Esoteric Esoteric A-80 User manual

D01012321B
Monaural Power Amplifier
OWNER’S MANUAL ...............2
MANUEL DU PROPRIÉTAIRE ...10
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG......20
A-80

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
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 the appliance.

3
ENGLISH
CAUTION
<DO NOT REMOVE THE EXTERNAL CASES OR CABINETS TO
EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
ARE INSIDE!
<IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PRODUCT,
CONTACT TEAC FOR A SERVICE REFERRAL. DO NOT USE THE
PRODUCT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
<Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
<Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on
the apparatus.
<Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit.
<The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the
AC outlet even with its POWER switch turned off.
<The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC
outlet so that you can easily reach the power cord plug at any
time.
<An apparatus with Class ! construction shall be connected to
an AC outlet with a protective grounding connection.
<Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be
exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or other heat
sources.
<Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones
can cause hearing loss.
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 equipment and/or 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.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipments not expressly
approved by TEAC CORPORATION for compliance will void the
user’s warranty.
For U.S.A.
CAUTION Regarding Placement
To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space
around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions including
projections) equal to, or greater than, shown below.
Left and Right Panels: 20 cm (8”)
Rear Panel: 10 cm (4”)
Top Panel: 5 cm (2”)

4
For European customers
Disposal of your old appliance
1. When this crossed-out wheeled bin symbol is
attached to a product it means the product is
covered by the European Directive
2002/96/EC.
2. All electrical and electronic products should be disposed of
separately from the municipal waste stream via designated
collection facilities appointed by the government or the
local authorities.
3. The correct disposal of your old appliance will help prevent
potential negative consequences for the environment and
human health.
4. For more detailed information about disposal of your old
appliance, please contact your city office, waste disposal
service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Contents
Thank you for choosing Esoteric. Read this manual
carefully to get the best performance from this unit.
Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Before use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front panel features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rear panel features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Speaker connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connection example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power circuit and vertical symmetry circuit
configuration
The double-transformer configuration which consists of a
1kVA toroidal transformer and an additional sub-transformer
is coupled with the high capacity capacitor to ensure that no
fluctuation occurs in the power voltage even when high
power outputs are required. As a result, this unit becomes a
revolutionary power amplifier which does not possess a
voltage regulator.
The amplifier stage allows more idling current than usual to
flow, and normally functions at Class A, except for strong
power where it functions at Class AB. The vertical symmetry
push-pull output operates in all stages, and helps to avoid
clipping.
Equips WBT’s speaker terminals
The speaker terminals are WBT-0710 Cu which use the pure
material WBT nextgen series. Two sets of terminals enable
biwiring connections.
3 system input
This unit equipped 3 input system terminals, 1 XLR and 2
RCA, which can be selected with the button on the front
panel.
Highly precise, highly rigid chassis
Combined with pin-point feet which distribute the vibrations
equally, and a main chassis and outer design manufactured
by high precision processing at the machining center, this unit
also features an output transistor enclosed and stabilized by
an aluminum block together with a heat sink attached with
stainless steel if 4 mm-diameter fins to eliminate vibrations.
Features

5
ENGLISH
Read this before operation
<Place the unit in a stable location near the stereo system that
you will use.
<Be careful to avoid injury when moving the unit due to its
weight. Get someone to help you if necessary.
<To protect easily scratched furniture, you may stick the felt
pads supplied with the unit to the feet.
<As the unit may become warm during operation, always leave
sufficient space around the unit for ventilation.
The ventilation holes should not be covered. Make sure there
is at least 20 cm (8”) of space above and at least 5 cm (2”) of
space on each side of the unit. Do NOT place anything such
as CD, CD-R, cassette tape etc. on top of the unit.
<The voltage supplied to the unit should match the voltage as
printed on the rear panel. If you are in any doubt regarding
this matter, consult an electrician.
<Choose the installation location of your unit carefully. Avoid
placing it in direct sunlight or close to a source of heat. Also
avoid locations subject to vibrations and excessive dust, heat,
cold or moisture.
<Do not open the cabinet as this might result in damage to the
circuitry or electrical shock. If a foreign object should get into
the unit, contact your dealer or service company.
<When removing the power plug from the wall outlet, always
pull directly on the plug, never yank the cord.
<Do not attempt to clean the unit with chemical solvents as
this might damage the finish. Use a clean, dry cloth.
<Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Maintenance
If the surface of the unit gets dirty, wipe with a soft cloth or
use diluted neutral cleaning liquid. Be sure to remove any
fluid completely. Do not use thinner, benzine (naphtha) or
alcohol as they may damage the surface of the unit.
Placement of the unit
High-quality steel is used for the pin-point feet attached to the
bottom of the component. Although the outer feet may appear
loose, the weight of the unit causes them to become firm and
secure. The design effectively damps and reduces vibration.
<To protect the supporting furniture surface, you may stick the
felt pads supplied with the unit to the bottom of the metal feet.
Before use
Steel Pin-point foot
Cover foot retaining screwsCover foot
Front panel features
B
A
INPUT
Selects the terminal connected to RCA 1, RCA 2 or XLR.
The ring around the selected button lights.
<Select the input while the indicator above the POWER switch
lights in red for few seconds after the unit is turned on. When
the input is selected after the switch turns in blue, some
noises may be heard from the speakers if nothing is
connected to the input terminal.
POWER
Use this switch to turn the unit on and off.
The indicator above the switch lights in red for few seconds
when you turn on the unit. Then the indicator lights in blue
and audio is output.
<When the protection circuit is in operation, the ring around
the switch blinks in red and no sound is not output.
<Before turning on the unit, check the operation of the
preamplifier etc. The loud noise comes out from the speakers
when you turn on the preamplifier while this unit is already
turned on.
<Because the unit is equipped with a high capacity transformer
and capacitor sound may occur from the power transformer
when you turn on the unit. It is not a malfunction.
<Once the unit is turned off, wait for at least 2 seconds to turn
it again.
B
A

6
Rear panel features
RCA input terminals
XLR input terminal
Connect these terminals to preamplifier using commercially
available RCA audio cables (RCA 1 /RCA 2 terminals) or
balanced XLR audio cables (XLR terminals).
The input can be selected with the INPUT button on the
front panel.
<Be sure to insert each plug securely. To prevent hum and
noise, avoid bundling the signal interconnection cables
together with the AC power cord or speaker cables.
<If you are using balanced connectors, push in the XLR plug
until the lever is clicked. To remove the XLR plug, hold the
lever and pull out the plug.
<The pin assignment of the XLR input terminal is #2 HOT. Use
the corresponding cables.
B
A
A B
C CE D
SPEAKER terminals
Connect the unit’s + terminal to the speaker’s + terminal,
and the unit’s – terminal to the speaker’s – terminal.
This unit has two sets of speaker terminals. The two sets of
speakers can be played simultaneously or biwiring
connection can be made.
<Connect the 4Ωor higher impedance speaker.
<When connecting two sets of speakers, ensure that the
overall impedance for the parallel connection is 4Ωor higher
(8Ωor higher when connecting same speakers).
<It may disrupt the balance of the frequencies of the
respective speakers when you connect speakers with
extremely different characteristic. Use speakers with similar
impedance curves if possible.
<The metal portions of the two separate wires (Positive and
negative), should not touch or an electrical short can occur.
Shorted wires can create a fire hazard or induce a failure in
your equipment.
<Do not connect two or more amplifiers to one speaker.
C

7
ENGLISH
Speaker connection
SIGNAL GND connection
Use a commercially available PVC-covered cord to connect
the signal ground terminal on the unit to the player's signal
ground.
<Note that this is NOT an electrical safety ground (earth).
AC inlet
Use only the supplied Esoteric power cord. Use of other
power cords may result in fire or electric shock. Unplug the
power cord when you are not going to use the unit for an
extended period of time.
Protection circuits
This unit is equipped with an output short-circuit protection
circuit, an overcurrent protection circuit and a direct current
protection circuit.
The indicator lights in red when the protection circuit is
operating.
<When the indicator blinks slowly, the speaker cable may be
shorted out. Turn off the unit and check your speaker
connections.
<When the indicator blinks rapidly, the internal temperature of
this unit becomes high. Turn off the unit and wait for the
temperature to decrease or place this unit in a well-ventilated
place.
E
D
About the speaker terminal
When your speaker cable is bare wire:
Twist the strands of the stripped wires tightly together.
<The thickness of wires should be less than 4 mm (1/8”).
When your speaker cable has spades:
Loosen the terminal cap and insert the spade into the
terminal. Then turn the terminal cap clockwise to tighten it.
<The inside diameter of spades should be 6 mm or more and
outside diameter of spades should be 13.5 mm or less.
Connection using speaker cables with
banana plugs
Tighten the terminal cap and insert a banana plug.
For European customers
In accordance with European safety regulations, it is not
possible to connect banana plugs into the speaker terminals
on European models.
The holes into which banana plugs are inserted have been
covered with black caps. Connect the speakers using spades
or bare wires.
If the black caps become separated from the terminals, return
them to their original position.
13.5 mm or less
6 mm or more

8
Connection example
PREOUT
RL
1.COMMON
2.HOT(＋)
3.COLD(−)
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
LOW
This is an example of biwiring speaker connections.
CAUTION:
<Switch off the power to all equipment before making connection.
<Read the instructions of each component you intend to use with this unit.
Preamplifier etc.
RCA audio cable
XLR audio cable
Connect one or a
pair of these cables.
XLR pin
assignment:
A-80
(R (right) channel)
A-80
(L (left) channel)
Right speaker Left speaker

9
ENGLISH
Troubleshooting
If you experience any problem with this unit, please take the
time to look through this chart and see if you can solve the
problem yourself before calling your dealer.
No power
eCheck the connection to the AC power supply. Check and
make sure the AC source is not a switched outlet and that,
if it is, the power is turned on.
eInsert the power cord into the AC inlet of this unit.
There is no sound or only a very low-level sound is heard.
ePress the POWER switch to turn on the unit.
eCheck the operation of the preamplifier. When turn on the
preamplifier, turn off this unit first.
eMake sure a signal is output from a preamplifier etc.
eCheck if the preamplifier, speakers and source components
are secure connected.
eSelect input setting of the preamplifier correctly.
eSelect input setting of this unit correctly.
eAdjust the preamplifier volume.
eThe protection circuit is in operation when the color of the
indicator ring of the POWER switch changes from blue to
red. Turn off the unit immediately if this indicator is red and
solve the cause of problem.
eThe speaker cord may be shorted out. Check your speaker
connections.
Unstable sound.
eSpeaker polarity (+/_) is reversed. Check all speakers for
correct polarity.
If normal operation cannot be obtained, unplug the power
cord from the outlet, wait about 60 seconds and plug it
again. This resets the internal circuit which can be
disturbed during electrical storms, power interruptions,
etc.
Specifications
General
Power supply
Europe model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC 230 V, 50 Hz
U.S.A./Canada model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Korea model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC 220 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 W
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 kg (69 lb)
External dimensions (W x H x D)
250 x 219 x 430 mm (9 7/8” x 8 5/8” x17”)
Amplifier Section
Maximum useful output power. . . . . . . . 200 W (1 kHz, 8 Ω)
400 W (1 kHz, 4 Ω)
Frequency response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Hz to 100 kHz
(1 W, 8 Ω, +0/–3 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio. . . . . . . . . . . . more than 110 dB (Awgt)
Total harmonic distortion. . . 0.05 % (1 kHz, 160 W, 20 kHz LPF)
Input sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 850 mVrms/160 W (8 Ω )
Input impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 k
Ω (RCA)
Accessories
Power cord x 1
Warranty card x 1
Owner’s manual x 1
•Design and specifications are subject to change without
notice.
•Weight and dimensions are approximate.
•Illustrations may differ slightly from production models.

10
219mm
250mm 430mm

11
ENGLISH

0208.MA-1313B
This appliance has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please record
the model number and serial number and retain them for your records.
Model number Serial number
TEAC ESOTERIC COMPANY 1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan Fax: [phone] e-mail: [email protected]
TEAC AMERICA, INC. 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 Phone: [phone] e-mail: [email protected]
TEAC CANADA LTD. 5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada Phone: [phone]
TEAC MEXICO, S.A. De C.V Campesinos N°184, Colonia Granjas Esmeralda, Delegacion Iztapalapa, CP 09810, México DF Phone: [phone]
TEAC UK LIMITED Unit 19 & 20, The Courtyards, Hatters Lane, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 8TE, U.K. Phone: [phone]
TEAC EUROPE GmbH Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany Phone: [phone]