PS Audio Stellar M1200 - User Manual

Owner’s Reference
®
Stellar
™
M1200 Amplier

Summary

Safety Information

Introduction

Thank You

Expresses gratitude for purchasing the Stellar M1200 Amplifier.

Contact Information

Provides PS Audio's address, phone number, email, and website for support.

Symbols Found On The Stellar M1200

Explains the meaning of various safety and compliance symbols used on the product.

Getting Started

Rear Panel View

Identifies and describes the connectors and controls on the amplifier's rear panel.

Installation Considerations

Discusses optimal placement and mounting for the amplifier to ensure proper airflow.

Plugging In The Power Cable

Details how to connect the amplifier to AC power using appropriate cables.

Country Specific AC Voltages

Explains voltage requirements for different regions and the risks of incorrect voltage.

Vacuum Tube Maintenance

Covers the general process of maintaining and understanding vacuum tubes in the amplifier.

How to Install and Remove Vacuum Tubes

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely installing and removing vacuum tubes.

Cables Matter

Advises on selecting appropriate speaker and connecting cables for optimal audio performance.

Connect the Speaker Cable

Guides on connecting speaker cables to the amplifier's binding posts.

Black Terminal is not Ground

Clarifies that the black terminal on the amplifier is not a ground connection.

Bi-wire

Explains the process and considerations for bi-wiring speaker connections.

Plug in Connecting Cables

Details how to connect input cables (RCA/XLR) from preamplifiers or DACs.

Output Disable Mode

Explains how to activate and the benefits of the Output Disable Mode for power saving.

Trigger Input and Output

Describes the amplifier's remote power control via 5V-12V trigger signals.

Fault Protect Mode

Details the amplifier's protection mode and troubleshooting steps if it activates.

Common Questions From Customers

Addresses frequently asked questions regarding speaker connections, stacking, and regeneration.

Debug Of Common Issues

Provides troubleshooting steps for common issues like hum, buzz, and static in the amplifier.

Specifications

General

Lists general specifications including color options, voltage, inputs, and outputs.

Mechanical

Provides mechanical dimensions, weight, and shipping specifications for the unit.

Warranty Information

Registering Your Product

Explains the process of registering the product to validate warranty start date.

What This Warranty Covers

Details the defects in material and workmanship covered by the limited warranty.

Shipping

Outlines the customer's responsibility for shipping costs to the repair center.

What This Warranty Does Not Cover

Lists exclusions from warranty coverage, such as misuse or unauthorized repairs.

Limitations Under This Warranty

Specifies liability limits and exclusions for consequential or incidental damages.

Warranty Transfer

Describes the procedure for transferring the product warranty to a subsequent purchaser.

Service Information

Warranty Service Within North America

Guides users on obtaining service, including RMA process and packaging.

International Warranty Service

Explains how to obtain warranty service for products purchased internationally.

Changes To Our Products

States PS Audio's right to modify product designs and specifications.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The PS Audio Stellar M1200 Amplifier is a high-performance audio component designed to deliver exceptional sound quality. This owner's reference guide provides a comprehensive overview of the amplifier's functions, capabilities, and maintenance, ensuring users can optimize its performance and longevity.

Function Description

The Stellar M1200 Amplifier is a monoblock power amplifier, meaning each unit is dedicated to a single audio channel. This design minimizes interference between channels, resulting in a cleaner, more precise soundstage. It is a fully balanced amplifier with a bridged tied load (BTL) output stage, which contributes to its powerful and accurate audio reproduction. The amplifier incorporates a vacuum tube in its input stage, specifically a 12AU7 tube, which is known for its warm and natural sonic characteristics. This hybrid design combines the best attributes of tube and solid-state amplification, offering a rich, detailed, and dynamic listening experience.

The amplifier is designed to protect itself from dangerous signal surges or transients that could damage its internal circuitry. In such instances, the Stellar M1200 will enter a "Fault Protect Mode," indicated by a quickly flashing blue logo button and the amplifier turning itself off. This safety feature ensures the longevity of the unit and connected equipment.

Usage Features

The Stellar M1200 Amplifier offers several features to enhance its usability and integration into an audio system:

• Input and Output Connections: The amplifier accepts both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR input connections. For optimal sound quality and performance, especially with longer cable runs, the use of balanced XLR connections is highly recommended. For speaker connections, the M1200 features custom-machined binding posts that can accommodate spade, banana, or bare wire connections. There are two sets of binding posts for the mono channel, allowing for bi-wiring configurations.
• Power Management: The amplifier includes a rear panel power switch for main power control. Additionally, a front panel PS Audio logo button allows users to activate "Output Disable Mode." When in this mode, the logo button is not illuminated, and the amplifier operates in a reduced power state. This feature maintains excellent performance benefits while increasing power economy and significantly extending the lifespan of the vacuum tube by turning it off when not in use. It is recommended to keep the rear panel power switch active at all times and use the Output Disable Mode when finished listening.
• Trigger Input and Output: The Stellar M1200 is equipped with a 5V-12V DC trigger input and output. The trigger input allows for remote power on/off control, making it convenient to integrate the amplifier into a larger home theater or multi-component audio system. The trigger "out" is specifically designed to loop through to a second power amplifier, as the Stellar amplifier itself does not generate a trigger signal; it requires an input Trigger DC voltage.
• Stacking and Placement: The Stellar M1200 amplifiers can be safely stacked on top of each other. They can also be stacked with a Stellar Gain Cell DAC, with the DAC ideally placed on the bottom. When placing the amplifier, it is important to ensure adequate air circulation, as it is a passively cooled component. For installation into a component rack, an aftermarket, custom-designed shelf may be necessary to ensure proper ventilation. The amplifier's feet should not be removed.
• Subwoofer Integration: For users wishing to connect a REL subwoofer, specific instructions are provided. The yellow cable should be attached to the red binding post on the left M1200, the red cable to the red binding post on the right M1200, and the black wire to the chassis ground post on either the left or right M1200. It's crucial to consult the subwoofer manufacturer's service documentation to ensure compatibility with the Stellar's balanced bridge-tied load (BTL) design, as the black terminal is not ground.
• Power Cable Recommendations: While a power cable is provided, PS Audio strongly recommends using a high-quality aftermarket power cable, such as a PS Audio PerfectWave® Power AC cable, for significant performance improvement.
• Country-Specific Voltage: The Stellar M1200 Amplifier is country-specific to its incoming AC voltage (e.g., 230 volts for Europe/Asia, 100 volts for Japan, 120 volts for the US). Attempting to power the unit with an incorrect voltage can result in immediate damage.
• Isolation Benefits: The sonic performance of the M1200s can be further enhanced by using vibration isolators underneath the chassis.

Maintenance Features

Maintaining the Stellar M1200 Amplifier is straightforward, with a focus on ensuring optimal performance and longevity:

• Vacuum Tube Maintenance: The M1200 amplifiers come with their vacuum tubes pre-installed. Changing the 12AU7 tubes is a simple process. Users can remove the rear vacuum tube access plate using a Phillips-head screwdriver, gently remove the old tube by rolling it in a circular motion while pulling, and then insert the new tube, ensuring it aligns with the keyed area of the socket and is seated up to the ceramic. A specialized tube puller is available from PS Audio if needed. While users can experiment with different 12AU7 tubes to optimize system synergy, PS Audio is not responsible for noise or poor sound quality resulting from tubes not shipped from the factory.
• Cleaning: The amplifier should be cleaned only with a dry cloth. Flammable materials should not be placed on top of or beneath the unit.
• Grounding: The amplifier ships with a grounding-type plug. The ground pin on the AC cord should not be removed or bypassed. If the plug does not fit an outlet, an electrician should be consulted for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Power Cord Protection: The power cord should be protected from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and where it exits the apparatus. The apparatus should be unplugged during lightning storms.
• No User-Serviceable Parts: Other than vacuum tube replacement, there are no user-serviceable parts inside the PS Audio product. All other service needs should be referred to qualified service personnel.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues: The manual provides guidance for debugging common issues such as hum or low-frequency buzz from speakers (suggesting checking for ground loops, using balanced cables, and ensuring all equipment is plugged into the same receptacle) and static or low-level popping in speakers (suggesting changing vacuum tubes). It also notes that a low level of audible hum or low-frequency noise from the M1200 chassis itself is normal.
• Contact for Support: Users are encouraged to contact their authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio directly for any questions or concerns not addressed in the manual, or for service assistance.

By following these guidelines, users can ensure their PS Audio Stellar M1200 Amplifier provides years of high-fidelity audio enjoyment.

PS Audio Stellar M1200 Specifications

General

Amplification Type	Class D
Gain	26dB
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Outputs	Binding posts
Type	Mono Power Amplifier
Output Power	1200W
Frequency Response	10Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	<0.1%