ROKSAN K3 Stereo Power Amplifier Instruction Manual

ROKSAN K3 Stereo Power Amplifier

Specifications

• Product Name: K3 Stereo Power Amplifier
• Operating Voltage:
  • 230 V Products: 220 – 240 V
  • 115 V Products: 100 – 120 V
  • 100 V Products: 90 – 110 V
• Main Plug Type: IEC C13 mains plug
• Main Fuse Location: Rear panel below AC Mains Input Socket
• Earth Connection : Required

Product Usage Instructions

AC Mains Supply

• Your K3 Power Amplifier operates on a fixed supply voltage. Before connecting the mains lead, ensure that your mains supply matches the voltage range specified on the label next to the mains input socket.
• The mains lead comes with an IEC C13 mains plug for the unit’s rear panel. The other end has a country-specific moulded plug. If moving to a different region, contact Roksan for appropriate plug and fuse details.
• Always maintain correct mains polarity. The amplifier mains fuse, located on the rear panel, should only be replaced with the exact type and rating indicated on the label.
• Ensure proper earth connection by connecting the earth wire of the mains cable to a suitable earthing point provided by your electricity supply company. If unsure, consult an electrician. Unplug the equipment if not in use for an extended period.

Location
Place your amplifier in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, dust, humidity, and direct sunlight to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

FAQ

• Q: What is Single Wiring vs. Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping?
  A: Single Wiring involves connecting one cable to each terminal of the speaker. Bi-Wiring uses separate cables for the low and high-frequency drivers of a speaker. Bi-Amping requires separate amplifiers for these drivers.

• Q: How do I clean the amplifier?
  A: After disconnecting from the mains, clean the casing and front panel with a lightly dampener lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive substances or solvents.

K3 Stereo
Power Amplifier
Set Up Guide and Product Manual

roksan.com

INTRODUCTION

• Congratulations on your purchase of the Roksan K3 Power Amplifier. This amplifier is designed and manufactured to the highest specification and rigorously tested to reward you with many years of listening pleasure.
• Your K3 Power Amplifier is an integral part of your Hi-Fi system. Its correct installation, set-up and operation will have a significant influence on the performance of the entire Hi-Fi installation. Please  read the contents of this manual thoroughly. It will help you to understand your Hi-Fi equipment better and further enhance your listening pleasure.

UNPACKING

Included in the packing of your K3 Power Amplifier you will find:

• One mains lead fitted with the correct mains power plug for your country
• One information pack.

After removing these items please retain all packing material. Correct packing is necessary for future transportation of your K3 Power Amplifier.
EU DIRECTIVES
Roksan declares that the apparatus “K3 Power Amplifier” complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU.

MAINTENANCE

After disconnecting the amplifier from the mains supply, the casing and front panel may be cleaned with a lightly dampened lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive substances or solvents.

AC MAINS SUPPLY
Your K3 Power Amplifier is set to operate from a fixed supply voltage which is marked on a label next to the mains input socket. Before connecting the mains lead please check that your mains supply corresponds to this label as below:

• 230 V Products Voltage Range : 220 – 240 V
• 115 V Products Voltage Range: 100 – 120 V
• 100 V Products Voltage Range: 90 – 110 V

The mains lead supplied with this product has an IEC C13 mains plug which is inserted into the Mains Input Socket on the unit’s rear panel. The other end is a moulded plug appropriate to that for your country. In the UK this is the standard UK13A plug.
NOTE : Other international markets will require a different value plug and protection fuses. Please contact us for more details.

• This plug should ordinarily not be removed from the lead. If you do remove it, please dispose of it safely so that it cannot be plugged into a mains socket whilst in a potentially dangerous condition. If your lead has been damaged please obtain a complete replacement lead from your dealer.
• Should you move to another area where either the mains voltage or the mains plugs are different from those as supplied with your amplifier, please contact the appointed Roksan distributor for assistance.
• Please observe correct mains polarity at all times.
• The amplifier mains fuse is located on the rear panel below the AC Mains Input Socket. This must only be replaced by the fuse type and rating as described on the fuse rating label on the rear panel of the unit.
• This product requires connection to earth (ground). The earth wire (in the UK this is colour coded green/yellow) of the mains cable supplied with your Power Amplifier must be connected to a suitable earthing point established for this purpose by your electricity supply company. If you are in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
• If the equipment is likely to be unused for some time, unplug it from the mains supply.

LOCATION

Your amplifier should be located in a well ventilated area and kept away from sources of heat, dust, humidity and direct sunlight. The amplifier may be positioned either as a free standing unit or alongside other audio/video product(s). Never place the amplifier on other electronic equipment, carpet or any surface likely to hinder normal ventilation. Never allow liquids or other objects to fall into the unit.

NOTE : This unit contains no user serviceable parts. Do not remove any panels or attempt to service it yourself. Unauthorised servicing will void the warranty.

Surface Heat.
The top surface of the unit will get hot in operation. Do not leave items on the top surface and avoid contact with the top of the unit. A warning label is affixed to the top surface.

FRONT PANEL VIEW

1. AC Mains Power Switch
2.  Mode Indicator

REAR PANEL VIEW

1. XLR Balanced Input
2. Input Switch (selects between XLR & RCA Inputs)
3. Chassis Grounding Terminal
4. RCA Input
5. RCA Output
6. Serial Number
7. XLR Balanced Outputs
8. Loudspeaker Output Terminals
9. Voltage & Fuse Label
10.  AC Mains Fuse Holder
11. AC Mains Input Socket

CONNECTING MAINS POWER

• NOTE: The amplifier uses high current circuitry. Do not unplug the cable while the amplifier is on.
• The moulded IEC plug of the supplied mains lead should be plugged into the socket on the rear of the unit first and then plugged into the mains supply. The Mains Power Switch is on the left front underside of the amplifier. This switch can be left on; if however the amplifier is likely to be unattended for a long period, switch it off and unplug the mains lead from the wall.

SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

• In accordance with standard practice, the upper row of phono sockets carries the Left Channel and the lower row carries the Right Channel.
• All the inputs and outputs use gold plated RCA Phono connectors and should be connected accordingly:
• Left Channel – White; Right Channel – Red

Input and Output Connections

• If you wish to use the K3 Power Amplifier for multi-amping with the K3 Integrated Amplifier or purely as a pre/power combination (with the K3 Integrated amplifier acting as the pre-amplifier), you should connect the pre-out of your K3 Integrated (or pre-amplifier or surround sound processor) to the corresponding input. The gain of the K3 Power Amplifier is exactly the same as the power amplifier section of the K3 Integrated Amplifier and therefore is ideal for multi-amping.
• You have the choice between RCA and XLR inputs/outputs. Use the Input Switch to select the desired cable configuration. Please note that the circuits run in parallel, so input and output must be the same cable type.

LOUDSPEAKER CABLE CONNECTIONS

• Loudspeakers and their cables can be connected to the amplifier in a number of
  ways. The following sections guide you through the different options available to you depending on your electronics, cable and personal choice/ preference.

• The left and right loudspeakers are connected to the amplifier via the binding posts. The amplifier offers the standard 4 mm banana plugs or bare wire connections.

• Litz-wound loudspeaker cables or those with a complex plaited construction can present a highly capacitive load to an amplifier and may cause damage to the amplifier and/ or degrade the sound of your system. Choose a cable of simple construction, manufactured from high-quality materials. Your ROKSAN retailer will be able to advise.

• NOTE : DO NOT use loudspeaker cable with conductor size less than 16 AWG (1.6 mm diameter) or greater than 12 AWG (2.05 mm diameter).

• NOTE : We strongly recommend that you use professionally terminated loudspeaker cables using 4 mm plugs. Any attempt to connect cables which are not terminated may result in damage to the amplifier if not done correctly.

• Making a connection using bare wire must be done correctly so that there are no stray strands of wire to touch the opposite terminal. Carefully strip the insulation on each wire exposing about 12 mm (1/2”) of the conductors. If the conductor is stranded, twist the strands together on each conductor.

• Unscrew the binding post and feed the bare wire through the cross-hole and tighten the binding post securely making sure that there are no loose strands or bare ends protruding through the post.

Speaker Connection Polarity
Carefully observe polarity ensuring that the black (-) loudspeaker terminal/ cable to the black (-) amplifier terminal and the red (+) loudspeaker terminal/ cable is connected to the red (+) amplifier terminal.
When both left and right loudspeaker outputs are connected to their respective loudspeakers the amplifier is ready for use.

CONNECTING TO LOUDSPEAKERS

• There are 3 ways to connect your loudspeakers to the amplifier(s). They are single wire, bi-wire and bi-amp.
• What is Single Wiring?
• Single wiring is the quickest and simplest way to connect the loudspeakers. In some cases, it can yield better results than bi-wiring. This uses a single pair of loudspeaker cables to connect the amplifier to the loudspeakers sending the full range signal to the loudspeakers along the cable.
• What is Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping?
• A loudspeaker’s crossover varies the impedance seen by the amplifier as well as directing the frequencies to the corresponding drivers within the loudspeaker. When a full range audio signal is applied to the terminals of a full range loudspeaker system, the bass driver(s) will only receive low frequency signals, the mid driver receives the mid band frequency signals and the tweeter only gets sent high frequency signals. This means that if separate loudspeaker cables are connected to the low and high frequency terminals, not only have the drive units had the frequency’s directed and divided for them, but if using a bi-wire setup the two separate loudspeaker cables will now also carry different signals due to the impedance.
• The effects of bi-wiring can be subtle depending on the cable construction and design. It could be better to go for one better engineered cable than two for bi-wiring. We recommend experimenting with both configurations to find out which one works best in your system.
• Bi-amping adds an additional amplifier (eg. K3 Power Amplifier) to the system so that the one amplifier drives the low frequencies – normally the power amplifier – and the other amplifier drives the high frequencies. Bi-amping can therefore present a ‘cleaner’ signal at both the low frequency and high frequency loudspeaker terminals, and because the high and low frequencies have already been separated, each has a minimal effect on the other – in essence the bass has less effect on the delicate treble. In order to best take advantage of bi-amping the amplifiers should be as independent from each other as possible. For instance, if using two stereo amplifiers you should use one stereo amplifier for the bass and the other for the treble, minimising the impact of the bass on the treble.

Single Wiring The Loudspeakers

• When single wiring, connect the loudspeaker cables as illustrated below.

Bi-Wiring The Loudspeakers
Bi-wiring is achieved by using a single amplifier to drive the loudspeakers, but splitting the high and low frequency loudspeaker cables at the amplifier. It uses the same principles as bi-amping, but the two sets of cables that feed the high and low frequency terminals on the loudspeaker connect to the single set of terminals on the amplifier. Connect the cables as illustrated below.

Bi-Amping The Loudspeakers
Bi-amping is similar to bi-wiring, but uses an additional amplifier (K3 Power Amplifier) to drive the low frequency terminals. One set of cables goes from the K3 Power Amplifier to the high frequency terminals on the loudspeaker and the power amplifier drives the low frequency terminals. Connect the cables as illustrated below.
Bi-amping with K3 Integrated and K3 Power Amplifiers

Bi-amping with K3 Integrated and 2 K3 Power Amplifiers

SWITCHING ON

The power switch is on the left front underside of the amplifier. This switch is the only method of controlling the power to the amplifier.
When switched on, your K3 Power Amplifier will go to ‘self diagnostics’ mode and the Mode Indicator LED on the front will glow GREEN. The amplifier is now ready for use.

1. If there is no signal (or the signal level is extremely low) the Mode Indicator LED will stay GREEN and the amplifier will remain in self diagnostics mode. The exception to this is the initial start up, if the unit has been off for a long period of time
2. When there is signal, the input sensor will ‘wake up’ the amplifier and the Mode Indicator LED will change to RED
3. After approximately 5 seconds the output relays will turn on and the amplifier will be fully operational
4.  If there is still no signal after approximately 30 minutes, the amplifier will revert to self diagnostics mode and the Mode Indicator LED will go back to GREEN.

PLAYING MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME
When first turning the amplifier on, it is important to follow these simple steps in order to protect it and your loudspeakers.

1. Reduce the volume of the pre/ integrated amplifier to minimum
2.  Start playing from your chosen source (CD, DAC, Turntable, etc) and increase the volume slowly
3. The LED indicator on the power amplifier will automatically switch to red and will be activated within a few seconds.

RUNNING IN THE NEW AMPLIFIER
Any new electrical equipment requires a “running-in” period, warming up the components to the optimum working temperatures, acquiring the electromagnetic properties and stability that offers the listeners optimal musical performance. We suggest that after the initial playing period the amplifiers should be left playing at low volumes for up to 40 hours. Clear improvements to clarity and speed will be apparent after the first 10-15 hours of playing with the amplifier reaching its optimal performance after 40 hours.
NOTE : When switched off for long durations the procedure described above may need to be performed again.

KNOW YOUR K3 POWER AMPLIFIER

• If for any reason the amplifier overheats through overload or lack of ventilation, it will revert to shut-down mode for protection.
• Reset the amplifier by switching the mains switch off and on again.
• If the output is accidentally shorted the amplifier will revert to shut-down. You can manually re-activate amplifier after the short/fault has been eradicated.
• In the unlikely event of an internal fault such as a power supply failure, the Mode Indicator LED will glow GREEN and the amplifier will shut down. If the fault persists, the amplifier will stay in shut- down/ in protection mode and you should consult your Roksan dealer.

WARRANTY

• There are no user-serviceable parts inside your K3 Power Amplifier. If a fault should develop, refer any servicing to your appointed Roksan dealer, distributor or Roksan approved service agent.
• Both the craftsmanship and the performance of this product are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty against manufacturing defects provided that the product was supplied by an authorised Roksan retailer under the consumer sale agreement. For the period of cover please refer to the product page on our website: roksan.com for the product you have purchased.
• When purchasing Roksan products, please keep your receipt of purchase safe, as this validates your warranty.

This warranty excludes:

1. Damage caused due to accident, misuse, neglect and incorrect installation, adjustment or repair.
2. Liability for damage or loss during transit from the retailer or purchaser to Roksan or its authorised distributor for the purposes of repair or inspection.
3. Carriage costs to Roksan that will be borne by the consignor.

All claims under this warranty must be made through an authorised Roksan retailer.
If equipment returned for repair to Roksan is found on inspection to not comply with the product specification, Roksan reserves the right to make a charge for examination and return carriage.

NOTE : Unauthorised servicing will void this warranty.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you suspect that your amplifier is not operating properly, you should check all the connections carefully. Pay particular attention to loudspeaker phasing and channel connections. RCA plugs should be fully inserted – a frequent cause of problems is that RCA plug surrounds do not make proper contact. Below are some commonly encountered problems with suggestions for possible cure. The list is not exhaustive: If you have any unresolved problems, please consult your appointed Roksan dealer or distributor.

• AC Mains lead not inserted properly
• Unit not switched on.

|

• Ensure AC mains lead is
• fully inserted
• Switch unit on at front left underside.

No output on one or both channels.|

• Amplifier in protection mode (Mode LED GREEN)
• Missing or bad input signal connection
• Incorrect loudspeaker connection
• Wrong input selected
• Over heating.

|

• Check all input connections

• Check loudspeaker output connections on rear panel

• Select correct input,

• ascertain source is working

• Allow amplifier to cool, increase ventilation or use at lower volume.

• Very low sound

• output

• Poor loudspeaker imaging, lack of bass output.

|

• Loudspeakers connected out of phase
• Pre-amplifier is in the mute position (Mode LED ORANGE).

|

• Check polarity of loudspeaker connections (especially important if bi- wiring, bi-amping)
• Deselect Mute (check volume setting first).

Hum from loudspeakers.| •    Incorrect grounding.| Check mains polarity and grounding on all connected equipment.

SPECIFICATIONS

INPUTS

• 1 x Pair XLR balanced sockets
• 1 x Pair RCA sockets
• Input Impedance: 23 kΩ
• Input Sensitivity: 900 mV RMS
• Signal Input L+R Channels: Balanced and single ended

OUTPUTS

• Output 1: 1 x pair RCA sockets
• Output 2: 1 x pair XLR sockets
• Output Power: 140 Watts in to 8 Ω both channels driven Frequency Response: -3 dB, <3 Hz. > 100 kHz
• Gain: > 110 (8 Ω @ -3dB)
• Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% 1kHz into 8 Ohm
• Signal to Noise Ratio: Line 100 dBA (ref 900 mV)

POWER SUPPLY

• Power Supply: 500 VA Ultra low noise toroidal transformer
• Power Source: 100 – 120 V, 50/60 Hz 220 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum Power Consumption: <800 W (8 Ω, both channels driven) Rated Power Consumption: 800W
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 432 x 380 x 90 mm 432 x 380 x 102 mm (Including feet)
• Weight: 11.7 Kg
• All specifications are liable to change without notice. E&OE

Designed and built in Great Britain.
roksan.com info@roksan.com Version 2.1. 2019 ROK-1228 Roksan
24 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7XJ, UK
+44 (0)1268 798900

References

• Roksan | Hi-Fi, Turntables & Audio Electronics

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