Harman Kardon PA 2000, Service Manual

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SPEAKER WIRE CONNECTIONS
Regardless of the channel configuration used,
the final step of the installation process is to
connect the amplifier to your speakers, using
high-quality cable. The PA 2000 is equipped
with binding post terminals that accept bare
wire, spade lugs or banana-type plugs, when
they are permitted by local safety agencies.
Once you have located the proper speaker ter-
minals for the type of output configuration in
use, connect your speakers using the following
guidelines.
To ensure that the high-quality signals pro-
duced by your PA 2000 are carried to your
speakers without loss of clarity or resolution,
we recommend that you use high-quality
speaker cable. Many brands of cable are avail-
able, and the choice of cable may be influenced
by the distance between your speakers and the
amplifier, the type of speakers you use, personal
preferences and other factors. Your dealer or
installer is a valuable resource to consult in
selecting the proper cable for connections
between your amplifier and speakers.
Regardless of the brand or type of cable selected,
we recommend that you use a cable constructed
of fine, multistrand copper with a gauge of 14
or larger. Remember that in specifying cable,
the lower the number, the thicker the cable.
Cable with a gauge of 16 may be used for
short runs of less than ten feet. We do not rec-
ommend that you use any cables with an AWG
equivalent of 18 or higher, due to the power
loss and degradation in performance that will
occur.
Cables that are run inside walls should have
the appropriate markings to indicate that they
are listed with UL, CSA or other testing agency
standards. Questions about cables inside walls
should be referred to a qualified installer or a
licensed electrical contractor who is familiar
with the NEC and/or the applicable local build-
ing codes in your area.
If bare wire is used for the connections, strip
approximately 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch of insulation
from the end of each wire and carefully twist
the strands of each conductor together. Be
careful not to cut the individual strands or twist
them off; for optimal performance, all strands
must be used.
Then, loosen the knobs of the speaker output
terminals far enough so that the pass-through
hole is revealed. In order to preserve proper
stereo imaging and low-frequency reproduction,
it is essential that proper polarity be observed
when connecting speakers to the PA 2000. Be
sure to connect the negative terminal for each
channel on the PA 2000 to the negative termi-
nal on the speaker, and the positive terminal on
the PA 2000 to the positive terminal on the
speaker. Note that one conductor of the speaker
cable will have no markings and the other will
have a red line, brand name markings, a black
thread or some other positive indication. Follow
the proper connection instructions for your sys-
tem with regard to which terminals are used.
The small speaker icons next to each pair of ter-
minal posts will guide you to the correct con-
nections. When the connections are made, twist
the cap back so that the connection is secured,
but do not overtighten or use tools, as this may
break the delicate wire strands and decrease
system performance.
If you are using spade lugs, connect them to
the wire using the manufacturer’s instructions
and then loosen the caps on the speaker termi-
nals. Place the lugs between the plastic cap and
the back of the terminal, as if it were a horse-
shoe on the game’s post. Be sure to observe
proper polarity, using the appropriate speaker
hook-up icons for your system’s configuration.
Tighten with your fingers to obtain a positive
contact.
When banana plugs are permitted, connections
may be made by simply inserting the jack
affixed to your speaker wire into the hole pro-
vided on the rear of the colored screw caps on
the binding posts. Before using banana-type
jacks, make certain that the plastic screw caps
are firmly tightened down by turning them in a
clockwise direction until they are snug against
the chassis. This will ensure that the maximum
surface area of the plug is in contact with the
jack. Be certain to observe proper polarity.
Finally, run the cables to the speaker locations.
Where possible, it is recommended that the
length of cable connecting any pair of speakers
be identical, even though one speaker may be
physically closer to the amplifier than the other.
Do not coil any excess cable, as this may
become an inductor that creates frequency
response variations in your system.
Finally, connect the wires to the speakers,
again, being certain to observe proper polarity.
Remember to connect your “negative” or
“black” wire to the matching terminal on the
speaker. Similarly, the “positive” or “red” wire
should be connected to the like terminal on the
speaker.
NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers
adhere to an industry convention of using black
terminals for negative and red ones for positive,
some manufacturers may vary from this config-
uration. To ensure proper phase connections
and optimal performance, consult the identifica-
tion plate on your speaker terminals, or the
speaker’s manual to verify polarity. If you do
not know the polarity of your speaker, ask your
dealer or installer for advice before proceeding,
or consult the speaker’s manufacturer.
As a general rule, avoid running input signal or
speaker wire connections in parallel with each
other, or with AC power cords. This can result in
undesired hum or other interference that will
greatly degrade signal performance.
Speaker Wire Connections
PA2000 harman/kardon
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