the t amp TA-50 Power Amplifier User Manual

: June 16, 2024
: the t amp

Table of Contents

General information
Safety instructions
Features
Installation and starting up
Connections and controls
Technical specifications
Plug and connection assignment
Cleaning
Protecting the environment
Customer Support
References
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**the t amp TA-50 Power Amplifier

**

General information

This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that they also receive this document.

Our products and documentation are subject to a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this document.

Signal word	Meaning
DANGER!	This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐ sible dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐ sible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
|
Warning signs| Type of danger

| Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

Intended use

This device amplifies electric audio frequency signals to operate passive speakers. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating con‐ditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

Safety

DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!

Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without supervision. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play with.

WARNING!
Possible hearing damage due to operating the device at a high volume!

The device can produce volume levels that, when operated at a high volume, may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Avoid operating the device at excessively high volumes over an extended period of time. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use adequate ear-muffs.

NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!

The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions. Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the “Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If temperature fluctuations cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately.
Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to overheating and other malfunctions.

NOTICE!
Interference with nearby electrical devices due to magnetic fields!

The device generates strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the function of poorly shielded devices. The magnetic fields are strongest directly above and below the Power Amplifier. You should therefore never place sensitive devices such as pre-amplifiers, radio transmission systems, or tape decks directly above or below the Power Amplifier. When placing the Power Amplifier in a rack, you should place it at the bottom thereof, and place any other equipment at the top of the rack.

NOTICE!
Damage to the external power supply due to high voltages!

The device is powered by an external power supply. The external power supply can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the external power supply matches the local power grid before plugging in the power supply. Only operate the external power supply from professionally installed mains sockets that are protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). As a precaution, disconnect the power supply from the power grid when storms are approaching or it the device will not be used for a longer period.

Features

Minimal space requirement
Ideal for mounting on flat panel displays, in suspended ceilings,…
Output power: 2 × 17 W @ 4 Ω (2 × 20 W max.)
Integrated limiter
Suitable DC 24 V power supply included
Standby feature

Installation and starting up

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.

Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to prevent tripping hazards.

The device is suited for mounting on flat panel displays, in suspended ceilings etc. Two suitable mounting brackets are included.

Connections and controls

[STEREO | BRIDGE] | Switch for the “STEREO” (channels operate independently of each other) and “BRIDGED” (channels are interconnected to form one channel with double output) operating modes.
[LIMITER OFF | ON] | On/off switch for the integrated limiter.
[VOLUME] | Volume control.
[POWER] | Power indicator. The power indicator lights up green in normal mode and red in standby mode.
[POWER OFF | AUTO | ON] | OFF switch position: Device is switched off. AUTO switch position: Device is switched on.
The device automatically switches to standby mode when no input signal is received for 15 minutes. ON switch position: Device is switched on, standby function is disabled.
[DC 24V IN] | Phoenix terminals to connect the supplied 24 V power adapter for power supply.
[INPUT] | Input socket (3.5 mm jack) for connecting the signal source.
[SPEAKER OUTPUT] | Phoenix terminals to connect speakers in bridged (one speaker with 8 Ω) or stereo mode (two speakers, each with 4 Ω), see wiring diagram on the unit.

Technical specifications

Amplifier class	D
Input impedance	10 kΩ
Output power	2 x 20 W @ 4 Ω
Frequency response	35 Hz…50 kHz, -3 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio	-95 dB (4 Ω, 1 K)
Total harmonic distortion (THD)	6.5%
Damping factor (1 kHz, 8 Ω)	>20 dBu
Sensitivity	330 mV (17 W, 4 Ω)
Gain	0…10 dBu
Attack	2800 ms
Protection circuitry	Limiter
Control indicator	Power
Power consumption	max. 36 W
Power adapter	Secondary current
Secondary voltage	1500 mA

24 V
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 145 mm × 95 mm × 45 mm
---|---
Weight| 0.6 kg
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20%…80% (non-condensing)

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!

Balanced and unbalanced transmission

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.

Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.

In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.

Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase- shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

1/4″ TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)

Signal
Ground

3.5 mm TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)

Signal (in phase, +)
Signal (out of phase, –)
Ground

Three-pole 1/8″ mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

Signal (left)
Signal (right)
Ground, shielding

Cleaning

Fan grids

The fan grids of the device must be cleaned of any contamination, such as dust, etc. on a regular basis. Before cleaning, switch off the device and disconnect mains-operated devices from the mains. Only use pH-neutral, solvent-free and non-abrasive cleaning agents. Clean the unit with a slightly damp lint-free cloth.

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material
For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.

Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility