TAG MCLAREN AUDIO 100P User manual

Specification shown may vary for different countries
power amplifier 100P
power
button
power
LED
LEFT
CHANNEL
OUTPUT
RIGHT
CHANNEL
OUTPUT
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse: T4A L250V
serial
number
made in United Kingdom power amplifier 100P
INPUT OUTPUT
left
right
left
right
fuse
carrier input
sockets
loudspeaker
terminals (right) loudspeaker
terminals (left)
output
sockets
ac supply
socket
100 1234567
contents
02 welcome
08 key features
09 getting started
13 signal input and output
14 grounding
15 connecting loudspeakers
22 running in and warming up
23 care and maintenance
25 technical data
28 international standards
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 1

All TAG companies perpetually strive
for,and achieve,excellence and high-
performance in every area of their
business.
These qualities are demonstrated in the
fastidious standards that makeTAG Heuer
watches some of the world’s most
admired;in the teamwork that makesTAG
McLaren’s motor racing team one of the
most successful in Formula One;and in the
advanced electronics technology that
makesTAG Electronic Systems the first
choice for many Formula One constructors
and high-performance car makers.
Derek Scotland (on the left) – Technical Director
Peter Stevens – Chief Industrial Designer
Dr. Zucker – Chief Executive
welcome to a new partnership
03
Now,this blend of talent and
expertise has been combined
with the award-winning
experience ofAudiolab to create
a company with a technical
advantage and access to
resources second-to-none in the
high end audio industry -
TAG McLarenAudio.
TAG McLarenAudio has been created with
one aim in mind:to produce the best high-
fidelity audio and audio-visual systems
available.Now the first fruits of that
alliance are ready – a unique new range of
audio products.
Throughout the F3 Series development
process,quality, performance and
reliability have been paramount,resulting
in unparalleled performance, operational
excellence and sheer listening pleasure.
celebrating a TAG McLaren victory
..in hi-performance, hi-fidelity
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 3

We are convinced it will give you many hours of
listening pleasure.
The 100P is a very powerful,high-quality, stereo power
amplifier with output of outstanding clarity and purity.
It complements our PA20R and PA10 preamplifiers in
performance and appearance.The 100P is ideal for larger
rooms or for high-performance loudspeakers which require
a large reserve of power from the amplifier to give their best.
low intermodulation distortion
The theoretically-ideal amplifier
reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite
range of frequencies – starting from well
below the audible range and extending far
above the capabilities of human hearing.
Although sound outside the human hearing
range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz
cannot be heard,it can significantly distort
the quality of music reproduction through
an effect that audio engineers call
‘intermodulation distortion’.This type
of distortion moves imperfections that
originate outside the hearing range back
into the audible frequencies.To minimise
this effect,TAG McLarenAudio amplifiers
have a frequency response which extends
both above and below the range of normal
human hearing.
welcome welcome
0504
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLarenAudio stereo power amplifier 100P.
straight line technology
To prevent intermodulation distortion,
an amplifier must respond to very low
frequencies but block any Direct Current
(DC).This is traditionally achieved using
capacitors, which also block some of the low-
frequency signal. In the 100P,a feedback
circuit eliminates DC offset voltage and
allows the signal path to be direct coupled
without any capacitors.This arrangement,
which we atTAG McLarenAudio call
‘Straight LineTechnology’, is easy to describe
but not easy to realise.The design has taken
our expert engineers years to perfect.
supersonic high frequency response
In order to reproduce high frequencies,the
100P is constructed using highly-rated,high-
precision components.The circuit has been
painstakingly designed to avoid any possibility
power amplifier 100P
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 5

of signals picking up interference and to
minimise the effects of intermodulation.
sophisticated muting
The 100P has a sophisticated muting
system,which stops you hearing loud,
annoying switching noises and protects
the amplifier and loudspeakers.
convenient connections
A signal output is provided to connect
another power amplifier in multi-amplifier
systems.It may also be used to tailor the
input characteristics for special purposes.
The loudspeaker output terminals are
duplicated for your convenience in case
you wish to bi-wire your loudspeakers.
massive power
The 100P’s power rating of 100 wattsis
very conservative,as the 100P can typically
provide 120 watts into 8 Ω,180 watts into
4 Ω,and 220 watts into 2 Ωfor a short
period. Performance of this calibre is
essential to drive even the least sensitive
loudspeakers without distortion, and has
been achieved through the use of a very
large power supply (which accounts for the
high weight of the 100P) and highly-
specified output circuitry. Separate power
supplies for each channel maximises
channel separation.
The 100P gives you huge power with true
hi-performance,hi-fidelity.
welcome
06
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 7

‘Straight Line Technology’ with direct coupled signal and
feedback paths
High-quality audio components
Precision metal-film resistors
Epoxy glass circuit board
Rated 100 W, typically 120 W into 8 Ωcontinuous (rated
150 W, typ. 180 W into 4 Ωand rated 190 W, typ. 220 W
into 2 Ωfor short periods)
Duplicated loudspeaker terminals (for bi-wiring or multi-room)
Signal output to connect to other power amplifiers or to modify
input characteristics
Sorbothane®sonic isolation feet, specially designed by
TAG McLaren Audio(1)
We know you are keen to get your 100P working. This section will
have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible.
If you fold out the front cover of this manual you will locate
diagrams which will help you find your way around your 100P(1).
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any
connections.
On the back of your 100P you will find four pairs of loudspeaker
terminals, each pair consisting of one red and one black.
The terminals on the back of the 100P use BFA(2) sockets. The BFA
plug pushes into the middle of the terminal.
08 09
key features getting started
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
before
you start
loudspeaker
terminals
1. Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the
lettering that you will find on the panels of your 100P
2. In models for countries where the AC supply is 115 V, the terminals accept 4 mm
‘banana’ plugs instead of BFA plugs. 4 mm plugs are not permitted in Europe.
Please see page 16 for more details of the terminals
1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on
individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 9

Use high-quality loudspeaker cable terminated in BFA plugs(1) to
connect the red terminal of your right loudspeaker to one of the
red(2) terminals marked RIGHT CHANNEL OUTPUT on the back
of your 100P. Then connect the black terminal of your right
loudspeaker to one of the black terminals marked RIGHT
CHANNEL OUTPUT on the back of your 100P. Connect the left
loudspeaker to a pair of LEFT CHANNEL OUTPUT terminals in
the same way.
loudspeaker
connection
You will need a preamplifier (such as our PA10 or PA20R)
connected to a sound source (such as our CD player CD20R or
tuner T20) to feed into your 100P. Use a good-quality, screened
phono-phono audio cable to connect the output of your
preamplifier to the sockets marked INPUT left and right on
the back of your 100P.
Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you
plug in(1). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the
back of your 100P to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound
quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors.
preamplifier
connection
power
connection
10 11
getting started getting started
1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will
release it
1. If you prefer to use a cable which does not have BFA plugs, please see page 16
2. If your loudspeaker terminals are not colour coded – red corresponds to positive
(+) or signal and black corresponds to negative (–). For each channel the
terminals of the same colour are connected together
3. The diagram is for illustrative purposes only. It is not to scale and does not show
all connections. See page 14 for more details on connecting loudspeakers
INPUT OUTPUT
left
right
left
right
RIGHT
CHANNEL
OUTPUT
The diagram shows a
standard loudspeaker
arrangement(3)
outin
right speaker left speaker
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 11

Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on.
Wait for about 10 seconds for the muting system to switch off(1).
Start playing your sound source.
Turn up the volume, sit back and enjoy the music.
switch on
getting started
12
1. The output is muted when the power is switched on to allow all the voltages to
stabilize. This protects your 100P and your loudspeakers and prevents
unpleasant noises from upsetting your listening experience
signal input and output
13
The INPUT left and right on the back panel of your 100P accepts
the output of a high-quality preamplifier (such as our PA10 or
PA20R)(1).
To simplify multiple power amplifier configurations, additional
OUTPUT left and right sockets are provided. These sockets are
connected in parallel with the INPUT sockets of the same
channel.
In addition the OUTPUT sockets provide the facility to modify
the input impedance of the 100P by using a phono plug loading
module. Please consult your retailer for further information.
audio input
audio output
1. The INPUT can accept a line output from a signal source such as a CD player
but, unless the source has a wide-ranging variable output, there will be no
volume control and the sound level may be excessive. This could result in
damage to your loudspeakers
INPUT OUTPUT
left
right
left
right
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 13

loudspeaker
terminals
The AC mains supply normally operates at either 50 or 60 Hz
(depending on which country you are in). Under some
circumstances this can cause an audible hum in your
loudspeakers.
Should you have any problems with hum in your system,
please contact your retailer.
To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system:
do not link the ground terminals of separate audio units
together.
use screened cable for your signal connections and keep
the left and right channel cables close together.
All the units in the TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series range are
double insulated and do not require safety ground connections.
Your system does not need to be connected to ground (audio
engineers call this ‘floating’). However, if you want to ground
your system, please contact your retailer who will be able to
assist you.
avoiding hum
grounding your
system
14 15
grounding connecting loudspeakers
The connection between your 100P and your loudspeakers is
crucial to the sound quality of your entire audio system.
Please follow these recommendations to achieve the best results.
Your 100P is specified to operate with 8 Ωloudspeakers, but it
can be used with 4 Ωloudspeakers. The 100P may also be
connected to loudspeakers which have a transient impedance
of less than 4 Ω(1).
Always switch off your 100P before changing any connections.
Always use high-quality loudspeaker cable.
On the back of your 100P you will find four pairs of loudspeaker
terminals. For each stereo channel (i.e. right and left), there is
one pair of black terminals and one pair of red. This duplication
of the terminals allows you to bi-wire the loudspeakers as
explained on page 18.
RIGHT
CHANNEL
OUTPUT
1. These ratings are for music signals only. If the 100P is amplifying a continuous
sine wave, an 8 Ωload must be used
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 15

We recommend that you use loudspeaker cables terminated in
BFA plugs or spade terminals. These plugs are designed to fit the
terminals on the back of the 100P(1). The BFA plug and socket
ensures that you cannot touch the high-voltage output conductors.
Screw the knob of the terminal all the way in and push the plug
into the centre of the knob.
If you do not have BFA plugs, you can use ‘spade’ connectors.
Unscrew the terminal enough to push the spade into the slot in the
side of the terminal, then tighten the terminal by hand. You should
not use tools to tighten the terminal; over-tightening will reduce
the sound quality.
If you choose to use bare wire, there is a hole in the side of the
terminal to accommodate it. Make sure that there are no strands
of wire sticking out of the terminal.
The simplest way to connect your loudspeakers is to run a single
cable (consisting of two wires) to each one. For each stereo
channel, connect the red terminal on the loudspeaker to the red
terminal on the 100P. Repeat for the black terminal(1).
If your loudspeakers have separate connections for high and low
frequencies, make sure these are linked together.
connection
methods
standard
connection
16 17
connecting loudspeakers connecting loudspeakers
1. The BFA connector complies with current EU safety standards, which do not
allow the use of 4 mm ‘banana’ plugs. 4 mm terminals are permitted (and are
fitted to the 100P) in countries where the AC supply is 115 volts
1. Connecting black to black and red to red ensures that the ‘phasing’ is correct. If
this is wrong it can affect the sound. If your loudspeaker terminals are not colour-
coded, black corresponds to negative (-) and red corresponds to positive (+) or
signal. Please refer to your loudspeaker manual for details
2. This diagram, and those that follow, are for illustrative purposes only; they are
not to scale and do not show all connections
This diagram shows a
100P connected to
loudspeakers with a
single input(2)
outin
right speaker
hf
lf
left speaker
hf
lf
RIGHT
CHANNEL
OUTPUT
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 17

With many high-quality loudspeakers, you can make separate
connections to the high- and low-frequency drivers(1). In such
cases, you may want to run separate cables for the high and low
frequencies as shown in the diagram. To do this, you will need to
remove the links, provided as part of the loudspeaker, which
connect the drivers. Please refer to your loudspeaker instructions
to find out how to do this.
Bi-wiring provides separate paths for high- and low-frequency
signals, improving the sound quality in many cases.
To improve the sound further, you can use separate amplifiers for
high and low frequencies. This will allow you to increase the volume
without distorting the sound. As each amplifier is operating in a
smaller bandwidth, intermodulation distortion may also be reduced.
Connect the left and right output of a preamplifier (such as our
PA20R) to the INPUT left and right on one of your 100Ps. Also
connect the left and right preamplifier outputs to the other 100P.
Then connect one 100P’s loudspeaker terminals to the high-
frequency drivers of the left and right loudspeakers. Use the
second 100P to connect to the low-frequency drivers(1).
bi wiring bi amping
18 19
connecting loudspeakers connecting loudspeakers
1. The ‘driver’ is the mechanism inside the case of the loudspeaker which actually
makes the sound. Most high-quality loudspeakers have drivers for high, low and
often middle frequencies and the capability to connect them separately.
However, the lack of this facility is not necessarily a sign of low quality (as some
of the finest loudspeakers in the world have proved)
This diagram shows a
100P bi-wired to a pair
of loudspeakers.
This diagram shows
two 100P stereo power
amplifiers connected to
a TAG McLaren Audio
PA20R for bi-amping
1. This simple connection method works with any combination of TAG McLaren
Audio F3 Series amplifiers because they have matched gains. If you want to
connect a different manufacturer’s amplifier, you may need to use an active
crossover or a gain-setting facility. Please contact your retailer for advice if you
wish to do this
outin
right speaker
hf
lf
left speaker
hf
lf
outin
outin
hf
lf
right speaker
hf
lf
left speaker
out
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 19

An alternative connection method is shown here. This arrangement
has the added advantage of allowing you to place each amplifier
close to the loudspeaker it is feeding, thus enabling you to connect
them together with short cables.
Connect the right channel output of a preamplifier (such as our
PA20R) to INPUT left on one of your 100Ps and the left channel
output of the preamplifier to INPUT left on the other 100P.
On each 100P connect OUTPUT left to OUTPUT right.
On each amplifier, connect one of the stereo outputs to the high-
frequency driver and the other to the low-frequency driver.
Some high-quality loudspeakers have separate drivers for the
middle frequency range as well as high and low. In such cases,
it may be possible (for details refer to your loudspeaker
instructions) to run separate cables for each frequency range
to tri-wire the loudspeakers.
If you wish to do this, you will need to connect two wires to one
terminal. We recommend that you use stackable BFA plugs for
this purpose. These are available from your retailer.
The arrangements described above, and on previous pages, are
only suggestions and do not cover all the connection possibilities
for amplifiers and loudspeakers.
If you want to expand your audio system, please contact your
retailer who will be happy to discuss your specific requirements.
tri wiring
other multiple
amplifier
arrangements
bi amping
alternative
arrangement
20 21
connecting loudspeakers connecting loudspeakers
This diagram shows an
alternative method of
connecting two 100P
stereo power amplifiers
to a TAG McLaren
Audio PA20R for
bi-amping
outin outin
hf
lf
left speaker
hf
lf
right speaker
out
INPUT OUTPUT
left
right
left
right
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 21

23
care and maintenance
There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your 100P.
To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the
fuse carrier drawer(1).
The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you
see when you open the carrier.
There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the 100P.
In order to maintain the appearance of your 100P, you can clean
it as follows:
before cleaning, always disconnect your 100P from the AC
supply.
any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft,
lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm
water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any
other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives.
take great care not to get any liquid inside the case.
If this happens, you should have your 100P serviced.
fuses
cleaning
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your 100P will
improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic
components will then have reached and settled down to near-
perfect specification.
Every time you switch on your 100P, the performance will
improve until the components reach their optimum operating
temperature.
running in
warming up
22
running in and warming up
1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 23

25
technical data
This section is for those of you who really want to know the
‘insides’ of your 100P. You will not miss out on any of the functions
or performance of your 100P if you choose not to read any further.
100 W per channel into rated load impedance (8 Ω)
150 W into 4 Ωand 190 W into 2 Ωfor short periods
120 W per channel into rated load impedance (8 Ω)
180 W into 4 Ωand 220 W into 2 Ωfor short periods
1.0 V rms
47 kΩnominal
29.0 dB at 1kHz
greater than 95 dB (relative to 0 dBW)
24
care and maintenance
The only service you should do to your 100P is described on the
previous page. All other servicing should only be carried out by
one of our authorised service agents.
If service is required please contact your authorised TAG McLaren
Audio retailer. If your 100P is still under guarantee, please refer
to the guarantee card which gives you details on how to claim
against the guarantee.
Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your
100P is transported.
service
rated output
power
(both channels driven)
typical output
power
(both channels driven)
input for full
rated power
input impedance
gain
signal to noise
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 25

27
technical data
technical data
26
The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either
230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice
Specification may vary for different countries
110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V
The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit
less than 500 W
445 mm wide
75 mm high
333 mm deep
0.1Hz – 75 kHz
± 0.3 dB
less than 0.05%
±1dB
better than 80 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
non-inverting for all inputs and outputs
10 – 35 ˚C
50 – 60 Hz
frequency response
(20 Hz – 20 kHz)
total harmonic
distortion +noise
channel balance
channel separation
polarity (phase)
operating
temperature range
ac supply
frequency
power
consumption
dimensions
(including feet,
terminals and controls)
ac supply
voltage
frequency response
(-3 dB)
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 27

international standards
28
*115 V units are fitted with 4 mm terminals. They comply with 73/23/EEC, IEC65 and EN60065 in all other aspects
Your 100P meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below:
directives
safety
emc emissions
emc immunity
89/336/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
*73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
* IEC65: 1985
* IEC65 A2: 1989
* IEC65 A3: 1992
* EN60065: 1993
EN50081 -1: 1992
EN55022 Class B: 1994
EN60555 -2: 1987
EN61000 -3-3: 1995
FCC Part 15 Class B: 1997
EN50082 -1: 1992
IEC801 -2: 1991 ± 8 kV air discharge
IEC801 -3: 1984 3 V/m
IEC801 -4: 1988 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-2: 1995 ± 8 kV air, ± 4 kV contact discharge
EN61000 -4-4: 1995 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-5: 1995 ± 2 kV common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode
EN61000 -4-11: 1994
GRA00046.1-[CA]100P 09/03/01 15:26 Page 29