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GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
G
NEMA 5-20P
(Plug supplied with
120 VAC models)
AC POWER CONSIDERATIONS
Be sure the M•2600 is plugged into an outlet
that is able to supply the correct voltage speci-
fied for your model. If the voltage should drop
below 97% of the line voltage, the M•2600 will
no longer be able to supply rated power. (It will
continue to operate down to 63% of the rated
voltage, but won’t reach full power.)
Under typical conditions, reproducing music
where musical peaks are just below clipping, the
M•2600 draws the following average currents:
When heavily loaded, the
M•2600 can pull a consid-
erable amount of current
from the AC power line.
Because of the high cur-
rent demand, the power
cord of the USA model is terminated into a 20A
plug (NEMA 5-20P). A similar 20A rated re-
ceptacle is required to power the amplifier
(NEMA 5-20R).
The following table shows how many ampli-
fiers can be plugged into the same 20 or 30
amp service. This is for typical conditions,
reproducing rock music where musical
peaks are just below clipping.
(*May cause nuisance tripping of breakers
under very high output / heavy loading condi-
tions. This table refers to 120V AC line. Other
models are equipped with a power cord and
plug appropriate for the local voltage).
NEVER bypass the plug’s
ground pin. This is
dangerous !
RACK MOUNTING and THERMAL
CONSIDERATIONS
The M•2600 is a high-power amplifier, and
special consideration to ventilation cannot be
ignored:
• The amplifier must only be installed in a
rack. It requires three rack space units
(3 U = 5.2"). It also requires 16.7" depth
inside the rack, including the rear
supports.
• There must be a minimum of 1 empty
rack space (1-3/4”, 35mm) above and
below.
• The rear of the rack should be unob-
structed and placed no closer than 10”
(254mm) from walls or other large
obstructions or roadies.
• Air is pulled into the amplifier from the
front, so there should be no obstruction
within 24” (610mm) of the rack’s front.
• Hot air from the main heatsink is
exhausted from the ventilation holes on
each side of the amplifier. A spacing of
2” (51mm) or greater between the sides
of the amplifier and the sides of the rack
is recommended. This spacing is com-
mon in most racks designed for perma-
nent installation, and in most shock
mounted road cases.
• We recommend a shock mounted road
case for extensive touring with this
amplifier, for thermal as well as me-
chanical considerations.
When designing your rack, put the heavier
items at the bottom and the lighter items to-
ward the top.
Secure the front panel of the amplifier to
the front of the rack using eight screws with
soft washers to prevent scratching the panel.
In addition, because of the weight of the ampli-
fier, you must secure the rear support brackets
of the amplifier to the back of the rack. You
could use a support rail or shelf across the
back of the rack, or angle brackets attached
between the rear support brackets and the rear
rails of the rack. This is recommended for all
components mounted in a rack that is going to
be moved frequently.
In the unlikely event of the amplifier over-
heating, you might consider leaving 2 rack
spaces between amplifiers, or using extra cool-
ing fans in the rack.
Amplifier Loading Average current
2Ω per side or 4Ω bridged 18A
4Ω per side or 8Ω bridged 12A
8Ω per side or 16Ω bridged 7A
(Based on use of amplifier on 120 VAC line)
Amplifier Loading Max. # amps Max. # amps
(120 V model) on 20A service on 30A service
2Ω per side or 4Ω bridged 1* 1
4Ω per side or 8Ω bridged 1 2
8Ω per side or 16Ω bridged 2 3
G
NEMA 5-20R
(120 VAC, 20Amp
Receptacle)
