Behringer A500 Amp - Do's & Dont's

[avliner]

Hi guys,

in order get some extra advice (never had an amp before), I've got one A500 to power my L/R mains.

Matter of fact, I was not even thinking about getting anything now, but as I have a $200 credit bill since long ago, I just pulled the trigger. I'll only be able get the amp in 2 weeks time, so in the meantime I'd like to hear from you, more experienced guys, the basic " do's & dont's " about this baby. Already got the manual thru internet & it seems a breeze to tweak'round with it, though.

Any comments will be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[majorloser]

The only "problem" with the A500 is the lack of 12V trigger for auto power-up. Not a huge issue but does take away some of the fun with universal remotes.

I had a slight hum from my speakers when I first hooked all of the amps to the pre/pro (B&K Ref 31). The problem was a ground loop caused by going from an unbalanced amps (B&K 7270) to the balanced A500's and using RCA interconnects (unbalanced). The fix was rather simple. I grounded all of the amp chassis to the pre/pro chassis.

I have read where others have used isolation transformers or adapter plugs. What I did was cheap and easy.

I'm running my amps bridged and the gain knob is turned up to one knotch past half-way. Yeah, I could turn the gain knobs up all the way.

 

[avliner]

Thanks Major,

my idea is to use it in STEREO mode only, so should I keep the volume knobs halfway up all the time?

My understanding is that before shutting down the amp., the knobs should also go down, to the min. volume, right?

Still regarding to the volume, how's the best bet in managing both, the AMP. & AVR knobs; I mean, should be both halfway up, for instance, when playing music, etc., or I should I leave the amp. knobs halfway up all the time and turn the AVR knob till the desired SPL, though??

Your comments will be most appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[majorloser]

In your case, I'd leave he gain knobs turned all the way up. You're going to calibrate the output from the receiver to set the levels.

The main thing to remember with separate amps is following a "power up" sequence. When using amps and receivers with remote controls or 12V triggers this action is automatic. In the case of the A500's there is no remote power controls.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure volume control on receiver/proc is turned down.
2. Turn ON receiver/proc.
3. Turn ON source (DVD, CD, etc.)
4. Turn ON amplifiers.

When you shut the system down, do everything in reverse. This way you will not have any in-rush of power to the amps. The "popping" noise this causes can damage speakers quickly.

 

[avliner]

You're the man, Major...

that's exactly the kind of tip I was looking for!

By the way, when you say do everything in reverse, I understand that I must first turn volume knobs all the way down (from amp & AVR), right?
Matter of fact I always do that, no matter what is on and never had any popping issues though.

Cheers.