Optimal Audio Amp 100 Performance Power Amplifier User Guide

: August 14, 2024
: Optimal Audio

Table of Contents

Optimal Audio Amp 100 Performance Power Amplifier
Product Usage Instructions
FAQ
MODELS
Start using your Amp
Front Panel Controls
Rear Panel Connections & Controls
Input Connections
Loudspeaker Outputs
Maintenance
Important Safety Instructions
FCC Compliance
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

Optimal Audio Amp 100 Performance Power Amplifier

Specifications

Amp 100: Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 350W per channel at 4Ω, 250W per channel at 8Ω, and 700W Bridged at 8Ω.
Amp 200: Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 700W per channel at 4Ω, 400W per channel at 8Ω, and 1400W Bridged at 8Ω.
Amp 300: Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 1350W per channel at 4Ω, 800W per channel at 8Ω, and 2700W Bridged at 8Ω.

Product Usage Instructions

Start Using Your Amp

All models in the Amp range feature identical rear panel layouts. The input signal can be direct from an Optimal Audio Zone controller or a line signal from an external source.

Front Panel Controls

Amplifier channel volume control & signal indicator
Power and Temperature status LEDs
Inlet for cooling (do not cover)
Power switch

Powering Up

Amp is supplied in two voltage models, 240V AC 50/60Hz and 120V AC 60Hz. Use the mains cable appropriate to your region as supplied with the amplifier and connect it to a switched mains supply.
Amp has a mains power switch on the front panel. Position ‘0’ is OFF and position ‘I’ is ON. Ensure that all signal and output connections are made and that all switch options are selected appropriately before connecting the amplifier to the main power.
NOTE: On power up, the ‘Temp’ LED will flash red; the unit is ON when the ‘Power’ LED is illuminated white.
If the Temp LED remains illuminated or illuminates during operation, excessive temperature has been detected. Please power OFF and check all connections.

Rear Panel Connections & Controls

All models in the Amp range feature identical rear panel layouts.

Overcurrent CH1 speakON breaker
Output CH2 speakON Output
AC inlet
CH1 & CH2 Binding Post Outputs
CH1 Input Output Mode selector
Air cooling system (do not cover)
Gain selector CH2 Input

FAQ

Q: What should I do if the ‘Temp’ LED remains illuminated or illuminates during operation?

A: If this happens, it indicates that excessive temperature has been detected. In such cases, please power OFF the amplifier and check all connections to ensure proper ventilation and cooling.

Congratulations

Congratulations on your choice of Optimal Audio for your latest sound system installation.
The Optimal Audio range of compatible audio zoners, controllers, amplifiers, and loudspeakers are designed to work together simply and effectively.
Our quick start guides will take you through connectivity and set up in a straightforward style that reflects the Optimal Audio brand.

MODELS

There are three amplifiers in the Amp range:

Amp 100 Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 350W per channel at 4Ω, 250W per channel at 8Ω and 700W Bridged at 8Ω
Amp 200 Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 700W per channel at 4Ω, 400W per channel at 8Ω and 1400W Bridged at 8Ω
Amp 300 Two channels of Class A/B amplification, 1350W per channel at 4Ω, 800W per channel at 8Ω and 2700W Bridged at 8Ω

Start using your Amp

All models in the Amp range feature identical rear panel layouts. Input signal can be direct from an Optimal Audio Zone controller, or a line signal from an external source.

If using a Zone controller make sure the rear panel gain switch is depressed in the ‘Zone’ position. If using with another source set to ‘32dB’ position
Input is via balanced or unbalanced XLR or ¼” TRS Jack connector
Select the operation mode STEREO-BRIDGE-PARALLEL detailed later in this user guide
Connect amplifier outputs to loudspeakers via speakON® or binding post. Refer to the diagrams in this user guide or information on the Amp rear panel for the correct wiring
Once you have connected everything up, plug your Amp into the mains power and turn it on
Turn the relevant amplifier channel volume knob on the front panel up
Green LEDs will illuminate the channels to which the signal is applied. These will illuminate Red if the amplifier is in the clip.

Front Panel Controls

Powering Up

Amp is supplied in two voltage models, 240V AC 50/60Hz and 120V AC 60Hz. Use the mains cable appropriate to your region as supplied with the amplifier and connect it to a switched mains supply.
Amp has a mains power switch on the front panel. Position ‘0’ is OFF and position ‘I’ is ON. Ensure that all signal and output connections are made and that all switch options are selected appropriately before connecting the amplifier to the main power.

NOTE

On power up the ‘Temp’ LED will flash red; the unit is ON when the ‘Power’ LED is illuminated white.
If the Temp LED remains illuminated or illuminates during operation excessive temperature has been detected.. Please power OFF and check all connections.

Rear Panel Connections & Controls

Amp 100, 200 and 300

All models in the Amp range feature identical rear panel layouts.

Input Connections

Amp inputs are balanced with an impedance of 15kΩ and an unbalanced impedance of 7.5kΩ. They require the use of suitable two-core, screened signal cable.
Input connections to Amp are achieved via a Combi style XLR / ¼” TRS jack connector. Connecting cables to the supplied female input connectors is illustrated.

Input gain selector

Amp features a selectable input gain. This can be set via a push switch on the rear of the unit. Use a screwdriver, pen, or similar device to locate and push the gain switch.
Pushing the switch to its depressed position configures Amp’s input gain structure to be compatible for use with an Optimal Audio Zone processor line outputs (20dBu max).
Pushing the switch again releases it to its upper/ outward position, this configures the input to 32dB gain, for use with traditional professional audio equipment.

Loudspeaker Outputs

Output connections from Amp are achieved via either a speakON® or binding post connector per amplifier channel.
Ensure that speaker connection polarity is correct throughout the installation: positive (+) amplifier terminals should always be connected to positive speaker terminals and negative (–) amplifier terminals always connected to negative speaker terminals.
Together with output mode switch configuration, Amp can be set up to output in Stereo (dual) channels, Bridge mono, and Parallel, via either output connector type as detailed in the following diagrams.

Stereo output using speakON® connectors

Set Output Mode Switch to STEREO

Stereo output using Binding Post connectors

Set Output Mode Switch to STEREO

Bridge mono output using speakON® connector

Set Output Mode Switch to BRIDGE
Note only Channel 1 volume control works in BRIDGE mode

Bridge mono output using Binding Post connectors

Set Output Mode Switch to BRIDGE
Note only Channel 1 volume control works in BRIDGE mode

Parallel output using speakON® connectors

Set Output Mode Switch to PARALLEL
A signal sent to one input channel is output on both speaker output channels

Parallel output using Binding Post connectors

Set Output Mode Switch to PARALLEL
Signal sent to one input channel is output on both speaker output channels

Zone & Amp – The perfect partners

Connect Amp to Zone processor to access a full suite of Optimal Audio loudspeaker presets, limiters, and much more, easily configurable via Zone’s onboard WebApp. Amp does not come with onboard DSP.

Maintenance

Your Optimal Audio Amp should require minimal maintenance and prove to be a reliable workhorse in your sound system.
If in doubt, contact your distributor, who will help you with whatever you need to keep your Optimal Audio system running at its best.

	Amp 100	Amp 200	Amp 300
TYPE	CLASS AB power amplifier	CLASS AB power amplifier	CLASS AB power

amplifier
POWER OUTPUT (4Ω-16Ω)| 4Ω: 350W / 8Ω: 250W /

8Ω BRIDGED: 700W

| 4Ω: 700W / 8Ω: 400W /

8Ω BRIDGED: 1400W

| 4Ω: 1350W / 8Ω: 800W /

8Ω BRIDGED: 2700W

WARNING! DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
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.

THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED

Important Safety Instructions

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation opening. Install under 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.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the power cord shall be connected to a main socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
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 or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, 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.
Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord, use the plug.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
Refer all servicing to qualified service 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.
The appliance coupler, or the AC Mains plug, is the AC mains disconnect device and shall remain readily accessible after installation.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and
no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Do not remove any covers, loosen any fixings, or allow items to enter any aperture.

FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, according 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 under the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Relax, It’s Optimal Audio.
Optimal Audio Group Ltd. Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3SL
optimal-audio.co.uk

Documents / Resources

| Optimal Audio Amp 100 Performance Power Amplifier [pdf] User Guide
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