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Multi-Zone Stereo Operation
You can switch your HCA-1206 to reproduce a single stereo source through up to three pairs of stereo
channels via input cables connected to channels 1 and 2 input jacks only. This permits a neater and less
confusing hookup. It eliminates the requirement for two or four “Y” adapters in order to split your
preamplifier’s single pair of stereo outputs to feed the 3 pairs of HCA-1206 power amplifier input jacks.
When you switch the LOOP 1/2 > 3/4 Switch for channels 3 and 4 to its ON position, these channels
receive the internally paralleled looped input signals from the same cables connected to the inputs of
channels 1 and 2. Input 1 loops over to channel 3. Input 2 loops over to channel 4.
The Loop 1/2 > 5/6 Switch for Channels 5 and 6 offers the same internal paralleling convenience. Input
1 loops over to Channel 5. Input 2 loops over to Channel 6.
Speaker Connections to the HCA-1206
Refer to Figure #2
Five-Way Binding Posts
The five-way binding posts on the rear panel of your HCA-1206 will accept banana or dual banana
plugs, most 1/4" spade lugs, or up to AWG 12 bare solid or stranded wire.
Polarity
It is important to observe correct speaker connection polarity to prevent phase cancellation. One side of
the speaker wire will have some sort of mark, either printing, a raised ridge on the insulation or a
different color of conductor. This permits you to know which wire you had connected to the + and
which to the — speaker terminals so you can do exactly the same at the power amplifier terminals.
Polarity is marked separately for both stereo and bridged connections.
Banana Plugs
Banana plugs offer the most convenient connection to the speaker terminals. They also have a large
amount of surface contact into the speaker terminal. For these reasons, we recommend the use of
banana plugs in most applications. However, you may want to use the “gas tight” connection provided
by spade lugs or bare wire.
Spade Lugs
If you prefer to use speaker cable with spade lugs, make sure you do not permit the lug to rotate as the
terminal is tightened. Do not overtighten the speaker terminal onto the spade lug. The limited warranty
does not cover terminals that are sheared off as a result of overtightening.
Bare Wire
If you use bare wire without plugs, make sure you strip off only enough insulation so the bared wire fits
into the hole that runs sideways through the terminal’s metal shaft. Before inserting the wire, twist all its
strands tightly to prevent strays that could cause a short circuit b and — terminals or adjacent
channel terminals. If you have a soldering iron, it is a good idea to “tin” the bare wire with solder to
keep it from unraveling and prevent oxidation.
