Musical Fidelity M1 HPA User manual

HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
1JI~ MUSICAL FIDELITY
o
Instructions for use
Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity M1 HPA.
The M1 HPA consists of apure class Acircuit giving exceptional performance into virtually any impedance
headphones.
It features aline as well as aUSB input, and aline (loop) output. It also features two headphone
sockets and aset
of volume-controlled outputs to enable use as apreamplifier. It is complemented with agenerous
power supply circuit, allowing astounding imaging, detail and transparency,
to deliver all music types exactly as the
artist originally intended.
The M1 HPA has been carefully designed to be partnered with M1 series, and also matches well with M3 and M6
series products. These combinations will yield one of the besthigh-fidelity systems available at anyprice.
Used carefully, it should give manyyears
of outstanding musical reproduction.
Dust regularly with asoft duster
or soft brush, but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents -they may
harm the surface finish.
If there are any questions about the audio system, please consult the dealer who is there to help and advise.
MUSICAL FIDELITY

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HEADPHONE I ml flJl@@I.
AMPLIFIER LfULrLilJ i
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CONTENTS
Section
Safety Information
General advice
Disposal information
Installation
Facilities and connections
Operation
Problems?
Specifications
Manual history
Mains plug (UK only), modification warning
Installation precautions
EU disposal information
Introduction, cleaning, installation,
power connections, audio
connections, digital connections
Illustrations -main unit front &rear panels
RCA inputs
USB input
Basic fault finding
Page
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 2 of 11

SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANTI (U.K. only)
This unit is supplied in the U.K. with mains lead fitted with amoulded 13 amp plug. If, for any reason, it is
necessary to remove the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of
children.
It must not be plugged into amains outlet.
The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green and yellow Earth
Blue Neutral
Brown Live
WARNING -This appliance MUST be earthed
As the colours of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in the plug, proceed as follows:
•The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must
be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked
with the letter Eor coloured green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth symbol:
-::!::-
•The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter Lor
coloured red.
•The wire which
is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter Nor
coloured black.
•Ifconnecting to aBS1363 plug, a
13 amp fuse must be used.
WARNING:
ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY
APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO
IS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE
FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 3 of 11

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HEADPHONE I ml [}{]®® i
AMPLIFIER lrlJU i
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GENERAL ADVICE
Installation, Precautions &User Information
This new M1 HPA is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices it
is necessary to observe afew precautions:
oHeed all warnings shown on the back ofthe product.
oOnly connect the M1 HPA to amains outlet having the same voltage as marked at the back ofthe unit.
Always ensure that when disconnecting and reconnecting your audio equipment the mains supply is
switched off.
oPosition the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by
items placed on them.
o Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers on the M1 HPA, for example, aflower vase or potted
plants.
If water does spill inside, immediately pull out the mains plug from the wall socket and inform
the dealer, who should then check the unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the M1 HPA is
dangerous, and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.
o Do not place the unit near direct heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or other equipment.
o Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no user adjustments or fuses to
change without qualification. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.
*Note: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claim.
oDust regularly with asoft cloth or soft brush but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents -they
may harm the surface finish.
The electronics
in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by
lightning. For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.
If after-sales service
is required, to help the dealer identify the M1 HPA please quote the serial number located
on the rear panel ofthe unit.
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 4 of 11

ITEM DISPOSAL INFORMATION
~11l".:ii
~ ~ DISPOSAL
The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears
on the back panel of the product indicates that the product must
not
be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product
from other waste to ensure that it can
be recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact local government
office or retailer for available collection facilities.
I I DISPOSITION
La poubelle sur roulettes bam~es X, qui apparait en logo sur Ie panneau arriere du produit, indique que celui-ci ne
doit pas etre traite comme un dechet domestique commun. Afin de proteger I'environnement, ce produit electronique devra
etre gere separement et donc recycle selon les nouvelles normes Europeennes Rohs concernant les dechets d'appareils
electroniques. Priere de contacter les services concernes gouvernementaux ou votre point de vente pour "elimination et
I'enlevement de dechets electroniques equipes
de composants electroniques.
-DISPOSAL
..... La etiqueta cruzada hacia fuera del compartimiento que aparece en el panel trasero del producto indica que el
producto
no se debe reciclarse como basura normal de la casa. Para prevenir daiios posible al ambiente separe por favor el
producto de otras basura para asegurarse de que puede ser reciclada de una manera ambientalmente segura. Entre
en
contacto por favor a su oficina gubernamentallocal 0a su minorista para las instalaciones disponibles de la colecci6n.
I I RIFIUTI
L'etichetta del cassonetto barrato nportato
sui retro dell'apparecchio indica che iI prodotto non deve essere
smaltito tramite
la procedura norma Ie di smaltimento dei rifiuti domestici. Per evitare eventuali danni all'ambiente, separare
questa prodotto da altri rifiuti domestici
in modo che possa venire riciclato in base aile procedure di rispetto ambientale. Per
maggiori dettagli sulle aree di raccolta disponibili, contattate I'ufficio govenativo locale
od il rivenditore del prodotto.
_FACHGERECHTE ENTSORGUNG:
""h:'11';). Das auf der Gerateruckseite angebrachte Label deutet darauf hin, dass das Produkt nicht mit konventionellem
Hauskehricht entsorgt werden dart.
Um Schaden und Verschmutzungen an Umwelt und Mensch zu vermeiden, muss das
Produkt fachgerecht entsorgt und
von anderem Abfall getrennt werden. Wenden Sie sich bei Fragen hierzu an Ihren
Fachhandler oder an eine offentliche Informationsstelle.
-AFVAL
_Het label op de achterzijde
van dit apparaat, een afvalbak op wielen met een kruis doorgehaald, geeft aan dat dit
apparaat niet samen met gewoon huishoudafval mag worden weggegooid.
Om mogelijke schade aan onze leefomgeving te
voorkomen dient dit apparaat, gescheiden van gewoon huishoudelijk afval, te worden afgevoerd zodat het op een
milieuvriendelijke manier kan worden gerecycled. Neem voor beschikbare inzamelplaatsen contact op met
uw gemeentelijke
reinigingsdienst
of met uw elektronica leverancier.
+HAvlTTAMINEN
Yliruksattua jateastiaa kuvaava tarra tuotteen takalevyssa kertoo, etta tuotetta ei saa kasitella normaalina
talousjatteena. Ympariston suojelemiseksi
on tuote pidettava erillaan muusta jatteesta ja se on kierratettava ekologisesti
kestavalla tavalla. Ota yhteytta laitteen myyjaan
tai Pirkanmaan Ymparistokeskukseen lahimman kierratyskeskuksen
loytamiseksi.
•• AFSKAFNING
• • Logoet med en skraldespand med kryds over pa bagsiden af apparatet indikerer at dette produkt ikke ma kasseres
som normal husholdningsaffald. For at forebygge mulig skade
pa milj0et, bedes De separere dette produkt fra andet affald,
og sikre at det bliver genbrugt
pa en milj0rigtig made. Kontakt venligst de lokale myndigheder eller din forhandler for
oplysning om nrermeste tilgrengelige opsamlingssted for elektronikaffald.
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MHXANHMATOr
AHI\ONEI
OTI TO npOION AYTO AEN nPEnEI NA AIAXEIPlr0EI rAN rYNH01rMENO OIKIAKO AnOBI\HTO.
npor AnO<:PyrH ENAEXOMENHr EnlBAPYNrHr TOY nEPIBAI\I\ONTOr, =EXOPIHE TO npOION Ano TA AI\M
AnOPPIMATA OHE NA EAr<:PAI\lr0EI HANAKYKI\OrH TOY ME TON nPEnONTA TPono.
nAPAKAI\OYME NA EnlKOINONHrETE ME THN TOniKH ynHPErlA ANAKYKI\OrHr HME TO KATAHHMA AroPAr
riA nEPIHOTEPEr I\EnTOMEPEIEr.
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 5 of 11

HEADPHONE I ml [}{]®@
AMPLIFIER ~l1tJ
Introduction
INSTALLATION
Congratulations on the purchase of the new M1 HPA. This unit will give top quality performance when used as
atop quality headphone amplifier, delivering the best performance possible from any source. It is also designed
to allow use as asingle-input (two inputs, ifthe USB input
is included) preamplifier.
Cleaning
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Using solvents. white spirit or thinners is not
advised,
as they could damage the surface finish.
Installation
Position the M1 HPA on astable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to
vibration such as from loudspeakers.
Important note:
In normal operation, the unit dissipates aquantity of power at all times, and it is important that it
is adequately ventilated. The
M1 HPA must be protected from humidity - if the unit is moved from
acold place to awarm room, leave the unit for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the
moisture
to evaporate.
Please note: Musical Fidelity currently do not make any interconnecting cables, nor
do we endorse any
particular manufacturer's cables.
If necessary, please refer the dealer who can advise on quality cables for any
particularsetup.
Power Connections
The M1 HPA is supplied with astandard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the back ofthe unit
Output connections
RCA pre-outputs: Use good quality RCA phono audio cables (fully connected signal and ground), for optimum
signal transfer.
6.25mm 1
W' Jack headphone outputs: Use good quality headphones for absolute optimum sound quality.
Use either Jack socket
to connect apair of headphones, or use both Jack sockets for two pairs, if required.
Please note: different headphone types will almost certainly have quite different output levels and possible
sonic characteristic differences when directly compared. This
is due to each headphone's individual design.
Volume control settings may vary appreciably, depending
on the headphone's sensitivity, original source
material recording levels,
and user listening comfort level.
Input connections
LINE (RCA) input: Connect line level source to LINE input socket. Use good quality RCA phono audio cables
(fully connected signal
and ground) for optimum signal transfer.
USB input: Connect computer or similar USB "host" source
to USB input socket. Use agood quality USB 1.1 or
2.0 "A to
B" type cable, for optimum signal transfer.
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 6 of 11

HEADPHONE I ml [}{]®®
AMPLIFIER Lr'UlJ
FACILITIES &CONNECTIONS
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4PRE OUTPUTS right and left
5LINE INPUTS right and left
6LINE OUTPUTS right and left
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7USB digital input (type "B")
8 lEe MAINS INPUT
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 70'11

HEADPHONE I ml [}{]@@ I
AMPLIFIER LrIllJ
OPERATION
Mac users-
Check the computer has picked up the device and
is currently using it by clicking: (MAC as X)
-System preferences
-Hardware
-Sound
Check that "USB audio DAC" is selected under the
OUTPUT tab.
If the computer's warning sounds/chimes are to
played through the unit, make sure it is selected
under the
SOUND EFFECTS tab too.
Note: USB may also be selected as an output in
some individual programs.
LINE
input
This input accepts LINE level (nominally anything between 0.03V-3V RMS) signals from any hi-fi source. It may
be connected directly to the stereo outputs
of aCD player, DVD, Tape, Minidisk, and TV or similar. Signals from
anormal turntable with moving coil or moving magnet cartridge, (and no internal amplification), will need a
PHONOpreamplifierconnected before the M1 HPA.
Alternatively, it may be used to add headphone output to an existing integrated
or pre-power amplifier setup.
To do this, simply identify the LINE outputs from the integrated or preamplifier. These are used for TAPE
RECORDING, and usually labeled TAPE OUT, TAPE REC or similar. Simply connect these outputs to the M1
HPA LINE IN sockets. If you had anything originally connected to the TAPE OUT or REC OUT sockets,
reconnect it to the LINE OUT sockets
on the M1 HPA. See LINE output section below.
To use the LINE input. move the input select switch
on the front panel to the LINE position (down).
USB
input
To use the USB input, move the input select switch on the front panel to the USB position (up).
Plug in one or two pairs
of headphones and adjust the volume control for comfortable listening.
LINE
output
The LINE OUT sockets pass on the LINE INPUT totally unaffected. They are in fact directly connected to the
LINE INPUT RCA sockets to allow reconnection
of arecording device (if the M1HPA is using the TAPE REC
output
of an Integrated/Pre-Amplifier).
Note: volume control has no effecton LINE OUT levels, and USB source is not available on LINE OUT sockets
PRE output
The PRE OUT sockets give an output that is affected by volume control. They are in fact directly connected to
the output JACK sockets to allow connection
of apower amplifier. This allows the M1 HPA to be used as a
preamplifier with one line, and one USB input. When used as apreamplifier, any unused headphones should be
disconnected from the unit.
The USB input source may be selected for the PRE OUT sockets by selecting USB
on the front panel switch.
The
M1 HPA is aself contained unit. Therefore it does not mute the speakers in asystem (even if using the unit
as apreamplifier).
If listening through headphones on asystem with speakers, please turn down the speakers
using the system volume control,
or switch offthe power amplifiers.
It is recommended in such asetup to switch on the power amplifiers AFTER switching on the HPA, and to
switch offthe power amplifiers BEFORE switching off the M1 HPA.
Computer settings for USB
Agood quality USB Ato Bcable
is required to connect the unit to the computer.
Plug the B(square) end into the socket
in the back of the unit, and the A(rectangle) end into afree USB socket
on the computer.
The computer should now detect the new hardware and install ageneric driver automatically (No setup or driver
disk should be required).
CD, MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, and all other audio file types played on any software should now play through the
unit. This device has been designed to work with PC Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista and
7, as well as Apple
Macintosh as
x, Snow Leopard and later.
PC
users-
Check the computer has picked up the device and
is currently using it by clicking: (most Windows
versions)
-Start
-Settings
-Control panel
-Sounds and Multimedia
-Audio
Check that "USB audio device" appears under
PREFERRED AUDIO DEVICE tab
Asecond mixer will now be available which will be
the default mixer whenever the unit
is plugged in.
Use this mixer to select the source
or adjust levels
if required.
Please note: This device is ahigh speed serial data processor, and by its nature, requires avery high volume of
USB band width. It will benefit greatly from being the only device connected on its USB 'bus'. Sharing the same
bus with other devices
may cause unwanted artifacts such as dropouts or temporary loss of signal. This
especiallyincludes the use of the unit on aUSB hub/splitter alongside otherUSB components
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 8 of 11

HEADPHONE I ml [}(]@@
AMPLIFIER LrI1U
PROBLEMS?
Basic problem-solving with an amplifier is similar to troubleshooting other electrical or electronic equipment.
Always check the most obvious possible causes first, such as the following examples:
Problem Probable Cause Remedy
No power Mains power supply is not fully inserted Plug in securely
into mains socket
Mains power supply lead is not
fUlly
inserted into rear socket
No sound Wrong connections between input Check audio input lead
sources and the unit connections
Sound is not precise, lacking in Headphone(s) connector plug not fully Check plug
is inserted fully and
bass and stereo image pushed
in securely
Lead fault
in headphones Check phones on Headphone
output ofadifferent unit
Hum Audio connector plug not
fUlly pushed in Insert plug securely
Cable Fault Check cable is connected at both
Unsuitable Cable ends.
(e.g. cable grounds not connected) N.B. some esoteric cables have
internal wiring intentionally
disconnected/modified. For best
results
on all inputs analogue AND
digital, please use good quality
screened coax; signal and screen
directly connected both ends.
No audio output, or too low Incorrect or missing connections Check connections and make sure
level output USB Driver not selected (PC or MAC) they are secure.
See
p.e PC users or MAC users
section
No audio output from USB USB Cable not connected Check connections and make sure
input USB Driver not selected (PC or MAC) they are secure.
See P.8 PC users
or Mac users
section
Not detected when connected USB Cable faulty Check and replace cable
to USB USB not working/enabled on computer Check USB port functions with
Correct USB drivers not installed another device.
(can happen particularly with factory- Please check with the computer
preinstalled Windows operating manufacturer. Enquire about USB
systems) driver or update.
Dropouts
in sound (USB input) Shared USB port with another device Avoid sharing the USB port with
Computer busy with another application other devices, ifpossible.
Computer low
on resources At times an application (program)
may intervene, sometimes invisibly
e.g. avirus scanner. When this
happens. computer resources are
temporarily used up. and playback
may suffer. This is not afault. Try
running fewer applications if
possible.
If none ofthese actions affect acure, please contact the dealer, or an authorised Musical Fidelity service agent.
Never open the case of the unit, as this will invalidate the guarantee.
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELrTY
Page 9 of 11

HEADPHONE I ml f1Jl@@
AMPLIFIER lJUlrlJU
Output
Output Power
Output impedance
Output level
Frequency response
Signal to noise
Total harmonic distortion
Connections
Line level input
Line level outputs
Digital input
Power requirement
Mains voltages
Consumption
SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Winto 320
less than 10
5.2V rms max
15Hz to 75kHz -3dB max.
>109dB "A"- wtd
<0.008% 10Hz to 20kHz
1pair RCA line in left and right
1pair RCA line out left and right
1pair RCA pre-out left and right
1USB type 'B' connector for computer/PDA
90-250VAC 50/60Hz
25 Watts
Weight
Unit only, unboxed 3.4 kg (7% Ibs)
In shipping carton &inc. accessories 4.1 kg (9 Ibs)
Dimensions
Wide
High, including feet
Deep (front to back)
Standard accessories
IEC type mains lead (10-Amp type)
220 mm (8%")
100 mm (4")
300 mm (12") including terminals
M1 HPA issue 2
MUSICAL FIDELITY
Page 10 of 11

HEADPHONE I ml n.n®®
AMPLIFIER truLrUlJ
MANUAL HISTORY
RELEASE
Issue 1
Issue 2
M1 HPA issue 2
DATE
April 6
th
2010
June 16th 2010
MUSICAL FIDELITY
CHANGES
1
st
issue
Badge resolution corrected
Page 11 of 11

MUSICAL FIDELITY
Dear Fellow Music Lover,
Thank you for purchasing aMusical Fidelity product.
About thirty years ago, Istarted Musical Fidelity on my kitchen table. Finance was
supplied from my £500 limit on my credit card and $200 loaned to me by my
mother-in-law. Everything else came from my passion and commitment to making
the best hi-fi Iknew how.
Three decades have gone by in ablink
of an eye. Musical Fidelity products may
look different now, and they are made in asmall factory instead
of on my kitchen
table, but my passion and commitment to their quality remains undimmed.
At Musical Fidelity, we use every ounce
of our experience, knowledge and
understanding
of hi-fi to make sure that every product sounds fabulous, is agreat
technical performer and,
of course, gives excellent value for money.
We hope that your Musical Fidelity product brings you huge musical satisfaction.
Welcome to the Musical Fidelity family. Thank you again.
Kindest regards,
Antony Michaelson
Founder, Musical Fidelity Limited