moon 880M User manual

Owner’s Manual
MOON Evolution Series
880M
Mono Power Amplifier

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
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 a dry cloth.
7. Do not block 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 another apparatus that produces
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 is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the 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. Unplug mains cord during transportation.
11. Only use attachments and 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 when the power cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Important Safety Instructions (cont’d)
The lightning flash with the 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.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the
European Community
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before
operating your Simaudio MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier.
1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables,
or when cleaning any component. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect
the power suppy cord plug from the AC receptacle.
2. The MOON 880M must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes a
protective earthing connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used.
Connect the MOON 880M only to an AC source of the proper voltage; Both the shipping box and rear panel
serial number label will indicate the correct voltage. Use of any other voltage will likely damage the unit and
void the warranty
3. AC extension cords are NOT recommended for use with this product. The mains plug of the power supply
cord shall remain readily accessible.
4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
5. NEVER operate the MOON 880M with any covers removed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. An
open unit, especially if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock hazard. Refer
all questions to authorized service personnel only.
6. NEVER wet the inside of the MOON 880M with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your 880M,
immediately disconnect it from the AC mains and take it to your MOON dealer for a complete check-up.
7. NEVER expose the MOON 880M to dripping or splashing of liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, shall be placed on top.
8. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
9. NEVER bypass any fuse.
10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified
11. NEVER attempt to repair the MOON 880M. If a problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.
12. NEVER expose the MOON 880M to extremely high or low temperatures.
13. NEVER operate the MOON 880M in an explosive atmosphere.
14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
16. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to excessive heat such as sunshine, or fire or the like.
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MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Table of Contents
Congratulations ................................................ 5
Unpacking........................................................ 5
Introduction ..................................................... 6
Installation & Placement ................................... 6
Rear Panel Layout ............................................ 7
Connecting the 880M......................................... 8
Balanced Operation........................................... 8
Operating the 880M........................................... 9
Specifications ................................................ 10
www.simaudio.com
Simaudio Ltd., 1345 Newton Road
Boucherville, Quebec J4B 5H2 CANADA
Date Code: 20130306
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MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Congratulations!
Thank you for selecting the MOON 880M Mono power amplifier as a part of your hi-fi reproduction system. This power
amplifier has been designed to offer state-of-the-art high-end performance in an elegant package, while retaining all the sonic
hallmarks on which Simaudio has made its reputation. We have spared no effort to ensure that it is among the finest two-
channel amplifiers available. We have been building high-performance audio equipment for over 25 years, and the know-how
gained through our cumulative experience is an important reason why MOON amplifiers are so musically satisfying.
The performance of your 880M will continue to improve during the first 300 hours of listening. This is the result of a “break-
in” period required for the numerous high quality electronic parts used throughout this amplifier.
Before setting up your new MOON 880M, we encourage you to please read this manual thoroughly to properly acquaint
yourself with its features. We hope you enjoy listening to the MOON 880M Mono power amplifier as much as the pride we
have taken in creating this fine audio product. We understand the power and emotion of music and build our products with
the goal of faithfully capturing these elusive qualities.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version
of this manual is available on our official website at http://www.simaudio.com/manuals.htm
Unpacking
The MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier is a large and heavy component that should be removed from its box with care. We
strongly advise that you seek another person to help lift the amplifier out of its box, and place it in its final location.
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your amplifier:
9 AC power cable
9 This owner’s manual
9 Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
As soon as the amplifier is safely removed from its box and placed down, perform a thorough physical inspection and report
any damage to your dealer immediately. We suggest that you keep all of the original packaging, storing it in a safe, dry place
in the event that you’re required to transport the amplifier. The customized packaging is specially designed to protect the
MOON 880M amplifier from potential damage that may occur during shipping.
Please write the serial number of your new Simaudio MOON 880M in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial No.: ________________
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Congratulations / Unpacking 5

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Introduction
Your MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world-class” level of
performance. This is an abbreviated list of the more important features:
Proprietary “Lynx” Technology which eliminates feedback. The results are: Real-time amplification is achieved since
interactions from the speaker back to the amplifier are virtually eliminated; More accurate musical reproduction with
respect to tonality; Virtually non-existent transient intermodulation distortion (which is far more degrading to sonic
performance than harmonic distortion); The elimination of common phase errors resulting from feedback.
A custom proprietary toroidal transformer design with lower magnetic, electrical and thermal loss, yielding an
improved power transfer and lower regulation factor, resulting in increased current speed and better dynamics.
Fully balanced differential circuitry up to the output stage.
Output stable to any known speaker impedance.
Class A output to 10 watts for greater efficiency.
An oversized power supply.
Precision matched and fully decoupled proprietary MOON Bipolar Output transistors with unprecedented gain
linearity resulting in improved bass response and even more accurate sonic reproduction
A high damping factor which yields superior musical dynamics, improved signal speed and refined timbre accuracy.
Extremely rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations.
Accurate matching of the very finest high quality electronic components.
4-layer printed circuit boards with pure copper tracings for extremely low impedance characteristics.
Designed to be powered up at all times for optimal performance.
Installation & Placement
The MOON 880M mono power amplifier is both powerful and heavy. It requires reasonable ventilation to maintain an
optimum and consistent operating temperature, especially since it will radiate heat when driven hard. Consequently, it should
be placed in a location with empty space around it for proper heat dissipation. You should never place another component on
top of this amplifier. As well, the amplifier should be placed on a solid level surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat
source or inside a closed cabinet that is not well ventilated as this could compromise the amplifier’s performance and
reliability. The 880M uses two large toroidal transformers in its power supply; even though they are well shielded, you should
not place this amplifier too close to source components sensitive to EMI, such as turntables, phono preamplifiers and CD
Players.
In the event that the surface you have chosen isn’t perfectly level, each of the four (4) cones of your 880M are height
adjustable; carefully using your fingers, you can either raise each leg by turning the cone underneath clockwise, or lower each
leg by turning it counterclockwise.
We strongly recommend that you leave these cones mounted to the component at all times for reasons related to both
performance and aesthetics.
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Introduction / Installation Tips 6

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Rear Panel Layout
Figure 1: Rear panel of Moon 880M Mono Amplifier
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 1 (above). There is one balanced (differential) input on an XLR connector and one
unbalanced (single-ended) input on a RCA connector. There is no switch to toggle from balanced mode to single-ended
mode. You may operate the amplifier in either mode, but only one mode at one time. In the event that you’re using the
balanced XLR input, you must first remove the factory installed “dummy” XLR jumper (see figure 2 below) from the
back panel XLR connector and store it in a safe place. This jumper is required ONLY when using the single-ended RCA input.
In the event that you decide to switch to single-ended input mode, you must reinstall the XLR jumper (between pins 1 and 3)
exactly as show below:
Figure 2: XLR connector without and with jumper accessory
There are two pairs of heavy duty gold-plated speaker binding posts to accommodate bi-wiring.
The upper mid-section has an RS-232 input on a DB9 connector. To the right of this connector are two 12 Volt triggers, each
on a 1/8” mini-jack; one input and one output, the latter for use in the event that wish you to “daisy chain” a second power
amplifier on the same trigger circuit. The lower mid-section has from left to right; the “AC Fuse” socket cover; the power
“main switch”; and the “AC Input” IEC receptacle for the power cord.
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RearPanel 7

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Connecting the 880M
Prior to making any connections or removing the XLR jumpers, the power amplifier must be turned off and the AC cable
disconnected for at least 1 minute.
1. Connect the input cables running from your preamplifier’s outputs, whether balanced or single-ended, to the amplifier’ s
XLR or RCA input respectively. We highly recommend that you use the balanced XLR input (provided that your
preamplifier has balanced outputs) to take full advantage of MOON 880M Mono power amplifier’s capabilities. Please
refer to the next section “Balanced Operation” on for further information.
Do not connect cables to both the XLR and RCA inputs at the same time. Damage to both the 880M and the connected
equipment can result that is not covered by warranty.
Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables. Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall sonic
performance of your system. It is recommended, though not mandatory, to use balanced interconnects between your
preamplifier and the 880M when using long cable runs (i.e. more than 3 meters in length).
2. Connect your speaker, with a cable of your choice, to the 880M’s speaker binding posts. Take care to respect the polarity
(“+” , “-” ) of the output. Once again, don’t hesitate to use a high quality speaker cable. A poor quality speaker cable
can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system. Both speaker connectors are internally connected together.
Consequently, it doesn’t matter which pair you use.
3. Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle, located on the amplifier’s rear panel. Ensure that the AC wall
outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your 880M
directly into a dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord. If you have the time and willingness, consider
installing a superior quality AC wall outlet such as a hospital grade Hubbell.
4. In order to obtain the maximum performance from your audio system, we strongly recommend that the detachable
power cord not come into physical contact with either the interconnect cables or the speaker cables running to and from
your 880M. In the event that this can’t be avoided, you should ensure that any cables coming into contact with each
other are crossed at ninety degree angles to minimize the contact area.
Balanced Operation
When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any
noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an AC power cord) will be reproduced by the
amplifier and heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate conductors; one for
the ground and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with the
other. For example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +5 Volts, the other will be carrying a signal of –5 Volts. When
these two inverted signals on a balanced line are input into a differential power amplifier such as the MOON 880M, any noise
picked up by the interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two
signals: Noise on a balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore not be processed.
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Connecting The 880M / Balanced Operation 8

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Operating the 880M
We recommend that you leave your MOON 880M Mono power amplifier powered up at all times to maintain optimal
performance. In the event that you plan to be away from your home for a few days, powering off the amplifier may not be a
bad idea. Once fully “broken-in”, please keep in mind that your 880M will require several hours of playing time before it
reaches its peak performance after you’ve powered it up again.
Turning on your MOON 880M for the first time
Prior to turning the amplifier on for the first time, make sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any problems.
Then turn on your preamplifier connected to the 880M. Finally, power up your 880M in the following manner:
1) On the rear panel, flick the main rocker switch labeled “MAIN POWER” to the ‘1’ (on) position. The blue LED on
the front panel will blink for up to 10 seconds while it achieves standby mode. When it stops blinking and is not
illuminated, your 880M is in standby mode.
2) Next, momentarily press the push button labeled “Power” located on the front panel. Your 880M will make a
very faint click sound, confirming that everything is in order. The blue LED on the front panel will illuminate,
indicating that the 880M is now powered up and ready for use.
On and Off Sequence
To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps” and “pops”) emanate from your speakers when powering your 880M on
or off, you should always power up your preamplifier prior to powering up your 880M. As well, always power down your
880M prior to powering down your preamplifier.
Troubleshooting
The blue LED located on the front panel also indicates the operational status of your MOON 880M Mono power amplifier. In
the event that it starts blinking on and off during use, the circuitry is either over-heating or has detected the presence of DC
in the input signal: Left Channel DC protection .................. LED blinks 2 times
Right Channel DC protection ................ LED blinks 3 times
Left Channel Over-heating .................... LED blinks 4 times
Right Channel Over-heating ................. LED blinks 5 times
Unknown Problem ............................... LED blinks 6 times
Your MOON 880M is a “smart” power amplifier equipped with a self-diagnostic system that will automatically shut itself down
when it detects DC (direct current) from any input. If your 880M power amplifier turns itself off or will not power up, there
may very well be DC present in one (or more) of the amplifier’s inputs coming from one (or more) of your
preamplifier/processor’s outputs or connected source components. You must determine if there is any DC present. The best
way to accomplish this is by first powering down the 880M via the main power rocker switch, then physically removing all
inputs to the 880M leaving only the speakers connected. Attempt to power up your 880M again: A successful power up will
indicate the presence of DC coming from your preamplifier or one of your signal sources (ie. CD Player).
If your 880M still doesn’t power up, turn off the main power switch and check the AC fuse. If the fuse appears OK, put it
back in its socket and then try to power up again the usual way. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same
rating, and repeat the above process. At this point, you should be able to power up your 880M. If not, immediately consult
your dealer for assistance.
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OperatingThe880M 9

MOON 880M Mono Power Amplifier
Specifications
Configuration ......................................................... Mono
Power Supply Transformers .................................... 2 x 1.3kVA
Power Supply Capacitance ...................................... 260,000µF
Class Of Operation ................................................. A/AB
Design .................................................................... Fully Balanced Differential
Input Impedance ................................................... 47,500Ω
Input Sensitivity ..................................................... 2250mV
Output Device Type ................................................ Bipolars - 32
Output Power at 8Ω............................................... 800 Watts
Output Power at 4Ω.............................................. 1600 Watts
Frequency Response .............................................. 10Hz - 200kHz +0/-3dB
Output Impedance ................................................. 0.004Ω
Damping Factor (static) ......................................... 2000
Gain ...................................................................... 31dB
Signal-to-noise Ratio .............................................. > 106dB @ full power
Maximum Output Voltage ....................................... 80 Volts
Slew Rate .............................................................. 70V/µs
Maximum Current – Peak ........................................ 100 amperes
Maximum Current – Continuous .............................. 42 amperes
Crosstalk @ 1kHz ................................................... Not applicable
Intermodulation Distortion ...................................... Unmeasureable
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt) ................................ < 0.015 %
THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 800 watts) .......................... < 0.04 %
Power Consumption @ idle ..................................... 48 Watts
AC Power Requirements ......................................... 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
Shipping Weight ..................................................... 92 lbs / 42 Kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D, inches) .............................. 18.75 x 7.5 x 17.5
Balanced Pin Assignment: Pin 1................................ Ground
Pin 2................................ Positive
Pin 3 .............................. Negative
12 Volt Trigger: Logic ............................... Direct (0V off, 12V on)
Jack................................. 3.5mm microphone jack
Input Impedance.............. 1kΩ
Current Consumption........ 12mA
NOTE: In the event that you require the RS-232 codes for your MOON 880M, please contact
Simaudio Ltd. directly by either email (ser[email protected]) or by toll-free telephone
(877-980-2400).
Fuse Replacement: For the 120V version use a 10A fast blow (3AG size).
For the 230V version use a 5A fast blow (3AG size).
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Specifications 10