WISDOM SA-2 Two Channel Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 4, 2024
- WISDOM
Table of Contents
Owner’s Manual
SA-2
Two-Channel System Amplifier
DOCUMENT CONVENTIONS
This document contains general safety, installation, and operation
instructions for the Wisdom Audio SA-2 Amplifier. It is important to read this
document before attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to:
WARNING: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or
death.
CAUTION: Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or
destruction of part of or the entire product.
Note: Calls attention to information that aids in the installation or
operation of the product.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
DANGER:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT
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 this equipment.
Marking by the “CE” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device
with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive)
standards of the European Community.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Important Safety Instructions
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely before operating your Wisdom Audio equipment.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this equipment near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade of the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your socket, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component.
- NEVER operate this product with any covers removed.
- NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
- NEVER pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
- NEVER bypass any fuse.
- NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified.
- NEVER operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
- ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.
Unpacking the SA-2
The Wisdom Audio SA-2 amplifier is a substantial piece of equipment. Please
exercise caution when unpacking your SA-2 to ensure that you do not strain
yourself from its (perhaps unexpected) weight.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to lift your SA-2 while bending or twisting from the waist. Use
your legs for lifting, not your back.
Always stand as straight as possible and keep the SA-2 close to your body to
reduce strain on your back.
After unpacking your SA-2, keep all packing materials for future transport. If
you need to ship your SA-2, only the original, purpose-designed shipping
carton is acceptable. Any other method of shipping this product runs a
significant risk of damage to the SA-2; damage that would not be covered by
the warranty.
Carefully inspect your SA-2 for possible damage due to shipping. If you
discover any, contact your Wisdom Audio dealer immediately.
Placement Considerations
PRECAUTION
For your protection, review “Important Safety Instructions” and “Operating
Voltage” before you install your SA-2.
Note that adequate clearance for the AC cord and connecting signal cables must
be left behind your SA-2. We suggest leaving at least six inches (15 cm) of
free space behind your SA-2, so all cables have sufficient room to bend
without crimping or undue strain.
If possible, the SA-2 should also be placed in such a way that the power
switch on the rear panel is easily accessible. This switch disconnects power
from the unit completely, resulting in effective disconnection of the SA-2
from the AC mains.
You might think of this as a “vacation switch”, should you wish to turn off
your system completely when you will be away from home for a prolonged period.
Just remember to turn it back on again when you return.
Ventilation
Your Wisdom Audio SA-2 has relatively modest ventilation requirements, thanks
to its remarkably efficient design. Typically, it becomes only modestly warm
during normal operation. Still, please be certain to keep the vents on the
sides of the amplifier clear of any obstruction. (The rack mount attachments
have corresponding vents.)
Mechanical drawings are included in this manual to facilitate special
installations where necessary (see “Dimensions” at the end of this manual).
Operating Voltage
For compatibility with existing household outlets, a standard three-prong,
20ampere plug is provided on the removable, IEC-standard AC mains cable.
The Wisdom Audio SA-2 may be set for 100V, 120V, or 230V/240V AC mains
operation. Outside the United States, and depending on local electrical codes
and regulations, the AC mains cord may need to be replaced with one that
conforms to local plug/outlet standards.
NOTE: The AC receptacle employs a 20-amp IEC-standard socket (not the
more common 15-amp IEC socket).
The operating voltage of the SA-2 may not be changed by the user. Your
amplifier has been preset at the factory for the voltage of the country for
which it was built. If you move to a country with a different AC mains
voltage, please contact your local Wisdom Audio distributor or Wisdom Audio
for assistance.
CAUTION! Always make certain the SA-2 is set to the correct voltage
before connecting it to AC mains power! Failure to do so can severely damage
the unit and void the warranty.
This power amplifier has an extremely large power supply, and consequently
includes a special protection circuit that protects your AC mains circuit from
excessive in-rush currents when power is applied to the unit.
CAUTION! Please allow thirty seconds between turning the unit On and Off,
or toggling between Operate and Standby, to ensure that the in-rush protection
circuit has an opportunity to reset itself properly.
Failure to observe this procedure may result in nuisance tripping of the AC
mains supply’s circuit breaker. If this should happen, disconnect the
amplifier, reset the AC main supply’s circuit breaker, and wait for two
minutes before re-connecting the amplifier to the AC mains.
Front Panel
1. Power Switch and Indicator: The SA-2 features a sculpted front panel that conceals a switch under the flexible left end of the middle section. Gently pressing the left end of the center section will engage a micro switch under the face of the SA-2, which will in turn toggle the unit between operate and standby. The international symbol for power is inscribed in this location to designate its purpose. There are three normal states for the lit indicators:
- Lit amber LED on the left side indicates the unit is receiving power and is on standby
- Lit blue channel status indicators indicate the unit is receiving power and is fully on
- If both the amber and blue LEDs are off, no power is being supplied to the amplifier
2. Channel Status Indicators: These two LEDs provide visual confirmation of
the operational status of the two channels in your SA-2. Any fault condition
that causes an individual amplifier channel to shut down (for example, a
short-circuited speaker wire) will result in the LED indicator for that
channel blinking to notify you of a problem. If one or more indicators are
blinking, turn off the amplifier and completely disconnect the speaker wires
for the offending channel. (The LEDs are arranged on the front as the channels
are arranged on the back, as seen from the front.) Turn the amplifier back on
and check the status indicator. If it is still blinking, there is likely an
internal problem within the SA-2. Please contact your local Wisdom Audio
dealer or Wisdom Audio’s Technical Service department for assistance. If
removing the speaker wires from the offending channel appears to solve the
problem; check the DC resistance across the speaker leads you disconnected. It
should read several ohms (the exact number varies a bit by model). If the DC
resistance is under 1Ω, carefully check all the connections to make sure no
speaker wires are touching each other or shorted out in case their
insulation has been damaged. If yours is a custom installation with wires that
are run in the walls, you should probably call your Wisdom Audio dealer for
assistance troubleshooting the installation.
Rear Panel
CAUTION! Turn off the SA-2 before attempting to make or change any connections.
-
Balanced Audio Inputs
The pin assignments of these XLR-type female input connectors are:
Pin 1: Chassis ground 1
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal – (inverting)
Connector ground lug: chassis ground These pin assignments are consistent with the standards adopted by the Audio Engineering Society -
Speaker Output Terminals
The Wisdom Audio SA-series amplifiers are equipped with high-current binding posts for output termination to the loudspeaker system. To take full advantage of the amplifier’s sonic quality, we recommend using a high-quality speaker cable; please see your Wisdom Audio dealer.
CAUTION!
Never connect a power amplifier’s output terminals to any device other than a loudspeaker.
Never short-circuit the amplifier’s output terminals.
Never connect the output terminals of one amplifier to the output terminals of another amplifier.
Each channel of the SA-2 system amplifier has a single, patented Cardas speaker terminal for making speaker wire connections. This system uses a single large knob to tighten down on both positive + and negative –connections at once, without any need for tools. The unique design of these binding posts allows the use of strong, hard material for the threads that provide the pressure on the connection, while at the same time using optimal electrical connections (which require a softer metal). By separating the mechanical and the electrical systems within the connector, both can be properly optimized.
Ring terminal connectors are included with every SA amplifier for proper hook- up of speaker cables to your amplifier Cardas terminals. Connect the + (positive) output port of the amplifier to the + (positive) input terminal of the appropriate loudspeaker. Connect a – (negative or black) output port of the amplifier to the – (negative or black) input terminal of the appropriate loudspeaker. Take care to maintain this proper polarity throughout the system. -
DC Trigger In and Out
These 12v trigger jacks provide compatibility with a wide range of products to facilitate remote turn-on and turn-off in systems. These 1/8” (3.5 mm) “mini- jacks” allow other components to bring the SA-2 in and out of standby. Two such mini-jacks are provided to allow “daisy-chaining” of this turn-on signal with other components, including additional amplifiers.
The remote trigger input will be operated by any positive-polarity DC signal between 3–20 volts (only a few milliamps are required), with tip polarity as shown below Input Signal: 3-20 volts @ less than 10 mA
Output Signal: 12 volts @ 100mA
The DC Trigger Input has priority over the front panel switch. Therefore, if a trigger voltage is present at this input connector, the unit will be forced on and the front panel switch will be ignored. When the voltage transitions from high to low (off), the unit will go on standby.
When there is no voltage present at the trigger input (either because the controlling device is not sending, or because the plug is removed), the front panel switch will operate the SA-2, as you would expect.
The 12v Trigger Output jack is driven to a “high” state of 12 volts a few seconds after the SA-2 is turned on and can source as much as 100 mA of current at 12 volts. This signal may be used in turn to control other components, such as additional Wisdom Audio SA-series amplifiers. Each Wisdom Audio component has a short delay built into its DC trigger system to facilitate a staggered turn-on sequence.
Your Wisdom Audio dealer can help you take advantage of these design features to maximize your system’s convenience and versatility. -
AC Mains Input & Switch
A 20-ampere IEC standard power cord is used with the SA-2. A high-quality 20-ampere AC mains cord is included with the product, although the use of the standardized IEC receptacle means that you may easily substitute another high- quality AC mains cord if you wish
Note: Due to the high current nature of the SA-2, it uses a 20-ampere IEC receptacle and cord, rather than the more common 15-ampere version, and it will not accept a 15-ampere cord. If you decide to use an after-market power cord, it must employ the compatible 20- ampere IEC connector.
WARNING! Your new Wisdom Audio SA-2 has been safety-tested and is designed for operation with a three-conductor power cord. Do not defeat the “third pin” or earth ground of the AC power cord.
An AC mains switch is located above the power cord on the rear panel of the SA-2. This switch may be used to disconnect the unit from the AC mains without having to unplug the SA-2 from the wall outlet.
If you plan to be away for an extended period or have any other reason to turn the SA-2 completely off, you may either unplug the SA-2 or you may use the AC main switch.
DANGER!
Potentially dangerous voltages and current capabilities exist within your
SA-2. Do not attempt to open any portion of the SA-2’s cabinet. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside your SA-2.
All services of this product must be referred to a qualified Wisdom Audio
dealer or distributor.
We recommend that care be taken to ensure that all AC plugs for the equipment
in the system be wired to ensure proper AC polarity. Doing so will minimize
the noise in the system.
In the U.S., a simple AC mains tester (found at any hardware store) can test
to ensure that your electrical outlets are wired properly. Elsewhere in the
world (for example, in European Union countries), the AC mains plugs
themselves are not always polarized. Your dealer can test for the proper
orientation of the plug in the outlet. In such a case, it is good practice to
mark both plug and outlet to ensure that all products remain in the proper
orientation should it become necessary to temporarily disconnect the system
(for example, during an electrical storm).
Care & Maintenance
To remove dust from the cabinet of your SA-2, use a feather duster or a lint-
free soft cloth. To remove dirt and fingerprints, we recommend isopropyl
alcohol and a soft cloth. Dampen the cloth with alcohol first and then lightly
clean the surface of the SA-2 with the cloth. Do not use excessive amounts of
alcohol that might drip off the cloth and into the SA-2.
CAUTION! At no time should liquid cleaners be applied directly to the
SA-2, as a direct application of liquids may result in damage to electronic
components within the unit.
North American Warranty
Standard Warranty
When purchased from and installed by an authorized Wisdom Audio dealer, Wisdom
Audio loudspeakers are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for a period of 10 years from the original date
of purchase on the cabinet and passive drivers.
IMPORTANT: Wisdom Audio loudspeakers are designed for installation and
operation in environmentally controlled conditions, such as are found in
normal residential environments. When used in harsh conditions such as
outdoors or in marine applications, the warranty is three years from the
original date of purchase.
During the warranty period, any Wisdom Audio products exhibiting defects in
materials and/or workmanship will be repaired or replaced, at our option,
without charge for either parts or labor, at our factory. The warranty will
not apply to any Wisdom Audio products that have been misused, abused,
altered, or installed and calibrated by anyone other than an authorized Wisdom
Audio dealer.
Any Wisdom Audio product not performing satisfactorily may be returned to the
factory for evaluation. Return authorization must first be obtained by either
calling or writing the factory prior to shipping the component. The factory
will pay for return shipping charges only if the component is found to be
defective as mentioned above. There are other stipulations that may apply to
shipping charges.
There is no other express warranty on Wisdom Audio products. Neither this
warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied, including any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall extend beyond the warranty
period. No responsibility is assumed for any incidental or consequential
damages. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts and other states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply
to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights, which vary from state to state. This warranty is applicable in the
United States and Canada only. Outside of the U.S. and Canada, please contact
your local, authorized Wisdom Audio distributor for warranty and service
information.
Obtaining Service
We take great pride in our dealers. Experience, dedication, and integrity make
these professionals ideally suited to assist with our customers’ service
needs.
If your Wisdom Audio loudspeaker must be serviced, please contact your dealer.
Your dealer will then decide whether the problem can be remedied locally, or
whether to contact Wisdom Audio for further service information or parts or to
obtain a Return Authorization. The Wisdom Audio Service Department works
closely with your dealer to solve your service needs expediently.
IMPORTANT: Return authorization must be obtained from Wisdom Audio’s
Service Department BEFORE a unit is shipped for service.
It is extremely important that information about a problem be explicit and
complete. A specific, comprehensive description of the problem helps your
dealer and the Wisdom Audio Service Department locate and repair the
difficulty as quickly as possible.
A copy of the original bill of sale will serve to verify the warranty status.
Please include it with the unit when it is brought in for warranty service.
WARNING: All returned units must be packaged in their original packaging,
and the proper return authorization numbers must be marked on the outer carton
for identification. Shipping the unit in improper packaging may void the
warranty, as Wisdom Audio cannot be responsible for the resulting shipping
damage.
Your dealer can order a new set of shipping materials for you if you need to
ship your loudspeaker and no longer have the original materials. There will be
a charge for this service. We strongly recommend saving all packing materials
in case you need to ship your unit someday.
If the packaging to protect the unit is, in our opinion or that of our dealer,
inadequate to protect the unit, we reserve the right to repackage it for
return shipment at the owner’s expense. Neither Wisdom Audio nor your dealer
can be responsible for shipping damage due to improper (that is, non-original)
packaging.
Specifications
All specifications are subject to change at any time to improve the product.
- Rated power output per channel: 500 w/ch continuous RMS power @ 4Ω above power ratings from 20 Hz–20 kHz at <0.5% THD
- Peak output current: 30 amps
- Voltage gain: >31 dB
- Input sensitivity: 1.2V for full output
- Input impedance: 25 kΩ (balanced)
- Polarity: Non-inverting, Pin 2 positive
- Signal to Noise ratio (main outputs): –103 dB (ref 1V RMS, A-wtd.)
- Output impedance: Less than 0.05Ω from 20–20,000 Hz
- Thermal load: 7 BTU/minute or less
- Mains voltage: 100V, 120V, or 230/240V determined by the needs of the country for which the unit was manufactured; cannot be reset by dealer or user
- Power consumption: 1255W (±5%) at full power, all channels driven
- Power consumption: 10W (±5%) at idle and 2W (±5%) in standby
- Shipping weight: 40 lbs. (19 kg)
- Dimensions HxWxD: 3.75″ x 17″ x 13.63″ (8.57cm x 43.2cm x 34.7cm)
For more information, see your Wisdom Audio dealer or contact:
Wisdom Audio
1572 College Parkway, Suite 164
Carson City, NV 89706
wisdomaudio.com
information@wisdomaudio.com
775-887-8850
SA-2 Dimensions
WISDOM and the stylized W are registered trademarks of Wisdom Audio.
Wisdom Audio 572 College Parkway, Suite 164
Carson City, Nevada 89706 USA
TEL 775-887-8850
FAX 775-887-8820
wisdomaudio.com
SA-2 OM © 11/2021 Wisdom Audio, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the
U.S.A.
References
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