Dayton Audio MA1260

Description

The MA1260 from Dayton Audio is a versatile 12-channel amplifier that stands out with its flexible connection options and powerful audio reproduction. With a power handling capacity of 65 watts RMS at 8 ohms and 89 watts RMS at 4 ohms, it offers a wide frequency coverage from 7.5 Hz to 48 kHz. Thanks to the two stereo bus inputs and one mono input per channel, you have the freedom to use both individual and shared audio inputs. Practical functions such as bypassable outputs and an automatic on/off mechanism make integration into automated audio systems much easier. The status LEDs also give you a quick overview of the operating status of each zone. The ability to bridge channels when required provides additional flexibility and performance in your multi-zone audio setup.

The MA1260 from Dayton Audio is a versatile 12-channel amplifier that impresses with its flexible connection options and performance features. With a power handling capacity of 65 watts RMS at 8 ohms and 89 watts RMS at 4 ohms, it offers powerful audio reproduction over a wide frequency range from 7.5 Hz to 48 kHz. The amplifier has two stereo bus inputs and one mono input per channel, allowing you to use individual or shared inputs as required. Practical functions such as bridgeable outputs and an automated on/off mechanism facilitate integration into automated audio systems. Another highlight is the status LEDs, which help you to quickly check the operating status of each zone. The ability to bridge channels when required provides additional flexibility and performance in your multi-zone audio concept.

Technical data

• Channels: 12
• Power handling at 8 ohms (RMS): 65 watts
• Power handling at 4 ohms (RMS): 89 watts
• Frequency response: 7.5 Hz-48 kHz
• Inputs: 2 stereo bus inputs, 1 mono input per channel
• Outputs: 2 stereo bus outputs
  

Status LEDs

Each zone has two-color LEDs that indicate the operating status

Stereo and mono inputs

Two bus inputs can be routed to each channel or individual inputs can be used per channel

Bypassable outputs

Two channels can be bridged to increase the total power for that zone with a single switch

Inputs and outputs

Two common or BUS inputs feed audio signals from standard line-level audio sources into one or all channels. Each of the twelve channels has its own input and independent level adjustment to provide further flexibility. By simply flipping a switch, two channels can be bridged to increase the overall output for that zone. This is useful when additional power is required in certain areas.

Practical functions

Manual, automatic on/off switching or 12 V input switching facilitate integration into automated systems. For quick and easy troubleshooting, each channel or zone pair has a two-color LED to indicate operating status. Use 14-18 AWG stranded wire with two conductors and Phoenix connectors.

Connection options

Front page

• Power supply: The mains switch on the front switches the amplifier on and off. When the switch is on and the LED indicator is red, the amplifier is in standby mode. The remote power switch (on the back) is either in the "Trigger" or "Auto" position. When the LED indicator lights up blue, the amplifier is fully active. The main power switch switches the amplifier off, regardless of which power supply mode has been selected.
  

• Zone status indicators: Each channel or zone pair has a two-color LED that indicates the operating status. These indicators allow for quick and easy troubleshooting of the system. If the circuit detects that a channel needs to be turned off due to excessive heat or low impedance (short circuit), only the affected channels will be turned off, causing the zone LED to glow red. The remaining zones remain in operation and retain the blue LED status. As soon as the condition for the zone in question has been rectified, the status LED lights up blue again.
  

Back

• BUS line inputs/outputs: The MA1260a has two common or BUS inputs that receive audio signals from standard line-level audio sources and send them to one or all channels. The BUS line outputs are looped directly through so that the BUS inputs can be routed to other amplifiers. Make sure to use high-quality RCA cables with low impedance, shielding and high-quality connectors.
• Remote switch: This switch is used to select the switch-on pulses that put the amplifier into standby mode. The "Trigger" setting relies on a 3-30 V AC/DC voltage flowing into the trigger input to activate the amplifier. The "Auto" setting detects a signal at the RCA line level inputs and automatically sets the amplifier to standby mode. The "On" setting puts the amplifier permanently in standby mode so that it can be controlled via the main switch on the front panel. In "Auto" mode, the amplifier takes about 15 minutes to return from standby to standby mode.
  
• Trigger I/O: The trigger input is a handy feature when connecting the amplifier to an automated audio system. The 3.5 mm mini-jack socket accepts a 3-30 V AC/DC output from another device or from a separate power supply. When the trigger input is activated, the amplifier switches from standby to ON mode. If the MA1260a is used with a receiver without a trigger output, the voltage can come from a 12 V plug-in power supply (3.5 mm jack plug with positive pole), which is connected to the receiver's switch socket and the trigger input. The MA1260a can also provide an output trigger voltage (12 V DC at max. 500 mA) for switching other devices in the audio system on and off. When the amplifier is switched off (standby mode), the voltage drops to zero.
• Channel gain control: Each channel has its own independent level setting. This allows the output level of each speaker to be perfectly matched to its range. This function can also be used to limit the maximum audio level in a specific range.
• Bypass switch: By simply flipping a single switch, two channels can be combined to increase the total output power. This is useful if additional power is required in certain areas.
• Input selection switch: Each channel can provide the source of many inputs. The three main inputs are BUS 1, BUS 2 and LINE IN. The selection for these inputs is made via the input selection switch assigned to each channel. Select the desired source signal input. Set the input selection switch to BUS 1 (plays the source connected to the BUS 1 input), BUS 2 (plays the source connected to the BUS 2 input) or LINE IN (plays the source connected to the LINE IN input of this channel).
• Speaker output terminals: The MA1260a uses high quality Phoenix connectors (5 mm pitch) for the speaker connections. Use 14-18 gauge stranded wire with two conductors. Make sure that at least 5 cm of each conductor is separated. Remove 6 mm of insulation from each conductor. Connect the appropriate conductor to each screw terminal, ensuring correct polarity. Also ensure that the speaker wiring is correct when bridging channels.
• Single channel output: All twelve channels have their own dedicated input, which enables the connection of audio sources in addition to the common BUS inputs. This is useful when the MA1260a is used with an audio matrix switcher.
• AC voltage switch: The device is factory-set for operation with 120 V in the USA. Simply connect the supplied IEC power cable to a wall socket. For operation with 230 V, set the voltage selector switch to the 230 V position. When operating with 230 V, the internal fuse in the IEC socket should also be replaced. For most 230 V applications, a separate mains cable is required, which is not included in the scope of delivery.
• IEC mains connection: The device is supplied with an IEC socket that allows the mains cable to be removed. This allows the mains cable to be flexibly adapted to different countries. The IEC socket also contains the main fuse holder. Connect the mains cable supplied with the amplifier to the amplifier and the wall socket or a suitable surge protector.

Technical data

• Channels: 12
• Rated load capacity (RMS): 40 watts
• Rated load capacity (MAX): 80 watts
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 72 kHz
• Input sensitivity: 380 mV
• Signalrauschabstand, A-bewertet: <105 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.09 %
• Inputs: 12 individual inputs, 2 stereo bus inputs.
  
• Outputs: 2 stereo bus outputs
• Power supply: 120-240 VAC
• Standby consumption: 0.264 watts
• Dimensions: 42.5 cm W x 36.2 cm D x 10 cm H
• Weight: 17.2 kg
  

Product details

• Model number MA1260
• Color black
• Product height 102 mm
• Product width 424.18 mm
  
• Product depth 362 mm
• Amplifier type Multi-zone amplifier
  
• Output power per channel: 65 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 89 watts RMS into 4 ohms - Bridge output: 130 watts into 8 ohms (8 ohms minimum)
• Input impedance 16.7 kOhm
  
• Signal-to-noise ratio 115 dB A-weighted (1 W line input)
• THD at rated power 0.020 % (8 Ohm 1 W at 1 kHz)
• Frequency response 7.5 - 48 Hz (+0/-3 dB)
• Efficiency 93 % (full power)
• Voltage requirement 120 - 240 VAC
• Auto-on sensitivity 12.3 mV
• Stand-by power consumption 0.46 W (115 V)