T A A 200 Stereo Power Amplifier User Manual

T A A 200 Stereo Power Amplifier User Manual

Welcome
We are delighted that you have decided to purchase a T+A product. Your new T+A power amplifier is a Hi-Fi unit of the highest quality, designed and developed with a single aim as top priority: to satisfy the requirements of the audiophile music lover. This unit is the embodiment of innovative thinking and solid quality, exploiting the finest materials and components available, and all these factors contribute to a machine which will satisfy you‘re most stringent demands and your most searching requirements for a period of many years. Our production areas are supervised by highly qualified expert staff, and all final production units are checked comprehensively by a fully automated, computer-controlled system to ensure uniformly high quality. We guarantee that our products meet our own specifications to the full. At all stages of production we avoid the use of sub-stances which are environmentally unsound or potentially hazardous to health, such as chlorine-based cleaning agents and CFCs. We also aim to avoid the use of plastics in general, and PVC in particular, in the design of our products. Instead we rely upon metals and other non-hazardous materials; metal components are ideal for recycling, and also provide effective electrical screening. Our robust all-metal cases exclude any possibility of external sources of interference affecting the quality of reproduction. From the opposite point of view our products’ electro-magnetic radiation (electro-smog) is reduced to an absolute minimum by the outstandingly effective screening provided by the metal case. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the faith you have shown in our company by purcha-sing this product, and wish you many hours of enjoyment and sheer listening pleasure with your A 200.

Notes
User manual
Text passages marked with this symbol contain important information which must be observed if the machine is to operate safely and without problems. j This symbol marks text passages which provide supplementary notes and background information; they are intended to help the user understand how to get the best out of the machine.
Symbols and notes on the back of the A 200

• This symbol marks alternating voltages (AC). The AC voltage required for the device can be found on the printing at the mains input socket. Do not connect the device to other power supplies.
• This symbol marks the protective earth connector (ground connection).
• The unit is designed for operation at a protective earth conductor socket.
• The device is designed to operate in altitudes up to 2000 m above sea level.
• The device is designed to operate in a temperate climate.
• The range of permissible operating temperatures is +10 … +35°C.
• The only permissible method of disposing of this product is to take it to your local collection center for electrical waste

Safety notes

For your own safety please consider it essential to read these operating instructions right through, and observe in particular the notes regarding setting up, operation and safety.

The operation instructions, the connection guidance and the safety notes are for your own good – please read them carefully and observe them at all times. The operating instructions are an integral part of this device. If you ever transfer the product to a new owner please be sure to pass them on to the purchaser to guard against incorrect operation and possible hazards. The device is intended to be connected to a mains outlet with protective earth connector. Please connect it only with the mains cable supplied to properly installed mains outlets with protective earth connector. The power supply required for this unit is printed on the mains supply socket. The unit must never be connected to a power supply which does not meet these specifications. This device is connected to the power supply as long as the power cord is connected Even if the device is switched off and the status indicators are dark, the device still carries mains voltage inside. To disconnect the device completely from mains power supply, the mains plugs must be withdrawn from the wall socket. Please make sure that the mains plugs are easily accessible. Even when the unit is in standby mode, it has a low power consumption. If the unit is not to be used for a long period disconnect it from the mains supply at the wall socket. The device is designed to operate in a temperate climate and altitudes up to 2000 m above sea level. The range of permissible
operating temperatures is +10 … +35°C.This device is designed exclusively for reproducing sound and/or pictures in the domestic environment. It is to be used in a dry indoor room which meets all the recommendations stated in these instructions. Where the equipment is to be used for other purposes, especially in the medical field or any field in which safety is an issue, it is essential to establish the unit’s suitability for this purpose with the manufacturer, and to obtain prior written approval for this usage. If the unit gets very cold (e. g. when being transported), condensation may form inside it. Please do not switch it on until it has had plenty of time to warm up to room temperature, so that any condensation evaporates completely. Before placing the unit on sensitive lacquer or wood surfaces please check the compatibility of the surface and the unit‘s feet on a non-visible point and if necessary use an underlay. We recommend a surface of stone, glass, metal or the like.
Please consider the weight of the device. Never place the device on an unstable surface; the machine could fall off, causing serious or even fatal injury. Many injuries, especially to children, can be avoided if the following simple safety precautions are observed:

• Use only such items of furniture which can safely bear the weight of the device.
• Ensure that the device does not project beyond the edges of the supporting furniture.
• Do not place the device on tall furniture (e.g. bookshelves) without securely anchoring both items, i.e. furniture and device.
• Explain to children the hazards involved in climbing on furniture to reach the device or its controls.

The unit should be set up in a well ventilated dry site, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. The unit must not be located close to heat producing objects or
devices, or anything which is heat sensitive or highly flammable. The ventilation openings must not be covered or closed. If the system components are to be stacked then the device must be the top unit. Do not place any object on the top cover. When installing the unit on a shelf or in a cupboard it is essential to provide an adequate flow of cooling air, to ensure that the heat produced by the unit is dissipated effectively. Any heat build up will shorten the life of the unit and could be a source of danger. Be sure to leave free space of 10 cm around the unit for ventilation. Liquid or particles must never be allowed to get inside
the unit through the ventilation slots. Mains voltage is present inside the unit, and any electric shock could cause serious injury or death. Never exert undue force
on mains connectors. Protect the unit from drips and splashes of water; never place flower vases or fluid containers on the unit. Do not place naked flame sources, such as candle lights on the device. Disconnect the mains plug at the wall socket before cleaning the case. The surfaces of the case should be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Never use solvent-based or abrasive cleaners! Before switching the unit on again, check that there are no short- circuits at the connections, and that all cables are plugged in correctly. If the device has been in storage, or has not been used for a protracted period (> two years), it is essential to have it checked by a specialist technician before re-use. The terminals (marked with the -symbol) can carry high voltages. Always avoid touching terminals and sockets and the conductors of cables connected to them. Unless ready-made cables are used, all cables connected to these terminals and sockets must always be deployed by a trained person. In its original condition the unit meets all currently valid European regulations. It is approved for use as stipulated within the EC. By attaching the CE symbol to the unit T+A declares its conformity the EC directives and the national laws based on those directives. The declaration of conformity can be downloaded from www.ta-hifi.com/DoC. The original, unaltered factory serial number must be present on the outside of the unit and must be clearly legible! The serial number is a constituent part of our conformity declaration and therefore of the approval for operation of the device. The serial numbers on the unit and in the original T+A documentation supplied with it (in particular the inspection and guarantee certificates), must not be removed or modified, and must correspond.
Infringing any of these conditions invalidates T+A conformity and approval, and the unit may not be operated within the EC. Improper use of the equipment makes the user liable to penalty under current EC and national laws. Any modifications or repairs to the unit, or any other intervention by a workshop or other third party not authorized by T+A, invalidates the approval and operational permit for the equipment. Only genuine T+A accessories may be connected to the unit, or such auxiliary devices which are themselves approved and fulfil all currently valid legal requirements. The case should only be opened by a qualified specialist technician. Repairs and fuse replacements should be entrusted to an authorized T+A specialist workshop. With the exception of the connections and measures described in these instructions, no work of any kind may be carried out on the device by unqualified persons. If the unit is damaged, or if you suspect that it is not functioning correctly, immediately disconnect the mains plug at the wall socket, and ask an authorized T+A specialist workshop to check it. The unit may be damaged by excess voltage in the power supply, the mains circuit or in aerial systems, as may occur during thunderstorms (lightning strikes) or due to static discharges. Special power supply units and excess voltage protectors such as the T+A ‚Power Bar‘ mains distribution panel offer some degree of protection from damage to equipment due to the hazards described above. However, if you require absolute security from damage due to excess voltage, the only solution is to disconnect the unit from the mains power supply and any aerial systems. To avoid the risk of damage by overvoltage’s we recommend to disconnect all cables from this device and your HiFi system during thunderstorms. All mains power supply and aerial systems to which the unit is connected must meet all applicable safe-ty regulations and must be installed by an approved electrical installer. The device is not designed for use by children. The device must not be operated unsupervised. Make sure that it is out of reach of children. Batteries shout not be exposed to excessive heat like sunshine, fire or the like. Very loud continuous listening to program material via earphones, headphones and loudspeakers can lead to permanent loss of hearing. Prevent health risks and avoid permanent hearing at high volume. If the device has to be stored, place it in its original packaging and store it in a dry, frost- free location. Storage temperature range 0…40 °C
The only permissible method of disposing of this product is to take it to your local collection center for electrical waste.
Registration according to the EU directive
“Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment” WEEE-Reg.-No.: DE 72473830W

Installation and wiring

Installation
Carefully unpack the unit and store the original packing material carefully. The carton and packing are specially designed for this unit and will be needed again if you wish to move the equipment at any time. Install the unit in a suitable location. Please observe all information on connection and installation in chapter Safety notes on pages 24 and 25.

Connecting a preamplifier
Connect the preamplifier outputs to the IN 1 or IN 2 inputs of the A 200, depending on the capabilities of the device used. Only one type of connection (balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA) can be used at a time. The unused input must be left free. Connect the input sockets of the A 200 to the output sockets of the preamplifier with the corresponding names, i.e. R with R and L with L. If both types of connection are available at the preamplifier, for maximum sound quality, we recommend the balanced XLR connection. When connecting the DAC 200, please make sure that the volume control of the DAC 200 is enabled and the volume is set to a low value. Otherwise, connected speakers may be damaged.

Connecting loudspeakers
Two pairs of loudspeakers can be connected to the amplifier (SPEAKER  A and SPEAKER  B). The load capacity of the loudspeakers connected to the device must be appropriate to the amplifier. When connecting only one pair of loudspeakers, the speaker impedance must be at least 4 ohms (DIN rating). When connecting two pairs of loudspeakers, the impedance must be at least 8 ohms per loud-speaker. The speaker cables and connectors must be insulated in accordance with regulations, and the conductors must have a minimum cross- sectional area of 1.5 mm². Connect the red terminal marked „+“ to the terminal marked „+“ on the speaker and the black terminal marked „-“ corresponding to the „-“ terminal on the loudspeaker. Screw the terminals tight and make sure that there are no short-circuits. Also make sure that the left output of the A 200 is connected to the left speaker and the right output to the right speaker. When connecting a pair of loudspeakers with less than 4 ohms impedance or two pairs of loudspeakers with less than 8 ohms impedance per loudspeaker, the high currents in the power amplifiers may cause their overheating during prolonged operation at high volume, and the protection circuit will then automatically switch off the loudspeaker outputs or the entire device. Series 200 – system link If the A 200 is used in combination with a DAC 200, the A 200 can be switched on and off comfortably and without time delay via the E2-Link system bus. For this purpose, connect the E2-Link sockets with the supplied bus cable.

Connecting the mains cable
Connect the power cord to the A 200‘s AC power input, then connect the device to the power supply. To achieve maximum possible interference rejection the mains plug should be connected to the mains socket in such a way that phase is connected to the mains socket contact marked with a dot. The phase of the mains socket can be determined using a special meter. If you are not sure about this, please ask your specialist dealer. Do not connect the A 200 and the other components to the mains until all necessary connections between the devices have been established.

Wiring diagram

• Use either the balanced XLR or the unbalanced RCA connection. It is not possible to use both types of connection at the same time.

Connections
This chapter describes all matters of fundamental importance for installation and connection which are not relevant for the daily handling of the device, but which should nevertheless be read and observed before first use.

1. Balanced input (XLR)
   IN 1 Input for pre-amplifiers with symmetrical output. Connect the XLR sockets L and R to the DAC 200 or pre-amplifier sockets with the same designation. j The A 200 is equipped with two input types (Cinch/RCA and XLR balanced). Only one connection type can be used at a time. The unused inputs must remain free.

2.   Unbalanced input (RCA)
   IN 2 Unbalanced amplifier inputs (RCA jack) The L and R RCA sockets are connected to the output sockets on the pre-amplifier. Connect L to L, R to R.
   j The A 200 is equipped with two input types (Cinch/RCA and XLR balanced). Only one connection type can be used at a time. The unused inputs must remain free.

3. Balanced output (XLR)
   OUT Balanced outputs for connecting an additional A 200 power amplifier, e.g. for beaming and other purposes. These sockets provide the audio signal of the preamplifier connected to the balanced XLR inputs IN1 for pass-through to another power amplifier. j The balanced XLR outputs OUT can only be used if the A 200 is connected on the input side via the balanced XLR inputs IN 1. Operation in combination with the unbalanced RCA inputs IN 2 is not possible
   

4. Loudspeaker terminals
   SPEAKER RIGHT, SPEAKER LEFT
   The A 200 is equipped with two pairs of speaker terminals. It is possible to connect two pairs of loudspeakers (2-zone operation). In this case,
   the impedance of each speaker must not be less than 8 ohms (according to DIN). Instead of 2-zone operation, the two outputs can also be used perfectly for bi-wiring operation. j If the loudspeakers are to be used in countries outside the EU the red/black stoppers can be removed from the loudspeaker terminals. The speakers can then be connected using banana plugs. The stoppers are simply a push-fit in the terminals, and can be prised out from the rear using a suitable tool such as a knife blade.

5. System link
   E2 Link This socket can be used to control the A 200 via the DAC 200. Connect this socket to the E2 Link socket of the DAC 200

6. Mains input
   The mains cable is plugged into this socket. For correct connection refer to the sections Installation and Wiring and Safety Notes.

Controls and functions

1. On / Off switch
   A brief press on this button switches the device on and off. When the unit is switched on the indicator LED above the button lights up.

2. Damping factor
   DF LO The damping factor of the power amplifier can be reduced here. The lit LED above the button indicates the lower damping factor setting.
   A high damping factor tends to produce a more clearly defined, very precise and analytical sound image, whereas a reduced damping factor produces a more warm and softer sound image. j Since this setting depends very much on the connected speakers, no universal recommendation can be given here. Choose the setting after a listening test and your personal listening preferences. This button is also used to activate/deactivate the automatic power-on function. Details
   in the chapter Energy saving mode / Automatic power on and off on the next page. If the A 200 is connected to a DAC 200 via E2 link, the damping factor can also be changed by a long press on the F3 button on the remote control.

3.  Loudspeaker outputs
   A and B These buttons switch the speaker outputs A and B on or off. The LEDs above the A and B buttons indicate that the corresponding loudspeaker output is switched on. j If the A 200 is connected to a DAC 200 via E2 link, the speaker outputs can be selected in sequence (A, B, A+B, OFF) using the F3 button on the remote control handset

Playback

Switching on and off
Automatic power on and off in combination with the DAC 200. In combination with a DAC 200, the A 200 is automatically switched on or off via the E2 link connection. During the power-on process, it takes a period of time for all amplifier stages to reach their optimum operating points. During this time, the speaker LEDs flash (switch-on delay). As soon as the device is ready for operation, the speaker outputs are switched on and the speaker LEDs light up permanently.
Energy saving mode / automatic power on and off The A 200 is equipped with an automatic switch-on function. If a music signal is detected at the A 200‘s
inputs, it switches on automatically. During music pauses, the A 200 is automatically switched off after approximately 30 minutes.
The automatic power-on function can be switched on and off as follows:

• Press the DF LO button until the LED above lights up red or green.
• Red indicates that the function is switched off and green that the automatic power-on function is active.
• The automatic power-on function can be switched on or off by a further brief press on the DF LO button.
• To store the setting, press and hold the DF LO button until the LED changes to the indication of the set
  damping factor.

j If the A 200 is operated in combination with a DAC 200, the automatic power- on function should be deactivated because the A 200 is switched on and off together with the DAC 200 without delay via E2-Link. 5 minutes before the device switches off automatically, the DF LO LED flashes to inform the user that the
device is approaching automatic shutdown. If a music signal is detected during this time, the automatic shutdown timer will be resented and starts again as soon as the music signal stops the next time

Protection circuit

How it works
The A 200 is equipped with a microprocessor controlled protection circuit. In case of an overload, overtemperature or any other malfunction the speakers are switched OFF immediately and the SPEAKER LED starts blinking. In this case please reduce the volume. After about 20 seconds
the A 200 should switch ON again.
LED Error code

• LED A and LED B are flashing quickly in red
• LED A and LED B are flashing quickly in blue
• LED above the on/off switch flashes blue-violet
• LED above the on/off switch flashes red

Fault

• Overload or short circuit of the power amplifier
• Overload (Clipping)
• Overtemperature. The speakers have been switched off automatically.
• Extreme overtemperature. The A 200 has switched off to protect itself.

Troubleshooting
Many problems have a simple cause and a correspondingly simple solution. The following section describes a few difficulties you may encounter, and the measures you need to take to cure them. If you find it impossible to solve a problem with the help of these notes please disconnect the unit from the mains and ask your authorized T+A specialist dealer for advice.

Device does not switch on
Cause 1:
Mains lead not plugged in correctly. Remedy: Check connection, push connector in firmly.
Cause 2:
Mains fuse burned out.
Remedy:
Have the mains fuse replaced by an authorized specialist workshop. The rating of the replacement fuse must agree with the specification printed on the unit.

Combined with DAC 200. Machine switches on with a certain time delay
Cause:
The E2-Link cable between A 200 and DAC 200 is not or not properly connected. Remedy: Please check and properly install the E2-Link control-cable.

Loud humming noise from the loudspeakers
Cause:
Poor contact between the RCA or XLR plugs and sockets, or a faulty cable. Remedy: Please check all connections and cables thoroughly.

No output signal at the loudspeakers; the speaker-LED flashes (the PROTECTION circuit has tripped)
Cause 1:
The PROTECTION circuit has tripped due to overheating or overloading.
Remedy:
Reduce volume and wait for about 20 seconds. If the unit does not switch on again automatically, it has become too hot and should be left switched off for a few minutes to cool down. If the A 200 doesn‘t turn on after a cooling period of 30 minutes, then please contact an authorized T+A retailer.
Cause 2:
Short-circuit in the speaker leads, e. g. stray wire ends touching at the speaker terminals, or mechanical damage to the cables.
Remedy:
Check speaker leads and terminals, twist wire ends together neatly, replace damaged cables.

Notes on energy saving

General information

The A 200 satisfies the requirements of the latest directives concerning energy-saving measures (EuP directive). The modern design of the mains power supply makes an important contribution to this. The internal micro-processor constantly ensures that sub-assemblies which are not currently required are automatically switched off. The micro-processor itself operates in stand-by mode at a relatively low clock speed. In stand-by mode the current drain of the A 200 is less than 0.5 Watt. If you intend not to use the amplifier for a long period, it should be disconnected from the mains socket, i.e. the mains plug should be withdrawn from the wall socket or switch off the main switch.

Automatic power down function
The device features an automatic power-down function. If the A 200 detects no operation or no music signal approximately 30 minutes, it automatically switches to stand-by mode.
j In countries outside the EU, in which the EuP directive has no validity, the automatic power-down feature can be disabled if necessary See chapter „Playback“.

Connection and wiring Bi-Aping

Technical Specifications

Nominal power per channel| 250 Watts @ 4 Ohms|
---|---|---
| 125 Watts @ 8 Ohms|
| |
Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB| 1 Hz – 60 kHz|
| |
Signal to noise ratio| 113 dB|
| |
THD / Intermodulation| < 0,002 % / < 0,002 %|
| |
Damping factor (HI / LO)| 800 / > 70|
| |
Channel separation| > 103 dB|
| |
Input sensitivity nominal| High level (RCA)| 800 mVeff / 5,8 kOhms
| Balanced (XLR)| 1,6 Veff / 20 kOhms
| |
Mains| 200 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz|
| |
Power consumption| max. 600 Watts|

We reserve the right to alter technical specifications.

T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG Planckstraße 9 – 11
32052 Herford | Germany
T +49 5221 76760
F +49 5221 767676
info@ta-hifi.com www.ta-hifi.com

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