SV-232 - Audio Amplifier VINCENT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SV-232 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

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 VRC-3

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. Those who wish to combine both worlds – surround sound and premium stereo –, can often not avoid having two separate amplifiers and/or receivers, because many multi-channel systems focus on functionality rather than on uncompromised sound quality for all audio channels. If that is to be avoided and the speakers of an existing stereo system are also required to serve as front speakers for a surround sound system (so that a separate pair of front speakers does not need to be acquired), then both systems must be coupled together. For most setups that is not possible. Only if a stereo amplifier is used, which has the function for one of its inputs to act only as a power amplifier, and hence provides no audio gain to this input, can the stereo system be employed as a user friendly part of a surround sound system.

Vincent The SV-232 is a versatile integrated stereo amplifier from the Vincent range. Like the previously released amplifier Vincent SV-234 it can serve both as an amplifier for high quality stereo sources and then, at the push of a button, it becomes a stereo main amplifier (for example for the front speakers of a home cinema system). This is a function rarely seen in the class of this amplifier. The same is true for the ability of this amplifier to switch two pairs of connected loudspeakers separately from the front panel. Additional features are a recording output and a preamplifier output. Naturally, it all comes with the highest quality workmanship and an outstanding price performance ratio. This integrated amplifier is an ideal partner for DVD players, CD players, tuners, headphone amplifiers and speakers from Vincent. It can also form part of a Vincent multi-channel system based on a decoder preamplifier or on an AV amplifier. In this role it supports the “Power Control” function. In combination with Vincent loudspeakers, HiFi furniture and speaker cables, one can build a perfectly harmonious system. FRONT VIEW

If suitable speakers are used, a second pair of speakers can be operated at the same time. This button allows each of the speaker pairs (designated A and B) to be individually switched on and off. The LED located above each of the buttons shows which of the speaker pairs is active.

In normal use the display shows the name of the selected input, the volume and the operating mode (MUTE etc.). When adjustments are being made (e.g. to BALANCE, GAIN), the corresponding values are displayed.

3. LED for GAIN function

This indicator will be lit as long as the function GAIN reduces all output levels by 8 dB.

4. LEVEL /: Volume keys

These are the keys for the adjustment of the main volume level of the system. They consequently control the volume of the loudspeakers and the signal of the stereo preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE”. Only for the playback of the audio source at the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12) the volume setting has no effect. After the key “CHANNEL” (9) has been pressed, the LEVEL keys are used to modify the stereo BALANCE.

With a touch on one of these buttons you choose for playback one of the audio sources attached to the corresponding connectors at the amplifier's backside (10)(12).

This is the main power switch for turning on and off the device. Please take note of the information about “Power Control” in the sections “Installation” and “Operating the device”.

7. LED signalling display shut-off

This LED remains illuminated when the display is switched off by the “DIMMER” (8)(18) function. That helps to not misinterpret a shut-off display as consequence of a shut-off device.

8. DIMMER: Brightness setting for the display

The brightness of the front panel display (2) can be reduced in two steps using this button. If you press it repeatedly, the third actuation switches off the display. With a fourth stroke, the maximum display brightness will be restored again.

9. CHANNEL: Channel Balance

This is the key that enables you to set a volume difference between the left and the right stereo channel (“BALANCE”) using the “LEVEL” keys (4). Vincent

10. INPUT (“LINE1”...”LINE5”):

Terminal for stereo audio signals of the source equipment Here you find five stereo RCA input sockets for source equipment with analogue stereo (line level) audio output, e.g. CD player.

11. OUTPUT REC: Output connectors assigned

to a recording device If desired, you can connect a recording device like a CD recorder or a tape recorder to this output. The stereo signal of this output is identical to the output signal of the selected audio source at one of the inputs “LINE1”...”LINE5”. The signal of the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” is not available for recording at this output!

12. MAIN INPUT LINE6: Main Amplifier Input

This is for the connection of a stereo preamplifier or source equipment with a preamplifier output. Note that no line level output should be connected from a stereo source to “LINE6”. This input must also not be connected to the neighbouring preamplifier output, “OUTPUT PRE” (13).

13. OUTPUT PRE: Preamplifier Output

If one of the inputs “LINE1”...”LINE5” (10) is selected, the “PRE” output can supply two additio-

nal main amplifier channels with the preamplified stereo audio signal of the selected source. The output must not be connected to the neighbouring power amplifier input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12) or to the line level input of another HiFi component.

14. SPEAKER A/B: Loudspeaker terminal

At these output sockets with threaded terminals one or two pair(s) of loudspeakers can be connected. Speaker cable with 4 mm banana plugs can be used. Please take note of the information given in the section “Installation”, if two pairs of loudspeakers will be connected to the amplifier.

15. POWER CONTROL (12V)

These jack connectors (3.5 mm) send (“INPUT”) and receive (“OUTPUT”) the signals for the standby control (12V Trigger).

16. AC power connector and fuse holder

To establish the power supply, connect the plugs of the power cable to the device and to the AC wall outlet. The small plastic housing beneath the plug opening holds the fuse. Refer to the security precautions. 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.

Pressing this button once mutes the sound of the loudspeakers (14), the preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE” (13) and the recording output “OUTPUT REC” (11). Pressing it again returns to the original volume. The Mute function is not available if the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12) has been selected for playback.

This key reduces the brightness of the front panel display (2) in two steps or switches it off.

These buttons change the amplifier’s volume setting for loudspeakers (14) and the preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE” (13). This volume setting can not be made if the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12) has been selected for playback.

20. GAIN: Push button for -8dB

attenuation of Loudspeaker signals With the activation of this function, the output signal for the power amplifier (13) and speakers (14) is reduced by 8 dB and thus the volume of the attached speakers. It should only be activated if even at low volume settings the volume is already very high.

21. BAL-L und BAL-R: Buttons to set the

volume difference right/left channel Both keys can be used for changing the volume difference between right and left speaker if that is desired. That is not possible for the source device connected to “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12).

22. Input Selector Buttons

These buttons are used to select one of the stereo audio devices connected to the amplifier’s source inputs for playback.

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. Two loudspeakers, one ore more source devices and the mains cable have to be connected as a minimum. The cables for power control, to recording equipment or to another stereo amplifier must only be connected if they are to be used.

DURING INSTALLATION PLEASE OBSERVE

THE FOLLOWING ADVICE: Do not connect PRE OUT and MAIN IN The input “MAIN IN LINE6” (12) must not be connected with the neighbouring preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE” (13). The preamplifier part of this amplifier is connected internally with the power amplifier. It is not possible to split both sections and interconnect devices like an equalizer in an effects loop. 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! 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 shortcircuits and damage to loudspeakers or amplifier. Ensure that bare loudspeaker wires are never able to come into contact with each other or with the metal on the back of the housing. Ensure that bare loudspeaker wires are never able to 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 4Ω. If you use loudspeaker cable equipped with 4mm banana plugs you are required to remove the small plastic plugs located in the connector holes of the speaker clamps when first installing this main amplifier in your system. 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. Cable connections Make sure that all plugs fit tightly. Inadequate connections can cause noise interference, failures and malfunctions. 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.

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! - falsely - - 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. Vincent

Connect the outputs of the source devices with the inputs “LINE1”...”LINE5” (10) of the amplifier. 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 equaliser preamplifier (also called a phono preamplifier), which is installed in the signal path between the record player and one of the high-level 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. Up to five line level stereo sources can be connected to these RCA inputs. The audio inputs “LINE1”...”LINE5” (10) represent electrically equivalent standard line level inputs with RCA connection. They have an identical function and differ only in name. SV-232 RCA connection CD player, tuner etc. LINE OUT

This stereo amplifier is equipped with a main amplifier input (“LINE6”), also known as “unity gain input”. Input signals to this bypass the internal preamplifier stage and are treated as preamplifier output signals. That is why this amplifier can accept the output signals of a preamplifier e.g. the front channel preamplifier outputs of a home cinema system (AV receiver or AV preamplifier). Volume control as well as BALANCE and Muting can not be achieved at the SV-232 when using the input “LINE6”. These functions must be operated at the device connected to this input. SV-232 RCA connection PRE stereo preamplifier OUTPUT SV-232 RCA connection e. g. AV preamplifier ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT If the input “LINE6” has been selected, the amplifier SV-232 acts like a stereo power amplifier. If you want the amplifier SV-232 to automatically switch on/off every time the HiFi component connected to “LINE6” is switched on/off, the power control cable connections subsequently described must be applied. Please leave the input connector “MAIN INPUT LINE6” unused if you do not wish to use the amplifier SV-232 just as a power amplifier.

CONNECTIONS FOR THE STANDBY CONTROL

(POWER CONTROL) Many AV systems or stereo audio systems consist of a multitude of individual components. To avoid the necessity of switching them on and off before and after every use, many manufacturers have equipped their devices with what is known as “POWER CONTROL” circuit or “TRIGGER”. This kind of remote-controlled standby circuit is used primarily for preamplifier and power amplifiers. To employ these functions, direct or indirect cable connections must be made between the preamplifier (or integrated amplifier) and all the devices which support this function. The “POWER CONTROL” function operates in such a way that each switching on or off of one device in the system (usually the preamplifier) automatically brings about the switching on or off of all the connected devices which support this function. Please keep in mind that all devices which respond to the power control are not disconnected from the mains network when switched off. They are set to a standby state instead. For connecting cables, two-core cables with 3.5 mm jack plugs (mono) are used. For each connection between two devices one of those cables is needed. If you don't wish to use this function or if the other components do not support it, all you have to do is leave out these cable connections. Vincent

The SV-232 is equipped with one input connector and two output connectors for the power control. As a result, this amplifier can supply and transmit the switching signal for other components in the system as well as accept it from other components. Both cases are described in the following. (1) The complete system is to be switched on/off at the SV-232 POWER button In this situation the INPUT in the terminal “POWER CONTROL” (15) must not be occupied and must be left open. Two HiFi components that are able to react to the power control signal can be connected directly to one of the amplifier's POWER CONTROL OUTPUTs (15). If more than two devices, which can be controlled, are to be connected, then it is necessary to make the power control connection between the preamplifier and these further devices through the outputs of the two devices which are connected directly. For that reason, every HiFi component that accepts power control signals is also equipped with a power control output. Thus, in theory it is possible to provide an infinite number of HiFi components with the power control signal. This approach, to loop a signal through a chain of components, is commonly referred to as “daisy chaining”. SV-232 Power Control cable e. g. main amplifier e. g. a second main amplifier (2) The SV-232 is intended to react to the trigger signal If, for example, two output channels of a preamplifier are connected to the main input “LINE6”, if this HiFi component can supply a power control signal and if you want the amplifier SV-232 to switch on/off synchronously with the component attached to “LINE6”, one power control output of this component must be connected to the INPUT of the SV-232 terminal “POWER CONTROL” (15). The connector at the sourcing HiFi component may as well be labelled with “TRIGGER OUTPUT”. Both power control OUTPUTs of the SV-232 can additionally be used to forward the received switching signal to other components of your system. Consequently, the POWER button (6) must be switched to its OFF position. SV-232 Power Control cable

Vincent e.g. AV preamplifier Many devices which can be controlled by a switching signal (not preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers), have two terminals which do not differentiate between input and output. In this case either of the two can be selected. "POWER CONTROL" sockets of preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers must not be interconnected! All receiving devices must not be connected to more than one preamplifier or integrated amplifier (directly or indirectly)!

CONNECTION OF A RECORDING DEVICE

If you want, you can use the RCA sockets “OUTPUT REC” (11) on the back of the appliance to connect an analogue stereo recording device (e.g. CD recorder, cassette recorder etc.) or another appliance that is intended for receiving the unchanged, fixed stereo output level (line level) from the signal source selected on the amplifier at any given time. The output level is independent from the volume setting but reacts to the “MUTE” (17) command. The signal of the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” is not available for recording at this output! SV-232 RCA connection Recording device, e.g. tape recorder LINE IN Connect this signal output to the signal input (“LINE IN”, “TAPE IN” or “REC IN”) on the recording appliance using RCA cables. Please note that some recording equipment can have a slightly detrimental effect on the audio signal quality. Some recording devices have rather low input impedance, which can slightly alter the input signal voltage. For maximal music enjoyment we recommend that you connect to the “REC” terminal only for as long as the recording is actually being made.

CONNECTION OF TWO ADDITIONAL

You only need the “OUTPUT PRE” sockets (13) if you want to use a separate stereo amplifier or two mono amplifiers to supply two additional loudspeakers. This makes sense if you intend to use two more loudspeakers for stereo music playback, for example in a separate zone (another room of your home). These loudspeakers are then connected to the speaker outputs of the additional amplifier(s). The amplifier output connections “OUTPUT PRE” (13) must be connected with the input connectors of the main amplifier, in most cases labelled “INPUT”, “POWER AMP IN” or “MAIN INPUT”. SV-232 RCA connection MAIN stereo main amplifier INPUT Instead of each stereo main amplifier shown here you can alternatively use two mono main amplifiers. The output signal is independent of the setting of the loudspeaker switches (1). Vincent

Either a single speaker pair (A) or two speaker pairs (A+B) can be connected to the amplifier SV-232. Both outputs are identically provided with the stereo signal of the currently selected input source. For each loudspeaker you will find two connector screws (positive + und negative –) at the amplifier's backside. One side of the speaker cable must be attached here. Each pair of screws has a label “R” or “L” nearby to clarify to which stereo channel it belongs. At the loudspeaker connection terminal there are similar connector screws or connectors. There, the polarity of each screw (+ or –) can be identified as well and the other side of the speaker cable associated with this speaker must be attached. Make sure only connector screws of the same polarity will be connected by each speaker cable wire: a knob marked “+” in the amplifier's terminal must be connected with a speaker's connector screw marked “+” as well. Our sketch shows all connections necessary for one pair of speakers. If a second pair of loudspeakers is intended to be used, the connector screws of the lower row (Speakers B) must be connected in a similar fashion to the additional speakers’ input connectors. However, this is only permitted if both loudspeakers have a nominal impedance of at least 8 Ω! Loudspeaker cable SV-232 If every speaker is connected in a conventional way (a two core speaker cable for each loudspeaker) and you own loudspeakers that are equipped with Bi-Wiring terminals (four connector screws) you have to make sure that the metal brackets (contact pieces consisting of small metal plates or short pieces of cable which are supplied with the speakers) are applied to the terminal and that each one connects the two knobs of the same polarity (e.g. both connectors marked “+”). The connector screw labelled “+” and “R” at the amplifier's backside must be connected to one of the bridged, labelled “+” connectors of the loudspeaker assigned to the right stereo channel. Accordingly, the connector screw labelled “–” and “R” at the amplifier's backside must be connected to one of the bridged, labelled “–” connectors of the loudspeaker assigned to the right stereo channel. Connect the left side loudspeaker in the corresponding way. The stereo sound can only be heard via loudspeakers if the loudspeaker switch (1) of the associated pair of speakers (A/B) has been switched on. 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. At first installation after unpakking the amplifier it is necessary to remove the small plastic security plugs from the speaker connector holes (completely remove the connector screw, remove the plug and refit the screw again). Turn all connector screws clockwise to fasten them.

Vincent 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. If you intend to connect two pairs of speakers, all loudspeakers must have a nominal impedance of at least 8Ω. If only one pair of speakers is used (A or B), all types of loudspeakers with a minimal nominal impedance of 4Ω can be utilised. Consider correct polarity, the positive contact is mostly marked red or with "+". The side of the speaker cable that has to be connected with the positive socket has a marking.

CONNECTION OF THE POWER CABLE

Check that the electricity supply to your home is appropriate to the device. The required voltage and frequency can be read on the back of the device beside the socket for the mains. If the electricity supply is appropriate, push the inlet connector of the supplied mains cable firmly into socket for the mains on the back of the device (16). Connect the other end of the mains cable to a mains socket. Vincent

Operation Button(s) Description Switch on and off POWER (6) The amplifier is switched on and off using this button at the front panel. When switched off the device is not internally separated from the AC power and reacts to a signal at the input “POWER CONTROL INPUT” (15). That is why it is not possible to switch off the amplifier as long as a 12V trigger signal is present at this input. As a precaution, after switching on, the volume setting should be reduced. Individually activate or deactivate speaker outputs A and B SPEAKER A/B (1) To play back stero music via loudspeakers at least one pair of them must be attached to the amplifier (a practical choice would be connectors “A“). The output you use must be activated using the corresponding button "SPEAKER" (LED illuminated). Only if a second pair of speakers is used, it is necessary to activate the second speaker output “B“. Select an input Input Selector buttons (5)(22) A short touch on the button for the desired input channel (“LINE1”...”LINE6”) changes to the playback of the audio source connected there. The front panel as well as the remote control carry those buttons. The name of the currently selected input channel appears in the display. Before switching over the input channel, the volume (4)(19) should be turned down as a precaution! LEVEL / (4) Change the volume VOLUME / (19) Mute the speakers and the preamplifier output

Vincent MUTE (17) Hold down the button “LEVEL ” or “VOLUME ” to turn the volume up. Use “LEVEL ” or “VOLUME ” to turn it down. The display (2) shows the current volume value. The minimum volume value is -99dB, the maximum volume appears at latest with 00dB, for most speakers much below this value. The volume value can not be changed if the input “LINE6” has been selected. In this case the display shows “MAX”. The volume setting does not influence the signal at the output “OUTPUT REC” (11). The MUTE function can only be operated with the remote control. It switches off the loudspeakers (14), the preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE” (13) and the recording output “OUTPUT REC” (11). Pressing it again restores the volume to its original setting. As long as the amplifier is muted, the display shows “MUTING”.

OPERATING THE APPLIANCE

Operation Reduce the amplifier’s gain (attenuation 8dB) Button(s) Description GAIN (20) Change the brightness DIMMER of the front panel display (8)(18) BAL-L/R (21) Change the channel balance CHANNEL (9) LEVEL / (4)(19) Operating this key activates or deactivates an attenuation of 8dB, which is applied to both the volume level of the speakers and also to the signal output of the preamplifier “OUTPUT PRE” (13). The GAIN operation is useful, if the combination of amplifier and speaker is so sensitive that the usable region of the volume control of the SV-232 lies at the lowest values. In this situation the volume steps are too coarse. In this case, after first reducing the volume for the sake of caution, press the “GAIN” button. If the GAIN setting was “00dB” (normal) before, the display now shows “-08dB” in the front panel display. The LED (3) in the display area is lit as long as the GAIN function is active. The perceived loudness is now reduced and the output level at the preamplifier output “OUTPUT PRE” (13) is smaller. One more keypress to “GAIN” restores the original gain setting (00dB). The GAIN function can only be used via remote control and is not intended to be toggled in everyday use! This function can only be operated using the associated front panel button. When repeatedly pressed, the display brightness is reduced in two steps (1x, 2x), switched off (3x) and restored to the original, maximum brightness (4x). For the time the display (2) is switched off, the LED on the front panel (7) remains illuminated to remind you that the amplifier is still switched on. One channel of the system (right or left) and thus one of the loudspeakers can be adjusted to be louder than the other one. That may be wanted if your favourite listening position in the room is closer to one speaker than to the other one resulting in a difference in perceived volume. This balance adjustment can be made using the corresponding remote controller buttons as well as using the front panel buttons. You are free to change the setting in 10 steps to each side (right or left). The maximum difference appears at the setting displaying “+10dB”. The BALANCE setting does not affect the recording output (14) and is not active as long as the input “MAIN INPUT LINE6” (12) is selected. Using the remote control: Press, if necessary repeatedly, the button “BAL-L” to boost the left channel volume compared to the right channel volume. “BAL-R” can be used to boost the right channel volume. At the front panel: Press the button “CHANNEL” and don’t wait too long: use “LEVEL ” or “LEVEL ” to change the BALANCE setting. While doing this, the display shows the current BALANCE value and the side (R: right or L: left) to which the BALANCE has been moved. Vincent

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-

Vincent If the problem occurs and cannot be solved by yourself your audio specialist dealer will help you.

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. Otherwise it may be defective. 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. Unit fuse or unit is defective. Contact your dealer. The currently selected audio source (5)(22) is giving no signal. Switch on the source unit and begin playback. 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. Wrong input channel has been selected at the amplifier. Set the amplifier to the input that your desired source is connected to (5)(22). Volume (LEVEL/VOLUME) is set too low. Carefully increase the volume (4)(19). The amplifier is muted (MUTE-Function). Deactivate the MUTE function (17) after, as a precaution, reducing the volume level. The output of the speaker pair you want to use has not been activated. After, as a precaution, reducing the volume level, press the “SPEAKER A/B” button (1) associated to the speaker output used, so that the LED next to the key is illuminated. The speaker cables are not properly connected to the amplifier's terminal. Otherwise they may be defective. Check and tighten the speaker cables at the amplifier (14) and 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. Channel balance has been set to the extreme right or left. Set the channel balance (9)(21) 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. The cables coming from both the speakers of a speaker pair must not be connected to different terminal sets (e.g. one A and one B) on the back of the amplifier. No sound on both channels although the unit is ready for use (front panel display (2) is functional) No audio playback on one channel Vincent

Symptom Possible Cause Countermeasure Front panel display does not work It has been switched off before using “DIMMER” (8)(18). Press the button “DIMMER” (8)(18) one more time. Poor sound quality The cable connections are not tight, the connectors are dirty or a cable is defective. Check the cables and cable connections. A record player has been connected to a line level input without using a phono preamplifier. Interconnect a phono preamplifier. An audio source with standard line level output is connected to the amplifier direct input “LINE6” (12). Use line level audio sources only at the inputs “LINE1”...”LINE5”. 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 to point the remote control at the front of the unit only when the sight-line is clear, within a 7-metre distance and, if possible, facing the unit. The unit is not switched on. Switch on the unit. The remote control cannot perform any functions Humming low frequency noise is audible, even as no audio source is playing back See section "Net frequency noise" in the chapter "Tips". TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Frequency response: Nominal Output Power at 8Ω: Nominal Output Power at 4Ω: Input sensitivity: Total Harmonic Distortion: Signal to Noise Ratio: Input Impedance: AC power connection type: Inputs: Outputs: Dimensions: Weight: Colour:

silver / black 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. 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. 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. RCA RCA is the American name for coaxial RCA 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