Cambridge Audio Topaz Am10 Level Integrated Amplifier User Manaul

Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 Level Integrated Amplifier

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 Amplifier. We are confident that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it. Like all Cambridge Audio products, the AM10 adheres to our three core principles – stunning performance, ease of use and incredible value. The unit can support a wide range of external sources and a front panel MP3/Portable Media Player input has been fitted which can be used with the headphone or line-level outputs of most portable players. The supplied remote control can control this unit plus the matching CD5 or CD10 CD players if required. Part of our new Topaz range this product also features a new casework design with braced front panel, rigid wrap-over lid assembly and carefully designed mechanicals for resonance control. Your amplifier can only be as good as the system it is connected to. Please do not compromise on the quality of your source equipment, speakers or cabling. Naturally, we particularly recommend source and speaker models from the Cambridge Audio range, which have been designed to the same exacting standards as this product. Your dealer can also supply excellent quality Cambridge Audio interconnects to ensure your system realises its full potential. Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we recommend you keep it for future reference.

Important safety instructions

For your own safety please read the following important safety instructions carefully before attempting to connect this unit to the mains power supply. They will also enable you to get the best performance from and prolong the life of the unit:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use with only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the powersupply cord or plug having been damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING:

• Do not place the unit in an enclosed space; if you wish to place the unit on a shelf, use the top shelf to allow maximum ventilation. Do not put any objects on top of this unit. Do not situate it on a rug or other soft surface and do not obstruct any air inlets or outlet grilles. Do not cover the ventilation grilles with items such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture . This unit must not be used near water or exposed to dripping or splashing water or other liquids. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on the unit.
• Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.
• The battery (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
• The unit must be installed in a manner that makes disconnection of the mains plug from the mains socket outlet (or appliance connector from the rear of the unit) possible. Where the mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Please refer to the information on the exterior rear panel for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.
• Only use the mains cord supplied with this unit.

WEEE SYMBOL

The crossed-out wheeled bin is the European Union symbol for indicating separate collection for electrical and electronic equipment. This product contains electrical and electronic equipment which should be reused, recycled or recovered and should not be disposed of with unsorted regular waste. Please return the unit or contact the authorised dealer from whom you purchased this product for more information.

CE MARK

This product complies with European Low Voltage (2014/35/ EU), Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU) and Environmentally-friendly design of Energy-related Products (2009/125/ EC) Directives when used and installed according to this instruction manual. For continued compliance only Cambridge Audio accessories should be used with this product and servicing must be referred to qualified service personnel.

Ventilation
The unit will become hot when in use. Do not stack multiple units on top of each other. Do not place in an enclosed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet without sufficient ventilation. Ensure that small objects do not fall through any ventilation grille. If this happens, switch off immediately, disconnect from the mains supply and contact your dealer for advice.

Positioning Choose the installation location carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to a source of heat. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the unit. Also avoid locations subject to vibration and excessive dust, cold or moisture. The unit can be used in a moderate climate. This unit must be installed on a sturdy, level surface. Do not place in a sealed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet. Do not place the unit on an unstable surface or shelf. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult as well as serious damage to the product. Do not place other equipment on top of the unit. Due to stray magnetic fields turntables or CRT TVs should not be located nearby due to possible interference. Electronic audio components have a running in period of around a week (if used several hours per day). This will allow the new components to settle down, the sonic properties will improve over this time.

Power sources The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power-supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company. To turn the unit off, switch off at the front panel. If you do not intend to use this unit for a long period of time, unplug it from the mains socket.

Overloading Do not overload wall outlets or extension cord as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation, and broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard. Be sure to insert each power cord securely. To prevent hum and noise, do not bundle the interconnect leads with the power cord or speaker leads.

Cleaning To clean the unit, wipe its case with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any cleaning fluids containing alcohol, ammonia or abrasives. Do not spray an aerosol at or near the unit.

Battery disposal Please dispose of any discharged batteries according to local environmental/electronic waste disposal guidelines.

Loudspeakers Before making any connections to loudspeakers, make sure all power is turned off and only use suitable interconnects.

Servicing These units are not user serviceable, never attempt to repair, disassemble or reconstruct the unit if there seems to be a problem. A serious electric shock could result if this precautionary measure is ignored. In the event of a problem or failure, please contact your dealer

Limited warranty

Cambridge Audio warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship (subject to the terms set forth below). Cambridge Audio will repair or replace (at Cambridge Audio’s option) this product or any defective parts in this product. Warranty periods may vary from country to country. If in doubt consult your dealer and ensure that you retain proof of purchase. To obtain warranty service, please contact the Cambridge Audio authorised dealer from which you purchased this product. If your dealer is not equipped to perform the repair of your Cambridge Audio product, it can be returned by your dealer to Cambridge Audio or an authorised Cambridge Audio service agent. You will need to ship this product in either its original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice, which is evidence that this product is within the warranty period, must be presented to obtain warranty service. This Warranty is invalid if (a) the factory-applied serial number has been altered or removed from this product or (b) this product was not purchased from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer. You may call Cambridge Audio or your local country Cambridge Audio distributor to confirm that you have an unaltered serial number and/or you purchased from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer. This Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or modification of, or to any part of, the product. This Warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation, maintenance or installation, or attempted repair by anyone other than Cambridge Audio or a Cambridge Audio dealer, or authorised service agent which is authorised to do Cambridge Audio warranty work. Any unauthorised repairs will void this Warranty. This Warranty does not cover products sold AS IS or WITH ALL FAULTS. REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY ARE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. CAMBRIDGE AUDIO SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IN THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PRACTICAL PURPOSE. Some countries and US states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or implied warranties so the above exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other statutory rights, which vary from state to state or country to country.

Rear panel connections

• Audio inputs
  • These inputs are suitable for any ‘line level’ source equipment such as the audio outputs of CD players, BD/DVD players, etc.
• Phono input
  • This input has a built in phono stage. Record players fitted with Phono Cartridges of the Moving Magnet (MM) or high output Moving Coil (MC) type (between 2-6mV output and 30-50k load impedance) can be used.
• Rec Out
  • Connect to the recording input of a tape deck, CD recorder input, etc.
• Loudspeaker terminals
  • Connect the wires from your left channel loudspeaker to the Left positive and negative terminals, and the wires from the right channel loudspeaker to the Right positive and negative terminals.
• Voltage select switch
  • For servicing use only.
• AC power socket
  • Once all connections are complete, plug the AC power cable into an appropriate mains socket and turn the unit on.

Front panel controls

• Power On/Off
  • Switches the unit on or off.
• Headphones socket
  • Allows for the connection of stereo headphones with a ¼ inch jack plug. Headphones with an impedance of between 32 and 600 ohms are recommended.
• Infrared sensor
  • Receives IR commands from the supplied remote control. An unobstructed line of sight between the remote control and the sensor is required.
• MP3 input socket
  • This source input allows you to connect a portable audio device such as an MP3 player directly into the front of the unit using a 3.5mm stereo-jack.
• Input source buttons (MP3/Aux, CD, Tuner/DAB, Phono, BD/DVD)
  • Press the relevant source button to select the desired input source.
• Display
  • Used to display information such as the selected input source, volume and tone/balance levels.
• Menu button
  • Pressing this once will select the Bass option. Pressing a second time will select the Treble option and pressing a third time will select the Balance option
• Volume control
  • Use to increase or decrease the level of the sound from the outputs of the unit.

Remote control

The Topaz AM10 is supplied with a remote control that operates this unit and its built-in tuner. In addition, the buttons with Blue coloured icons can operate a matching Topaz CD5 or CD10 player. Always use Alkaline batteries.

• CD5/CD10 (Blue coloured icons)
  • To operate the Topaz CD5 or CD10 players only. For more information, refer to the Topaz CD5 and CD10 user’s manual.
• Mute
  • Mutes audio on the unit. Press again to cancel mute.
• Volume
  • Increases or decreases the volume of the unit. Also used to change the bass, treble and balance settings when these are selected.
• Menu
  • Toggles between Bass, Treble and Balance options. Use the volume buttons to change the level of the selected option.
• Source buttons (CD, Tuner, BD/DVD, MP3/Aux, Phono)
  • Press the relevant button to select the desired music source

Connections

Loudspeakers
Check the impedance of your speakers. When using a pair of speakers, you can use types with an impedance of between 4 and 8 Ohms. The red coloured speaker terminals are positive (+) and the black speaker terminals are negative (-). Make sure correct polarity is maintained at each speaker connector or the sound can become weak and “phasey” with little bass

Using bare wire connections
Prepare the speaker cords for connection by stripping off approximately 10mm (3/8”) or less of the outer insulation. More than 10mm could cause a short circuit. Twist the wires tightly together so there are no loose ends. Unscrew the speaker terminal, insert the speaker cable, tighten the terminal and secure the cable

Basic connection
The diagram below shows the basic connection of your unit to a CD player and a turntable and a pair of loudspeakers.

Operating instructions

After making any connections to your unit, activate the Topaz AM10 by pressing the On/Off button on the front of the unit

Setting the source Press the Source button on the front of the unit corresponding to your desired source. Alternatively, you may use the appropriate button on the remote control

Adjusting the volume Use either the Volume Up/Down buttons on the remote control, or the Volume control on the front of your unit system to change the volume level. The newly selected level will be indicated briefly on the front display. The volume is displayed in minus dB where 0dB is the highest level. A progressively larger negative number indicates the volume is being reduced

Adjusting the audio settings

Adjustments to the bass, treble and balance can be made as follows:

• To enter the audio menu. Press either the Menu button on the front of the unit or on the remote control
• Step through the available settings by pressing the Menu button. The settings available are in order Bass, Treble and Balance.
• When you wish to make an adjustment for bass, treble or balance, simply rotate the Volume control or use the Volume control buttons on the remote control

Technical specifications

• Power output 35 watts (into 8Ω)
• THD (unweighted) <0.01% @ 1kHz, 80% of rated power <0.15% 20Hz – 20kHz, 80% of rated power
• Frequency response (-3dB) 5Hz – 50kHz
• S/N ratio (ref 1W) >82dB (unweighted)
• Input impedances 47k ohms
• Power Amp damping factor >50
• Max. power consumption 260W
• Bass/Treble controls Shelving, ultimate boost/cut +/- 10dB @ 100Hz and 10kHz
• Dimensions 76 x 430 x 340mm (3.0 x 16.9 x 13.4”)
• Weight 5.6kg (12.3lbs)

Troubleshooting

There is no power
Ensure the AC power cord is connected securely. Ensure the plug is fully inserted into the wall socket and is switched on. Check fuse in the mains plug or adaptor. Check the power is on at the front of the unit.

There is no sound
Check the correct input is selected. Check that the speakers are connected correctly. Check the unit is not in mute mode.

The sound is distorted
Check speaker connections.

There is a hum coming from the speaker
Ensure that all cable connections are secure, particularly ground/shield connections for turntables.

There is unwanted background noise and interference
Move the unit away from other electrical equipment that is likely to cause interference. Ensure that all cable connections are secure, particularly ground/shield connections for turntables.

The remote handset will not function
Check that the batteries have not expired. Ensure that nothing is blocking the remote sensor. In the event that the above solutions do not remedy your problem, please consult our frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on our website: www.cambridge-audio.com/sts/faqs

FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NEED HELP

• Cambridge Audio is a brand of Audio Partnership Plc
• Registered Office: Gallery Court, Hankey Place,
• London, SE1 4BB, United Kingdom
• Registered in England No. 2953313
• www.cambridge-audio.com

FAQS

Are Cambridge Audio amps any good?
Cambridge are no stranger to building great analogue-only integrated amps; their 851A is a prime example of a perfect integrated amplifier implementation

Which is better NAD or Cambridge Audio?
The Cambridge is more relaxed and laid back, the NAD is more involving.

Is Cambridge Audio still in business?
Investment in new products continues and the company now employs more than 100 people including an in-house engineering team, based at the Cambridge Audio HQ in London, SE1.

Do Cambridge Audio make good speakers?
Its sound is powerful, cohesive and beautifully controlled, with terrific dialogue clarity and well-integrated bass.

What class of amplifier is Cambridge Audio?
Class XD is Cambridge Audio’s proprietary amplification system which combines the best of Class A and Class AB amplification, delivering the sound quality of a Class A amp while retaining the efficiency of a Class AB amp.

Is Cambridge Audio the same as Arcam?
Amplification & Recording Cambridge was founded back in 1976. Now known as Arcam, the company’s success was built on its first amplifier, the A60 (you can see our review from August 1981 on this page, though it was launched a few years earlier)

What is the highest quality audio source?
A lossless audio file format is the best format for sound quality

How long is the warranty on Cambridge Audio?
All Electronics, Disc Players, Speakers, TV Speakers and Remotes come with a standard 2-year warranty – Parts and labour.

Where are Cambridge receivers made?
Every single piece of Cambridge Audio equipment is designed and engineered at their facility in the UK.

How do I connect my Cambridge Audio to my TV?
You just need a single HDMI lead connecting the TV to the soundbar, so all your other sources can stay plugged into the TV. All of the TVs audio is sent down the HDMI cable to the TVB2.

How do I connect my Cambridge Audio to my phone?
To pair your phone, tablet or laptop to the Yoyo (S) for the first time, simply navigate to the Bluetooth menu within your device

Is Cambridge a good stereo receiver?
This is a great stereo receiver for someone entering the Hi-Fi scene

Is Cambridge Audio high-end?
Cambridge Audio is a British manufacturer of high-end audio equipment.