M3si manual issue 1
Page 5 of 12
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of the new M3si integrated amplifier. Great attention has been paid to internal
layout, isolating each circuit section to prevent possible interaction. The unit features a finely tuned and tweaked
preamplifier, for smooth sound coupled with low noise and virtually no distortion.
The power amplifier consists of two top quality power amplifiers for the absolute best in separation and imaging.
Generously rated, they are enough to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease. Low distortion
and very quiet they will deliver all music types exactly as the artist originally intended.
The resultant performance achieved by this unit is among the best in the world. It has excellent signal to noise
ratio, low distortion, wide bandwidth and dynamic range, with extraordinary resolution and fine detail.
Cleaning
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. Using solvents, white spirit or thinners is not
advised, as they could damage the surface finish.
Installation
Position the M3si on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to
vibration such as from loudspeakers.
Important note:
In normal operation, the unit dissipates a small quantity of power at all times, and it is important
that it is adequately ventilated. The top and bottom are perforated to allow the smooth flow of heat
through the unit. It is therefore not recommended that the unit is enclosed in a cabinet or placed
where the ventilation holes are impeded as this could result in excessive heat build-up.
The M3si must be protected from humidity – if the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm
room, leave the unit for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.
Power Connections
The M3si is supplied with a standard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC socket at the back of the unit
(see page 7). When plugged in and mains supply is present the orange STDBY LED will light.
Audio Connections
RCA Inputs:
Connect all RCA single-ended sources to relevant analogue inputs (see page 7 for more
information). Use good quality fully connected (signal and ground) coaxial phono cables for all RCA signal
connections. Take particular care with PHONO input leads, ensure that they are very well shielded and kept
away from mains and speaker leads.
Phono/turntable earth connection
The green earthing post should only be connected when excessive hum is experienced. Connect
the turntable earthing lead to this post if hum is noticed. If hum worsens when the earth post is thus
connected, then disconnect immediately and investigate the cause elsewhere.
Note: some systems may have more than one direct earth point(s) already involved. This could cause
hum problems that may only become apparent on connecting this product. Thus the M3si may not be
the root cause of hum detected in a system, even if it is the only device that appears to be making the
hum apparent.
There is no harm done if
no
connection is made to this terminal, as it is not always needed anyway, for
example, some turntables have their own earthing arrangement.
USB inputs:
Connect USB “A” to “B” cable between USB input and computer (laptop, desktop, tablet or any
other suitable USB audio compatible “host”).
Speaker Outputs:
Connect loudspeakers to the terminals on the back panel marked as
LEFT
and
RIGHT
SPEAKER
outputs.
The
LINE
output allows loop through of analogue signals for example, to pass on to a recorder or monitor. It is
also the ideal output to connect headphone amps into (headphone amplifier will require its own volume control
to allow listening level adjustment). This output is the currently selected source but level is
not
changed by the
front panel volume control.
The
PRE-OUT
output allows analogue signals controlled by the volume, to pass on to, for example, an external
power amplifier. This is useful for bi-amping or active “subwoofer” connection where volume out needs to be
controlled by the M3si front panel volume knob.
INSTALLATION
