S300 - Integrated amplifier NAD - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL S300 NAD

TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not

expose this unit to rain or moisture. The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product. Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand or tripod, bracket or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the unit. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the unit. Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. Read and follow all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using this unit. Retain this notice and the owner’s manual for future reference. All warnings on the unit and in its operating instructions should be adhered to. ATTENTION POUR ÉVITER LES CHOC ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND. CAUTION TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY INSERT. If an indoor antenna is used (either built into the set or installed separately), never allow any part of the antenna to touch the metal parts of other electrical appliances such as a lamp, TV set etc. CAUTION POWER LINES Any outdoor antenna must be located away from all power lines.

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING

If an outside antenna is connected to your tuner or tunerpreamplifier, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode. a. Use No. 10 AWG (5.3mm2) copper, No. 8 AWG (8.4mm2) aluminium, No. 17 AWG (1.0mm2) copper-clad steel or bronze wire, or larger, as a ground wire. b. Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-off insulators spaced from 4-6 feet (1.22 - 1.83 m) apart. c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where leadin enters house. d. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG (13.3mm2) copper, or the equivalent, when a separate antenna-grounding electrode is used. see NEC Section 810-21 (j). EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLE 810 - RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT. Do not use this unit near water; for example, near a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool. The unit should be installed so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air through its ventilation openings. The unit should be situated from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat. The unit should be connected to a power supply outlet only of the voltage and frequency marked on its rear panel. The power supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched, especially near the plug, convenience receptacles, or where the cord exits from the unit. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Never use benzine, thinner or other solvents for cleaning. Use only a soft damp cloth. The power supply cord of the unit should be unplugged from the wall outlet when it is to be unused for a long period of time. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any openings. This unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the unit; or C. The unit has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind; or D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The device has been dropped or the enclosure damaged. DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT

YOURSELF. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED

SERVICE PERSONNEL Upon completion of any servicing or repairs, request the service shop’s assurance that only Factory Authorized Replacement Parts with the same characteristics as the original parts have been used, and that the routine safety checks have been performed to guarantee that the equipment is in safe operating condition. REPLACEMENT WITH UNAUTHORIZED PARTS MAY RESULT IN FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER HAZARDS.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the ground cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical. ©1998 NAD S300

NAD S300 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier QUICK START

1. Connect the speakers to the rear Speaker sockets and sources to

the relevant rear input sockets.

2. Plug in the AC Mains cable.

3. Press the POWER button to turn the S300 on.

4. Press the required input selector.

This unit may be installed on any level surface that is strong enough to support its weight. Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near sources of heat and damp. Since its power transformers generate a significant magnetic hum field, a turntable (especially one with a moving-coil pick-up cartridge) or a TV should not be located adjacent to the amplifier or directly above it. The heat-sink fins make it awkward to lift the S300 by grasping the left and right sides. You may find it more practical to place your hands under the front and rear panels. Much of the amplifier’s weight is near the front panel. CAUTION: The amplifier’s weight must always rest on its bottom feet. Never put the amplifier down on its rear panel, with its front panel facing up. Doing so risks damage to the input/output connectors. The amplifier generates some heat, even when idling, requiring internal and external ventilation. Allow adequate ventilation. Do not place it in an enclosed position such a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the air-flow through the ventilation slots. Do not permit the ventilation slots on the top cover to be obstructed by papers or articles of clothing. If you want to locate the amplifier on a carpeted floor, place a board under the amplifier in order to prevent it from sinking into the carpet, blocking the air inlets on its bottom. CAUTION: To prevent a fire or shock hazard, do not permit liquid or moisture to enter the amplifier. If liquid is accidentally spilled on it, immediately shut off the power and unplug the AC Mains cable. Have the unit inspected by a qualified service technician before attempting to use it again.

Switch the unit off before making any connections. The RCA connectors on your S300 are colour coded for convenience. Red and white are Right and Left audio respectively, and yellow for NAD-Link. Always use high quality leads and connectors for optimum performance and reliability. Ensure that leads and connectors are not damaged in any way and all connectors are firmly pushed home. For best performance, use quality speaker leads of 16 gauge or 2 sq.mm. thickness or more. If the unit is not going to be used for some time, disconnect the plug from the AC socket. Do not open the amplifier or attempt to modify or repair it yourself. Refer all servicing to a qualified technician. Do not remove the cover, there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Use a dry soft cloth to clean the unit. If necessary, lightly dampened the cloth with soapy water. Do not use solutions containing benzol or other volatile agents.

The S300 comes supplied with a separate AC Mains cable. Before connecting the cable to a live wall socket ensure that it is firmly connected to the NAD S300’s AC Mains input socket first. Always disconnect the AC Mains cable plug from the live wall socket first before disconnecting the cable from the S300 Mains input socket. VOLTAGE CONVERSION A notice printed on the rear indicates the AC power-line voltage that the preamplifier requires. However, every model S300 amplifier has a “universal” power supply that can be modified easily for operation in other countries. If you wish to transport your S300 to a nation that employs a different power-line voltage, an authorised NAD dealer or service agency can convert it for such use.

2. BALANCED CD INPUT

Input for a CD or other line-level signal source that uses balanced XLR output connectors, like NAD S500. In case you do not wish to use a CD player featuring balanced outputs, use the AUX input for RCA connectors instead. The wiring standard used for the balanced connectors is: Pin 1:Chassis Earth (Ground) Pin 2:Hot (Live) Pin 3:Signal Ground (Return)

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCED CONNECTIONS

With a conventional (unbalanced) connection, audio signal current flows from the CD player to the amplifier via the cable’s centre conductor. To complete the circuit, audio signal current flows back to the CD player ground via the cable’s outer conductor. The outer conductor also serves as the cable’s shield. When two audio components are connected together, power-supply noise and “leakage” hum may also flow on the cable shields, combining with the return audio current. The resulting distortion and noise may depend on the orientation of AC power plugs in their sockets. Designers of some audiophile cables combat this contamination by leaving the shield unconnected at one end. Since the shield is grounded at only one end, the performance of such a cable may depend on the direction of its connection, i.e. whether the shield is grounded at the CD player or at the amplifier. A three-wire balanced connection avoids all of these uncertainties. The signal “hot” and return currents are both carried on inner conductors. The separate cable shield, connected to the amplifier chassis at both ends, protects the audio signal from all forms of interference and power-supply noise.

Input for the audio signal from a stereo VCR (or stereo TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) or other line-level audio source. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ of the unit to these inputs. NOTE: These are audio inputs only.

Input for additional line level input signals or a CD player with no balanced output. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the auxiliary unit’s left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ to these inputs. The S300 is provided with a GROUND terminal on the rear panel. This terminal is connected directly to the chassis of the S300. In the event of radio hum or radio interference, this terminal can be connected to a ‘true earth’ such as a copper plated rod driven several feet into the ground.

Input for a Tuner or other line-level signal source. Use a twin RCA-toRCA lead to connect the Tuner left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ to these inputs.

Connections for analogue recording and playback to an audio tape recorder of any type. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect the left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ of the tape machine to the TAPE connectors for playback and tape monitoring. Connect the left and right ‘Audio Inputs’ of the tape machine to the TAPE REC connectors for recording.

The NAD-Link connector is used to pass commands from the remote control handset to and from other units fitted with NAD-Link connectors. This allows centralised control of a complete system or gives system control from more than one room. To function with other units, connect the S300’s NAD-Link OUT to the NAD-Link IN on the other unit. NAD-Link connectors can be daisy-chained, IN to OUT, so that a whole system can be controlled from the remote control facilities of one unit. A single NAD-Link connection from a hi-fi system in a second room will allow remote control of Multi Room systems.

Speaker terminals for speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or more. Connect the right speaker to the terminals market ‘R +’ and ‘R-’ ensuring that the ‘R+’ is connected to the ‘+’ terminal on your loudspeaker and the ‘R-’ is connected to the loudspeaker’s ‘-’ terminal. Connect the terminals marked ‘L+’ and ‘L-’ to the left speaker in the same way. Always use heavy duty (16 gauge/2 sq.mm. or thicker) stranded wire to connect loudspeakers to your S300. The high current binding post terminals can be used as a screw terminal for cables terminating in spade or pin connectors or for cables with bare wire ends. SPADE CONNECTORS These should be slotted under the terminal’s screw bushing, which is then fully tightened. Ensure the connector is tightly secured and there is no danger of bare metal from spade connectors touching the back panel or another connector as this may cause damage.

BARE WIRES AND PIN CONNECTORS

Bare wires and pin connectors should be inserted into the hole in the shaft of the terminal. Unscrew the speaker terminal’s plastic bushing until the hole in the screw shaft is revealed. Insert the pin or bare cable end into the hole and secure the cable by tightening down the terminal’s bushing. Avoid any danger of bare metal from the speaker cables touching the back panel or another connector. Ensure that there is only 1/2” (1cm) of bare cable or pin and no loose strands of speakers wire. Pressing the POWER button turns the unit On. The blue LED above the POWER button lights up. After a pause to stabilise all circuits, the relays click on to open for the signal to the loudspeakers, and the LED goes off. Pressing the POWER button again will turn the amplifier Off. The Power LED is dark when the amplifier is on, and lights up blue when it is in Standby mode and during the start-up procedure. In case of a short-circuit of the speaker cables, the LED flashes to indicate that the protection mode is active. When you switch on the unit by pressing the POWER button, CD is always selected as the active input, indicated by the LED above the CD button lighting up. Pressing the Standby button on the remote handset while the S300 is On will switch it into Standby mode and the LED above the POWER button lights up. This shows that power is being supplied to the S300, but the system is currently in the Standby mode. The next time you switch the S300 on with the Standby button, the internal memory selects the input that was active when you switched it to Standby mode. If you switch off and on with the front panel POWER button, this memory is deleted, and the unit starts in CD mode. When in Standby mode, you may press any of the input selector buttons on the front panel to “wake up” your S300 with that input active.

CAUTION: When in Standby mode , power is still supplied to your S300. You should switch it off using the front panel POWER button when it is not being used for long periods of time.

These buttons select the active input to the S300 and the signal sent to the loudspeakers and the Tape Rec output. LED’s above each button will indicate which input is currently selected. CD Selects the (balanced only) CD input (or other line-level source) connected to the balanced CD sockets as the active input. VIDEO Selects the VCR (or stereo TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) connected to the VCR sockets as the active input. AUX Selects a line-level source connected to the AUX sockets, such as a CD player without balanced outputs as the active input. TUNER Selects the tuner (or other line-level source) connected to the Tuner sockets as the active input.

Selects the output from a tape recorder when playing back tapes or monitoring recordings being made through the Tape sockets. Press the TAPE MONITOR button once to select it and again to return to the normal input selection. TAPE MONITOR is a monitor function which does not override the current input selection. For example, if the CD is the active input when TAPE MONITOR is selected, then the CD signal will continue to be selected and sent to the TAPE REC sockets, but it is the sound from recorder connected to TAPE will be heard from the loudspeakers. To show which input is active when in tape monitor mode, its indicator light will stay lit.

When any source is selected, its signal is also fed directly to any tape machine connected to the TAPE REC outputs for recording. STANDBY Switches the S300 between On and Standby modes. (Caution: Switch the S300 off using the front panel POWER button when it is not being used for long periods of time.) MUTE Press the MUTE button to temporarily switch off the sound to the speakers. Press MUTE button again to restore sound. VIDEO 1 Selects VIDEO as the active input. VIDEO 2 and 3 Not active with S300. DISC Not active with S300. CD Selects CD as the active input. TUNER FM Selects the TUNER input of the S300 and the FM waveband on a separate NAD Tuner. TUNER AM Also selects TUNER input on the S300 and the AM waveband on a separate NAD Tuner. AUX Selects AUX as the active input. TAPE 1 Selects TAPE MONITOR as the active input. Press it to select, press it again to revert to normal input selection. TAPE 2 Not active with S300. MASTER VOLUME respectively increases or decreases the Volume setting. The motorised Volume Control on the front panel will indicate the level set. Please note that the S300 has no built-in RIAA phono amplification. If you wish to listen to LP records, it is necessary to add a separate phono preamplifier, such as an NAD PP1. The phono preamplifier may then be connected to the AUX or VIDEO input. Other than the commands relating to the NAD S300 amplifier itself, there are other buttons which will operate most NAD CD players, Tuners and Cassette decks equipped with NAD Link.

TUNER CONTROL BALANCE The S300 is designed with no balance control. As most serious listening takes place in the optimum position between the speakers, we have decided to leave out this potentially detrimental control. (for use with NAD Tuner). BANK Selects a bank of preset stations. PRESET Selects respectively lower or higher number station preset.

The VOLUME control adjusts the overall loudness of the signals being fed to the loudspeakers. It is motor driven and can be adjusted from the remote control handset. The VOLUME control does not affect recordings made using the Tape output.

Sensor for receiving the infra-red signals from your remote handset. The LED above the sensor will flash when a signal is being received from the remote handset, even if the signal goes to another NAD unit, e.g. through NAD-LINK.

REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET

The Remote control handset handles all the key functions of the S300 and has additional controls to remotely operate NAD Tuners, Cassette and CD machines. Alkaline batteries are recommended for maximum operating life. Two AAA (LR03) batteries should be fitted in the battery compartment of the Remote control handset. When replacing batteries, check that they have been put in the right way round, as indicated on the base of the battery compartment. Please refer to previous sections of the manual for a full description of individual functions. NOTE: The remote control handset supplied is the NAD universal remote and can be used on any remote controllable NAD system. Not every function on it is available on your S300.

(for use with NAD CD Player). engages Pause. engages Stop. engages Play or toggles between Play and Pause. engages Track skip; Press once respectively to return to the start of the current or previous track or to go to the next track. NEXT DISC Go to next disc (for NAD CD changers).

CASSETTE DECK CONTROL

(For use with single (DECK B) or double transport (A and B) NAD Cassette Decks). engages Reverse Play or Forward Play. Record / Pause. Press to put cassette deck into record-pause. Press Play to start recording. stops Play or Recording. engages Rewind. engages Fast Forward. NOTE: Direct sunlight or very bright ambient lighting may affect the operating range and angle for the remote control handset. TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Solution NO SOUND

• Power AC Mains cable unplugged or power not switched on
• TAPE MONITOR is selected

• Check if AC Mains cable is plugged in and power switched on
• De-select TAPE MONITOR mode

• Speaker not properly connected or damaged
• Input lead disconnected or damaged

• Check connections and speakers

WEAK BASS / POOR STEREO IMAGE

• Speakers wired out of phase

• Check connections to all speakers in the system

• IR transmitter or receiver windows obstructed

• Check leads and connections

7. “NAD LINK IN/OUT”

©1998 NAD ELECTRONICS LTD

LONDON ENGLAND All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of NAD Electronics Limited S300 Manual 08/98 Printed in Denmark