Supercharger 550K
INSTALLATION
Issue 1: 16th June 2007
Page 6
of
11
SETTING UP
Position the 550K on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no
risk of it being knocked. We have supplied a wire so the unit can be
situated close to the speaker and use the existing amplifier’s speaker
wire as the inputs
Make sure ALL units involved are switched off and unplugged from
mains supply before making or removing any connections.
During normal use, the unit develops a certain amount of internal
heat and therefore should be sensibly situated where it can radiate
this heat most efficiently. If this is not realised, heat build-up will
occur and may cause the amplifier to prematurely shut itself down. It
is thus recommend that the unit is situated in an open rather than
enclosed space and away from other sources of heat.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Inputs:
The 550K has one line level input and a speaker level input
for power boosting. Choose the input to be used, speaker level or line
level:
FOR SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT:
The speaker input allows direct connection from an existing
amplifier’s speaker outputs. This provides a low impedance input
that the amplifier can drive easily, with greatly reduced distortion
(It’s now approximately 10 times less work for the existing amplifier
to drive).
Disconnect the existing amplifier speaker wires at the
speaker
ends.
These ends will now be connected to the
speaker level input
terminals of the Supercharger 550K.
Make sure that the positive lead is connected to the red input
terminal, and the negative lead to the black input terminal of the
Supercharger 550K
Some cables have an identifying mark to help set up the equipment
correctly.
Make sure the input selector slide switch on the back panel is set to
SPEAKER
Loudspeaker Supercharger 550K
Recommended wiring of Supercharger 550K for speaker input
FOR LINE LEVEL INPUT:
The line input allows direct connection from a preamplifier or
amplifier’s preamp outputs (47K input impedance).
Use a single phono to phono cable to connect output on the
preamplifier output to the line level input on the 550K.
Make sure the input selector slide switch on the back panel is set to
LINE.
Note:
in
both
input cases it is assumed that the driving amplifier or
preamplifier have a VOLUME CONTROL to allow setting of
listening level. This is important as the 550K has no control of its
own.
OUTPUTS:
Connect loudspeakers to the terminals near the base of the back
panel marked as
OUTPUT TO SPEAKER
. For setups using more
than one 550K it is important to get the phase of these leads correct
in all units.
Use the RED ends of the supplied brown cable to connect positive
on the Supercharger output to the positive binding post on the
speaker, and the BLACK ends to connect the negative on the
Supercharger output to the negative binding post on the speaker.
MAINS POWER INPUT
Check the rear panel mains switch is set to “off”.
Connect the supplied mains lead to the IEC socket near base of back
panel. Connect the other end to a mains power socket.
CAUTION!!
This unit features a
BRIDGED
output and should
NOT
be grounded
on either output terminal as both are effectively “hot”. Please check
if using
any
active “sub”, electrostatic, or other non standard speaker
types directly connected to the outputs of the Supercharger 550K.
Consult speaker manual or supplier if in doubt.
Most high quality speakers will comfortably cope with large power
transients
. By their nature, these are very quick and will present no
thermal problems for a good commercial quality loudspeaker.
However please note that most loudspeakers are
not
designed for
very high sustained listening levels. The Supercharger 550K is a
very powerful amplifier and will faithfully deliver what is asked of
it. If listening levels are set significantly higher (plus 3dB or so,
double the power) than normal, it is possible that the loudspeakers
could get into thermal problems and be damaged. Musical Fidelity
will not be responsible for any loss or damage to loudspeakers.
Please take care with listening levels, which can damage hearing,
and consider the noise suffered by others, such as neighbours.
The object of the Supercharger 550K is to increase dynamic range.
All that needs to be done is to set the volume level to normal level
and the Supercharger will do the rest: providing dramatically
increased dynamic range with very low distortion.
Additional note-
If bi-amping, please ensure that speaker shorting links linking treble
and bass units are removed. Failure to do so may result in damage to
connected amplifier(s). See loudspeaker instructions for more
information.
CLEANING
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and
remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. We
do not advise using solvents, white spirit or thinners as they could
damage the surface finish.
