Myryad MXD-6000 Owners manual

MXD6000

Digital Preamplifier Processor

Owner’s Manual

§ CONTENTS

§ Introduction 2

§ Installation and safety notes 2

§ Accessories 2

§ Setting up your system 3

§ Rear Panel connections 3

§ Operating your system 5

§ Front panel controls 5

§ Remote control handset operation 7

§ Setup menus - Introduction 8

§ Audio setup menu 9

§ Speaker setup menu 9

§ Source setup menu 10

§ Display setup menu 11

§ Trigger setup menu 11

§ Using the remote control

in CD and DVD modes 12

§ Re-programming the remote 12

§ Installing and replacing batteries 12

§ Zone B operation 13

§ Trouble-shooting guide 13

§ APPENDIX: Details of

decoding and processing modes 14

§ Specifications 15

INTRODUCTION

The Myryad MXD6000 Digital Preamplifier­Processor has been designed to offer a
combination of high quality audio and video
performance with simple yet elegant
styling. The MXD6000 forms the heart of a
high-end home cinema and audio system
and should be used with high quality power
amplifiers such as the Myryad MXA 2150,
MXA 3150, MXA5150 and MXA 7150 two,
three, five and seven channel power
amplifiers.

The MXD6000 can decode a wide variety of
discrete surround material including Dolby
Digital1, Dolby Digital Surround EX1, DTS2,
DTS-ES Matrix and Discrete2, DTS Neo:6 2
and a proprietary mode “Surround 6.1” –
together with the ability to down-mix any
source to mono or stereo. It also functions
as a high quality stereo preamplifier and
any stereo analogue source can be
sampled at 48kHz for further digital
processing, or at 96kHz for the best sound
quality without any further processing. The

7.1 channel input is equipped with
comprehensive volume control facilities
and ensures that the MXD6000 will remain
compatible with new multi-channel formats
as they appear – as well as providing a
“pure analogue” bypass input for audiophile
analogue sources such as DVD-Audio and
SACD.

The MXD6000 also has several music
modes that may be used to enhance a
normal two channel stereo signal. These
modes include Dolby Pro Logic1, Dolby Pro
Logic II 1, DTS Neo:6 2, and two “music”
modes: Natural, and Party.

The MXD6000 can accept up to six digital
input sources, eight line-level input
sources, plus a tape loop and two
additional record outputs. It has six
composite and S-Video inputs, composite
and S-Video monitor outputs, composite
and S-video record outputs and an S-Video
monitor output without OSD (On Screen
Display) for highest quality video
performance. In addition there are Zone B
stereo analogue audio and composite video
outputs which can convey a separately
selected programme to a second room.

The MXD6000 automatically senses the
type of the incoming digital audio signal
and selects the best mode for that signal.
The user can also bypass the digital
section of the MXD6000 and connect, for
example, a high quality stereo source to the
Left and Right channels of the 7.1 channel
input.

The MXD6000 is supplied with a
comprehensive learning remote control
handset which is pre-programmed to
control the MXD6000 and other Myryad
products. In addition to the MXD6000 it can
also control up to 7 other products using a
combination of the pre-programmed
Myryad codes and either recalling one of its
internally stored code sets, or learning the
codes from a product’s own remote.

Options for system integration are provided
by Smart My-Link input/output connectors
to interface with other Myryad products, by
the three 12VDC trigger outputs to control
external equipment and by communication
with a PC or home automation system via
the RS 232 interface.

INSTALLATION AND
SAFETY NOTES

This preamplifier generates a modest
amount of heat and thus requires
ventilation. Do not place it on a rug or other
soft surface into which it could sink. Do not
allow papers or cloth to obstruct the
ventilation grille in the top cover. The
MXD6000 should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack
unless proper ventilation is provided.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT A FIRE OR
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT PERMIT THIS
PRODUCT TO BECOME WET. IF LIQUID
IS ACCIDENTALLY SPILLED ON IT,
IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF ITS POWER
AT THE WALL SOCKET AND UNPLUG
THE AC POWER CORD. ALLOW
SUFFICIENT TIME FOR COMPLETE
EVAPORATION TO OCCUR BEFORE
OPERATING THE UNIT AGAIN. IF THE
LIQUID IS ANYTHING BUT WATER
AND/OR ALCOHOL, A QUALIFIED
SERVICE TECHNICIAN SHOULD
EXAMINE THE UNIT BEFORE IT IS USED
AGAIN

Do not remove the cover, or attempt to
modify or repair the preamplifier yourself.
Refer all servicing to a qualified technician.

ACCESSORIES

Your MXD6000 is supplied complete with
the following accessories:

• Separate mains power cord to suit
country of purchase.

• Myryad Audio-Video Learning
Remote Control handset.

• Four AAA batteries for handset

• Home Theater Master SL-9000
Operating Manual

1. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.

Dolby", "Pro Logic", "Surround EX", and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

2. “DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround”, and “Neo:6” are

trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

2

AUX 2

AUX 1

M-OSD

SUB

SUB

58189101617147

6

34131511

12

POWER

2

1

SETTING UP YOUR
SYSTEM

SAT TV

VCR

COMPOSITE VIDEO INPUTS

AUX 2 AUX 1 SAT VCR TV DVD CD TUNER

REC ZONE

DVD

C V OUTPUTS

AUX 2 AUX 1 SAT VCR TV DVD MON-HQ

M-HQ

S-VIDEO INPUTS

REAR PANEL
CONNECTIONS

CAUTION:
BEFORE MAKING ANY CONNECTIONS
TO YOUR MXD6000 MAKE SURE THAT
IT IS SWITCHED OFF AT THE REAR AND
THAT ITS POWER CORD IS
DISCONNECTED (EITHER AT THE WALL
SOCKET OR AT THE REAR OF THE
MXD6000). ALL EQUIPMENT BEING
CONNECTED TO THE MXD6000, EITHER
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, MUST
ALSO BE SWITCHED OFF BEFORE ANY
CONNECTIONS ARE MADE.

Failure to follow these precautions may
result in excessive ground currents flowing
briefly into the MXD6000 which can
permanently damage internal connections
and will invalidate your Warranty.

1. Power inlet

Before making any connection, check that
the mains voltage or range of voltages
printed on the rear panel includes your
local mains supply voltage.

Plug the female (socket) end of the power
cord into the power inlet on the rear of the
preamplifier. Plug the male (plug) end of
the cord into a "live" wall socket or a
suitable heavy duty extension cable.
Connect the MXD6000 only to a grounded
wall socket.

UK version only:
The mains plug is supplied fitted with a
fuse. It should only be replaced with a fuse
of the same rating which complies with
BS1362.

2. Power switch

Press one side of this rocker switch (the
side nearer the edge of the rear panel) to
switch the preamplifier ON and the other
(towards the audio connectors) to switch it
OFF. When the POWER switch is in the
OFF position all power is disconnected
from the preamplifier. In this condition the
MXD6000 cannot be powered up from the

STEREO
ANALOGUE
INPUTS

1

DIGITAL DIGITAL INPUTS

MON-OSD REC

S-VIDEO OUTPUTS

LL

RR

TAPE

1 2

REC

PLAY

REC

ZONE OUT

OUT

X
A

OUTPUT

O
C

2
X

A
O
C

7.1 CHANNEL INPUTS 7.1 CHANNEL OUTPUTS

LF LFLS LSCTR CTRLB LB

RF RFRS RS

3
X
A
O
C

4
X
A
O
C

front panel or the remote control.
When the POWER switch is in the ON

position (and the power cord correctly
inserted and plugged into a live wall socket)
the MXD6000 will power up in standby
mode (see FRONT PANEL CONTROLS,
STANDBY on page 5).

It is recommended that the POWER switch
is turned OFF if the MXD6000 is not going
to be used for an extended period of time.

CAUTION: ALWAYS SWITCH THE
MXD6000 TO STANDBY BEFORE
SWITCHING THE POWER OFF, TO
AVOID LOUD NOISES THROUGH THE
LOUDSPEAKERS.

3. Analogue stereo inputs

Connect the analogue audio output cables
of the appropriate devices to these sockets.
Always connect these inputs, even though
you may intend to listen only via the digital
inputs (for example in the case of a CD or
DVD player). This ensures that a signal will
always be present at the record outputs.

The signal from ANALOGUE stereo inputs
is fed to an A-D converter that converts the
signal to digital format. The signal can then
be processed using Dolby Pro Logic, Pro
Logic II, DTS Neo:6 or other modes. The
signal is then fed to D-A converters and
thence to the 7.1 channel line outputs. The
selected signal is also fed to the three
ANALOGUE record outputs.
[A-D = Analogue to Digital; D-A = Digital to
Analogue]

4. Tape input/output

These connectors are suited to any type of
tape recorder, including high-quality "3­head" types which allow you to monitor the
signal off the tape whilst it is being
recorded. Connect a stereo cable from the
TAPE REC output sockets of the preamp
to the LINE IN or RECORD IN sockets on
your tape deck. Connect a second stereo
cable from the TAPE PLAY input sockets
of the preamp to the LINE OUT or PLAY
OUT sockets on your tape deck.
The TAPE loop allows you to monitor the
quality of an Analogue recording whilst the
recording is taking place. It can also be

3

OPT 1 OPT 2

RB RB

MY-LINK

IN

OUT

used for connecting devices such as
equalizers into the analogue signal path.
Note: if an equalizer is used it must be
bypassed when listening to Pro Logic
sources to ensure correct decoding.

Any ANALOGUE stereo source selected
for listening on the MXD6000 will
automatically be fed to the TAPE REC
output sockets for recording. Recordings
cannot be made from a source connected
to the digital inputs or the 7.1-channel input

5. Composite video inputs

Connect the composite video output cables
from your video sources to these inputs. Be
careful to use inputs with the same name
for the composite video, S-Video and
analogue audio cables from a single source
(e.g. cables from a VCR should go to the
VCR S-VIDEO, VCR COMPOSITE VIDEO
and VCR ANALOGUE inputs).

The composite video signal is selected
from these sources, and the signal is fed
out from the COMPOSITE VIDEO record
(REC) and monitor (MON) outputs. On
Screen Display information is added to the
monitor (MON) output.

6. Composite video record and monitor

outputs

Connect the composite video input of your
VCR to the COMPOSITE VIDEO “REC”
output. Connect the composite video input
of your display device (TV) to the
COMPOSITE VIDEO “M-OSD” monitor
output. The On Screen Display (OSD)
information is present on this output only.
You can also use the
“M-OSD” output even if no composite video
source is connected. The selected S-Video
signal is down-mixed to this output and so
can be used for monitoring. The OSD can
be switched off on the “M-OSD” output
using the Display setup menu.
Alternatively you can connect your display
device to the “M-HQ” high-quality output.
This by-passes the OSD circuitry so you
cannot view the OSD – and
it will not give any down-mixed output from
S-Video sources – but it will deliver slightly
better video quality.

RS232
CONTROL
INPUT

1 2 3

OFF

ON

7. S-Video inputs

Connect the S-Video output cables from
your video sources to these inputs. Be
careful to use inputs with the same name
for the composite video, S-Video and
analogue audio cables from a single
source.

S-Video signals are of higher quality than
composite video signals. Therefore if your
source devices have S-Video outputs it is
recommended that you use them, together
with the S-Video inputs on your display. S­Video inputs are also automatically down-

Digital audio input Assigned to input Re-assigned to input

COAX 1 AUX 1
COAX 2 AUX 2
COAX 3 SAT

COAX 4 TUNER
OPTICAL 1 CD
OPTICAL 2 DVD

If you re-assign any of the digital inputs to
different analogue inputs, record this in the
blank column provided. You may assign a
digital input to more than one analogue
input if desired.

Note: The “SPDIF” digital interface is
very sensitive to the quality of connection
when using 96kHz sample rate sources.
Always use a high quality digital coax
interconnect if 24bit/96kHz operation is
desired.

10. Optical digital audio inputs

Connect the Optical Digital audio cables to
these inputs. These inputs can also be
freely assigned to any analogue audio or
audio-video sources, but the MXD6000 is
supplied set up as shown in the table
above.

Note: The “SPDIF” digital interface is
very sensitive to the quality of connection
when using 96kHz sample rate sources.
Always use a high quality optical
interconnect if 24bit/96kHz operation is
desired.

11. 7.1 Channel inputs (Left Front,
Centre, Right Front, Left Surround,
Right Surround, Left Back, Right Back
and Subwoofer)

Connect the audio line outputs from any
multi-channel analogue source such as a
DVD-Audio player or Super Audio CD
(SACD) player to these inputs using up to
eight interconnect cables (or four stereo
cables) as necessary. The Left Back and
Right Back channels are provided for future
surround formats. The 7.1 CHANNEL
inputs may be used with any mono, stereo,

5.1 channel or 7.1 channel source.
You may use these inputs as an “Analogue

Direct” input if you want to bypass the
digital section of the MXD6000 (use Left
Front and Right Front for a stereo source).
The record outputs are not active when the

7.1 channel input is selected.

mixed to feed the composite video
M-OSD output for displays which do not
have S-Video inputs.

8. S-Video record, monitor and high
quality monitor outputs

Connect the S-Video input of your VCR to
the S-VIDEO REC output. Connect the S­Video input of your display device (TV) to
the S-VIDEO MON output. The On Screen
Display information is displayed in this
output, but may be switched off using the
Display setup menu. The MON HQ output
displays the selected source without routing

12 7.1 Channel outputs (Left Front,
Centre, Right Front, Left Surround,
Right Surround, Left Back, Right Back
and Subwoofer)

Connect these outputs to the line inputs of
your power amplifier(s), such as the
Myryad MXA 2150, MXA 3150, MXA 5150
and MXA7150 two, three, five and seven
channel power amplifiers. The SUB output
will normally be fed to the low-level Line
Input of an active subwoofer. Alternatively it
may feed a separate power amplifier and
passive subwoofer.

If the setup has only one rear speaker, its
amplifier should be connected to the Left
Back output.

13. Record 1 & 2 outputs

The REC outputs carry the signal from
whichever ANALOGUE stereo source
device is currently selected (except the
source connected to the TAPE PLAY input
or the 7.1 CHANNEL input). These outputs
may be connected to the inputs of any
recording device, or the signal may be used
in a multi-room set-up to feed power
amplifiers in other rooms.

14. Digital output

Connect the optical input of your digital
recording device to the DIGITAL output.
The selected digital source is fed to this
output in optical digital format.

15. Zone B audio and composite video
outputs

These connectors carry the stereo
analogue audio and composite video
signals selected for Zone B. The MXD6000
allows you to feed separate audio or audio­video programmes to two different areas, or
zones, in your home. To feed video and
audio to a second zone (Zone B), connect
a composite video cable (with RCA plugs)
to the “ZONE” composite video output and
a pair of audio cables to the “ZONE OUT”
audio connectors. The “ZONE” audio

4

it through the On Screen Display circuit
thus giving the best possible video quality.
If a composite video source is selected, the
S-Video outputs will carry only a black-and­white video signal.

9. Coaxial digital audio inputs

Connect the coaxial digital output cables of
your source devices to these inputs. The
digital inputs can be freely assigned to any
analogue audio or audio-video sources
(see Source setup menu for further
reference), but the MXD6000 is supplied
set up as follows:

output is always stereo (unless you are
playing a monophonic source). See “Zone
B operation” section on page 13 for full
details of how the second Zone operates.

16. Smart My-Link® input/output
When the MXD6000 is used in a system

with other Myryad M-Series products, all
may be joined together via the Smart My­Link®
The output of the MXD6000 should be
connected to the Smart My-Link® input of
the next product and its Smart My-Link®
output connected to the Smart My-Link®
input of the next and so on in “daisy-chain”
fashion. This inter-linking provides three
main benefits.

Firstly, when the MXD6000 is switched out
of (or into) STANDBY, either using the front
panel ellipse or the remote control, all the
other linked Myryad products will switch out
of (or into) STANDBY at the same time.
Note: there is a short processing delay
(about 1.5 seconds) between the MXD6000
switching into STANDBY and the Smart
My-Link® control pulse switching the other
linked units into STANDBY.

Secondly, only one linked product with its
own Infra Red receiver (e.g. a Myryad CD
player, but not a Power Amplifier) needs to
be “in line of sight” of the remote handset.
The Smart My-Link® will carry the remote
command from any IR receiver to all the
other products that are linked together.

Finally, the Smart My-Link® may be used
to interface with various proprietary multi­room control systems. Contact your Myryad
dealer or Myryad Systems Ltd. for details or
visit the Myryad website at
www.myryad.co.uk.

17. RS 232 control interface

You can connect the MXD6000 to a home
automation system through this interface.
Contact your Myryad dealer or Myryad
Systems Ltd. for details or visit the Myryad
website at www.myryad.co.uk.

18. Remote trigger outputs – 1, 2 and 3

You can connect the DC trigger inputs of
any audio or other equipment to these
TRIGGER outputs. The TRIGGER outputs
may be activated when the MXD6000 is
switched out of STANDBY and turned off
again immediately when the MXD6000 is
switched into STANDBY again. The
TRIGGER outputs may be programmed to
be activated under other conditions (see
Trigger setup menu section, page 11).

OPERATING YOUR
SYSTEM

The TRIGGER outputs deliver +12V DC
with a maximum current of about 40mA
from each of the three trigger outputs.

CAUTION: THE TRIGGERS SHOULD
ONLY BE CONNECTED OR
DISCONNECTED WHEN THE POWER
SWITCH IS OFF, OR THE UNIT IS
DISCONNECTED FROM MAINS POWER.

FRONT PANEL
CONTROLS

1. Standby

When the preamplifier is plugged into a live
wall socket and the POWER switch is
turned ON, the display will read “Myryad
MXD6000 Initialising” after about 3
seconds. This display will remain for
around 5 seconds before the display goes
blank and the LED (Light Emitting Diode) in
the display will glow red. The MXD6000 is
now in standby mode, with its internal
circuitry powered up but inactive.

When the STANDBY ellipse is touched the
preamplifier circuitry will be activated and
the last used INPUT and last used MODE
automatically selected. The LED in the
STANDBY button will change to blue, the
display will briefly read “Myryad MXD6000
Initialising” and the LINE outputs will be
muted for a few seconds. During this delay
period the blue LED in the display will flash
to indicate this mute condition.

When the STANDBY button is touched
again the preamplifier will be returned to
standby mode, the display will briefly read
“Myryad MXD6000 Shutting down” and the
LED in the display will glow red again.

CAUTION: always switch the MXD6000 to
STANDBY before switching the POWER
off at the rear to avoid loud noises through
the loudspeakers.

CAUTION: WHEN IN STANDBY MODE
THE INTERNAL CIRCUITRY OF THE
MXD6000 IS STILL LIVE, SO ALL
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE
FOLLOWED.

2. Display

Located behind this window is a high
quality blue Vacuum Fluorescent Display
(VFD) which indicates the operating
condition of the MXD6000 – including the
selected input, operating mode and volume
setting. Also behind this window (and
located to the left of the standby ellipse) is
the Infra-Red detector which receives the
commands sent to the MXD6000 from the
remote handset.

3. Volume control

The volume control adjusts the sound level
of the signal fed to the 7.1 CHANNEL line
outputs. It does not affect the signals fed to
the TAPE REC sockets so it can safely be
adjusted whilst making a recording.

The volume setting is indicated in the
bottom right of the VF display, for example
“vol: -35”. The display indicates the
preamplifier gain in dB (decibels)
referenced to THX standard gain (-2.5dB).
When first switched on the volume is set
automatically to –20, which is a typical
listening level. If the volume is set below –
20 this will be remembered when the
MXD6000 is switched into STANDBY and
re-instated when it is switched on again. If
the unit is switched to STANDBY with a
volume setting higher than –20, it will be
reset to –20 when switched on again to
protect against excessive sound levels.

The volume control range is from -90dB to
+15dB when all channel level adjustments
(e.g. in the Speaker level or Audio setup
menus) are set to zero or negative values.
If any of the trims is set to a positive figure,
the maximum volume setting is reduced by
the same amount to prevent inadvertent
digital overload.

5

When the volume level is being changed
(using the front panel control or the
remote), there may be small “ticking”
sounds at each volume step. These will be
more noticeable at higher volume settings.
These noises are quite normal and have no
effect upon the sound quality once the
volume control has been set.

4. Source select • and ‚

These buttons scroll up or down through
the inputs to select the source (audio or
audio-video) that is fed to the main outputs
for listening and viewing. The same signal
will also be fed to the TAPE REC and REC
1 & 2 output sockets for recording. The
display shows which input has been
selected.

The SOURCE buttons scroll through all the
inputs except TAPE. TAPE and 7.1 CH
inputs are selected by the TAPE MONITOR
and 7.1 CHANNEL buttons – see below.

When an input is selected, the MXD6000
will automatically switch to the operating
MODE last used with that input, or to the
correct digital decoding if an active digital
source is assigned to the input.

5. Tape Monitor

When you press the TAPE MONITOR
button you can hear the output signal from
a recording device connected to the TAPE
PLAY sockets on the rear panel. This is a
"toggle" function switch: you press it once
to engage and press again to disengage.
The TAPE MONITOR input also
disengages if a new source is selected
either from the remote or front panel.
Pressing the TAPE button has no effect on
the other source select buttons.