TAG MCLAREN AUDIO AvantGarde 100X5R:10 User manual

contents |01
10010B
owner’s manual
100x5R:10
02 controls
05 welcome
06 introduction
08 the 2 x 80 Watt Stereo module
10 120 Watt Monobloc module
12 once installed in
the 100x5R:10
16 safety first
17 Stereo module’s
operating modes
19 Monobloc module
20 power and loudspeaker
connection
21 AV processor connection
22 power up and switch on
23 remote control
25 extended remote control
26 TAGtronic communications Bus
27 software upgrades
30 grounding and hum
31 running in and warming up
32 care and maintenance
33 service
34 technical data
12/02
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02 |controls
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Specification shown may vary for different countries
multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s
6.
1. 3. 5.4.2.
1 power / standby LED
2five module status LEDs
3 mute LED
4 remote control receiver window
5 remote control active LED
6 power button
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controls |03
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENDO NOT OPEN
Double insulated: When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts.
serial
number made in United Kingdom
OUTPUTS
1
INPUTS
OUTIN
BUS
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse; T1A L250V
multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1
2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
2
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
3
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
4
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
5
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
+
–C+ –C+ –C+ –C+ –
C
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
7. 10.9.8.
12. 13. 14. 15.
11.
7 TAGtronic Communications Bus
8 fuse carrier
9 line level inputs 1 & 2 of Stereo module
10 mode selection switch (stereo, bi-amp, bridged)
11 single line level input of Monobloc module
12 AC supply socket
The 100x5R:10 can be equipped with 120W Monobloc modules and 80W
Stereo modules, allowing the amplifier to be configured with up to 10 channels.
The configuration below shows the most frequently used version consisting of
3 Monobloc modules and 2 Stereo modules, giving in total 7 channels of amplification.
13 loudspeaker terminals of channel A
(Stereo module)
14 loudspeaker terminals of channel B
(Stereo module)
15 loudspeaker terminals of Monobloc module
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04 |controls
This picture shows the rear panel layout of a 100x5R:10 equipped with five Stereo modules,
offering an amazing 10 channels of amplification.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPENDO NOT OPEN
Double insulated: When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts.
serial
number made in United Kingdom
OUTPUTS
1
INPUTS
OUTIN
BUS
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse; T1A L250V
multi-channel amplifier 100x5R:10 s
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1
2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
2
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
3
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
4
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
OUTPUTS
5
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
+
–C+ –C+ –C+ –C+ –
C
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
GRP00940.01-UK 100x5R-10.qxd 10/17/02 5:17 PM Page 04

TAG McLaren Audio exists with one aim in
mind: to produce the very best audio and
audio-visual equipment.
Like many people, I often have my best
ideas when relaxing to a piece of music
or watching a movie. For years, knowing
the technical capabilities of TAG McLaren,
I have nurtured the ambition to push music
and movie reproduction to the absolute
limit without compromising ease of use;
that’s why we formed TAG McLaren Audio.
TAG McLaren’s aim is sonic perfection
combined with aesthetic delight and solid
build quality –a rare combination in hi-fi
but one which this product is already
delivering.
Dr Udo Zucker
welcome |05
Pushing technological
boundaries; TAG McLaren’s
F1 electronics
Dr. Udo Zucker
Chief Executive Officer
TAG McLaren Audio
welcome to
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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06 |introduction
ten channel amplifier 100x5R:10
The 100x5R:10 is an advanced design, based on the highly
regarded five channel amplifier 100x5R. It has been launched in
response to requests of our customers to offer a convenient addition
of channels to expand their 5.1 systems to 7.1 channels or to allow
easier use of bi-amplification in their systems.
The 100x5R:10 can be equipped with any combination of the
powerful 120 Watt Monobloc module, used in the 100x5R, and a
new 120 Watt / channel Stereo module, providing between 2 and
10 channels of amplification.
Versions purchased with fewer than 10 channels may be upgraded
to add extra channels at a later stage.
Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio
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introduction |07
TAG McLaren provides complete solutions,
shown here are the DVD player DVD32R,
AV processor AV32R and 100x5R:10
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08 |the 2 x 80 att Stereo module
advanced technology
versatility
The new 80 Watt / channel Stereo module
has been made possible by design
advances that first appeared in the three-
channel amplifier 250x3R, itself based on
technology developed for the remarkable
F1 monobloc amplifier F1- 600MR.
The new Stereo module offers a high degree of
flexibility, with three operating modes, conveniently
selected by a switch on the back of the module:
•a conventional two-channel mode providing 2 channels of
80 Watt each
•a bi-amplification mode in which both 80 Watt channels are
driven from one input
•a channel bridging mode that provides a single channel of
conservatively-rated 120 Watt, just like the Monobloc
module, described on page 10
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the 2 x 80 att Stereo module |09
key features
•self contained Stereo amplifier module, including all essential
components
•three operating modes: stereo, bi-amp & bridged
•mixed technology construction
•premium-grade audio components
•bi-polar output transistors for best linearity
•Cascode Compensation for highest stability
•exceptionally accurate quiescent stability for best sound quality
•minimal intermodulation distortion through high bandwidth
•Straight Line technology for unlimited bass performance
•Purity and fidelity through low distortion
•aluminium to prevent magnetic interaction with magnetic
stray fields
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10 |120 att Monobloc module
best sound quality by monobloc design
Audiophiles have known for many years that precision,
clarity, stereo image and depth can be improved by
using so-called monoblocs or single channel
amplifiers. Providing completely independent
amplification for each channel prevents
interaction between them, resulting in a cleaner
signal and hence better clarity and stereo
imaging. This is true whether dealing with two
channels or five!
The 120 Watt Monobloc module is a complete
self-contained amplifier, including its own power
transformer, bridge rectifier, energy storage
capacitors and amplification stage, requiring only
mains supply and control signals for operation.
The Monobloc module uses its own aluminium heat sink for excellent heat dissipation,
allowing each module to drive even more critical loudspeakers safely and totally
independently of any of the other modules.
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120 att Monobloc module |11
As a result of the Monobloc amplifier module construction, its
performance is independent of the number of channels being driven
and therefore even during the loudest passages of your favourite
movie, the sound stage remains stable, controlled and detailed.
The 120 Watt power output into 8 Ohm of the Monobloc module
is a conservative rating, as it typically delivers 150 Watt into 8
Ohm, over 200 Watt into 4 Ohm and over 400 Watt into 2 Ohm
(IHF toneburst).
•self contained monobloc design for lowest channel interaction
•high power reserves
•mixed technology construction
•premium-grade audio components
•bi-polar output transistors for best linearity
•minimal intermodulation distortion through high bandwidth
•Straight Line technology for unlimited bass performance
•Purity and fidelity through low distortion
•aluminium to prevent magnetic interaction with magnetic stray fields
key features:
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12 |once installed in the 100x5R:10
from 2 to 10 channels
Stereo modules may be combined with
Monobloc modules, providing between
2 and 10 channels of amplification.
best sound quality through independence
All modules in the 100x5R:10 are completely independent, ensuring that heavy demand on
one module has no effect on another with each module having its own high-efficiency
heatsink and power supply. The only feature shared is the control circuitry which allows each
module to be switched on and off individually using a micro-controller. This micro-controller is
also used to switch off the amplifier should problems be detected in a given channel.
adding channels
The 100x5R:10 can be factory assembled
with 2 to 10 channels. Retrospective
upgrade to a higher number of channels is
possible without losing or compromising
quality. The installation is carried out at an
authorised TAG McLaren Audio service
centre, as each module is connected by
solder joints instead of using less reliable
connector constructions which often affect
sound quality.
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heading |13
standby without regret
The control circuitry for the 100x5R:10
is powered by its own small transformer
for optimum sound quality and the most
efficient energy usage in standby.
muting
Both module types include a sophisticated
muting system which prevents loud,
annoying switching noises and which
protects the amplifier and loudspeakers.
software upgrades
The micro-controller in the 100x5R:10
stores its software in re-programmable
memory, which can be re-programmed with
updated software using a PC suitably
connected via the TAGtronic Programming
Cable. Details of future upgrades will be
published on TAG McLaren’s website
www.tagmclaren.com
once installed in the 100x5R:10 |13
full remote control
The 100x5R:10 offers full remote control in
addition to the TAGtronic Bus for control of
channels / modules by AV processors.
For added convenience, the full remote
control allows the user to shut down specific
modules, e.g. when listening to two channel
stereo. The remote control also allows the
user to adjust the volume of TAG McLaren
AV processors and to operate TAG McLaren
DVD players.
TAGtronic Communications Bus
The TAGtronic Communications Bus enables
products equipped with
this advanced
interface to
transfer and
share
information
easily.
For example the
Bus allows TAG
McLaren Audio AV
processors to control the 100x5R:10
remotely. For details see later in this manual.
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14 |once installed in the 100x5R:10
pure oxygen free copper loudspeaker connectors
For excellent sound quality the 100x5R:10 uses high grade gold
plated(1) oxygen free high purity copper (OFHC) loudspeaker
terminals, designed and manufactured by TAG McLaren. Very few
companies provide OFHC loudspeaker terminals due to the
difficulties in machining solid copper.
The benefits of OFHC are clearly audible: improved clarity and
transparency, even when compared to high percentage copper
alloy terminals.
The knobs of the 100x5R:10 have been manufactured from non-
conductive Pocan without a metal insert as it was found that this
gave the best sonic result as it minimises the cross section, essential
for best electro-magnetic compatibility.
The TAG McLaren loudspeaker terminal allows for spade
connection, as it is superior to all other types of loudspeaker cable
connections. Please make sure that you use a high quality
loudspeaker cable, such as our Cable AvantGarde F3-10- SPK.
1. Plating is carried out directly on the OFHC without using a nickel separator, such as is often applied, as its use would be clearly
audible as a more grainy sound. However, without this separator the copper atoms will slowly diffuse into the gold plating, making it
lose its brilliant shine and gold colour. This change of colour and shine has no affect on the sound quality, it is a purely cosmetic
affect which has been accepted by our engineers in the pursuit of the best sound quality
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once installed in the 100x5R:10 |15
made to last
The finned centre section of the three part
fascia is machined from a solid aluminium
extrusion and is then fine-paint finished.
The two end caps are machined, bead
blasted and linished to create an even
texture which is then hard black anodised
or painted.
vibration damping
The cover panel is
stiffened by formed
ribs, then bonded
with viscoelastic
laminate to
provide a low Q
panel which
provides rapid
absorption of
externally induced
vibrations.
mounting feet
The outer shell of custom designed rubber
damping mounting feet carries a polyurethane
disk which protects the surface of furniture.
hardware upgrades
The 100x5R:10
can be upgraded
in the future by
replacing amplifier
modules, should
even better
amplifier
technology become
available.
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16 |safety first
preparation
We know you are keen to get your 100x5R:10 up and running. This section will have you
listening as quickly as possible. The controls diagrams located on pages 2-4 of this manual
will help you find your way around your 100x5R:10(1).
The 100x5R:10 is capable of consuming
over 1300 Watts of electrical power during
demanding presentations. This results in
significant heat being generated.
•Please ensure that there is adequate ventilation
above and below the unit.
•The ventilation of the 100x5R:10 should not
be impeded by covering the ventilation slots
with items such as newspapers, table cloths,
curtains etc.
•Place the 100x5R:10 on an open flat surface.
•Do not use in a cabinet or on a soft surface
such as a carpet.
•Do not place any other piece of equipment on
top of the 100x5R:10.
•Do not place naked flame sources such as
lighted candles on the 100x5R:10.
•Do not expose the 100x5R:10 to dripping or
splashing liquids.
•Do not place objects filled with liquids, such
as vases, on or near the 100x5R:10.
1. Throughout this instruction manual, bold print indicates the
lettering that you will find on the panels of your 100x5R:10
and the remote control
safety first
before you start
positioning
To prevent the risk of shock
follow these instructions
carefully. If in doubt consult a
qualified electrician.
Make sure that all the components of your
system are disconnected from the mains
supply whenever you change any connection.
the front panel power switch
Please be aware that even when the front
panel switch is in the off position, the unit is
still connected to the mains supply. If the unit
is not to be used for some time, unplug the
mains connector from the wall socket outlet.
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Stereo module’s operating modes|17
Stereo modules can be combined with Monobloc modules, providing between 2 and 10
channels of amplification. The next paragraph describes the operating modes of the Stereo
module. See page 19 for details on the Monobloc module.
Each Stereo module offers three different modes of operation, selected by a slide-switch on
the rear of the module:
Stereo mode bi-amplification mode
Switch position 1 -> A 2-> B
In this mode, the two
channels within a Stereo
module are
independently fed from
their two separate
INPUTS. The maximum
power output with both
channels driven is 80
Watt / 8 Ohm.
The signal connected to
line INPUT 1 will be
available, in amplified
form, on the loudspeaker
connectors OUTPUTS A.
The signal connected to line INPUT 2 will
be available, in amplified form, on the
loud-speaker connectors OUTPUTS B.
Switch position 1 -> A 1-> B
In this mode both channels
within a Stereo module are
driven from INPUT 1 - any signal
connected to INPUT 2 will be
ignored. The maximum power
output with both channels driven
is 80 Watt / 8 Ohm.
This mode is used to drive e.g.
two sections within a loud-
speaker with separate amplifiers
through two sets of connecting
speaker cables (-> bi-amping).
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
OUTPUTS
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
+
–C
B
A
Don’t forget to remove any link
between the two sections of your
loudspeaker to prevent damage
to your amplifier!
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18 |Stereo module’s operating modes
Channel Bridging mode
Switch position 1 -> C power x 2
In this mode both amplifier channels are combined to give an
amplifier of higher power - with very close performance to that of
the single channel amplifier of the Monobloc module. The power
output of the combined amplifier is 120 Watt / 8 Ohm.
The combined amplifier is driven from INPUT 1, any signal presented
to the INPUT 2 is disregarded.
In this mode the loudspeaker must be connected between the
OUTPUTS C + and the OUTPUTS C - terminals, as shown.
The positive (red or +) connection to the loudspeaker goes to C +
terminal and the negative (black or -) to the C - terminal.
Do not change the mode with power applied or if music is playing as this can
destroy your amplifier or loudspeakers!
Do not change any connection without powering down all your components in
your system as otherwise you can destroy your amplifier, preamplifier or
loudspeakers!
Changing modes
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
OUTPUTS
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
+
–C
B
A
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Monobloc module |19
You can install Stereo modules and Monobloc modules into the
100x5R:10, providing between 2 and 10 channels of amplification.
The previous paragraph described the three different modes
available for the Stereo module. This paragraph covers the
Monobloc module:
The Monobloc module offers a single channel high power mode, in
which the signal connected to INPUT 1 is amplified and made
available through loudspeaker OUTPUTS A.
The Monobloc module does not contain an INPUT switch, INPUT 2
or OUTPUT B connectors.
1 ➔ A 2 ➔ B
1
➔ A 1 ➔ B
1
➔ C power x2
OUTPUTS
INPUTS
1
2
–
–
+
+
+
–C
B
A
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20 |power and loudspeaker connection
Check that the power button is out, so that the power is off when
you plug the unit in(1). Do not connect the power cable until you
have made all other connections.
On the rear panel of the 100x5R:10 you will find up to ten pairs of
loudspeaker terminals, designed to accept high quality 8 mm spade
connectors.
Connection to a Stereo module should be done as described in the
section operating modes; connection to a Monobloc module as
described on page 19.
Only use high quality loudspeaker cables, such as our TAG
McLaren F3-10-SPK, terminated with high quality 8 mm spade
connectors.
power connection
loudspeaker connection
1. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it
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