M10 User Manual 8
Do not screw the spikes in too far at this point or they will protrude from the feet and potentially damage
the supporting surface. Do not replace the top-caps yet.
Check that the voltage selector rotary switch on the M10 power supply unit is set to the correct local voltage
and that the power switch is off (the 0 side depressed).
Now you are ready to place the units. Each chassis is heavy and the feet are tted with elastomer rings to
protect the supporting surface, which makes it hard to slide the units. Having a partner or two to lift and help
place each chassis should be considered essential.
Place the power supply rst, carefully planning the path to be taken by the four umbilicals before
positioning the unit.
Gently place the umbilicals into position to be connected to the audio chassis, noting which is which.
Do not cross connect the umbilicals.
Move the audio unit as close as possible to the rack/support so that you can connect the umbilicals before
moving it back into position. Connect the four umbilicals to their corresponding sockets (they are color coded
with rings on the sockets and heatshrink on the umbilicals). The plugs on the umbilicals will only insert in one
position / orientation, so turn the connector in the socket until you feel it engage and then gently push
it home to lock it in place.
DO NOT force the umbilical connectors into the sockets.
This will risk damaging the connecting pins and disable your M10.
If you feel resistance when you insert the connector, disconnect the umbilical and start again.
You will be able to feel when the umbilical is in the correct position as it will produce a locking sound.
The M10 is supplied with a set of support discs. These have a groove machined in the upper face that ts over
the elastomer ring in the underside of each foot. Carefully lift each corner of the chassis in turn and position
the chosen disc beneath each foot. The groove that interfaces with the elastomer ring will ensure that the
footer disc stays in place if you slide the unit.
As well as making the units easier to position, the support discs can also offer a superior interface between
the grounding spikes and the supporting surface. The spikes are designed to drain internally generated energy
away from sensitive circuitry and into a dispersive support structure, but if the supporting surface is extremely
hard or forms an impedance mismatch with the spike tips, the material and footprint of the support discs can
function as a lossy mechanical buffer, easing the passage of mechanical energy out of the unit. As a rule, the
support discs work well with very hard surfaces, but results will vary with system and supporting surface. Once
set up and warmed up, compare the sound of the unit(s) with and without the discs in place.
Use the red screwdriver to wind down each of the four spikes until they touch the surface (or disc)
underneath. You will feel a slight resistance due to the chassis’ weight. Then turn each spike by the same
amount, for instance one more full turn. This should ensure that the load is evenly applied on all four spikes.
It is worth using a spirit level to ensure that the M10 units are perfectly level. If they are not at this point
of the setup, adjust the spikes with the screwdriver. Once this is done, simply check that all four spikes show
the same resistance to turning. This means that the spikes are rigidly coupled to the supporting discs and
equally loaded.
Replace the top caps. Their magnetic coupling will hold them in place.
