10
UNDERSTANDING YOUR ME580
ME Amplifiers Melbourne, Australia
5.
Over-Temperature Shutdown
If the temperature of either of the two heatsinks reaches 70°C, or the internal temperature of the
amplifier reaches 70°C, the TEMP light on the front panel escutcheon changes from AMBER to RED, the
speaker outputs are automatically disconnected, the ME logo changes from BLUE to AMBER, and the fans
run at maximum speed until the over temperature situation clears. As normal operating temperature is
being restored, the TEMP light will change from RED to AMBER and then back to GREEN. Always
investigate the reason for an over-temperature condition occurring - see the section on Ventilation under
Installing Your ME580.
6.
Restarting the ME580 After Over-Temperature Shutdown
Following an Over-Temperature shutdown of the ME580, wait until the TEMP light has returned to AMBER
or GREEN. The amplifier can then be restarted by pressing the POWER button on the front panel.
7.
Mains Fuse
The mains fuse will blow if an electrical fault occurs in one of the dual power supplies of the ME580. The
fuse may also blow due to fatigue after a long period of service, since large inrush currents pass through
the fuse at switch-on. If the fuse blows, use only a fuse of the specified rating as a replacement. Using a
fuse of a different rating may compromise the protection of your amplifier, and may void the warranty.
8.
Mains Fuse Replacement
The mains fuse is located inside a removable fuse holder, indicated by a fuse symbol, on the mains input
socket at the rear of the ME580. To check or replace the fuse, switch off the amplifier at the power point
and unplug the mains lead from the mains input socket on the rear panel of the ME580. Using a small
screwdriver or similar tool, carefully lever out the fuse holder from the socket and check the fuse. It is
preferable to check continuity of the fuse with an Ohm meter if available, or by substituting a known good
fuse. There may not be any visible signs of fuse failure, particularly with the delayed action fuse type as
used in the ME580. If required, replace the fuse with one of the correct type and current rating, as listed
below. A single spare fuse is located inside the fuse holder cover.
ME580 Fuse Rating:
3 amp delayed action (slow blow) M205 fuse.
Refit the fuse holder to the mains input socket, insert the mains plug, and switch on the amplifier at the
power point. If the replacement fuse blows within a short time, a fault condition is indicated, rather than
fatigue failure. Should this occur, contact your ME dealer and arrange for the amplifier to be checked and
repaired as necessary.
HIGH CAPACITANCE OPTION
This option is suggested for larger speaker systems, and for those interested in improved performance,
particularly when other high quality ancillary equipment is installed on the system. The larger storage
capacity gives improved transient, bass and imaging performance because the power supply impedance is
much lower, and the power supply voltage is far more stable. This option increases the total capacitance from
75,200µF to 169,200µF. The degree to which this improves your system performance is largely governed by
the quality of the components in your system, as well as your perceptions and experiences. If you would like
