AP2020 - Audio Amplifier YORKVILLE - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Power audio amplifier
Brand	YORKVILLE
Model	AP2020
Dimensions (with rack ears)	48.3 x 43.9 x 8.9 cm (19 x 17.3 x 3.5 in)
Weight	15.9 kg (35 lb)
Power consumption	700 W (typical) / 1440 W (max)
Operating modes	Stereo, dual mono, bridged
Output power (bridged, 4 Ω)	1300 W average continuous, 2100 W peak
Inputs	2 balanced XLR, 2 unbalanced 6.35 mm jacks
Outputs	2 Speakon 4-pole, 2 binding posts
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Total harmonic distortion (THD)	< 0.01% at 1 kHz, 4 Ω; < 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)	-106 dB
Input impedance (balanced)	20 kΩ
Voltage gain	31 dB
Protections	Short circuit, DC, thermal, excessive load
Limiter	Peak, switchable
Subsonic filter	40 Hz, 12 dB/octave, switchable
Cooling	Internal fan, front-to-back airflow
Fan filter	User-cleanable (every 4 to 6 weeks)
Rack mounting	2U
Warranty	2 years (10 years for cabinet) – transferable

Frequently Asked Questions - AP2020 YORKVILLE

How to set up the AP2020 in bridged mode?

Set the MODE switch to Bridge. Channel A and B inputs are paralleled; gain control B becomes inactive. Connect the load between the two RED terminals (the BLACK terminals are not used). Caution: in bridged mode, output voltage exceeds 100 Vrms – risk of electric shock.

What is the maximum output power in stereo mode under 2 ohms?

In 2-ohm mode, the average continuous power is 650 W per channel (both channels driven) and peak power is 1050 W per channel.

How to clean the fan filter?

Remove the filter located at the front of the amplifier. Clean it with warm soapy water or replace it. It is recommended to do this every 4 to 6 weeks depending on the environment. Replacement filters are available from Yorkville dealers.

What to do if the protection LED flashes?

A protection LED flashing every 7 seconds indicates a short-circuited load or too low impedance. Check the speakers and wiring. If the LED stays on solid, the amplifier is overheating – check ventilation and load impedance.

How to choose between 2-ohm and 4-ohm mode?

The selector on the rear panel configures the amplifier for a 2-ohm (left position) or 4-ohm (right position) load. Always change with amplifier turned off. In 4-ohm mode, the minimum load per channel is 4 ohms and 8 ohms in bridged mode.

Can I use an unbalanced input?

Yes, use a mono 6.35 mm jack (tip-signal, sleeve-ground). If using a stereo jack, connect ring to sleeve to avoid a 6 dB loss. For an unbalanced XLR input, connect signal to pin 2 and connect pins 1 and 3 to ground.

What is the function of the Ground Lift switch?

This switch disconnects the circuit ground from the chassis to eliminate ground loops causing hum. Safety ground remains connected. Do not use it to mask faulty mains wiring.

Is the AP2020 protected against short circuits?

Yes, it is fully protected against accidental short circuits. The output stage uses a triple-slope VI limiting arrangement that remains neutral even with transient currents >40 A. It is not recommended to leave a short-circuited load permanently.

Which cables to use for bridged mode with Speakon connectors?

Yorkville recommends a specific cable (Figure 3 in the manual) with both ends wired the same way. Do not use a standard 4-conductor Speakon cable, as it would short the outputs. The cable in Figure 2 is an alternative but requires identifying the ends.

What is the warranty of the AP2020?

The warranty is transferable: 2 years for electronics and 10 years for the cabinet (wood). No registration required; simply return the product to your dealer with proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover shipping costs, incidental damages, or consumables.

USER MANUAL AP2020 YORKVILLE

AP2020 PROFESSIONAL SERIES

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Read Instructions

The Owner's Manuals should be read and understood before operation of your unit. Please, save these instructions for future reference.

Packaging

Keep the box and packaging materials, in case the unit needs to be returned for service.

Warning

When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

Power Sources

Your unit should be connected to a power source only of the voltage specified in the owners manual or as marked on the unit. This unit has a polarized plug. Do not use with an extension cord or receptacle unless the plug can be fully inserted. Precautions should be taken so that the grounding scheme on the unit is not defeated.

Hazards

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing serious personal injury and serious damage to the product. Use only with cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing the product and use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

The apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing water; no objects filled with liquids should be placed on the apparatus.

Terminals marked with the "lightning bolt" are hazardous live; the external wiring connected to these terminals require installation by an instructed person or the use of ready made leads or cords.

No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

Power Cord

The AC supply cord should be routed so that it is unlikely that it will be damaged. If the AC supply cord is damaged DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT.

Service

The unit should be serviced only by qualified service personnel.

INSTRUCTIONS RELATIVES AU RISQUE DE FEU, CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, OU BLESSURES AUX PERSONNES

AVIS:

AFIN DE REDUIRE LES RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, N'ENLEVEZ PAS LE COUVERT (OU LE PANNEAU ARRIERE)

NE CONTIENT AUCUNE PIECE REPARABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR.

CONSULTEZ UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE POUR L'ENTRETIENT

Your new Yorkville AP2020 power amplifier is designed and built to provide years of trouble free performance. The AP2020 combines the field proven reliability of our Audiopro amplifiers with customer requested features such as switchable limiters, a Mono/Stereo/Bridge switch, and SPEAKON™ output connectors as well as binding posts.

The AP2020 weighs a comfortable but solid 35 pounds, fits into two rack spaces, and reproduces music with over 2000 Watts of headroom. It will drive reactive phase shifted loads with no difficulty - even though it is fully protected from accidental short circuits. Our design goal was to create an amplifier, which would do exactly what an amplifier should do: reproduce music with great power, complete reliability, and uncompromising signal fidelity. We think you will agree that the Yorkville AP2020 does exactly that.

Inputs

Balanced Inputs

Either XLR or two-circuit 'Ring, Tip, Sleeve' Stereo 1/4 -inch PHONE cords may be used. Each channel's XLR input is internally paralleled with its phone input (The TIP of the channel 'A' PHONE input is connected to pin 2 of its XLR input, the RING is connected to pin 3, and the Sleeve is connected to PIN 1). PIN 2 is in phase, PIN 3 is 180 degrees out of phase, and PIN 1 is ground. We recommend using balanced lines for the best hum-free performance, particularly when chaining multiple amplifiers.

Unbalanced Inputs

Ordinary single circuit Standard 1/4 -inch PHONE plugs may be used to connect unbalanced signals. IMPORTANT NOTE: Such plugs effectively connect the ring terminal to sleeve ground, so they work correctly. However, if you use a Stereo 1/4 -inch PHONE plug on an unbalanced line, you MUST short the Ring terminal to the sleeve terminal, otherwise the sensitivity will be 6 dB lower than is specified! (The same applies to the XLR input: To connect an unbalanced source via the XLR input, you must connect the signal to Pin 2 and ground BOTH Pin 1 and Pin 3).

Remote Referencing

You can approach balanced performance with unbalanced sources by utilizing the remote reference feature of the AP2020. Connect a balanced cable to the AP2020 just as you would if you were running a balanced line. At the other end, connect Pin 3 and Pin 1 together, (or connect ring to sleeve if you are using a PHONE plug cable), and plug this modified end into your unbalanced piece of equipment. This connection enables the AP2020's input to look down the cable directly at the output jack of the unbalanced equipment. Any hum voltage generated across the cable's impedance will be attenuated by the common mode rejection of the AP2020.

Driving Multiple AP2020's

In large installations it is often desirable to operate many amplifiers in tandem. Since each channel's XLR input is internally paralleled with its phone input, you may use the remaining input jack as an output to the next amplifier. Obviously you will need both XLR to XLR and PHONE to PHONE patch cords if you are going to tandem more than two amplifiers.

NOTE: These patch cords MUST be balanced whether the input signal is balanced or unbalanced!

Ground Switch

Switching the ground switch on the rear panel will disconnect chassis ground from circuit ground. Safety (earth) ground is still connected to the chassis. We do not recommend lifting the ground strap unless you are experiencing problems with ground loop hum in multiple amplifier setups where lifting the ground straps of all but one amplifier cures the hum problem

CAUTION: Sometimes hum problems are an indication of improper AC wiring somewhere else in your system. Don't just doctor the symptom by lifting grounds. Fix the cause by making sure that the proper electrical wiring safety regulations have been adhered to.

Modes

The AP2020 can be configured for dual-MONO, STEREO, or BRIDGED MONO operation via this rear panel MODE switch. The following is a description of each mode:

Mono Mode

• Channel A & B inputs are paralleled.
  Each gain control adjusts the signal level for its respective channel
• Output signals are of equal phase.
• Two loads are driven.
• Loads are connected between the BLACK and RED post on each channel.

Stereo Mode

• Channel A and B inputs are separate.
• Two independent amplifiers, Amp A and Amp B.
• Two loads are driven.
• Loads are connected between the BLACK and RED posts on each channel.

Bridge Mode

• Channel A and B inputs are paralleled. GAIN B has no effect.
• Output signals are equal in amplitude but opposite in phase.
• One load is driven.
• The load is connected between the two RED binding posts. The BLACK posts are not used.

Subsonic Filter Switch

The AP2020 features a specially designed subsonic filter, which effectively blocks potentially destructive energy in the band below 40Hz . The filter provides a 12 dB/octave. Skirt below 40Hz . It is implemented with a two-pole network designed to minimize phase shift down to 40Hz . We recommend using this filter in conjunction with some subwoofoers and with all high power full range cabinets. With the filter disabled, the AP2020 is flat down to 20Hz , and rolls off at 12dB/Oct below that.

Limiter Switch

With the internal limiters activated, the AP2020's gain is continuously adjusted to fit the signal within the available dynamic range. Occasional clipping is permitted. The limiters will not only help to protect your system's horns and tweeters, but will automatically make the best use of the available dynamic headroom. With the limiters activated, all you need to do is turn up the signal level until you start to see some clipping. The limiters will make sure that you are getting the maximum clean power output at all times. Setting the switch to the IN position completely disables both limiters.

Protect LED

In the event of a shorted load or a load which is of too low an impedance for the amplifier to handle the PROTECT LED will flash alternately on and off at about 3 second intervals. The sound may come on and off at 12 second intervals. In this case, the fault is in the speakers or the speaker cables and should be located and remedied. No reset of the AP2020 is required to restore proper operation. The PROTECT LED will stay on if the amplifier has overheated. Check the speaker load impedance and any restrictions to air flow at the air intake or exhaust vents of the amplifier.

Short Circuit Protection

The AP2020 is fully protected against all possible passive load conditions. It can operate into a dead short continuously without damage. (However, we don't recommend that you short your AP2020 "just for fun." Shorts do create a lot of stress on the output devices). The output stage uses a unique triple slope VI-limiting scheme, which is sophisticated enough to remain inert during transient currents in excess of 50 Amperes and phase angles of more than 45 degrees, yet is capable of protecting the output stage from damage due to accidental short circuits and improper loads.

DC Protection

In the unlikely event of the AP2020's outputs going DC, a thyristor circuit will short the output terminals and divert all potentially harmful currents away from your speakers.

Thermal Protection

In the unlikely event that the AP2020 overheats, the signal will be sporadically cut off and the PROTECT LED will stay on. If further heating occurs, due to some malfunction, an internal thermal breaker will interrupt the primary circuit. There is no visible indication of this rare condition. The AP2020 is designed and tested to operate under "worst case" conditions without shutting down, so if you experience a thermal shut down you should check for blocked air flow.

Cooling

The fan draws air in from the front and expels hot air through the rear vents. This is compatible with most installations. Since hot air rises, the heated air forcibly expelled from the back tends to rise away from the equipment rack. This draws cool air from the floor upwards into the front of the rack. In some cases where the rear of the rack is obstructed, it may be necessary to install rack fans to aid cooling. If there are no obstructions, no secondary cooling is required.

Fan Filter Maintenance

The AP2020 is factory equipped with a fan filter mounted on the air-intake grill located on the amplifier's front panel. Regular cleaning of this filter will increase the amplifier's long-term reliability. The filter should be removed and washed at the first sign of visible clogging. This will typically occur every four to six weeks depending on use and environment. Replacement filters are inexpensive and can be ordered through Yorkville dealers. The foam filter should be removed if a regular inspection schedule is not going to be followed. The amplifier can operate without the filter in place, but a qualified service technician should clean the amplifier internally when dust is visible on the heatsink fins.

Note: In an unusually dusty location, without regular filter inspections, removing the foam filter can extend the operating time before thermal shutdown could occur. At that time, the internal heatsinks should be cleaned thoroughly

Clip LEDs

The CLIP LEDs on the front panel will visibly indicate any signal excursion beyond the dynamic headroom of the amplifier.

Reliability

The AP2020 is designed and manufactured by Yorkville Sound. Each unit undergoes a thorough, temperature cycled burn-in period, and each circuit is tested by both manual and sophisticated computer controlled equipment which is capable of identifying any deviation from the design center parameters. The design of the AP2020 is conservative with respect to the power handling capabilities of the output devices. The topology guarantees that thermal stress not secondary breakdown will set the limits of operation, while the computer optimized heat dissipation system insures that excessive thermal stress will not occur. Yorkville's reputation as a manufacturer of reliable equipment will be further enhanced by the AP2020.

CAUTION: The AP2020 can deliver over 2100 Watts of power into a bridged load. Yorkville's own high power speaker systems have circuit-breaker protection built in. These speakers will protect themselves and thus are unlikely to be damaged by a bridged AP2020. However, many other speaker manufacturers make "high power cabinets" with no protection features at all. Yorkville Sound is not responsible for any damage, which may result as a consequence of exceeding such a speaker's power handling capability. Yorkville's Two Year Unconditional Warranty does not cover any consequential damages to non-Yorkville equipment. Please consider these facts carefully before you choose to run your AP2020 in Bridge Model!

The AP2020 is not only suitable for use in both heavy duty touring sound reinforcement systems but also when high headroom and low distortion are needed to fully reproduce the dynamic range and clarity of today's CD recordings. It is built to survive grueling road conditions and constant 2-ohm operation. Its reliability in a fixed installation running 4 or 8-ohm studio monitors is without parallel.

Output Connections

WARNING: When driven to full power in Bridge Mode here is more than 70 Vrms appearing between the binding posts. This represents a significant shock hazard and due care should be taken when making any speaker connections. Ensure that no strands of bare conductor are exposed after inserting the speaker wire into the hole in the side of the binding post terminals.

The AP2020 has 5-way binding posts and Neutrik four contact Speakon™ connectors for output speaker connections. Connection to the binding posts can either be made with a forked lug on the post's neck or banana plug inserted into the end of the post.

There are three Speakon™ connectors, one for each channel output and a third for bridge/bi-amp connections. All three connectors are connected to the amplifier's outputs whether the amplifier is in stereo mono or bridge modes. Connection configurations are labeled on the back panel. Each Speakon™ output connector (output A, output B) is wired in parallel with it's respective binding posts for two channel two cable connections (figure 1).

The Bridge/Bi-amp connector contains both channels on one connector. This is convenient when connecting one speaker to the amplifier in bridge mode where the speaker is connected across the positives of each amplifier output. Configure the mode switch for bridge and connect the speaker to pins +1 and +2 of the bridge/bi-amp Speakon (figure 3).

To connect a bi-amp speaker, configure the amplifier for stereo and connect to the bridge/bi-amp connector but use all four terminals in the Speakon connector which will connect A and B outputs separately to the speaker (figure 2).

Impedance Mode Switch

The AP2020 comes factory configured to deliver it's maximum power into a 2-ohm load. However, it is possible to switch your AP2020 to deliver it's maximum power into 4-ohms. The switch is located on the rear panel above the line cord. 2-ohm mode is selected if the switch is in the LEFT position, 4-ohm mode is selected if the switch if the switch is in the right position. To prevent damage to the amplifier's circuitry

ONLY switch modes when the amplifier's power switch is OFF! This feature is intended to be used where the load is known.

PLEASE NOTE: In the 4-ohm configuration, the minimum load per channel is 4-ohms and the minimum BRIDGE load is 8-ohms. Attempting to operate into 2-ohm loads while in the 4-ohms configuration will cause the amplifier to go into current limit, thermal limit, or both. The power specification chart in this manual shows the powers that can be achieved for various configurations and loads.

Power Output

All values are in WATTS. Measurements were made at the 0.1% distortion point. Some CONTINUOUS AVERAGE POWER measurements required line currents greater than 15 Amps. The amplifier under test was plugged into an IDEAL POWER LINE consisting of a REGULATED 120 VAC RMS 60Hz pure sine wave. Ordinary AC "wall outlet" lines will always exhibit varying and unpredictable amounts of sag. To produce objectively verifiable and accurate specifications these unknown factors must be eliminated by using an ideal AC line. When using an ordinary electrical outlet, it will usually be possible to get 2400 Watts when the AP2020 is bridged into 4 ohms. The BURST measurements use a 10mS burst at 1KHz with a 1/8 second pause between bursts. The 1KHz burst represents the maximum possible sine wave output power.

One Channel Driven

Load (ohms)	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst
	2-ohm Mode	2-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode
8	330	350	425	475
4	550	650	725	870
2	850	1050	n/a	n/a

Both Channels Driven

Load (ohms)	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst
	2-ohm Mode	2-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode
8	250	350	400	450
4	460	650	615	800
2	650	1050	n/a	n/a

Bridge Mode

Load (ohms)	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst	1KHz Cont. Avg.	1KHz Burst
	2-ohm Mode	2-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode	4-ohm Mode
8	950	1200	1250	1600
4	1300	2100	n/a	n/a
2	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Specifications

Amplifier class	H
Continuous Average Power @ 8 ohms BCD (Watts)	250 (x2) / 400 (x2)*
Continuous Average Power @ 4 ohms BCD (Watts)	450 (x2) / 600 (x2)*
Continuous Average Power @ 2 ohms BCD (Watts)	600 (x2) / NA*
Continuous Average Power Bridged BCD (Watts)	1200 @ 4/8 Ohms
Burst Average Power @ 8 ohms BCD (Watts)	350 (x2) / 450 (x2)*
Burst Average Power @ 4 ohms BCD (Watts)	650 (x2) / 800 (x2)*
Burst Average Power @ 2 ohms BCD (Watts)	1325 (x2) / NA*
Burst Average Power Bridged BCD (Watts)	2100 @ 4 ohms / 1600 @ 8 ohms
Frequency Response (Hz, +/- 1dB)	20-20,000
Hum and Noise (un / A-weighted -dB)	-103 / -106
THD -1kHz- 4 ohms	less than 0.01%
THD - 20Hz-20kHz, 4 ohms	less than 0.1%
Slew Rate (V/uS)	22
Slew Rate Bridged (V/uS)	44
Damping Factor (30 Hz - 400 Hz @ 8 ohms)	450
Crosstalk (1kHz / 20Hz-20kHz)	-75 / -60 dB
Input Impedance - Bal/Unbal (ohms)	20,000/10,000
Input Sensitivity (Vrms) For Full Power Out	1.0/1.4 V *
Max Voltage Gain (dB)	31
CMRR @ 60Hz (min/typ)	48/56 dB
Stereo / Mono / Bridge (S/M/B)	S/M/B
Protection	DC,Load,Thermal
Limiter	Peak
High Pass Filter	40Hz, 12dB Octave
Cooling	Internal Fan
Cooling Path	Front to Rear
Fan Filter	User Serviceable
Inputs - XLR	2
Inputs - 1/4 inch Jacks	2
Outputs - Speakon 4-pin	2
Outputs - Binding Post	2
Power Consumption (typ/max)	700/1440 Watts
Rack Spaces	2
Transformer Type	Toroidal
Exterior Finish	Baked, Black Painted
Other Features	* Max power into 2 ohms / Max power into 4 ohms
Dimensions (DWH /D fm ears, inches)	19 x 17.3 x 3.5 x 16.2
Dimensions (DWH /D fm ears, cm)	48.3 x 43.9 x 8.9 x 41
Weight (Ibs / kg)	35 / 15.9

Two Channel Configuration

Bi Amp Configuration

Bridged Configuration

NOTE: A four conductor Speakon™ cable cannot be used to bridge into Speakon™ Standard cabinets. This will short the output of Channel B (+2) to Channel A (-1) inside the speaker cabinet.

Yorkville BRIDGE Mode SPEAKON™ Cable Hook-Up
Figure 3

Introduction

Configuration Bi-Amp

Yorkville's two and ten-year unlimited warranty on this product is transferable and does not require registration with Yorkville Sound or your dealer. If this product should fail for any reason within two years of the original purchase date (ten years for the wooden enclosure), simply return it to your Yorkville dealer with original proof of purchase and it will be repaired free of charge. This includes all Yorkville products, except for the YSM Series studio monitors, Coliseum Mini Series and TX Series Loudspeakers.

Freight charges, consequential damages, weather damage, damage as a result of improper installation, damages due to exposure to extreme humidity, accident or natural disaster are excluded under the terms of this warranty. Warranty does not cover consumables such as vacuum tubes or par bulbs. See your Yorkville dealer for more details. Warranty valid only in Canada and the United States.

Garantie Illimitée

Niagara Falls, New York

14305 USA

Voice: [phone]

Fax: [phone]