Monolith M8250x Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier User Manual

Monolith M8250x Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier

SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES

• This device is intended for indoor use only.
• Do not expose this device to water or moisture of any kind. Do not place drinks or other containers with moisture on or near the device. If moisture does get in or on the device, immediately unplug it from the power outlet and allow it to fully dry before reapplying power.
• Do not touch the device, the power cord, or any other connected cables with wet hands.
• Do not expose this device to excessively high temperatures. Do not place it in, on, or near heat sources, such as a fireplace, stove, radiator, etc. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
• This device ventilates excessive heat through the slots and openings in the case. Do not block or cover these openings. Ensure that the device is in an open area where it can get sufficient airflow to keep from overheating.
• Do not place or install this device in an area where it can be exposed to excessive amounts of dust, humidity, oil, smoke, or combustible vapors.
• Prior to operation, check the unit and power cord for physical damage. Do not use if physical damage has occurred.
• Take care to prevent damage to the power cord. Do not allow it to become crimped, pinched, walked on, or become tangled with other cords. Ensure that the power cord does not present a tripping hazard.
• Before plugging the unit into a power outlet, ensure that the outlet provides the same type and level of power required by the device.
• This device uses a grounded power cord and requires a ground connection for safe operation. Ensure that the power source has a proper ground connection. Do not modify the plug or use a “cheater” plug to bypass the ground connection.
• Ensure that power is turned off and disconnected before making any electrical connections.
• Do not plug this device into the switched output of a preamplifier or other audio component. This amplifier requires higher current levels than these devices are designed to handle.
• Unplug this device from the power source when not in use.
• Never unplug the unit by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the connector head or adapter body.
• Clean using a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, or detergents. For stubborn deposits, moisten the cloth with warm water.
• This device has no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open, service, or modify this device.

INTRODUCTION

This power amplifier features eight channels, each of which is capable of outputting more than 200 watts (42564) or 100 watts (42565) of power into 8-ohm loads. A trigger input allows for remote power on when a source device is powered on. Each channel is protected with Hypex® protection circuits for superior fault protection.

FEATURES

• 20Hz ~ 20kHz ±0.5dB frequency response
• Eight balanced 3-pin XLR inputs
• 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms (42564 only)
• 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (42565 only)
• Rated for 4 ~ 16-ohm loads
• Hypex® protection circuits

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The Monoprice™ Customer Service department is dedicated to ensuring that your ordering, purchasing, and delivery experience is second to none. If you have any problem with your order, please give us an opportunity to make it right. You can contact a Monoprice Customer Service representative through the Live Chat link on our website
www.monoprice.com or via email at support@monoprice.com. Check the website for support times and links.

PACKAGE CONTENTS

Please take an inventory of the package contents to ensure you have all the items listed below. If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Monoprice Customer Service for a replacement.

• 1x M8250X or M8125X 8-Channel Power Amplifier
• 2x High-Current AC Power Cords (42564 only)
• 1x High-Current AC Power Cord (42565 only)
• 1x Trigger Cable

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

42564

1. INPUTS: Eight balanced XLR line inputs for connecting to the preamplifier outputs on a dedicated preamplifier or AV receiver.
2. OUTPUTS: Eight pairs of 5-way binding posts for connecting the speakers.
3. TRIGGER INPUT: 3.5mm TS jack for connection to the trigger output of a source device. The presence of voltage on this input will cause the amplifier to power on. The amplifier will automatically power down into standby mode after the trigger signal has been removed.
4. GND: Chassis ground. While a grounding wire is rarely needed, occasionally there is a hum issue when components are interconnected. This can be remedied by tying their chassis grounds together.
5. MASTER POWER: The Master Power switch is used to apply or remove power to the amplifier. By contrast, the Power Switch on the front panel is used to switch the amplifier between standby mode and full power on.
6. FUSES: Two fuse holders, each of which contains a 20A slow-blow ceramic 5×20 fuse. The fuse on the left protects channels 1-4, while the one on the right protects channels 5-8.
7. AC INPUTS: Two IEC 60320 C20 panel connectors for connecting the included high-current AC power cords.

42565

1. INPUTS: Eight balanced XLR line inputs for connecting to the preamplifier outputs on a dedicated preamplifier or AV receiver.
2. OUTPUTS: Eight pairs of 5-way binding posts for connecting the speakers.
3. TRIGGER INPUT: 3.5mm TS jack for connection to the trigger output of a source device. The presence of voltage on this input will cause the amplifier to power on. The amplifier will automatically power down into standby mode after the trigger signal has been removed.
4. GND: Chassis ground. While a grounding wire is rarely needed, occasionally there is a hum issue when components are interconnected. This can be remedied by tying their chassis grounds together.
5. MASTER POWER: The Master Power switch is used to apply or remove power to the amplifier. By contrast, the Power Switch on the front panel is used to switch the amplifier between standby mode and full power on.
6. FUSES: Two fuse holders, each of which contains a 10A slow-blow ceramic 5×20 fuse. The fuse on the left protects channels 1-4, while the one on the right protects channels 5-8.
7. AC INPUTS: IEC 60320 C20 panel connector for connecting the included high-current AC power cord.

CABLE PREPARATION

You will need several cables for this installation. None of the cables or connectors mentioned in this section are included in the system.

Important Safety Note! If you plan on running any of these cables through the walls, through a connecting floor, or inside an air duct, they should be rated for In-Wall, Riser (between floors), or Plenum (air duct) use in commercial installations. For residential installations, an In-Wall rating is sufficient for all circumstances. Using unrated or improperly rated cables could accelerate the spread of any fire and could nullify insurance claims.

Speaker Wires

You will need eight-speaker wires to connect each speaker to the amplifier. The size (AWG) of the wire you choose depends on the distance from the amplifier to the speakers, the speaker impedance, and the physical limits of the terminals at each end.

Other than saving a few pennies of cost or grams of weight per foot, there is no reason to use anything other than the thickest wire possible. This amplifier uses 5-way binding post connectors, which can accept bare wire, spade lugs, banana plugs, and pin plugs. For anything other than extremely short speaker wire runs, you should use at least 14AWG wire, but preferably 12AWG or 10AWG, depending on which gauges your speakers can accept.

Whichever speaker wire you get, make sure that it has marks to identify one conductor from another. Most speaker wire uses a colored stripe to identify one of the conductors. The identified conductor is usually used for the positive (+/red) connection and the other for the negative (-/black) side.

XLR Cables

You will need eight XLR cables to connect the preamp outputs on your preamplifier to the inputs on this amplifier. If your preamp has RCA outputs, instead of XLR, you can use an RCA to XLR cable to make the connections, such as PID 4777.

Trigger Cable

This amplifier features a low-voltage trigger input, which can switch the amplifier from standby mode into full power-on mode whenever the trigger signal is detected. The trigger signal consists of a low-current, low-voltage signal (between 3.3 and 24.0 VDC) applied to the input, which is carried between components with a cable that terminates in a 3.5mm TS plug.

REMOTE POWER ON

• This amplifier features a trigger input, which is used to switch the amplifier between standby mode and full power-on mode. The input is a 3.5mm TS jack that accepts a voltage level from 3.3 to 24.0 VDC. Some source devices feature a trigger output, which can be used to trigger the amp.
• If your source device does not contain a trigger output but does have a switched AC outlet, you can obtain a trigger adapter, which consists of an AC adapter with a 3.5mm TS plug on the end of the cord. This adapter can then provide the necessary trigger signal whenever the component it is plugged into is turned on.
• To use the amplifier with remote power on, the Master Power switch on the rear panel should be in the ON position, and the Power Switch on the front panel also be in the ON position.
• To override the remote power-on feature or to use the amp without it, simply use the Power Switch on the front panel to turn the amp on and off (standby).

INSTALLATION

Perform the following steps to install this amplifier.

1. Power off and unplug all equipment that will be connected to this amplifier.

2. Prepare eight lengths of speaker wire (not included) to connect each of the eight output channels to its respective speaker.

3. Using a two-conductor speaker wire, connect one end to the input terminals on the speaker, then connect the other end to the Output terminals on the amplifier. Take care to maintain polarity with positive to positive and negative to negative.

4. Repeat step 3 for each of the other seven speakers.

5. Using an XLR cable (not included), plug one end into the Input on the amplifier, then plug the other end into the appropriate preamplifier output.

6. Repeat step 5 for each of the other seven channels.

7. (Optional) Using the included Trigger Cable, plug one end into the Trigger Input on the amplifier, then plug the other end into the trigger output on your source device.

8. Ensure that the Master Power switch is in the OFF position and that the Power Switch is in the Standby position.

9. Using the included AC Power Cable, plug the C19 connector on the cable into the C20 panel connector on the amplifier, then plug the other end into a nearby AC power outlet. Repeat with the second AC input for 42564. Note that each input should be plugged into a different AC circuit.
   Warning! Do not plug the amplifier into a switched outlet on a preamplifier or other audio component. The amplifier should be plugged directly into an AC wall outlet.

10. Ensure that the volume on the preamplifier is set to the minimum level.

11.  Power on all equipment connected to the amplifier, then flip the Master Power switch on the rear panel to the ON position. Press the Power Switch on the front panel. The LED will illuminate dimly until the circuitry is properly warmed up. Once the LED illuminates brightly, the amplifier has finished the start-up process and is ready for operation.
    Note: It is recommended to always turn the amplifier on last and to turn it off first whenever powering your audio system on or off. This ensures that any pops or transient spikes, which could cause damage to the delicate speaker coils, are not sent to your speakers.

Congratulations, your amplifier is connected and ready for use!

FUSES

The system uses two fuses to protect the circuitry from excessive current. P/N 42564 uses two 20A slow-blow/time lag ceramic 5×20 fuses, while P/N 42565 uses two 10A slow-blow/time lag ceramic 5×20 fuses.

PROTECTION CIRCUITRY

• Over Temperature Protection: Whenever a module overheats, it will automatically mute. When the temperature returns to normal, it will unmute and resume audio amplification.
• DC Error Protection: When a DC error occurs, the SMPS turns off and the front panel LED will blink a number of times to indicate which module has the fault (1 blink = module 1, 2 blinks = module 2, 3 blinks = module 3, and 4 blinks = module 4). To reset the amplifier from this fault, unplug it from the AC power source, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in again.
• Power On: All amplifier modules are muted during power on. The modules will sequentially power on, starting with module 1 and ending with module 4.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The amplifier will not power on.

Verify that the Master Power switch on the rear panel is in the ON position. Check to ensure that the AC power cord is fully plugged in at each end. Verify that the AC power outlet is live by plugging in another device, such as a lamp.

Audio from some channels, but not others.

Try swapping the speaker from a good channel to the output of the bad channel to see if the problem is with the input or output. Check that the XLR input cable is firmly seated on the connector at each end. Try swapping out the input XLR cable with a known good cable. Check the speaker wire connections at each end. Try swapping out the speaker wire with a known good one.

The audio plays, then cuts off.

Check the speaker wire connections for stray wire strands, which could cause a short circuit.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Monoprice™ is pleased to provide free, live, online technical support to assist you with any questions you may have about installation, setup, troubleshooting, or product recommendations. If you ever need assistance with your new product, please come online to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable Tech Support Associates. Technical support is available through the online chat button on our website www.monoprice.com or through email by sending a message to tech@monoprice.com. Check the website for support times and links.

To download the latest drivers, firmware, manuals, etc., go to www.monoprice.com and type the P/N into the search bar. If available, support files are linked at the bottom of the product page.

SPECIFICATIONS

Bandwidth Power
Measurements into 8-Ohm Loads
FTC Full Bandwidth (20Hz ~ 20kHz) Output Power| 200 watts (all channels driven)
Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power| 2.07 volts
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 20Hz ~ 20kHz| Less than 0.05% (20Hz ~ 5kHz) Less than 0.5% (5kHz ~ 20kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 1kHz| < 0.01% at Rated Power
Measurements into 4-Ohm Loads
FTC Full Bandwidth (20Hz ~ 20kHz) Output Power| 400 watts (4 channels driven)
Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power| 2.07 volts
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 20Hz ~ 20kHz| Less than 0.1% (20Hz ~ 5kHz) Less than 0.5% (5kHz ~ 20kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 1kHz| < 0.025% at Rated Power
---|---
Hypex® Ratings
8-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 350 watts
4-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 500 watts
2-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 450 watts (current limited)
Load Impedance| Rated for 4 ~ 16 ohm loads
1 Watt Power Bandwidth| +0, -3dB from 10Hz ~ 48kHz
Damping Factor| Greater than 400 from 20Hz ~ 400Hz
Crosstalk| Better than -70dB, 200Hz ~ 20kHz
DC Output Offset| Less than ±20mV
Remote Trigger Voltage| 3.3 ~ 24.0 VDC, 5mA
Input Power| 120 VAC, 60Hz
Dimensions (with binding posts) (HxWxD)| 5.25″ (3RU) x 17.1″ x 14.5″
Weight| 35.5 lbs. (16.1 kg)
P/N| 42565
---|---
Model| M8125X
Inputs| 8x balanced XLR
Input Impedance| 47kΩ
Gain| 25.7dB
Frequency Response at Rated Output| 20Hz ~ 20kHz ±0.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted)| Greater than 115dB below rated FTS Full Bandwidth Power
---|---
Measurements into 8-Ohm Loads
FTC Full Bandwidth (20Hz ~ 20kHz) Output Power| 100 watts (all channels driven)
Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power| 1.465 volts
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 20Hz ~ 20kHz| Less than 0.05% (20Hz ~ 5kHz) Less than 0.5% (5kHz ~ 20kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 1kHz| < 0.01% at Rated Power
Measurements into 4-Ohm Loads
FTC Full Bandwidth (20Hz ~ 20kHz) Output Power| 175 watts (4 channels driven)
Input Sensitivity for Full Rated Power| 1.37 volts
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 20Hz ~ 20kHz| Less than 0.1% (20Hz ~ 5kHz) Less than 0.5% (5kHz ~ 20kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) @ 1kHz| < 0.025% at Rated Power
Hypex® Ratings
8-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 150 watts
4-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 250 watts
2-ohm Load, 1kHz, 1% THD| 180 watts (current limited)
Load Impedance| Rated for 4 ~ 16-ohm loads
1 Watt Power Bandwidth| +0, -3dB from 10Hz ~ 50kHz
---|---
Damping Factor| Greater than 400 from 20Hz ~ 400Hz
Crosstalk| Better than -70dB, 200Hz ~ 20kHz
DC Output Offset| Less than ±20mV
Remote Trigger Voltage| 3.3 ~ 24.0 VDC, 5mA
Input Power| 120 VAC, 60Hz
Dimensions (with binding posts) (HxWxD)| 5.25″ (3RU) x 17.1″ x 12.5″
Weight| 28.2 lbs. (12.8 kg)

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Notice for FCC

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Modifying the equipment without Monoprice’s authorization may result in the equipment no longer complying with FCC requirements for Class B digital devices. In that event, your right to use the equipment may be limited by FCC regulations, and you may be required to correct any interference to radio or television communications at your own expense.

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 receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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.

Notice for ISED Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Monoprice™, Monolith™, the Monolith logo, and all Monoprice logos are trademarks of Monoprice Inc. Hypex® is a trademark of Hypex Electronics B.V.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Monolith M8250x Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier?

The Monolith M8250x is a high-performance, multi-channel home theater power amplifier designed to deliver powerful and precise amplification for a home theater system.

How many channels does the Monolith M8250x amplifier have?

The Monolith M8250x is an 8-channel power amplifier, meaning it can power up to 8 speakers in your home theater setup.

What is the power output per channel of the M8250x amplifier?

The power output per channel of the Monolith M8250x is 200 watts into 8 ohms and 300 watts into 4 ohms.

Is the M8250x amplifier a Class A, Class AB, or Class D amplifier?

The Monolith M8250x is a Class AB amplifier, known for its high efficiency and low distortion characteristics.

What audio inputs does the M8250x support?

The Monolith M8250x supports both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA audio inputs for each of its 8 channels.

Can I bridge the channels on the amplifier to increase power output?

No, the Monolith M8250x does not support channel bridging.

Is the amplifier stable to use with low-impedance speakers?

Yes, the Monolith M8250x amplifier is designed to handle low-impedance speakers and can safely drive 4-ohm loads.

Does the amplifier have a cooling system?

Yes, the Monolith M8250x features a robust cooling system, including dual variable-speed fans, to ensure efficient heat dissipation during prolonged use.

Is the M8250x THX-certified?

Yes, the Monolith M8250x is THX Ultra2-certified, indicating its high-quality performance and suitability for demanding home theater setups.

Can I use the M8250x with a 220-240V power supply?

Yes, the Monolith M8250x comes with a universal power supply that supports both 110-120V and 220-240V, making it suitable for use in various regions.

Does it have protection features for the connected speakers?

Yes, the amplifier is equipped with protection circuits to safeguard against overcurrent, overheating, and DC faults, ensuring the safety of your speakers.

What type of speaker connectors does the M8250x have?

The Monolith M8250x features high-quality, gold-plated, 5-way binding posts for secure and reliable speaker connections.

Is it rack-mountable?

Yes, the M8250x amplifier is rack-mountable and includes rack ears for easy integration into a standard equipment rack.

Does it have a trigger input and output?

Yes, the Monolith M8250x includes trigger inputs and outputs, allowing it to be powered on/off automatically when connected to compatible equipment.

Can the amplifier be used in a bi-amping setup?

Yes, you can use the Monolith M8250x in a bi-amping configuration to separately power the low and high-frequency drivers of compatible speakers.

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