AMR AM-777 User manual

AM-777 Premier Class
Pre-Main Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
Ver 1.7.5

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:
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the 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
Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the Man-
ufacturer’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. The component has been dropped or the enclosure has been damaged.
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 only AMR 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
This component weighs over 15 kilograms. Do not place this compo-
nent on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table as the compo-
nent 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 component and cart combination to overturn.
!

4
Precautions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
set out in the EMC 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
walked on or pinched, especially near the 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
power cable, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cable.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
On placement
The AM-777 may become warm during normal operation. Given this, it
is imperative that the AM-777 when installed, its location or position
DOES 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 im-
pede 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 the AM-777 to settle only after it has
been used for this approximate length of time.

5
Contents
WARNINGS 3
Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup
1.1 Unpacking 7
1.2 Setup 8
Section 2 - Component Overview
2.1 Front Panel 9
2.2 Rear Panel 10
2.3 Remote Control 12
Section 3 - Operation
3.1 Power On/Off 13
3.2 Volume Adjustment 13
3.3 Rear Inputs 13
3.4 USB Input 13
3.5 Mode switch 14
3.6 Pre-Main/Power switch 14
3.7 HiFi/Pro switch 14
3.8 Preamplifier Output connector 14

6
3.9 Speaker Impedance 14
3.10 Mains Voltage switch 15
Section 4 - Advanced Features
4.1 Labelling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset 17
4.2 Labelling Input X 19
4.3 Setting Level Offset 19
4.4 Setting Fixed Input Level for Bypass Mode 20
4.5 OptiProtect® Speaker Overload Protection 22
Appendix A - Troubleshooting 23

7
Thank you for purchasing this AMR Premier 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 Premier Class Dual-Mono Pre-Main Amplifier.
ii. RCD-777 Remote Commander.
iii. Mains power cable.
iv. AM-777 Owner’s Manual.
v. AMR Warranty Card.
vi. AMR System Test Disk.
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 - Unpacking and Setup

8
Warning: ensure
no speaker con-
nector is in contact
with the chassis to
cause a short-
circuit!
Default Pre-Main
mode: the AM-777 as
an integrated ampli-
fier
1.2 Setup
Pre-Main Stereo Amplifier Connection (8 Ohm Speakers)
The following diagram illustrates 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

9
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 protec-
tive film covering
the display may be
removed
F2 F3
F1
2.1 AM-777 Front Panel

10
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
!
2.2 AM-777 Rear Panel

11
R1. SPADE/BANANA outputs: for connection of standard termination speaker cables.
R2. USB input: for direct connection to a Computer Audio Source.
R3. HIFI/PRO switch: to allow for a source with a transformer balanced output.
R4. POWER switch: to switch on/off 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 connect a separate pre-amplifier.
R10. MODE switch: to alternate between Stereo/Monoblock/Bi-Amplification settings.
R11. PRE-MAIN/POWER amplifier switch: to select Pre-Main or Power Amplification setting.
R12. 4R/8R speaker: to select the correct speaker impedance for speakers used.
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 the AM-777 to verify that the default settings (in bold) are as follows:
- HIFI/PRO switch (R3) is set to HiFi (set to lower position)
- MODE switch (R10) is set to LR (set to middle position)
- PRE-MAIN/POWER switch (R11) is set to Pre-Main (set to lower position)
- 4R/8R switch (R12) is set to 8R (unless speakers with 4R or lower impedance are used)

12
RC1. MENU: to enter Advanced Features mode*.
RC2. STANDBY: to place the AM-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) the AM-777.
RC6. BRIGHTNESS: to adjust brightness levels.
RC7. OK: to be used in Advanced Features mode*.
* Please refer to Section 4 - Advanced Features for more details.
RC4
RC3
RC1
RC6
RC2
RC5
RC7
2.3 RCD-777 Remote Control

13
Beware: prolonged
listening at high
volume levels is
likely to damage your
hearing
Section 3 - Operation
3.1 Power On/Off
Press the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R4) at the rear of the AM-777 to switch on mains power . To switch the mains
power OFF, press again and release. Always wait at least 30 seconds before switching ON again. This is to
enable the AM-777 circuits to shutdown properly.
3.2 Volume Adjustment
Adjust the volume up or down to attain a comfortable level for listening.
3.3 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. The 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 Audio Source.
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.
3.4 USB Input
The AM-777 can be connected via a USB connection (R2) directly to a Computer Audio Source for sound play-
back. No software drivers are required under Windows XP SP2 or later and Mac OS X. Make sure the playback
application is set correctly to output sound to the ‘USB Audio Device’.
Once powered OFF:
always wait 30
seconds before
switching on again

14
3.5 Mode switch
At the rear of the AM-777 the “Mode” switch (R10) allows the AM-777 to alternate between Stereo/Monoblock/
Bi-Amplifier modes.
3.6 Pre-Main/Power switch
At the rear of the AM-777, the “Pre-Main/Power” switch (R11) enables the AM-777 to alternate between Pre-
Main or Power amplification modes.
3.7 HiFi/Pro switch
At the rear of the AM-777, the “HiFi/Pro” switch (R3) allows for a source with a transformer balanced output to be
connected to the AM-777.
3.8 Preamplifier Output connector
At the rear of the AM-777, the preamplifier output (R9) allows theAM-777 to drive other amplifiers (including AM-
777 switched to power amplifier mode) or subwoofers. The output level of the preamplifier output varies with
volume changes on the AM-777.
3.9 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.

15
3.10 Mains Voltage switch
At the rear of the AM-777, the 115V/230V switch (R5) allows the AM-777 to be configured to correctly match the
local mains voltage.
Warning: setting this switch incorrectly may damage your AM-777!

16
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17
.
4.1 Labelling of Inputs and Setting Level Offset
With the AM-777, in one process, it is possible to label each of the inputs with 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
A list of available labels is shown overleaf in chronological order.
The main advantage of setting the level offset is that the volume level will change in real-time, so that the user may
adjust the offset without the need for additional equipment. By using this function and selecting the desired level
offset, one may ‘match’ the volume level of all inputs so that when switching between sources, the volume remains
the same, thereby avoiding undesirable and potentially equipment-damaging noise levels.
For example:
Input 1 CD Player (2V output) Offset: 0dB
Input 2 LP (1V output) Offset: +6dB
Input 3 SACD Player (4V output) Offset: -6dB
The following steps outline the procedure to label all the inputs and set the respective level offset.
Section 4 - Advanced Features

18
List of available inputs:
1. Input X ( default )
2. Aux I
3. Aux II
4. Aux III
5. CD Processor
6. D/A Processor
7. DVD Player
8. DVD Recorder
9. HD Recorder
10.HDTV
11.iPod
12.LCD TV
13.Media Center
14.MP3 Player
15. PC Audio
16. Phono Stage
17. Plasma TV
18. Pre-Amplifier
19. SACD Player
20. Tape Deck
21. Television
22. Tuner
23. Turntable
24. Uni Player
25. Video Player
26. Home Theatre
27. Home Theatre Direct
All types of sources
accomodated

19
4.2 Labelling Input X
• Press the Menu key on the RCD-777
• Use the Volume+/Volume- to scroll through the labels (see previous page for the full list of available labels)
• Press the OK key on the remote to store the new name
You will then move automatically onto ‘Setting Level Offset’
4.3 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 desired offset
Repeat this for all the inputs.

20
4.4 Setting Fixed Input Level for Bypass Mode
When using the AM-777 as part of a home theatre system with an external processor controlling the overall system
volume, it is possible to program one of the five input sources to have a fixed level of input such as for a home
theatre system of either 0.775V (0dbu) or 1.55V (+6dBu). This allows the 2-Channel music system to be seamless-
ly integrated into a high-performance multi-channel home cinema system.
- Go to Section 4.1 and follow the instructions to select the last label:
Home Theatre
Direct
• Simultaneously press ‘+’ volume (F3) on the front panel of the AM-777 and ‘OK’ (RC7) on the RCD-77
• Press the Volume+ button untill the display reads +12dB, press Volume+ again
• Press the OK button to enter the (Volume Control) Bypass mode
• 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 - :
HTD mode: always
use an external
pre-amp as this
mode will switch
the AM-77 to full
volume!