Madison AMPLIFIER
Installation Guide
Issue
Action
No power
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Check the AC power chord of the external power supply.
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Check that the power supply circular connector is firmly plugged at the back of the Amplifier.
No sound
-
Check that your source is playing.
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Check that your Madison Amplifier is turned-on, not muted and that the correct Amplifier input is selected.
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Check that the correct input is selected on your preamplifier and that the preamplifier’s volume setting is not too low.
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Check that the source and loudspeakers cables are properly connected, according to the configuration mode you want and that the configuration switches are set correctly.
LEDs Flashing
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Please refer to Chapter 10—Protection Circuit.
Madison AMPLFIER
Installation Guide
1. Unboxing
Your Madison comes with the following elements:
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1 Madison Amplifier
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1 external power supply 36V DC
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1 power cord
When you first unpack your Madison Amplifier, please take a moment to ensure that all components are present and in good condition. If you notice any missing parts or signs of damage, contact your retailer or Wattson Audio for support.
We strongly recommend keeping the original packaging. It is specially designed to protect your Madison Amplifier during transport in the event you need to move or ship the unit in the future.
2. Safety notice
The Madison Amplifier is high-quality audio equipment and should be handled with care to ensure optimal performance and longevity. When setting it up, follow these basic precautions:
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Always handle with care and install your Madison Amplifier on a stable base.
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Do not install your unit near water, nor expose the unit to any liquid.
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Do not install in direct sunlight or near any heat source, such as radiators or other significant heat sources.
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Do not install it in a confined space; ensure sufficient air can flow around the unit.
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Be careful. The Amplifier case becomes hot during operation. Avoid prolonged contact with the box during this time.
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Do not operate under high ambient temperatures (>35°C) or with extremely high humidity (>85%), such as in humid cellars.
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Use only with the external power supply supplied by Wattson Audio.
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Use only a fully grounded AC power cord (with Live, Neutral, and Ground).
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The mains socket into which the Madison Amplifier power supply will be plugged must be connected to protective earth.
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The power socket must remain accessible because it is the only means of disconnecting from the electrical network.
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Only use options and accessories specified or recommended by Wattson Audio.
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Do not open the unit or try to service it yourself. Always refer to a qualified technician for service or maintenance.
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Symbols used:
High Voltage
Hot Surface
Manual
Warning
Specific regional considerations:
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🇩🇰 Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord som giver forbindelse til stikproppens jord.
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🇫🇮 Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
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🇳🇴 Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
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🇸🇪 Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
3. Placement and position
Your Madison Amplifier is designed to rest on the four feet located beneath its enclosure. For proper performance, place it on a flat, stable, and solid surface.
The Madison Amplifier generates heat. Make sure sufficient air can flow around the unit. Ideally, it should be placed on top of the furniture.
4. Connectors
Stereo mode
In a standard stereo configuration, the left input feeds the left amplification channel, and the right input feeds the right amplification channel. Use this mode to drive a stereo setup with a single Madison Amplifier.
Bi-amp mode
The left input feeds both amplification channels, making this mode ideal for vertically bi-amping loudspeakers with two pairs of independent binding posts. Use two Madison Amplifiers to create a stereo setup.
Monophonic mode
This mode is ideal for complex loads and high amplifier demands. Two or more Madison Amplifiers are needed for a stereo system in monophonic mode. For optimal performance, place each Amplifier close to each loudspeaker. The entire power supply is devoted to a single channel in monophonic mode, and the enclosure heat is reduced.
Only the left-channel inputs and loudspeaker outputs are active, and the right channel is disabled.
5. Output Modes
Stereo mode
In a standard stereo configuration, the left input feeds the left amplification channel, and the right input feeds the right amplification channel. Use this mode to drive a stereo setup with a single Madison Amplifier.
Bi-amp mode
The left input feeds both amplification channels, making this mode ideal for vertically bi-amping loudspeakers with two pairs of independent binding posts. Use two Madison Amplifiers to create a stereo setup.
Monophonic mode
This mode is ideal for complex loads and high amplifier demands. Two or more Madison Amplifiers are needed for a stereo system in monophonic mode. For optimal performance, place each Amplifier close to each loudspeaker. The entire power supply is devoted to a single channel in monophonic mode, and the enclosure heat is reduced.
Only the left-channel inputs and loudspeaker outputs are active, and the right channel is disabled.
6. Impedance selection
The internal power supply optimizes the Amplifier's performance based on the type of loudspeakers connected.
Please refer to your loudspeaker manufacturer's documentation for its nominal impedance. Frequently, the loudspeaker's minimum impedance is well below its nominal value. In such cases, we recommend setting the Amplifier to the minimum impedance, not the nominal value.
8Ω: Loudspeakers with a nominal/minimal impedance of 8Ω or above.
4Ω: Loudspeakers with a nominal/minimal impedance of 4Ω.
2Ω: Loudspeakers with nominal/minimal below 4Ω.
7. Gain selection
The Amplifier gain can be adjusted to best match the output level of the preamplifier or source.
26dB: The voltage gain is set to 26dB, i.e. 20V/V
20dB: The voltage gain is set to 20dB, i.e. 10V/V
8. Power ON and Standby
Please be sure that the Madison Amplifier is correctly connected and set-up before powering up.
The Madison Amplifier stays in standby mode once the external power supply is plugged. Pushing the front panel button will initiate the power-up procedure. The front panel LEDs flash for a few seconds, then the standby indication goes out and the active input is indicated. The Amplifier is now operational.
A long press on the button switches to standby, which is then indicated by the Standby LED.
To comply with power consumption standards, the Amplifier will automatically switch off if there is no music signal for about 40 minutes.
9. Selecting input source
During operation, a short button press changes the input and switches to silent mode.
Front panel input selection allows you to connect two distinct sources to the power Amplifier and easily switch between them.
Mute mode is convenient for interrupting the sound without having to change the preamplifier volume.
10. Protection circuit
An active monitoring circuit protects the Amplifier's electronic components. The internal temperature and instant temperature variation of the power transistors and the power supply and output current are constantly monitored.
If the Amplifier detects an error, it automatically switches off. Flashing LEDs on the front panel indicate that the protection system has been activated. If this happens, unplug the power cable and check all connections to ensure they are correct and free of short circuits. Also, make sure the Amplifier is placed in a well-ventilated area to allow proper air circulation.
You can then switch the Amplifier back on. If the protection system intervenes again, or frequently, please refer to Chapter 11—Troubleshooting, or contact your authorized dealer for assistance.
11. Troubleshooting
Always make sure your Madison Amplifier is fully powered off before reconnecting the mains power cable. If a power cable is accidentally disconnected while the Amplifier is still on, allow it to shut down automatically. Then, wait about 2 minutes before plugging the power cables back in.
Issue
Action
No power
-
Check the AC power chord of the external power supply.
-
Check that the power supply circular connector is firmly plugged at the back of the Amplifier.
No sound
-
Check that your source is playing.
-
Check that your Madison Amplifier is turned-on, not muted and that the correct Amplifier input is selected.
-
Check that the correct input is selected on your preamplifier and that the preamplifier’s volume setting is not too low.
-
Check that the source and loudspeakers cables are properly connected, according to the configuration mode you want and that the configuration switches are set correctly.
LEDs Flashing
-
Please refer to Chapter 10—Protection Circuit.
12. Firmware update
From time to time, we may bring improvements or bug corrections to the Amplifier internal control software and a firmware update. The update procedure uses network connectivity and a web page hosted in the Madison Amplifier.
For the moment, there are no updates available, and the Madison Amplifier still uses the factory-installed firmware version. Detailed information will be added to this manual when the first update is released.
13. Additional information
Pin-out detail of the power supply DC Input
Female connector on Amplifier’s back panel:
Power max
Pin 1-2: + 36V to 48V, 450 W max.
Pin 3: Control signal - reserved
Pin 4-5: Ground
Pin 6: +5.0V, 3W max.