AVM MA 6.3 Power Amplifier Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: AVM

Table of Contents

AVM MA 6.3 Power Amplifier
Product Usage Instructions
Getting started
Basic operation and advanced settings menu
Appendix
Technical Data MA 6.3
- Technical Data SA 6.3
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

AVM MA 6.3 Power Amplifier

AVM-MA-6.3-Power-Amplifier-PRODUCT

Specifications

Model: OVATION MA 6.3 / OVATION SA 6.3
Power Output: Not specified
Inputs: Analog input balanced (XLR), Analog input unbalanced (Cinch/RCA), Trigger input
Controls: Power button, Menu buttons, Display button
Display: VF display for power and peak power

Product Usage Instructions

Getting Started

Before using the unit, familiarize yourself with the contents of the box and the control elements.

What’s in the Box?

The box should contain the amplifier unit, power cord, and user manual.

Control and Operating Elements
The front panel features the power button, control LED, menu buttons, display, and display button for configuring settings.

Front

Power button (on/off)
Control LED
Menu buttons (soft keys)
Display
Display button

The display provides information on power levels and allows for menu navigation.

Rear

6. Speaker terminals
7. Analog input balanced (XLR)
8. Analog input unbalanced (Cinch/RCA)
9. Configuration port
10. Trigger input (TRIGGER IN)
11. Phase-LED
12. Mains outlet
13. Mains switch

Pin Assignment XLR Input and Trigger Input
XLR Input: 1) GND 2) POS(+) 3) NEG(-) Trigger Input: 3.5mm TRIGGER IN

Installation and Cooling
Ensure proper cooling by allowing air to flow through the unit to prevent overheating. Avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent malfunctions and damage to heat-sensitive objects.

Connection to Mains
Use the provided power cord to connect the unit to the mains outlet and set the mains switch to the “on” position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I reset the unit to factory settings?
A: To reset to factory settings, navigate to the Advanced Settings Menu and select the Reset option.

Q: What should I do if the unit becomes excessively hot during use?
A: Ensure proper ventilation around the unit and avoid placing heat- sensitive objects near it. If overheating persists, contact customer support for assistance.

Q: Can I connect multiple pre-amplifiers to the unit?
A: It is recommended to connect only one pre-amplifier to the unit for optimal performance and avoid signal interference.

Dear customer
Thank you for purchasing this AVM product. You now own a versatile, excellent sounding high end component. Before enjoying music, please read this manual carefully. After that you will know how to use your MA / SA 6.3 in the optimal way.

Please note: The range of functions of your MA / SA 6.3 can be easily expanded by means of a firmware update at any time. Hence, the present operating instructions will require continued updates going forward. You can always download the most current version from our website at www.avm.audio.

Sincerely yours,The AVM Team
Declaration of conformity (for EC only)
We herewith confirm, that the unit to which this manual belongs fulfills the EC rules necessary to obtain the sign the necessary measurements were taken with positive results.
AVM Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH
Daimlerstraße 8
D-76316 Malsch

Germany
www.avm.audio
info@avm.audio

Getting started

What’s in the box?

OVATION MA / SA 6.3
Power cord (in some countries)
Trigger plug(s)

Control and operating elements
The numbers in the drawings below mark the control elements. They refer to the numbers in the text, where the operation of the unit is described.

Front

AVM-MA-6.3-Power-Amplifier-1

Power button (on / off)
Control LED
Menu buttons (soft keys)
Display
Display button
The blue VF display indicates the actual power (power bar) and the current peak power (numeric) of the MA / SA 6.3. It is also useful to make settings via the intuitive menu system: Configuring the display (power bar & value display, peak power only and display off), setting the display brightness, setting the operating mode (permanent, automatic, trigger, remote) and setting the actual speaker impedance.
If you happen to use an AVM model of the PA or SD series as a pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can be automatically switched on and off via a connected audio cable – without the need for an additional trigger cable. In addition, the display brightness can also be remotely controlled – according to the selected setting on the pre-amplifier (see section 2.3.1).
Rear
Speaker terminal(s)
Analog input balanced (XLR)
Analog input unbalanced (Cinch/RCA)
Configuration port
Trigger input (TRIGGER IN)
Phase-LED
Mains outlet
Mains switch

Pin assignment XLR input und Trigger input

AVM-MA-6.3-Power-Amplifier-3

GND
POS (+)
NEG (-)

Installation and cooling

The unit can become hot depending on the demanded output power or environmental temperature.
Therefore, it is important, that the cooling air can flow unhindered into the air inlets in the bottom and flow out through the holes in the rear panel. Direct exposure to sunlight is not recommended because this will heat up the unit and may cause unwanted malfunctions.

Heat sensitive objects such as candles, plastics, records or CD’s may also be damaged by the generated heat of the MA / SA 6.3. Great care should also be taken to ensure small children do not burn themselves by accidentally touching the amplifier(s). The housing does not feel extremely hot to adults but small children generally react more sensitively.

PLEASE NOTE

The installed transformers emit magnetic stray fields. To prevent interference, it is recommended to not place the unit(s) either directly on or near the pre-amplifier or record player.

Connection to mains
Connect the unit to the mains outlet (12) by using the power cord which is (in some countries) delivered together with the unit. Make sure the mains voltage is according to the value printed on the rear panel of the amplifier (near mains connector). Set the mains switch (13) to on (push once).

CAUTION: Keep the unit switched off until all audio connections are made. Also, keep your loudspeakers disconnected when switching the unit on for the first time.
Switch on the unit by pressing the power button (1). The unit performs a self- test while the AVM logo appears on the display (4). During this procedure, you will hear clicks in short succession from the switching relays of the driver stage and supply unit. When this initial check is passed, switch off the amp at the mains switch (1, push once). Now the unit is ready to be connected to your hi-fi set. After a few seconds the unit is switched on and ready to operate.

NOTE: In case one of the operating modes auto, remote or trigger have been set, the amplifier goes to standby right after the initial self-test (see section 2.3.3)

When this initial check is passed, switch off the amplifier again at the mains switch (13). Now the unit is ready to be connected to your sources and loudspeakers.
Depending on the weather outside during transport, the unit might still be cold after unboxing. In this case, we recommend to place the unit in your listening room and let it ‘acclimatize’ without a mains connection for at least one hour.

Connecting a pre-amplifier
The MA / SA 6.3 is equipped with both an unbalanced RCA/Cinch and a balanced XLR input sockets
(7, 8) which can be used as desired. Please make sure that the right and left channel is connected correctly. Input sockets are marked with “r” (right) and “l” (left).

CAUTION: Please note that either the RCA/Cinch cable or the XLR cable is connected to a preamplifier.
Otherwise, unfavourable sound interferences or even short circuits may occur, if both inputs are operated simultaneously.

Connecting trigger inputs
If you use a pre-amplifier that is equipped with trigger outputs, connect them to the trigger input of your MA / SA 6.3 (10) which will automatically switch on and off together with your pre-amplifier. The pinning of the trigger outputs is described in section 1.2.3.
If you happen to use an AVM model of the PA or SD series as a pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can automatically be switched on and off via a connected audio cable – without the need for an additional trigger cable. In addition, the display brightness can also be remote controlled (see section 2.3.3)

Connecting loudspeakers
Connect the “right” marked clips of the speaker terminal(s) to the right speaker, the “left” marked clips to the left speaker (6). We recommend to only use loudspeaker cables of good quality and with sufficient diameter to connect your loudspeaker to the output clips. Take care of the correct polarity when connecting. The red marked output clips must be connected to the red loudspeaker clip or marked with a plus sign. Right and left channels must be the same polarity.
The SA 6.3 is equipped with two switchable speaker outlets (6, 14) which are internally connected in parallel. Hence, your loudspeakers may also be operated in bi-wiring mode.

NOTE: If you are using banana plugs, secure the outer parts of the sockets (by clockwise turning) before inserting the pin. This will prevent unwanted rattling noises. On delivery, you may find some plastic plugs covering the 4mm holes of the loudspeaker clips. These can be removed with a thin screwdriver.
To be able to fully appreciate the tonal qualities of your MA / SA 6.3 amplifier, we recommend to keep the speaker cables as short as possible. This way, extremely short paths between the power amplifier and the loudspeaker, for the transport of electrical power, is achieved. We recommends to only use cables of identical length for the right and the left channel.

Packing advice
The bottom of the flight case in which the unit is delivered is not symmetrical. If you want to pack the unit into the case at a later point in time, please make sure to position the unit correctly.

Operating mode / Standby mode
Using the power button (1) you can switch between the operating mode and the standby mode. When switched on, the display (4) lights up and the control LED (2) is switched off. In standby mode, the display is switched off and the control LED is on to indicate the unit is still connected to the mains.

CAUTION: When switched to standby, the unit is still connected to the mains. In case of a thunderstorm or if you leave the house for a longer time, we recommend you switch off the amplifier by using the mains switch (13) or pull the mains plug (12).

Display button
If the display disturbs you while listening to music, you can switch it off by pressing the display button (5).

Advanced settings menu
The MA / SA 6.3 offers a wealth of custom-specific settings in its advanced settings menu which may be accessed during operating or standby mode. To enter the menu, just tap on the MENU button (3).
The currently selected menu point is indicated in the upper area of the display in capital letters – the respective option is indicated below in lowercase characters. To skip through the available menu points, use the menu buttons?named < ITEM >. To change the setting or option of a selected menu point, use the menu buttons named < VALUE >. To store and exit the menu again, just press the menu button EXIT.

Set display brightness
Selects the display brightness from 100%, 75%, 50%, to 25%.

NOTE: The display brightness can also be remotely controlled, if an AVM model of the PA or SD series is used as a pre-amplifier and remote is set as operating mode (see section 2.3.3)

Set display mode

bargraph & value: While operating, a bar informs about the actual output level. The peak output power is displayed numerically.
value: Only the peak output power is indicated numerically.
CLIP indicates the demanded output power exceeded the maximum. In this case, we recommend to reduce the volume in order to not damage the tweeters of your tweeters.

Set operating mode

permanent: When switched on using the mains switch (13), the unit is permanently ready to operate until it is switched off with the mains switch. automatic: The amplifier switches on automatically as soon as a connected pre-amplifier delivers an audio signal to one of the analog inputs (7, 8). Standby mode is activated as soon as the pre-amplifier has not delivered a signal for more than 10 minutes.
trigger: Switching to operating mode and to standby is controlled via the trigger input (10). For details, see section 0.
remote: If you happen to use an AVM model of the PA or SD series as a pre-amplifier, your MA / SA 6.3 can be automatically switched on and off via inaudible digital signals sent over a connected audio cable – without the need for an additional trigger cable. In addition, the display brightness can also be remotely controlled – according to the selected setting on the pre-amplifier (see section 2.3.1).

Define load impedance
To obtain correct values in the power display (see 2.3.2), it is necessary to select the given impedance according to your speakers (4 or 8 Ohms). This setting is only for calibrating the power display and has no influence on the performance of the amplifier itself.

Reset (Factory settings)
The Reset menu cancels certain or all settings and makes the unit return to default settings.
To enter the Reset menu, please switch off your device on the rear of the unit at the mains switch (13).
Keep the middle key under the display pressed (3) while you switch on the unit again (13). As soon as the display shows the reset menu you can release the multifunctional button under the display (3). Now press ALL to reset the unit completely. CANCEL will bring the unit back to normal operating mode without resetting any item.
After resetting your MA / SA 6.3, the unit automatically switches to standby and will restart depending on the selected operating mode (e.g. if a trigger voltage (10) is connected and the trigger mode is selected – see section 2.3.3).

Appendix

Cleaning
Use a soft cloth and normal glass cleansing fluid.

CAUTION
Make sure no fluid gets into the unit. Do not use scouring cleaners. They may damage the surface.

Troubleshooting
Some putative defects are often caused by small mistakes in operation. Sometimes, other units connected to the amplifier may cause problems, too. We therefore kindly ask you to read the following tips first, before consulting your dealer or us.

No playback
- First of all, please check whether the pre-amplifier and the selected signal source are operating correctly. This is best achieved by checking the functioning of the pre-amplifier by using some headphones. Remember to remove the headphones afterwards, otherwise the pre-amplifier will not emit a signal to the MA / SA 6.3.
- Ensure there are no breaks or short circuits in the signal cable between the amplifier and the preamplifier.
- Check the connecting cable between the amplifier and the loudspeakers for a short circuit or break.
- Inadvertent switching to standby. Press the power button (1). If the LED indicator and display do not light up, a fuse can be blown due to overvoltage (e.g. in case of a thunderstorm etc.). Please contact your dealer.
The unit does not switch from STANDBY to OPERATE or switches while listening to music from OPERATE to STAND BY
- This can happen when the amplifier is operated in auto mode and you are listening at low levels.
  Then the incoming voltage from the pre-amplifier is too low to trigger the auto-circuit. In this case, we recommend to switch the unit to permanent mode or to make use of a trigger cable (see section 0).
- If the unit is operated in trigger mode, please check the trigger cables between the pre-amplifier and the amplifier and ensure there are no breaks or short circuits in the cable.
- The unit is operated in remote mode without using a suitable pre-amplifier (such as an AVM SD or PA model). Choose a different operating mode (see section 2.3.3).
After switching off the pre-amplifier the amp does not automatically switch to STANDBY (after approx. 5-10 min.) although the “auto” mode is selected
- Please check whether a low humming or chirping noise is heard from the loudspeakers after switching off the pre-amplifier. If there is such a noise, scattering emissions within the cable are interfering with the automatic switch-on circuitry. The unit is interpreting the interference as a music signal and reacts by not switching off the amp. Avoid interferences by placing the cable. Place your cable differently. With balanced XLR cables, this fault can also arise from errors in the pin setting (see section 1.2.3).
The amplifier switches off during normal operation
- This can happen if the temperature inside the unit becomes too high. In this case, the amplifier switches off and the display shows overheat. Switch off the unit and let it cool down for some minutes.

Conditions of warranty (EC only)
If despite expectations a defect occurs that cannot be repaired by yourself or your dealer, we undertake the repair of your unit free of charge for up to three years from date of purchase. The warranty covers the costs of material and working time, transport costs are to be borne by the owner.

Provisions for this warranty are:

The unit must have been purchased from an authorised dealer. Equipment from other sources will not be repaired, not even at charge.
The warranty registration card, together with a copy of the bill of sale, must be received by us within four weeks of the date of purchase.
The defect must not have been caused by improper handling or misuse.
Return the unit to us only in its original packing. If this is not possible we are entitled to refuse acceptance. We will not assume responsibility for transport damage under any circumstances.
A short description of the defect is to be included with the returned unit.
In cases of doubt we reserve the right to request a copy of the bill of sale.
We also reserve the right to levy a handling charge for items returned without good or valid reason, or if the unit proves to be not defective.

NOTE: If you are returning the unit from a country other than Germany you should ensure that correct export documents are obtained. We cannot accept any charges for costs arising from improper or incomplete export documentation.
If you have purchased your unit from a dealer outside Germany please refer to him or the relevant importing firm to process the warranty.