Marantz 5050M Manual

The Marantz 5050M is a high-performance stereo power amplifier featuring 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms, dual mono construction, direct-coupled circuitry, gold-plated input connectors, and advanced protection circuits. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operation Guidelines 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Dual mono construction, gold-plated RCA inputs, speaker output terminals, power switch, LED indicators.

FeatureDescription
Power Output50W + 50W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz)
Input Sensitivity1V for 50W output
Input Impedance47k ohms
Frequency Response5Hz-50kHz (+0/-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion0.02% (20Hz-20kHz at rated power)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio105dB (IHF-A weighted)
Damping Factor100 (8 ohms, 50Hz)
Power Requirements120V AC, 60Hz, 220W max
Dimensions17-1/4" W x 5-1/2" H x 13-3/4" D
Weight22 lbs

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.

  1. Positioning: Allow at least 4 inches clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
  2. Speaker Connection: Connect speakers to appropriate terminals observing correct polarity.
  3. Input Connection: Connect preamplifier or source component using high-quality RCA cables.
  4. Power Connection: Plug into dedicated AC outlet; avoid using extension cords.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Do not block ventilation slots.

First-Time Setup

Follow these steps for initial setup and operation.

  1. Connect speakers: Ensure amplifier is off; connect speakers to appropriate terminals.
  2. Connect source: Use high-quality RCA cables from preamp or source component.
  3. Power sequence: Turn on source components first, then amplifier.
  4. Volume control: Start with volume at minimum and gradually increase.
  5. Initial listening: Allow 30 minutes warm-up for optimal performance.

CAUTION! Always observe proper power-on sequence to prevent damage to speakers.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Power switch, power indicator LED, protection indicator LED.

Rear Panel: AC power inlet, main input RCA, auxiliary input RCA, speaker terminals (A/B), ground terminal.

Operation: Power switch turns amplifier on/off. Power LED illuminates green when operational. Protection LED illuminates red when protection circuit is activated.

Connecting Devices

Source Components: Connect preamplifier or source to main input. Speakers: Connect to speaker terminals observing polarity.

  1. Turn off all components before making connections.
  2. Use high-quality speaker wire of appropriate gauge for your setup.
  3. Ensure secure connections at both amplifier and speaker ends.
  4. For bi-wiring, remove jumper bars from speakers if applicable.

Tip: Use identical speaker wire lengths for both channels to maintain balance.

Operation Guidelines

Proper operation ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Power sequence: Always turn on source components first, then amplifier.
  2. Shutdown sequence: Turn off amplifier first, then source components.
  3. Volume control: Avoid operating at maximum volume for extended periods.
  4. Thermal management: Ensure adequate ventilation around amplifier.
  5. Input selection: Use main input for primary source, auxiliary for secondary.

WARNING! Do not operate with protection LED illuminated. Investigate cause before continuing.

Protection Features

DC Detection: Automatically disconnects speakers if DC voltage is detected. Thermal Protection: Shuts down amplifier if internal temperature exceeds safe limits. Short Circuit Protection: Protects against speaker wire shorts.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for exterior; avoid chemicals. Keep ventilation slots clear of dust.

CAUTION! Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols. Internal service should only be performed by qualified technicians.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © 2006 Marantz; trademarks of Marantz America, Inc. For support, visit www.marantz.com or contact 1-800-270-2744.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No soundProtection activatedCheck speaker connections; ensure no shorts; power cycle
Protection LED onOverheating/short circuitAllow to cool; check speaker wires; ensure ventilation
Distorted soundOverload/damaged sourceReduce volume; check source component; inspect cables
Intermittent operationLoose connectionsCheck all cable connections; inspect speaker terminals
Hum or noiseGround loop/cable issuesCheck grounding; use shielded cables; separate from power cords

Reset: Power cycle amplifier; check all connections.

Service: 1-800-270-2744; www.marantz.com

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