UNiKA XS-500 Professional Power Amplifiers Instruction Manual
- June 6, 2024
- UNiKA
Table of Contents
- UNiKA XS-500 Professional Power Amplifiers
- IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS XS-500/XS-800/XS-1300
- IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
- INTRODUCTION
- XS-1300 FRONT PANEL
- SET UP
- OUTPUTS
- OPERATING MODES
- PROTECTION
- AMPLIFIER FEATURES
- XS-SERIES AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
UNiKA XS-500 Professional Power Amplifiers
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS XS-500/XS-800/XS-1300
This symbol 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.
CAUTION: Risk of the electrical shock – DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove cover. No
user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this
amplifier to rain or moisture. Before using this amplifier read the user
manual for further warnings. This symbol is intended to alert the user of the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICES TO YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER.
The lightning flash with an arrow triangular symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure and may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. The exclamation point triangular symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the user manual accompanying the amplifier.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
- To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit rain or moisture.
- Do not spill water or other liquids into or on to your unit.
- Do not attempt to operate this unit if the power cord has been frayed or broken.
- Do not attempt to remove or break off the ground prong from the electrical cord. This prong is used to reduce the risk of electrical shock and f re in case of an internal short.
- Disconnect main power before making any type of connection.
- Do not remove the cover under any conditions. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
- Never plug this unit in to a dimmer pack.
- Always be sure to mount this unit in an area that will allow proper ventilation. Allow about 6” (15cm) between this device and a wall.
- Do not attempt to operate this unit, if it becomes damaged.
- This unit is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
- During long periods of non-use, disconnect the unit’s main power.
- Always mount this unit in a safe and stable manner.
- Power cords should be routed so they are not likely to be walked on, pinched by items placed upon or against them.
- Cleaning -The outside of the unit should be wipe down with a soft cloth and mild cleaner when needed.
- Heat -The amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- The fixture should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
D. The fixture does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing XS-500/XS-800/XS-1300 amplifier.
These amplifiers are a representation of UNiKA’s continuing commitment to
produce the best and highest quality audio products at an affordable price.
These amplifiers are designed to provide a big impact in sound reproduction.
Please read and understand this manual completely before attempting to operate
your new amplifier. This booklet contains important information concerning the
proper and safe operation of your new amplifier.
UNPACKING: Every XS-500/XS-800/XS-1300 amplifier has been thoroughly
tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully check
the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the
carton appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your unit for any damage and
be sure all accessories necessary to operate the system have arrived intact.
In the event damage has been found or parts are missing, please contact your
dealer for further instructions.
INSTALLATION: These amplifiers are designed to mount into a standard 19”
rack. The front panel provides four holes used to screw the unit into a rack.
The unit also provides a way to rear mount the unit into a rack for added
security. Rear mounting the unit is especially recommended if the unit is to
mount into a mobile rack.
XS-1300 FRONT PANEL
-
Rack Mounting Ears – Two front panel mounting holes are provided on each mounting ear.
-
AC Power Switch – This switch is used to control the unit’s mains power.
-
Channel 1 Limiter Switch (XS-1300 Only) – This is used to activate the channels built-in limiter. The limiter reduces the average output level when the signal begins to distort, this process is designed to reduce distortion and protect the speakers. See limiter page 9.
-
Channel 1 Clip Indicator – This red LED will begin to flash when the channel begins to overload (clip), at this point the channel will begin to distort. Under heavy clipping activity, lower the channel’s gain control to reduce the risk of damage to your speakers and amplifier. This LED may glow when the unit has been turned off, this is normal.
-
Channel 1 Protect Indicator – The red Protect LED will begin to glow when the channel goes into protect mode. When the channel goes into protect mode all output for that channel will turn off. This is to protect any speakers connected to the channel.
-
Power Indicator – This blue LED will glow when mains power is applied to the unit. This light may continue to glow briefly after mains power has been turned off, this is normal.
-
Channel 2 Protect Indicator – The red Protect LED will begin to glow when the channel goes into protect mode. When the channel goes into protect mode all output for that channel will turn off. This is to protect any speakers connected to the channel.
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Channel 2 Clip Indicator – This red LED will begin to flash when the channel begins to overload (clip), at this point the channel will begin to distort. Under heavy clipping activity, lower the channel’s gain control to reduce the risk of damage to your speakers and amplifier. This LED may glow when the unit has been turned off, this is normal.
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Channel 2 Limiter Switch (XS-1300 Only) – This is used to activate the channels built-in limiter. The limiter reduces the average output level when the signal begins to distort, this process is designed to reduce distortion and protect the speakers. See limiter page 9.
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Fan Inlet Grills and Filter – XS Series amplifiers are cooled by two rear-mounted fans. Cool air from front grills is filtered and flows over the heat sinks and exhausts to backside. Make sure these outlets remain clear to allow unrestricted airflow.
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Channel 1 Gain Control – This rotary knob is used to control the output signal level of channel one. Turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the output signal level.
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Channel 1 Signal Indicators – These green and yellow LEDs will glow according to the average signal output.
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Channel 2 Signal Indicators – These green and yellow LEDs will glow according to the average signal output.
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Channel 2 Gain Control – This rotary knob is used to control the output signal level of channel two. Turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the output signal level.
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Fan Outlet Ports – Cooling air enters the amplifier through the front grills and exhausts through the fans. Be sure not to block these ports when installing the amplifier or other associated equipment. Air must flow unimpeded through these ports.
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Channel 2 Frequency Adj. (XS-1300 only) – This pot adjust the frequency level sent to your speaker on channel two when using your amplifier in subwoofer mode.
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Channel 2 Subwoofer Mode On/Off Switch (XS-1300 only)- Turns the subwoofer mode for channel two on and off.
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Channel 2 Balanced 1/4″ TRS & XLR Input Connectors – These connectors accept input signals on balanced TRS and XLR input plugs. See figure 3 for information on polarity. Connectors for each channel are in parallel; the unused connectors may be used for “loop through” connection to other amplifiers. XLR pin setting: Pin-3/signal Negative, Pin-2/signal Positive, Pin-1/Ground.
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Low Cut Filter Mode Switches (XS-800 & XS-1300 only) – These DIP switches are used to activate and adjust the built-in Low Cut Filter, see “Low Cut Filter” on page 10.
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Channel 1 Balanced 1/4″ TRS & XLR Input Connectors – These connectors accept input signals on balanced TRS and XLR input plugs. See figure 3 for information on polarity. Connectors for each channel are in parallel; the unused connectors may be used for “loop through” connection to other amplifiers. XLR pin setting: Pin-3/signal Negative, Pin-2/signal Positive, Pin-1/Ground.
NOTE: Unbalanced “Tip / Sleeve” plugs may be used with the balanced TRS ” Tip / Ring / Sleeve ” connectors. The “ring” terminal or negative input will be connected to the ground internally. When using three-pole (stereo) TRS connectors, make sure that the ring connection is made either to the cold (-) output of the source equipment or to the ground. Incorrect connections may cause a 6dB loss in level. -
Channel 1 Subwoofer Mode On/Off Switch (XS-1300 only)- Turns the subwoofer mode for channel one on and off.
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Channel 1 Frequency Adj. (XS-1300 only) – This pot adjust the frequency level sent to your speaker on channel one when using your amplifier in subwoofer mode.
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Mode Selection Switch – This switch changes the amplifier operating mode from either stereo or mono bridge. Amplifiers arrive to you preset in the stereo operation mode.
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Fuse Holder – This holder houses the external fuse. Always replace with the exact same type of fuse.
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Channel 2 XLR THRU Jack (XS-800 & XS-1300 only) – This jack is used to send a parallel signal from the channel two input jack to another device or amplifier.
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Channel 1 XLR THRU Jack (XS-800 & XS-1300 only) – This jack is used to send a parallel signal from the channel one input jack to another device or amplifier.
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Channel 2 Output Jack / 5-Way Binding Post – Connect to your speaker’s input jack. Red is a positive signal and Black is a negative signal.
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Channel 1 Output Jack / 5-Way Binding Post – Connect to your speaker’s input jack. Red is a positive signal and Black is a negative signal.
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Ground Lift Switch – This switch is used to disconnect the internal ground signal from the amplifier chassis ground. This may reduce the buzz that is caused by an electrical 50Hz/60Hz cycle.
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A/C Power Input – IEC AC Power inlet connector, plug this cable into a standard 110 or 220V wall outlet. Be sure that supplied voltage matches that of the required voltage of your amplifier. Never plug your amplifier into a wall outlet that does not match the required voltage of your amplifier, serious damage may occur to your unit.
SET UP
INPUTS – T he XS series amplifier allows you to use two types of input
connectors per channel, a XLR female jack for balanced connections and a 1/4”
TRS female jack that will accept balanced and unbalanced connectors. Use these
connections to connect the output signal from a mixer, cross-over or EQ to
Your XS-500/XS-800/XS-1300 series amplifiers. A balanced connection is
recommended for cable runs longer than 20ft. When constructing your own XLR
cables follow the pin configuration described below for proper connections.
For cable runs shorter than 20ft., you may choose the 1/4” TS unbalanced input
option. The 1/4” TS unbalanced input option may be more convenient for most
users due to the abundant supply of prefabricated cables available at your
local audio dealer. You may use the two XLR “Input Thru” jacks to jump a
parallel connection to another amplifier or other device. For Example: Connect
a XLR cable to the input of channel one. You may now connect a XLR cable from
the channel one “Input Thru” jack to the input jack of another amplifier’s
channel one input. This will reduce the use of “Y” cables.
OUTPUTS
BINDING POST/BANANA PLUG: Connect your speakers to the binding post
outputs on the rear of the amplifier. The speaker wire may be connected by
bare wire (directly connected, usually for permanent connections), banana
plug, or spade connector. Connections are made to channel one and channel two
outputs for Stereo Mode or across the red terminals of channel one and channel
two for Mono Bridge Mode.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Although a speaker will operate with the positive and
negative leads plugged into either terminal on the amplifier binding post, be
sure to plug the negative lead into the black terminal and positive lead into
the red terminal. Ensuring proper polarity will avoid speakers being out of
phase that can cause a loss of bass response.
BANANA PLUG: (Figure 8)
When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using banana plug, be sure that
the red and black caps on the binding post are completely screwed in. Insert
the banana plug into the caps of the binding post, be sure that the banana
plug is inserted securely to avoid the risk of popping out.
BARE WIRE CONNECTION: (Figure 9)
When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using bare wire, unscrew the
red and black caps on the binding post, be sure not to completely remove or
unscrew the red and black caps. Strip back the wire insulation ½” (13mm).
Insert the bare wire into the hole that was revealed by unscrewing the binding
post cap. After inserting the wire into the binding post hole, screw the
binding post cap down on the wire. To reduce the risk of shock or damage to
your
SPADE CONNECTOR: (Figure 10)
When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using spade connector, unscrew the red and black caps on the binding post, be sure not to completely remove or unscrew the red and black caps. Insert the spade connector into the binding post and tighten the caps down on the spade connector. To reduce the risk of shock or damage to your amplifier, be sure that the wire connected to one binding post does not come in contact with that of another.
MONO BRIDGE CONNECTIONS: (Figure 11)
Mono bridge operation connections will follow the above descriptions, however,
when operating in mono bridge operation the speaker connections will run
between the two positive (red) leads. Use channel two positive output terminal
for the speaker’s negative connection and channel one positive output terminal
for the speaker’s positive connection.
OPERATING MODES
STEREO OPERATION: Page 8/ Figure 12 details an example of a typical
stereo set-up. Connect your inputs into channels one and two of the amplifier.
Connect your speakers to the outputs on the rear of the amplifier. Be sure
that your front gain controls are turned down to their lowest level (fully
counter-clockwise). Turn your amplifier on. Turn your input source level up.
Use your front gain controls to regulate the output volume. Be sure not to
raise the volume to the clip level, however, an intermittent clip signal is
acceptable.
MONO BRIDGE OPERATION: Page 8/ Figure 13 details a mono bridge set-up. Be
sure your amplifier and all other audio equipment are powered down. Flip the
Stereo/Mono Bridge switch to the Mono Bridge position. Connect input signals
to channel one. Connect your speaker across the red output binding post on the
rear of your amplifier. Turn your equipment on (your amplifier should always
be the last item you turn on). Apply an input source signal to your amplifier.
Use the channel one gain to regulate your amplifier output.
SUBWOOFER MODE (XS-1300 only) : This mode sends low frequencies to your
speakers without the use of an external crossover. The subwoofer operation can
be operated in stereo, parallel, or bridged modes. Change the different
operating modes by flipping the mode switch on the rear of the unit to your
desired operating mode. Also, set the subwoofer mode switch to the SUBWOOFER
position. Use the frequency selector to adjust the subwoofer output frequency
from 20Hz to 200Hz. The different subwoofer modes are listed as follows:
BRIDGE SUBWOOFER – This operation allows you to get the most possible
power out of your amplifier for the sole purpose of running a high-powered
subwoofer loudspeaker in mono. To avoid amplifier overheating, never run the
amplifier below 4 ohms in this mode. In this mode you may use the frequency
adjustment on the rear of the amplifier, to control the frequency output
level. Frequencies may be adjusted from 20Hz to 200Hz. Page 9 / Figure 14
details a typical Bridge Subwoofer set-up.
STEREO SUBWOOFER – This operation is similar to the Bridge Subwoofer
operation but in stereo. This operation allows you to run several subwoofers
down to a minimum of 2 ohms. To avoid amplifier overheating, never run the
amplifier below 2 ohms in this mode. Set up this mode as you would a standard
Stereo set-up. Be sure both channels are set to “SUBWOOFER.” In this mode you
may use the frequency adjustment on the rear of the amplifier, to control the
bass frequency output level. Frequencies may be adjusted from 20Hz to 200Hz.
Page 10 / Figure 15 details a typical Stereo Subwoofer set-up.
ONE CHANNEL NORMAL / ONE CHANNEL SUBWOOFER (BI-AMP) – You may also use
your amplifier to bi-amp your system. You may use one side of the amplifier to
power a subwoofer and the other side to power a full-range speaker. Follow the
set-up guides listed above to mix and match your operations.
PROTECTION
LIMITER – The XS-1300 comes with a built in limiter. When the input
signal overloads, the “CLIP LED” indicates a signal overload, at this time,
the volume should be lowered to reduce distortion. If the input gain level is
not reduced the built-in limiter will activate. During signal overload, the
limiter will reduce the input audio signal enough to minimize the amount of
clipping. A limiter takes the gain of an overloading signal and reduces it,
the reduction in gain reduces distortion that can cause damage to your
speakers and amplifier. During normal operation below clipping, and momentary
clips on peaks, the limiter does not affect the audio signal and is inaudible.
It will allow brief clipping of peaks and will only activate when continuous
hard clipping occurs. During excessive clipping the limiter will reduce the
audio signal enough to minimize the amount of clipping. When the input signal
decreases enough that clipping ends, the limiter will deactivate and cease its
gain reduction. The limiter has a fixed threshold and can not be adjusted.
SAFE POWER LEVELS AT DIFFERENT OUTPUT LOADS:
8-Ohm Loads: The amplifier can operate at its rated power level without
risk of overheating. However, it may caused excessive temperature if it is
pushed hard enough to continually light the “CLIP ” indicator, the amplifier’s
average output power can reach its maximum peak.
4-Ohm Loads: If the “CLIP ” indicator flashes occasionally, the amplifier
is approaching its Maximum long-term power capacity. If it is lit about half
the time, the amplifier channel will probably go into thermal protection
within a few minutes.
2-Ohm Loads: Except for an occasional flash, keep the “CLIP ” indicator
dark to avoid overheating the amplifier channel. Clipping should be kept to a
reasonable minimum. An amplifier’s peak current draw at full output power into
2 ohms is several times what the “normal ” draw is, but its various protection
circuits will prevent this condition lasting more than a minute or two.
SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION – The XS series amplifiers comes with built-in
Output Short Circuit Protects. The Output Short Circuit Protection protects
the output devices of the amplifier from short circuits and stressful loads.
If your speaker lines shorted, the amplifier automatically detects this
problem and discontinued operation for that channel. If one side of your
amplifier becomes shorted and goes into protect mode, the other side will
continue to operate normally. During short circuit protection, the “CLIP” LED
and “PROTECT” LED will light simultaneously indicating amplifier fault.
Channel output during the “Short Circuit Protection” will be interrupted (i.e.
no sound output). Short Circuit Protection can usually be traced back to the
signal output line (i.e. speaker line). Check the line from the output
terminal of the amplifier to the speaker. If this line is good, check the
internal speaker connections and components. A short circuit will usually be
traced to a bad cable or a bad speaker component and is rarely traced to the
amplifier itself.
THERMAL PROTECTION – Dual 2-speed fans on the XS series amplifiers
provide adequate cooling. During low-level output the fans run at normal
speeds. During high output and as heat raises, (exceeding 50°C.), the fans
will run at higher speeds to aid the cooling process. If the heatsink
temperature exceeds 91°C.,
the amplifier will mute until the amplifier cools down. When the amplifier
cools below 90°C., the amplifier will return to normal operations. Be sure not
to operate your amplifier below the minimum load ratings to reduce the risk of
overheating problems.
INPUT/OUTPUT PROTECTION – The input circuits are isolated by resistors.
An ultrasonic network uncouples RF from the output and helps to keep the
amplifier stable with reactive loads.
OPERATING VOLTAGE (AC MAINS) – On the rear panel will indicate the
correct AC mains voltage. Connecting to the wrong voltage is dangerous and may
damage the amplifier. Always be sure the source voltage for your areas matches
the required voltage for your amplifier.
GAIN CONTROLS – The gain controls are located on the front panel and are
calibrated in 2dB of attenuation from full gain. It is best to a d j ust the
amplifier so no “hissing” is heard from speakers with no music being played,
this will ensure the lowest possible distortion during normal operation.
AMPLIFIER FEATURES
THRU (XS-800 & XS-1300 only) – THRU will allow the user to daisy-chain
one amplifier’s signal input into another amplifier. Plug the signal source
outputs into the first amplifier’s input, patch from the amplifier’s THRU
jacks to the next amplifier’s input, and so on, daisy-chaining as many
amplifiers as there is no excessive level loss.
GROUND LIFT SWITCH – Applying or lifting the ground switch will change
level for background noise and hum, if the noise level remains the same in
either position, better to keep the ground lift switch in the ground position.
This will eliminate 50Hz/60Hz cycle hum that is sometimes induced when
mounting several units in the same rack.
LOW CUT FILTER (XS-800 & XS-1300 only) – The low-cut filter removes
extremely low frequencies from the audio signal that could cause speaker
distortion or damage. The DIP switches on the rear panel allows you to enable
or disable the filter for each channel, as well as adjust either a 50Hz or 30
Hz cut-off. The DIP switches on the rear panel allows you to configure the low
cut filter. The diagram below details the functions of each DIP switch, the
functions are also printed on the rear panel of the amplifier.
CONFIGURING THE LOW CUT FILTER:
- Low Cut On / Off
- ON=30Hz OFF=50Hz
- Low Cut On / Off
- ON=30Hz OFF=50Hz
ACTIVATING LOW CUT FILTERS – DIP switches 1 and 4 activate and deactivate
the Low Cut Filter. Channel 1 filter is controlled by DIP switch 4 and channel
2 filter is controlled by DIP switch 1.
LOW CUT FREQUENCY SELECTOR – When the Low Cut Filter is activated, DIP
switches 2 (channel 2) and 3 (channel 1) will control the frequency roll-off.
When DIP switches 2 and 3 are in the “ON” position, the filter will cut off
frequencies 30Hz and below, when these DIP switches are in the “OFF” position,
the filter will cut off frequencies 50Hz and below.
LED INDICATORS : Each channel has five LEDs. Three LEDs indicate signal
level activity, two green LEDs and one yellow LED. One red LED indicates
signal clipping. One red LED indicates protections mode for shorts/overload.
In addition, there is also one blue LED in the center which indicates the
mains power is applied to the unit.
XS-SERIES AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS
| MODEL NO. | XS-500 | XS-800 | XS-1300 |
|---|
Output Power:
2 ohms, 1 Khz 1% THD
4 ohms, 1 Khz 1% THD
8 ohms, 1 Khz 1% THD (Bridge Mode, mono) 4 ohms, 1 Khz 1% THD
8 ohms, 1 Khz 1% THD
|
300W RMS Stereo. 250W RMS Stereo. 170W RMS Stereo.
600W RMS
500W RMS
|
620W RMS Stereo. 440W RMS Stereo. 260W RMS Stereo.
1240W RMS
880W RMS
|
1000W RMS Stereo. 700W RMS Stereo. 420W RMS Stereo.
2000W RMS
1400W RMS
Total Harmonic Distortion 20Hz-20kHz, @ rated output power, 8 ohms|
Less than 0.05%
|
Less than 0.01%
|
Less than 0.01%
Input Sensitivity and Impedance: @ rated output power, 8 ohms|
1.0V RMS
|
1.0V RMS
|
1.0 V RMS
Dimensions & Weight: Height
Width Depth Weight
|
3.5″ (8.8cm)
19″ (48.3cm)
16.14″ (41cm)
24.64 lbs. (11.2kg)
|
3.5″ (8.8cm)
19″ (48.3cm)
16.14″ (41cm)
31.46 lbs. (14.3kg)
|
3.5″ (8.8cm)
19″ (48.3cm)
16.14″ (41cm)
37.4 lbs. (17kg)
Frequency Response:
+/- 1db, 1w RMS. 8 ohms
+/- 0.2 db, @ rated output, 8 ohms
|
10 Hz – 40 kHz
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Hum & Noise:
Below rated output,8 ohms
| 100 dB, unweighted
Power Consumption: @ rated output power, 8 ohms| 4.2A @ 110VAC| 5.64A @
110VAC| 9A @ 110VAC
Cooling System:| Dual 2-Speed Fans and Heatsinks
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