1
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ME580
ME Amplifiers Melbourne, Australia
SAFETY FIRST
There are no user serviceable components inside your ME580 Power Amplifier. Do not under any
circumstances remove the top or bottom cover of the ME580 amplifier whilst it is connected to a power point,
even if the switch at the power point is turned off.
Never allow moisture or liquids of any kind to enter the power amplifier chassis (condensation, drinks, etc.)
Use only the fuses specified by ME Amplifiers in your ME580 Power Amplifier. Fuses of a different rating may
not protect your amplifier, and may create a fire hazard.
Do not switch on your power amplifier without first turning the gain control on any connected preamplifier to
a minimum.
Do not disconnect any leads from the amplifier until it has been switched off and is completely discharged.
(Allow 1 minute from switch off for the amplifier to discharge.)
Your ME580 Power Amplifier must only be used with a
3 pin
EARTHED
mains cable. Such a cable is supplied
with the amplifier.
QUICK START CONNECTION GUIDE
If you are in a hurry to get your ME580 power amplifier operating, and it has not been installed by your ME
dealer or other knowledgeable person, please follow the procedure set out below. We do recommend
strongly however that you read the complete instructions in this handbook first.
1.
Do not make any electrical connections unless the amplifier is disconnected from the mains power.
2.
Make the connections to your program source (preamplifier, CD player with variable output, etc.) as
follows:
•
Use the DC Coupled inputs if you are connecting to an ME preamplifier or other DC Servo
Controlled preamplifier.
•
Use the AC Coupled inputs if using CD players directly, passive preamps, tube (valve) preamps,
surround sound receivers, etc. If in any doubt read “Understanding your ME580 – DC
Offsets”, consult your dealer, or just use the AC inputs – as that is the safest for your speakers.
•
The unbalanced inputs require leads (interconnects) fitted with RCA plugs.
•
The balanced inputs require leads (interconnects) fitted with XLR plugs.
If using unbalanced RCA inputs be sure to set the Balanced / Unbalanced input selector switch on the
rear panel of the ME580 to Unbalanced and to Balanced when using balanced XLR inputs.
3.
Connect your Speaker Cables securely to your Speaker System, ensuring that a short circuit is not
possible, even if speakers are later moved or repositioned. Shorted cables can lead to amplifier
damage, and can void your warranty.
CAUTION: Your ME580 Power Amplifier is designed to operate with loudspeakers with impedance in
the range 4 – 8 ohms. Operation with loudspeakers of less than 4 ohms nominal impedance is not
recommended.
4.
Connect the Speaker Cables to the terminals on the back of the ME580 power amplifier, preferably
using high quality banana plugs. Alternatively, if banana plugs are not available, the ends of the
