Wattson Audio | Madison AMPLIFIER Installation Guide

Madison Amplifier Dark Gray on Copper-6.jpg

Madison AMPLIFIER
User Manual

1. Unboxing

Your Madison comes with the following elements:

1 Madison Amplifier
1 external power supply 36V DC
1 power cord

When you first unpack your Madison Amplifier, please take a moment to ensure that all components are present and in good condition. If you notice any missing parts or signs of damage, contact your retailer or Wattson Audio for support.

We strongly recommend keeping the original packaging. It is specially designed to protect your Madison Amplifier during transport in the event you need to move or ship the unit in the future.

2. Safety notice

The Madison Amplifier is high-quality audio equipment and should be handled with care to ensure optimal performance and longevity. When setting it up, follow these basic precautions:

Always handle with care and install your Madison Amplifier on a stable base.
Do not install your unit near water, nor expose the unit to any liquid.
Do not install in direct sunlight or near any heat source, such as radiators or other significant heat sources.
Do not install it in a confined space; ensure sufficient air can flow around the unit.
Be careful. The Amplifier case becomes hot during operation. Avoid prolonged contact with the enclosure during this time.
Do not operate under high ambient temperatures (>35°C) or with extremely high humidity (>85%), such as in humid cellars.
Use only with the external power supply supplied by Wattson Audio.
Use only a fully grounded AC power cord (with Live, Neutral, and Ground).
The mains socket into which the Madison Amplifier power supply will be plugged must be connected to protective earth.
The power socket must remain accessible because it is the only means of disconnecting from the electrical network.
Only use options and accessories specified or recommended by Wattson Audio.
Do not open the unit or try to service it yourself. Always refer to a qualified technician for service or maintenance.

Symbols used:

High Voltage

Hot Surface

Manual

Warning

Specific regional considerations:

🇩🇰 Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord som giver forbindelse til stikproppens jord.
🇫🇮 Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
🇳🇴 Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
🇸🇪 Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.

3. Placement and position

Your Madison Amplifier is designed to rest on the four feet located beneath its enclosure. For proper performance, place it on a flat, stable, and solid surface.

The Madison Amplifier generates heat. Make sure sufficient air can flow around the unit. Ideally, it should be placed on top of the furniture.

4. Connectors

1. AC power

Connect the provided AC power cord into the external power supply AC Mains input.

2. Power supply DC input

Connect the external power supply output cable to the circular connector labeled 36-48V. Please refer to Chapter 12, Additional Information, for details. Only use the external power supply supplied by Wattson Audio.

3. Network

Use a network cable (not supplied) to connect one of your router’s outputs to the NET input at the rear of your Madison AMPLIFIER. You will hear a “click” once the cable is correctly wired. The network connection allows firmware updates and device status control but is not mandatory for operation.

4. Single-ended RCA analog inputs

Use them to connect a pre-amplifier or another source with single-ended interconnects. For a stereo configuration, both left and right inputs are required. In bi-amp and monophonic mode, only the left input is used.

5. Balanced XLR analog inputs

Use them to connect a pre-amplifier or another source with balanced interconnects. For a stereo configuration, both left and right inputs are required. In bi-amp and monophonic mode, only the left input is used.

6. Loudspeakers terminals

The Madison Amplifier is equipped with two pairs of loudspeaker binding posts. The positive connections are red, while the negative connections are black.

In stereo or bi-amp modes, both channels are used. In monophonic mode, only the left channel is active.

Carefully connect your speaker cables, taking care not to cause a short circuit. Make sure to properly plug or tighten your speaker cable terminals, both at the amplifier end and at the speaker end.

5. Output modes

Stereo mode

In a standard stereo configuration, the left input feeds the left amplification channel, and the right input feeds the right amplification channel. Use this mode to drive a stereo setup with a single Madison Amplifier.

Bi-amp mode

The left input feeds both amplification channels, making this mode ideal for vertically bi-amping loudspeakers with two pairs of independent binding posts. Use two Madison Amplifiers to create a stereo setup.

Monophonic mode

This mode is ideal for complex loads and high amplifier demands. Two or more Madison Amplifiers are needed for a stereo system in monophonic mode. For optimal performance, place each Amplifier close to each loudspeaker. The entire power supply is devoted to a single channel in monophonic mode, and the enclosure heat is reduced.

Only the left-channel inputs and loudspeaker outputs are active, and the right channel is disabled.

6. Impedance selection

The internal power supply optimizes the Amplifier's performance based on the type of loudspeakers connected.

Please refer to your loudspeaker manufacturer's documentation for its nominal impedance. Frequently, the loudspeaker's minimum impedance is well below its nominal value. In such cases, we recommend setting the Amplifier to the minimum impedance, not the nominal value.

8Ω: Loudspeakers with a nominal/minimal impedance of 8Ω or above.

4Ω: Loudspeakers with a nominal/minimal impedance of 4Ω.

2Ω: Loudspeakers with nominal/minimal below 4Ω.

7. Gain selection

The Amplifier gain can be adjusted to best match the output level of the preamplifier or source.

26dB: The voltage gain is set to 26dB, i.e. 20V/V

20dB: The voltage gain is set to 20dB, i.e. 10V/V

8. Power on and standby

Ensure that the Madison Amplifier is correctly connected and configured before switching it on.

When the external power supply is connected, the amplifier enters standby mode. Briefly press the front-panel power button to switch it on. The front-panel LEDs flash for a few seconds while the amplifier starts up. The Standby LED then goes out, and the LED corresponding to the selected input lights up. The amplifier is now ready for use.

Once the amplifier is switched on, the power button provides the following controls:

Select input: Briefly press the button to switch between the RCA and XLR inputs. This allows you to connect two separate sources to the amplifier and easily select between them.
Mute: Press and hold the button for 1.5 seconds to mute the sound without changing the preamplifier’s volume setting.
Enter standby: Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to return the amplifier to standby mode. The Standby LED lights up to confirm.

During operation, a short button press changes the input and a long press switches to silent mode.

Front panel input selection allows you to connect two distinct sources to the power Amplifier and easily switch between them.

Mute mode is convenient for interrupting the sound without having to change the preamplifier volume.

To comply with power consumption standards, the amplifier automatically enters standby mode if no music signal is detected for approximately 40 minutes. Automatic standby can be customized or disabled on the Madison Amplifier’s dedicated web page. For instructions, see Accessing the Madison Amplifier web page in Chapter 11.

9. Selecting input source

During operation, a short button press changes the input and switches to silent mode.

Front panel input selection allows you to connect two distinct sources to the power Amplifier and easily switch between them.

Mute mode is convenient for interrupting the sound without having to change the preamplifier volume.

10. Protection circuit

An active monitoring circuit protects the Amplifier's electronic components. The internal temperature and instant temperature variation of the power transistors and the power supply and output current are constantly monitored.

If the Amplifier detects an error, it automatically switches off. Flashing LEDs on the front panel indicate that the protection system has been activated. If this happens, unplug the power cable and check all connections to ensure they are correct and free of short circuits. Also, make sure the Amplifier is placed in a well-ventilated area to allow proper air circulation.

You can then switch the Amplifier back on. If the protection system intervenes again, or frequently, please refer to Chapter 11—Troubleshooting, or contact your authorized dealer for assistance.

11. Accessing the Amplifier web page

Wattson Audio products include an RJ45 Ethernet port for connection to your network. Available network functions vary by product.

Once connected, your product receives an IP address from your router. Enter this address in your browser to open the product’s Update and Configuration web page, where you can install firmware updates and adjust available settings.

Your product and the phone, tablet, or computer you use to access it must be connected to the same network.

From the Wattson Audio app for iOS or Android

Open Wattson Music for iOS or Wattson Remote for Android.
For a Madison Amplifier or Madison Amplifier, tap the product in the device list to open its web page.
For a streaming player, connect to the product in the app, open Settings, and find its IP address in the Device section. Tap the address or copy it into your browser’s address bar.

From a Windows computer

Open File Explorer and select Network in the left panel. Your product should appear under Media Devices or Other Devices. Double-click its icon to open the web page in your default browser.

From a Mac

On a Mac with Apple silicon, you can install Wattson Music from the App Store and follow the app instructions above.

Alternatively, use a UPnP-compatible application, such as Audirvana or JRiver, to find your product’s IP address. Enter the address in your browser to open the web page.

From your router

If you cannot find your product using these methods, open your router’s administration page and look for its list of connected devices. Find your Wattson Audio product and enter its IP address in your browser.

12. Firmware update

From time to time, firmware updates may be released to improve performance, add refinements, or correct issues in the Madison Amplifier’s internal control software. The update procedure uses the Madison Amplifier’s network connection and is carried out through a web page hosted by the unit itself.

Check the installed firmware version

Make sure your Madison Amplifier is switched on and connected to your network.
Open its web page in your browser. For instructions, see Accessing the Madison Amplifier web page in Chapter 11.
Find the firmware version number at the bottom of the Firmware update section.

Download the latest firmware

Visit the firmware page on the Wattson Audio website.
Compare the latest available version with the version installed on your Madison Amplifier. If a newer version is available, download it.
If the downloaded file is a .zip file, unzip it to extract the .bin firmware file.

Install the update

Warning: Do not switch off your Madison Amplifier during the update.

Make sure your Madison Amplifier is switched on and connected to your network.
Open its web page in your browser.
In the Firmware update section, click SELECT .BIN FILE and select the firmware file you downloaded.
Click START UPDATE.
Follow the progress shown on screen. When the update is complete, all LEDs will flash, and the Madison Amplifier will switch off automatically.
Switch your Madison Amplifier back on.
Refresh the web page and check that the new firmware version number is displayed.
Review your settings and adjust them if necessary.

13. Custom configuration

The Madison Amplifier's web page lets you update its firmware and adjust the settings below.

Ensure that your Madison Amplifier is switched on and connected to your network. Get to your Madison Amplifier web page.

The following settings are available:

Device name

To change the name your Madison Amplifier uses on the network, enter a new name in the field and click Rename.

The amplifier will briefly disconnect, then reappear under its new name. The app may display a disconnection alert during this process. You can reconnect once the change is complete.

Auto power down

By default, the Madison Amplifier goes into standby after a certain time if it does not detect any music signal. The delay time can be adjusted by the slider. Move the slider all the way to the left to turn the setting off completely.

LED brightness

Use the slider to adjust the brightness of the front-panel LEDs.

14. Troubleshooting

Always make sure your Madison Amplifier is fully powered off before reconnecting the mains power cable. If a power cable is accidentally disconnected while the Amplifier is still on, allow it to shut down automatically. Then, wait about 2 minutes before plugging the power cables back in.

Issue

Action

No power

Check the AC power cord of the external power supply.

Check that the power supply circular connector is firmly plugged at the back of the Amplifier.

No sound

Check that your source is playing.

Check that your Madison Amplifier is turned-on, not muted and that the correct Amplifier input is selected.

Check that the correct input is selected on your preamplifier and that the preamplifier’s volume setting is not too low.

Check that the source and loudspeakers cables are properly connected, according to the configuration mode you want and that the configuration switches are set correctly.

LEDs Flashing

Please refer to Chapter 10—Protection Circuit.