accurate sonic reproduction. Please refer to your receiver/preamplifier owner’s manual for the available connection types.

Unbalanced RCA Input Balanced XLR Input

CAUTION: Never connect both balanced and unbalanced to the same input. Damage to your MPA 5150

or other components may occur. (Although there are two inputs per channel, you should not connect two receivers or preamplifiers to the MPA 5150 at the same time. If you wish to use a 2nd receiver or preamplifier, disconnect the 1st receiver or preamplifier before connecting the 2nd.)

For unbalanced RCA type connections please follow Step 1A.

For balanced XLR type connections, please follow Step 1B.

Input connections are marked with the channel name they are intended for.

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