SV-129 - Audio Amplifier VINCENT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SV-129 VINCENT

deutsch Safety guidelines Other instructions Included in delivery Description of the appliance Remote control Installation Operating the appliance Tips Search for errors Technical Specifications Glossary

8. TAPE: Tape Monitor

SAFETY GUIDELINES This appliance was produced under strict quality controls. It complies with all established international safety standards. Nonetheless, the following instructions should be fully read and observed in order to prevent any hazard: Do not open the appliance! Risk of electric shock! There are no parts in the appliance that require maintenance by the user. Maintenance/Modifications All equipment that is connected to the domestic mains voltage can be dangerous to the user if not handled properly. Leave maintenance work to qualified professionals. The product is only permitted for connection to AC 230Volt/50Hz, for earthed sockets and use in enclosed areas. Altering the product or manipulating its serial number voids the warranty. After a fault, leave the appliance’s fuse to be replaced only by a professional with one of the same kind. Power Cable Connection Always pull the plug and never the power cable if you want to disconnect the appliance from the mains power. Make sure when setting up the appliance that the power cable is not squashed, severely bent or damaged by sharp edges. Do not touch the power lead with wet or damp hands. Use the power cable supplied or another one from Vincent.

Switching Off Switch the appliance off every time before you connect or remove other components or loudspeakers, disconnect or connect it to the mains power, leave it unused for a longer period or want to clean its outside. On all amplifiers and receivers, wait approx. 1 minute after this before disconnecting or reconnecting the cable. ded without fail. Take care that no liquids or objects get inside the appliance (ventilation slots etc.). It must be disconnected from the mains power immediately and examined by a professional if this happens. Never expose the appliance to high temperatures (direct sunshine) or strong vibration. Heat Build-up Make sure that a gap of 5 cm remains around the appliance and that the surrounding air can circulate (do not install in enclosed cupboards). Vents must not be covered up. Volume The maximum tolerable volume is always reached well below the maximum possible setting on the amplifier. Be careful with the volume setting, therefore, in order to prevent damage to hearing. So that you do not expose yourself to high volumes unintentionally, always set to a low level before changing the input channel. OFF Moisture/Heat/Vibration Contact of electrically operated equipment with liquids, moisture, rain or water vapour is dangerous for such equipment and the user and must be avoi-

Vincent Cleaning Pull out the power plug before cleaning the outside of the product. Whenever possible, use a soft, lintfree cloth that has been dampened. Do not use abrasives, solvents, thinners, flammable chemicals, polishes and other cleaning products that leave marks. Batteries Take note of the instructions for using batteries in the chapter "Remote Control". OTHER INSTRUCTIONS Setting up the appliance How the system is set up has an effect on the sound quality. Therefore only place it on a suitable, stable surface. To make the most of your system’s sound quality, we recommend placing the equipment on Vincent racks and not putting them on top of each other. Old electronic equipment This appliance is subject to the conditions set out in the European Directive 2002/96/EC. This is identified by the symbol of a crossed out waste bin on the appliance. What this means for you as a consumer: All old electrical and electronic equipment that is no longer used must be disposed of separately from domestic waste using places provided by the authorities. By doing so you can prevent damage to the environment and help to encourage manufacturers to produce more durable or reusable products. For further information about disposing your old appliance, please consult your local authority, waste disposal agency or the shop where you bought the product. CE sign This appliance complies with the current EU directives about attaining the CE mark and thus meets the requirements for electrical and electronic equipment (EMC regulations, regulations and regulations for low voltage equipment). Declarations This document was written by Andreas Böer. It is a product of Sintron Vertriebs GmbH, 76473 Iffezheim and may not be copied or distributed partly or in full without express, written consent. Vincent is a registered trademark of Sintron Vertriebs GmbH, 76473 Iffezheim. Vincent works continually to improve and develop its products. Therefore, the appearance and technical design of the appliance are subject to changes, as long as they are in the interest of progress. The content of these instructions is for information purposes only. It can be changed at any time without prior notice and does not constitute any obligation on the part of the trademark’s owner. The latter assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies, which may be included in these operating instructions. Storage of the packaging We strongly recommend that you keep the original packaging in case you need to transport the equipment again at a later date. Transport damages are mainly caused by improper packaging of the HiFidevices. Because the original packaging fits the equipment accurately it will reduce the risk of damage if transport is necessary. Explanation of the symbols The lightening bolt tells you that dangerous voltages are present in the appliance, which can cause an electric shock. This symbol brings your attention to particularly important information regarding operation and maintenance. This symbol identifies useful information and advice about how to handle the appliance. Vincent

Please check the contents of the packaging, which in addition to the appliance should contain the following accessories:

• 1 remote control SYR-D

Despite the fact that development is constantly moving in the direction of digital audio format and towards audio video systems with an increasing number of channels, high quality stereo systems still enjoy a large degree of popularity. Some users are put off by the installation of complex multi-channel systems and enjoy viewing DVD films in stereo. Other music enthusiasts do not want to switch to a surround sound system because that will never reach the sound quality of an equally prized High-End stereo system. Especially if a space-saving second audio system at home should not also save on sound quality, stereo integrated amplifiers are preferred. The SV-129 is a remotely operable stereo amplifier from the Vincent program. Also, for the chea-

Vincent pest of our amplifiers till date with highest quality of workmanship and an outstanding price performance ratio of course. It profited from the experiences of the developers in the construction of high end transistor amplifiers and has enough power to run as a pair of most loudspeaker models and to control them. Further equipment characteristics are a Tape loop; disconnect able sound controllers and remotely operable volume and muting. This integrated amplifier is an ideal partner for DVD players, CD players, tuners, headphone amplifiers and loudspeakers from Vincent. In combination with HiFi furniture and speaker cables from the range, one can build a perfectly harmonious system. FRONT VIEW

Turns the unit on and off, the device is switched off from the mains. In switched on-state lights on the LED shines.

2. Infrared receivers for remote control

3. TREBLE: Treble control

To adjust height of sound units.

4. BASS: Depth control

To adjust the bass units of the sound.

With this knob you can change the volume difference between the two stereo channels.

6. TONE: Sound system on / off

Bypass (bypass) the tone control, which were set up at the rotary knobs BASS and TREBLE.

7. VOLUME: Volume knob

This allows the volume of the system to be increased or decreased.

8. TAPE: Tape Monitor

For the representation of the amplifier input of the "TAPE" (10) a key on the connected device must be pressed. The signal from this unit is not in executed "OUT REC "(11).

9. INPUT: Knob for input selection

This allows four of the five input sources of the amplifier to be selected, when the adjacent button "TAPE" in is in the switch off position. In order to select the fifth input source (TAPE) select the button "TAPE" (8) to be operated. Vincent

10. INPUT and “IN TAPE“: Input Connections

Here you can enter up to five source devices with stereo audio line level output. The signal to the input of the "IN TAPE" connected device can not exceed the record output "OUT REC" (11).

11. OUT REC: Recording output

Connect here if desired, for example a recording device. The stereo signal from this output is connected to the output of the currently selected. Source at one of the "INPUT" connectors are identical and independent of volume control, tone control, mute and balance.

Over this exit can, if desired, the pre-amplified stereo sound of the currently selected source can be passed on to two additional amplifier channels and an active subwoofer.

Output jacks with screw terminals for connecting a pair of speakers. It can be used with speaker cable with 4mm banana plugs.

14. FUSE: Fuse carrier

This small plastic housing contains the backup devices. Follow the safety instructions.

15. AC 220-240V: Main socket

Bring the power cord and connect it to the power supply. REMOTE CONTROL Point the front of the remote control directly at the front of the appliance, making sure there are no objects between the remote control and the appliance. Make sure that you do not point the remote control at an angle to the appliance, as beyond an angle of ±30° to the centre axis the appliance may not respond as well to the remote control. The distance between the remote control and the appliance should not be more than 7 m, as the reliability of the remote control is affected beyond this range. Change both batteries if the distance at which the remote control can be used effectively decreases. BATTERIES Using batteries Changing/Inserting batteries: Handling batteries incorrectly can cause battery acid to escape or an explosion in extreme cases. The batteries must be correctly inserted taking note of the polarity, which is marked in the inside of the battery compartment. a) Open and remove the battery compartment lid of the remote control by tugging sharply on the fishplate on the edge of the remote control. The battery compartment lid is held in place magnetically, there is no need to loosen the screws!

In order to make full use of the batteries’ life, do not mix new and used batteries. Make sure that you insert batteries of the same type. Some batteries are rechargeable, others are not however. Take note of the precautions and instructions that are included on all batteries. Remove the batteries if the remote control is not going to be used for a long time. Under no circumstances must batteries be short-circuited, taken apart or heated up. For environmental reasons, used batteries should be disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations and not put with domestic waste. b) If necessary, remove used batteries and insert new ones correctly as shown by the diagram in the battery compartment.

c) Put the compartment cover back on and close the battery compartment.

Turn of the speaker and the output signals from the preamp "PRE OUT" (12).

17. VOL /: Volume keys

Adjust the volume of this system. Also the signal from the preamp "PRE OUT" (12) is influenced by this.

Vincent INSTALLATION Set up the cable links in a sequence as follows. Connect the power cable between device and power supply only after all other connections have been made.

DURING INSTALLATION PLEASE OBSERVE

THE FOLLOWING ADVICE: Protective caps Prior to the first installation the protective plastic caps must be removed from all the connections used at the rear of the unit.

RCA connections Mechanically identical RCA plugs are available for input and output connections. Make sure that you do not get these connections confused during installation! Make sure that you do not mix up the analogue inputs for right and left. The RCA plugs for these are mostly colour coded as follows: red for the right channel, black or white for the left channel. Make sure that bare loudspeaker wires never come into contact with each other or with the metal on the back of the housing. Make sure that the positive and negative loudspeaker wires are connected correctly. You will notice a reduced sound quality if the connections are the wrong way round. Only use loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of at least 8Ω (if two pairs of loudspeakers are connected) and a nominal impedance of at least 4Ω (if one pair of loudspeakers is connected). Cable connections Make sure that all plugs fit tightly. Inadequate connections can cause noise interference, failures and malfunctions. - falsely Contacting the middle pin of the RCA plugs with the outer ring of the RCA chassis jack may lead to damages to the main amplifier if it is switched on! To avoid this hazard, connect or disconnect only in switched-off state and more than one minute after deactivating! - right - To make the most of the components’ sound potential, only high quality loudspeakers and connecting cables, for example Vincent cables, should be used. Your local stockist will be glad to advise you about this. Speaker cable connections The use of ready-made loudspeaker cables is recommended instead of connecting the cable’s central wire (strand) directly to the terminals. Banana plugs or cable lugs ensure high security from short-circuits and damage to loudspeakers or amplifier. Vincent

Connect the outputs of the source devices with the inputs “INPUT“ (10) or „IN TAPE“(10). The output sockets on the source equipment are usually named “LINE OUT”, “AUDIO OUT” or “FRONT OUT”. You will find information about ways to connect source equipment also in their operating manuals. To use a record player you need a so-called phono preamplifier (also called an equaliser preamplifier), which is installed in the signal path between the record player and one of the highlevel inputs. Some models of record player already include this preamplifier and can be connected directly. You will find further information in this appliance’s operating manual. The stereo sound of appliances that use output connectors other than RCA (DIN plugs, jack plugs) can often also be used with the aid of adaptors. Note that the signal from the input "IN TAPE" (10) not executed on the recording output "OUT REC" (11). You can connect up to five devices with analogue RCA stereo high level output such as a CD player in order to provide the audio signals of your input sources to the system. All six inputs represent electrically quivalent standard high level inputs with RCA connection. They have an identical function and differ only in name. SV129 RCA connection CD player, tuner, DVD player, etc. LINE OUT

At the RCA jacks "OUT REC" (11) on the back of the unit you can, if desired, connect an analogue stereo recording device (e.g. CD-recorder, tape recorder, etc.) or another device that the unmodified, solid set stereo output level (line level) is currently selected on the amplifier (9) signal source. The output level is independent of volume control, channel balance, mute and tone controls (BASS, TREBLE, TONE). SV129 RCA connection redording device REC IN Connect this output signal via RCA cables to the signal input (“LINE IN", "TAPE IN" or "REC IN") of the recording deviuce. It offers to the signal output of the host device to be able to use the input terminal "IN TAPE" and to connect to the "Tape Monitor". This means the possibility of play back the recording device while controlling output signal by pressing the button "TAPE" (8), without the output signal "OUT REC" this will also be switched. Connect this output signal via RCA cables to the signal input (“LINE IN", "TAPE IN" or "REC IN") of the recording deviuce. Please note that some recording equipment can have a slightly disturbing influence on the respective audio signal. Some recording devices have rather low input impedance, which the music signal voltage can reduce to a small extent. For maximum music enjoyment, we recommend that you connect to the "REC" jack adapter only as long as you are recording. Vincent

The jack "PRE OUT" (11) is only needed when you separate amplifier for the supply of additional speakers want. This can be useful when two more speakers will be used for stereo music playback, even in another room. These speakers are then connected to the outputs of respective amplifiers. The output connectors "PRE OUT" (12) of SV-129 are connected with the input terminals of the amplifier (s), which are mostly labelled as "INPUT", "POWER AMP IN" or "MAIN INPUT". SV129 RCA connection Amplifier MAIN IN As shown here, instead of stereo power amplifier, two mono amplifiers can also be used.

CONNECTION OF THE LOUDSPEAKERS

On the SV-129 amplifier, a pair of speakers can be connected. For each speaker you will find two speakers at the device terminals (positive + and negative -), with one side of a speaker cable connected. At each terminal pair you will find a label (R or L), which indicates to which side (right or left), the terminal pair belongs. On speakers, there are like or similar connections, marked here also, which connect to the pole (+ or -) belongs to. Here is the other end of the assigned speaker cable. The speaker cables must be connected like ports on a terminal pair: marked with "+" terminal on the amplifier must be marked with a "+" connector of the speaker lead. Speaker cable SV129

If each loudspeaker is connected completely normally with a twisted loudspeaker cable, then (usually with the supplied loudspeakers) the contact bridges (usually small metal panels or short cable bits) must be attached in each case between the two clamps of same polarity (e.g. both with "+ “ marked clamps) with loudspeakers with double connection (four loudspeaker clamps). With "+" and "R" marked connector of the amplifier is connected with one of the "+" marked bridged connections of the right speaker. Connected with "-" and "R" marked connector of the amplifier is with one of the "-" selected, bridged connections of the right speaker. For the speaker cable between the ports of the left speaker is the appropriate allocation to be chosen. If you are using ready made loudspeaker cables with 4 mm banana plugs, all you need to do is connect the two plugs on each loudspeaker cable end to the two associated speaker connectors. Turn the connector screws clockwise to fasten them. If you want to use speaker cables equipped with spade lug connectors, every connector screw must be opened by turning counter clockwise. After that, the lug must be moved under the screw head. Then, turn the screw clockwise to fasten the lug to the connector. To avoid damages to the amplifier, make sure the connection is tight and no bare metal from the cable lug connector makes contact with the rear panel or with another terminal. If no connector is to be used, remove approximately 1 cm length of insulation from each end of the speaker wire. Twist the braid in order to avoid short circuits. Turn the fastener on the loudspeaker terminal counter clockwise to loosen it and introduce the bare wire end into the exposed connector hole. Then turn the fastener clockwise so that the wire is firmly clamped. Make sure the connection is pretty tight. Vincent

If a loudspeaker is to be connected with “bi-wiring”, both pairs of loudspeaker clamps may be used at the same time. In contrast to connection of the loudspeakers with one loudspeaker cable each, with biwiring a suitable loudspeaker is connected via two separate two-wire loudspeaker cables or one fourwire loudspeaker cable to the pair of output clamps on the main amplifier. This doubles the cabling required but for many combinations of loudspeakers and amplifiers this improves the sound quality.

Before changing the system to bi-wiring, the metal bridges fitted to the loudspeaker’s double connector in normal operation must be removed. Only loudspeakers with these bi-wiring terminals are suitable. Filtering of the entire frequency range occurs in the now separated loudspeaker crossover networks. One cable is to be connected to the loudspeaker’s sockets provided for the higher frequencies (treble) and the other with the ones for the lower frequencies (bass) for each loudspeaker. Make sure that the polarity is correct. Your specialist dealer will provide you Rückseite Rückseite des rechten des linken with advice and assistance. Lautsprechers Lautsprechers

CONNECTION OF THE POWER CABLE

Check whether the wall socket provides the appropriate mains power, which is the case if it is supplied with 230 V AC 50 Hz. Push the plug on the power cable supplied firmly into the power socket (15) on the back of the appliance. Plug the other end of the power cable into a mains socket.

Operation Switch on and off Select an input Button(s) Description POWER (1) INPUT (9) TAPE (8) The device is switched on and off at the front side. If the switch is in the off position, the device is disconnected from the mains. The device does not possess any function of the operating state (standby). In switched on-mode the lights shines on the power switch LED. Before turning on as a precaution the volume of the precursor (7) (17) should be reduced. The input selection can only be made on the front panel. The knob "INPUT" has four notches for the four input sources at the ports "TUNER", "DVD", "AUX" and "CD". By turning the knob, the desired source can be selected. Before switching over the input channel, the volume (7)(17) should be turned down as a precaution! On device: Turn the knob "VOLUME" clockwise to increase the volume and counter clockwise to decrease the volume. Change the volume VOLUME (7) On the remote: Hold the button "VOL " button to adjust the volume to VOL / increase. Use "VOL " to reduce it. While the volume is adjusted, the LED (17) attached in the volume button shines. The volume control affects the signal of the speaker and the output "PRE OUT" (12). The output signal of "REC OUT" (11) remains unaffected. Mute the speakers and the preamplifier output Change height proportions of the sound Change the bass proportions of the sound MUTE (16) The mute button only works with the remote control key. It turns off the loudspeaker and the signal from the preamp "PRE OUT" (12). While the device is muted, the LED flashes on the power switch. Pressing again will restore the volume. The output signal of "REC OUT" (11) remains unaffected. TREBLE (3) With the knob "TREBLE" at the front, you affect the proportion of the higher tones of the sound image. Clockwise rotation increases the intensity set, moving counter clockwise reduces the intensity. The setting is only effective if the "TONE" button (6) is pressed. The tone control affects the signal of the speaker and the output "PRE OUT" (12). The output signal of "REC OUT" (11) remains unaffected. BASS (4) With the knob "BASS" on the front, affect the proportion of the deeper tones of the sound image. Clockwise rotation increases the intensity set, moving counter clockwise reduces the intensity. The setting is only effective if the "TONE" button (6) is pressed. The tone control affects the signal of the speaker and the output "PRE OUT" (12). The output signal of "OUT REC" (11) remains unaffected. Vincent

Operation Sound system (BASS / TREBLE) off Volume difference of the two stereo channels

Vincent Button(s) Description TONE (6) Should the sound not be changed, it is recommended to switch off the tone controls (BASS, TREBLE) with this button on the front panel. When the button is pressed, the controls on the sound (3) (4) adjusted sound effect processing. When the button is not pressed, the two tone controls in the preamp are bypassed and the signal comes from the source Preamplifier in the frequency content is not altered. The tone control affects the signal of the speaker and the output "PRE OUT" (12). The output signal of "OUT REC" (11) remains unaffected. (AUCH BALANCE?) BALANCE (5) With this knob on the front panel, the volume difference between right and left stereo channel can be changed. This is possibly desired, if you are listening on one of the two speakers closer than the others and thus a volume difference is perceived. If the button is in the central position, then both stereo channels are processed by the amplifier with the same amplification. This setting affects the signal of the speaker and the output "PRE OUT" (12). The output signal of "OUT REC" (11) remains unaffected. TIPS Burn in/ Warm up Your audio components need a certain time period until they reach maximum performance. The duration of this "warm up" time is very different for the various elements of your audio system. Higher and homogeneous sound quality is achieved while keeping the device switched on. speakers, subwoofers, record players or headphone amplifiers that are connected to the audio inputs of the amplifier. Another possible reason for humming noise is electromagnetic interference of other components’ power supplies with pick-upsystems of record players (change the place of the record player for a test). Your audio specialist dealer has enough experience to give you more information. In most electric devices the ground potentials of all signals are connected to each other at one central point, where they have one common connection. If the device uses the protective conductor of the wall outlet, the corresponding wire of the line cord is connected intractably to the metal housing of the device. This is the mostly the point where the central grounding point is attached to. By doing this the housing is able to shield all signals from external radiated noise. Some main amplifiers are equipped with a "Ground Lift"-switch. If it is activated, ground potential of the chassis and the protective ground wire are being separated from the central signal ground point. The protective ground wire keeps its function. Sometimes this helps prevent noise caused by errors in grounding. Net frequency noise Some audio source devices may in combination with the amplifier cause a humming noise at power line frequency audible from your speakers. Usually, its volume varies with the volume setting of the amplifier. This is no sign of a defect or fault of your audio products but has to be eliminated. Generally, every wall-powered device connected to the ground wire of the power plug can cause this problem when connected to the amplifier. Experience shows that this problem is mainly caused by antenna-connected components (as TV-sets or Tuners), personal computers, electrostatic loud- If the problem occurs and cannot be solved by yourself your audio specialist dealer will help you. Vincent

Symptom Possible Cause Countermeasure Unit does not work after pressing the power button Mains cable is not connected to a suitable mains wall outlet. Connect to a functioning socket using a suitable mains voltage. Mains cable has not been firmly inserted into wall power socket and the device’s socket. Check the power cable. If necessary, exchange it with a suitable mains cable and push its plug firmly into wall socket and the device's power connector. No sound, though the device is switched on and is ready (the LED "POWER" on the front panel shines) No audio playback on one channel

Vincent Otherwise it may be defective. Unit fuse or unit is defective. Contact your dealer. The currently selected audio source (9) is giving no signal. Starten Sie die Wiedergabe der angeschlossenen Signalquelle. One of the audio settings of a connected DVD player (analogue / digital) is not selected properly. Correct the settings in the player’s setup. The output of the source device is not connected or is wrongly connected e.g. not connected to the selected input channel terminal of the amplifier. Correct the connection. Incorrect input channel selected on the amplifier. Correct the input (9). The button "TAPE" (8) has been pressed, even though a knob on the "INPUT" (9) selected input source is played. Bring the push-button "TAPE" (8) in its switch off position The Volume setting is set too low. Carefully increase the volume (7)(17). The amplifier is muted (16). Deactivate mute function (“MUTE” button (16)). The speaker cables are not properly connected to the amplifier's terminals or are defective. Check and tighten the speaker cables at the amplifier and at the speakers. The source equipment is giving signal on only one channel. Check the audio source. You can try to use it at a different amplifier for a test. One of the signal cables between audio source and amplifier inputs has not yet been plugged in or is defective. Check the cable connections, tighten them if necessary. An audio signal cable between the main precursor (13) and power amplifier is one of the defective or loose connections. Check the cable connections, tighten them if necessary. Channel balance has been set to the extreme right or left. Set the channel balance to a reasonable value. One of the speaker cables is not correctly connected or is defective. Check and refasten the speaker cables at the speaker terminal of the amplifier and at the speaker’s connectors.

Symptom Possible Cause Countermeasure Poor sound quality The cable connections are not tight, the connectors are dirty or a cable is defective. Check the cables and cable connections. The tone settings on the dials “TREBLE” or “BASS” have not been selected correctly. Check the settings selected there. A record player has been connected to a line level input without using a phono preamplifier. Interconnect a phono preamplifier. No batteries inserted in the remote control batteries are not inserted correctly or are depleted. Check and replace the batteries if necessary. The line-of-sight between the remote control and the unit is obstructed, the range was exceeded or the hand unit was operated from a position too far to one side. Try the hin the The unit is not switched on. Switch on the unit. See section "Net frequency noise" in the chapter "Tips". See section "Net frequency noise" in the chapter "Tips". The remote control cannot perform any functions Humming low frequency noise is audible, even as no audio source is playing back to point the remote control at the front of unit only when the sight-line is clear, wita 7-metre distance and, if possible, facing unit. Vincent

Vincent 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0,5 dB 2 x 50 Watt 2 x 80 Watt 250 mV < 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 W) > 90 dB 47 kΩ 230 V/50 Hz 5x Cinch stereo 1x REC stereo Cinch, 1x PRE stereo Cinch 430 x 100 x 330 mm 5 kg schwarz/silber GLOSSARY Audio Sources/Source devices These are the components of your HiFi system and all other appliances, whose sound you want to hear over the system and are thus connected to the preamplifier, amplifier or receiver. This includes CD players, DVD players, tuners (radios), cassette players, DAT recorders, personal computers, record players, portable audio devices and many more. dB Level This is a way of describing any physical quantity; it is a common measurement for signal voltages and the volume. It is given in decibels (dB). Alternating signal voltages below 1V (RMS) are described as “line level” voltages, which are suitable as music signals for amplifier inputs. Inputs on amplifiers (mostly represented by RCA sockets), which are designed for signals on the CD player, tape recorder, DVD player etc. are also referred to as “line level inputs”. Those signal inputs must not be confused with inputs that accept preamplified signals. Dynamic The volume difference between the quietest and the loudest sounds possible in audio signals (without distortion or transition to noise). Dolby-Digital and DTS soundtracks allow very high dynamics and produce excellent cinema-like effects. Input sensitivity Term for the smallest average (RMS) input voltage which causes the maximum output power at the maximum volume setting on the amplifier. Examples: 100 mV to 500 mV (Millivolts) on line level inputs, 2 mV to 5 mV on the phono MM input or 0.1 mV to 0.5 mV on the phono MC input. RCA RCA is the American name for a type of coaxial connectors and sockets, originally the abbreviation for “Radio Corporation of America”, the name of a United States company. Both the plug and cable consist of a rod-shaped inner lead and a cylindrical-shaped outer lead. This enables a mono audio signal or a video signal to be transmitted. Compared to the XLR plug connector, this type of connection is also called “unbalanced signal connection”. Vincent