Knoll Systems MA850 User Manual

Warranty 

 

Knoll Systems warrants MA850 amplifiers sold in the USA and Canada by 
authorized Knoll dealers to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. This 
warranty extends for three full years from the date of purchase by the original 
consumer. Any products returned to Knoll Systems and found to be defective by 
Knoll Systems within the warranty period will be repaired or replaced at Knoll 
Systems decision, at no charge. Knoll Systems will not be responsible for the 
actual cost of installation or removal of the product, nor for any incidental or 
consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of 
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to 
you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional legal 
rights that vary from state to state. 

Warning: To be installed and/or used in accordance with appropriate 
electrical codes and regulations. 

 

Description: The MA850 is a member of the long line of Knoll multi-
channel amplifiers. Designed primarily for the custom install industry, it 

is used to power speakers with different or similar sources in multiple 

rooms. With 8 channels rated at 50 watts per channels at 8 ohms, the 

MA850 packs some serious punch. Each channel has a gain control. The 
MA850 can be turned on and off via the front panel power switch or via 

the 12 VDC trigger. MA850 channels 3-8 can be linked to channel 1-2 

individually using the link switches. MA850 amplifiers designed to meet 
the amplifier needs of custom installed systems where high-quality 

sound is a specific requirement. 

 

Specifications: 

Inputs 

8 Gold RCA jacks with adjustable gain 

Input impedance 

50k ohms 

Outputs 

detachable plug 

Output power 

50 watts RMS per channel (8 ohms) 

Peak output power 

100 watts per channel (8 ohms) 

Ideal impedance 

4 - 8 ohms 

Frequency response 

10 Hz - 40 kHz +/- 1dB (1w) 

S/N ratio 

over 105 dB A weighted (50 watts) 

THD distortion 

less than 0.1% 20 Hz to 20 kHz 

IMD distortion 

less than 0.01% 60 Hz 7 kHz 4:1 (SMPTE) 

Trigger control 

12 VDC 35mA on 3.5mm mono jack 

Dimensions 

17" x 3.5" x 11.5" (432 x 89 x 292mm) 

Fan Noise 

quiet 26 dBA 

Power 

550 watts at 117 VAC or 230 VAC 

Weight 

21 lbs (9.5 kg) 

 

Key Features: 
1. Size efficiency. The MA850 consists of a total of 8 power 

amplifiers in one 3-1/2” high enclosure. Each power amplifier 
channel can deliver 50 watts RMS into an 8-ohm load.  

2. Automatic protection circuitry. Each MA850 channel is 
individually and fully protected against low impedance, 
overheating, overloading, overvoltage and undervoltage. The 

protection circuitry automatically restores the amplifier channel 
as soon as its parameter returns to the safe operating area. 

3. Individual input gain adjustment. Each channel features 
an input gain adjustment pot to adjust each channel for gain 

and speaker sensitivity variations. The gain adjustments are on 
the rear of the MA850 so installers normally set the gain. 

Note: Specifications subject to change without notice. 

4. External power on/off. The MA850 can be turned off and 
on by external controllers. To activate external power on, apply 
a 12 VDC current to the trigger jack (the MA850 power switch is 

in the off position for external power control).  

6. Link Feature. Certain installations require that some or all of 
the stereo channels play the same content. Instead of using Y 

cords, "link" cascades any or all of channels 2-4 to channel 1 
(l/r). 

145 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA 98281 

12140 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC V7A 4V5 

Tel: (604) 272 4555, fax (604) 272 5595 
 

 

Made in Canada