Abbingdon Music Research AM-777 User manual

AM-777
Pre-Main Amplifier
Owner’s Manual

2
FCC Declaration of Conformity - United States only
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING:
Changesormodificationstothisunitnotexpresslyapprovedbytheparty
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
NOTE:
Thisequipment has been tested andfound to comply with thelimitsfora
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interferenceinaresidentialinstallation.Thisequipmentgenerates,uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordancewith the instructions, may cause harmfulinterferencetoradio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
notoccurinaparticularinstallation.Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmful
interferencetoradio or television reception, which can be determined by
turningthe equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which
the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Notice (Avis Canadien)
Class B Equipment
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
This products complies with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the
European Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following
European Norms (in parentheses are the equivalent international
standards and regulations):
o EN55022 (CISPR 22) - Electromagnetic Interference
o EN55024 (IEC61000-4-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11) - Electromagnetic Immunity
o EN61000-3-2 (IEC61000-3-2) - Power Line Harmonics
o EN61000-3-3 (IEC61000-3-3) - Power Line Flicker
o EN60950 (IEC60950) - Product Safety

3
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 this component.
WARNINGS
component and cart combination to overturn.
Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the
Manufacturer’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory
recommended by the manufacturer.
Read and follow all the safety and operating instructions before
connecting or using this component.
All warnings on the component and in its operating instructions should
be adhered to.
Retain this Owner’s Manual for future reference.
Do not use this unit near water; for example, near a bath tub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
Unplug the component from the wall outlet before cleaning. Never use
benzine, thinner or other solvents for cleaning; use only a soft damp
cloth.
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not
spilled into the enclosure through any openings.
This component should be serviced only by qualified AMR service
personnel when:
A. The power cable or the power input socket has been damaged;
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the component;
C. The component has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind;
D. The component does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance;
E. Thecomponent has been droppedorthe enclosure has beendamaged.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT YOURSELF. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED AMR SERVICE PERSONNEL
Upon completion of any servicing or repairs, request the service point’s
assurance that onlyAMR Authorised Replacement Parts with the same
characteristics as the original parts have been used, and that the routine
safety checks have been performed to guarantee that the
component is in a safe operating condition.
REPLACEMENT WITH UNAUTHORIZED PARTS MAY RESULT IN
FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER HAZARDS
Thiscomponentweighs over 15 kilograms. Do not place this component
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table as the component
may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to
the unit.An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the
!

4
Precautions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set
outintheEMC Directive using a connection cable shorter than 3 metres.
On power sources
The mains power cable should be routed so that it is not likely to be
walkedon or pinched, especially nearthe plug or back panel receptacle.
The component should not be disconnected from the AC power source
as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the component itself
has been turned off.
If this component is not going to be used for a long time, be sure to
disconnect the component from the wall outlet. To disconnect the AC
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
power cable, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cable.
On placement
TheAM-777 may become warm during normal operation. Given this, it
isimperative that theAM-777wheninstalled,itslocation or positionDOES
NOT interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar
surface that may block the top or bottom ventilation openings; or placed
in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede
the flow of air through its top and bottom ventilation openings.
Do not place the component in a location near heat sources, or in a
place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or mechanical shock.
Do not place the component in an inclined position.
It is designed to be operated in a horizontal position only. Do not place
heavy objects on the component.
Keep the component away from equipment with strong magnets, such
as microwave ovens or large loudspeakers.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place vessels filled with liquids,
such as vases, on the component.
Running-In
AMR estimates that the AM-777 may take between 300-500 operating
hours for all of the internal components to be fully-broken in. Please
anticipate the sonic performance of theAM-777 to settle only after it has
been used for this approximate length of time.

5
Thank you for purchasing this AMR reference class component.
We hope you derive as much pleasure from using this component as we have enjoyed making it for
you.
1.1 Unpacking
This section refers to the unpacking of the AM-777 and its subsequent setup.
Upon unpacking, please find:
i. AM-777 Reference Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier.
ii. RC-777 Remote Commander (with 2 x AAAbatteries).
iii. Mains power cable.
iv. AM-777 Owner’s Manual.
v. AMR Warranty Card.
Please ensure that all items are present. Should an item be missing, please contact your AMR
distributor/dealer.
Please check
that all contents
are present
Section 1 - Setup

6
Warning: ensure
no speaker
connector is in
contact with the
chassis to
cause a short-
circuit!
Default pre-
main mode: the
AM-777 as an
integrated
amplifier
1.2 Setup
Pre-Main Stereo Amplifier Connection (8 Ohm Speakers)
The following diagram illustrate the standard connection of the AM-777 in pre-main stereo amplifier
mode. This is the default factory setting and is suitable for the majority of audio systems.
!
Outputs
R
Great Britain
Compact Disk Processor CD 777
-
Outputs
L
Digital
Input
Output
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
～
AC
SERIAL NO.
!
USB
Input IR
Link
Power
On Off
Interconnect Cable Interconnect Cable
Speaker R
HF
LF
HF
LF
Speaker L
RL
～
AC
Power
On Off
LR
M
MM
SERIAL NO.
!
14
3
2
Pre
Out
USB
Input
IR
Link
L
R
Speaker
Outputs
Inputs
R
L
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
8R
4R
Input 1
Great Britain
Pre Main Amplifier AM 777
--
RL
～
AC
Power
On Off
LR
M
MM
SERIAL NO.
!
14
3
2
Pre
Out
USB
Input
IR
Link
L
R
Speaker
Outputs
Inputs
R
L
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
8R
4R
Input 1
CD 777-
CD 777-
AM 777-
AM 777-
Speaker CableSpeaker Cable
MM
LR
M
MM
8R
4R

7
2.1 AM-777 Front Fascia
Section 2 - Component Overview
F1. STANDBY: to place the AM-777 in active or standby mode.
F2. SOURCE : to select between the different inputs.
F3. VOLUME : to adjust the volume level.
The plastic
protective film
covering the
display may be
removed
F2 F3
F1

8
2.2 AM-777 Rear Panel
Warning: en-
sure that the
correct mains
voltage and
speaker
impedance are
selected!
R4
R3
R2
R1
R6
R5
R8
R7
R9
R10
R11
R12
R13
!

9
R1. SPADE/BANANA outputs: for connection of standard termination speaker cables.
R2. USB input: to allow direct connection to a computer.
R3. HIFI/PRO: to allow for a source with transformer balanced output.
R4. POWER: to switch on mains electricity to the AM-777.
R5. 115V/230V: to switch to the correct local mains voltage.
R6. INPUT 1: shared XLR and RCA input
R7. INPUTS 2-4: RCA inputs
R8. IEC power connector: for the connection of a mains power cable to the AM-777.
R9. Preamplifier output: to drive other amplifiers.
R10. MODE: to alternate between Stereo/Monoblock/Bi-Amplification settings.
R11. INT/POWER Amp: to alternate between Pre-Main and Power Amplification setings.
R12. 4R/8R speaker: to select the correct speaker impedance.
R13. Infra-Red Link: for connection of a wireline remote control.
In the majority of audio systems, the AM-777 is most likely to be operated as a Pre-Main Amplifier.
Please inspect the rear panel of theAM-777 to verify that the default settings (in bold) are as follows:
1. HIFI/PRO switches are set to HiFi (left position)
2. MODE switch is set to LR (middle position)
3. INT/POWER switch is set to Int (right position)
4. 4R/8R switch is set to 8R (unless speakers with 4R or lower impedance are used)

10
2.3 RC-777 Remote Control
RC1. MENU: to enter Advanced Features mode*.
RC2. STANDBY: to place theAM-777 in active or standby mode.
RC3. SOURCE: to select between the 5 different inputs.
RC4. VOLUME: to adjust the volume level.
RC5. MUTE: to mute (temporarily turn off sound) theAM-777.
RC6. BRIGHTNESS: to adjust brightness levels*.
RC7. OK : to be used in Advanced Features mode*.
* Please refer to Section 4 - Menu Setting section for more details
RC4
RC3
RC1
RC6
RC2
RC5
RC7

11
3.1 Notes on operation
3.1.1 Power On/Off
Press the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R4) at the rear of the AMP to switch on mains power to the AM-
777. To switch the mains power OFF, press again and release. Always wait at least 30 seconds
before switching ON again. This is to enable theAM-777 circuits to shutdown properly.
The display will light up to indicate the unit is switched on and ready for use. This should take just
under 1 minute as the AM-777 is warming up.
3.1.2 Volume Adjustment
Adjust the volume up or down to attain a comfortable level for listening.
3.1.3 Rear Inputs
At the rear of the AM-777, there are 4 sets of RCA inputs for the connection of source components
such as the CD-777 compact disk processor or a vinyl source. One XLR Input is shared with the RCA
Input 1. The fifth input is USB only and can only be selected if connected to a computer.
If the AM-777 is used in single-channel mode, all other inputs are defeated. Signal input is allowed
only through the LEFT channel (white) of Input 1: via XLR or RCA.
Once powered OFF:
always wait 30
seconds before
switching on again
Beware: prolonged
listening at high volume
levels is likely to
damage your hearing
Section 3 - Operation

12
3.1.4 USB Input
TheAM-777 can be connected via a USB connection (R2) directly to a computer for sound replay. No
DriversarerequiredunderWindowsXP SP2 or later and MacOSX.Make sure the playback application
is set correctly to output sound to the USB Audio Device.
3.1.5 Mode switch
Atthe rearof theAM-777 the“Mode”switch (R10)allows fortheAM-777 toalternate between Stereo/
Monoblock/Bi-Amplifier modes.
3.1.6 Int/Power switch
At the rear of theAM-777, the “Int/Power” switch (R11) enables theAM-777 to alternate between pre-
main or power amplification modes.
3.1.7 HiFi/Pro switch
At the rear of theAM-777, the “HiFi/Pro” switch (R3) allows for a source with a transformer balanced
output to be connected to the AM-777.
3.1.8 Preamplifier Output connector
At the rear of the AM-777, the preamplifier output (R9) allows the AM-777 to drive other amplifiers
(includingAM-777switchedtopoweramplifiermode)orsubwoofers.Theoutputlevelofthepreamplifier
output varies with volume changes on the AM-777.

13
3.1.9 Speaker Impedance Switch
At the rear of the AM-777, the 4R/8R speaker impedance switch (R12) allows the AM-777 to be
configured to correctly match the impedance of the speakers used.
3.1.10 Mains Voltage Switch
At the rear of theAM-777, the 115V/230V switch (R5) allows theAM-777 to be configured to correctly
match the local mains voltage.
Warning: setting this switch incorrectly may damage your AM-777!

14
.
4.1 Labeling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset
With theAM-777,in one process,it ispossibleto label eachof theinputswith a corresponding
source and to set the respective level offset. This function is recommended only after ALL
desired sources have been connected to the AM-777.
Setup Labeling
Input X Setting Level Offset
4.1.1 Labeling Input X
•Press the Setup key on the remote
•Uses the Volume+/Volume- to scroll through the names
•Press the OK key on the remote to store the new name
4.1.2 Setting Level Offset
•Level Offset is flashing on the 1st line of the display
• Use the Volume+/Volume- to increase/decrease the offset, the volume will also change in realtime
•The range of offset available is from -18dB to +12dB
• Press the OK key on the remote to store the new offset
4.1.3 Setting Fixed Input Level for Bypass Mode
•Press the Volume+ button untill the display reads +12dB, press Volume+ again.
•Press the OK button to enter the (Volume Control) Bypass mode.
Section 4 - Menu Setting

15
If there are any
questions,
please contact
your nearest
AMR distributor/
dealer
•Confirm the warning message by pressing Volume+ or press OK to exit without enabling
Bypass mode
•Then select one of the following settings using Volume+/Volume - :
Fixed Input 4V, Fixed Input 2V or Fixed Input 1V
• Press OK key on the remote to store the new fixed input Level
Warning: When setting a fixed input level the volume control of the AM-777 is
bypassed! The volume control must be handled by the source connected.
4.2 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection
Within OptiProtect®the AM-777 has an in-built speaker protection circuit.
Thisismainlyafinal safeguard against equipment failureand/or extreme levels of over-drivingtheamplifier
and speakers. When the display shows:
Speaker Protection
Engaged!
This indicates that the AM-777 has detected an output condition that could potentially damage the
speakers connected to it.
Normally switching the AM-777 off, waiting 20 seconds and switching it back on will reset the protection
circuit if the cause was for example, excessive signal levels. In the extremely rare event that an internal
malfunction of the AM-777 is the cause for the protection circuit to engage, the protection will re-engage
on switch-on, indicating the need for the AM-777 to be serviced.

16
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
With power ON • poor/no power plug connection • insert the power plug firmly into the AC
no power is at mains power point
registered • blown fuse at mains plug • check and change mains plug fuse
No sound • incorrect audio cable connections •connect the sourcesto theAM-777correctly
• incorrect amplifier operation •make sure thatthe inputselector on theAM-
777 is set to the desired source
Strange “blast” sound • check speaker connectors are not • adjust fitting between speaker and chassis
connectors in contact with the chassis and terminal. Ensure no contact between
chassis and spade terminals (no “short
circuiting”)
Remote control does • remote control batteries have • replace 2 x AAA batteries
not work expired
• object obscuring remote sensor on • remove any objects directly in front of the
theAM-777, no “line of sight” AM-777
• Interference from fluorescent lights •turn offfluorescent lightsor redirectthe light
away from theAM-777
A “humming” sound • loose cable connections • re-attach the loose cables correctly
can be heard
Other problems • go to the Contents section and re-trace the
procedure or contact your nearest AMR
distributor/dealer

17
Inputs: 4 x RCA
1 x XLR Bal. shared with 1 RCA
1 x USB
Volume Control: -71dB – 0dB in 1dB steps + Mute
Input Sensitivity (IHF 2.83V Out)/Impedance: < 0.05V / > 20KOhm
Power Output IHF Dynamic Power: 60 watts per channel at 4 or 8 ohm (stereo mode)
70 watts per channel at 8 ohm (monoblock mode)
120 watts per channel at 2 or 4 ohm (monoblock mode)
FTC: 60 watts per channel at 4 or 8 ohm (stereo mode)
70 watts at 8 ohm (monoblock mode)
120 watts per channel at 2 or 4 ohm (monoblock mode)
Output impedance: 0.33 ohm, 20 - 20,000 Hz
Frequency Response (-1dB): 10Hz - 30kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio “A” weighted: >100 dB
Operational Modes: Pre-Main amplifier mode;
Power amplifier mode
Monoblock option;
Thermionic Electron Valves amplification stage: 6N1P-EV fitted
ECC88, E88CC, 7308, Cca, 6DJ8, 6922, 6N23P-EV
optional
Appendix B - Specifications

18
Abbingdon Music Research is a subsidiary of theAbbingdon Global Group
22 Notting Hill Gate; London; W11 3JE; United Kingdom;
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
WWW.AMR-AUDIO.CO.UK
Power Transformer: 380 VA Custom Torroid (Output Stage)
32 VA Custom EI Transformer (Valve Stage)
Power consumption: Standby: <1 W
Power on: 25 W
at rated output (4R): 250 W
Power Supply Capacitance: 44,000uF in total
Rated voltage: 100V/120V/230V~ AC 50Hz - 60Hz
Mains Fuse: 100V/120V: 4A slow blow; 230V: 2A slow blow
Colour: Silver or Black
Dimensions: 17.7 in W by 4.7 in H by 14.6 in D
45 cm W by 12 cm H by 37 cm D
57 cm W by 49 cm H by 25 cm D (shipped)
Weight: AM-777: 31 lbs / 14 kg
Shipped: 40 lbs / 18 kg
Information and specifications are subject to change without notice.