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Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the SZ240 and SZ480 constant voltage power amplifiers from Samson 

Technologies! The Samson SZ Series amplifiers have been designed to provide robust, clean output with 

low distortion and wide dynamic range, along with the dependability demanded by the most profes-

sional design engineers and audio installers.  The two-channel SZ240 and the four-channel SZ480 are both 

enclosed in a convenient 2 rack-space chassis and feature highly efficient Class D power cores with univer-

sal power supplies that operate from 100 – 240 volts, at 50 or 60 Hz. Each of the SZ amp channels reach full 

power of 120 watts at 4 ohms, but they can also run at 70 or 100 volts thanks to their internal, high perfor-

mance, toroidal matching transformers. Front panel controls and displays include a Power switch with LED 

indicator, as well as independent channel input level controls. The SZ amplifiers include front panel Signal, 

Peak and Protection LED indicators to help you set the correct operating levels. Plus, the SZ amplifiers 

include a selectable Limiter on each channel to help guarantee a clean signal. Euro block input and output 

connectors are provided to insure easy connections and maximum flexibility. To keep the SZ amplifiers 

running cool, their designs employ internal wind tunnels with forced-air cooling via an internal fan, which 

greatly reduces the chance of thermal and overheating problems. Multi-stage protection for power-up, over-

heating, over-current, short circuit, low output impedance and DC voltage, assures high reliability under 

the most demanding situations.  The SZ amps are road tough with their all steel chassis, 19-inch rack mount 

design and convenient carry handles facilitating easy installation in any rack. Optimized for commercial 

installations, houses of worship, live sound venues and for driving small and medium-sized live PA systems, 

the SZ amplifiers will deliver reliable power. The SZ series’ advanced technology, clear sound and reliable 

performance makes them ideal for any small PA or any distributed sound system installation.

In this manual, you’ll find a  detailed description of the features of the SZ Amplifiers, as well as a guided tour 

through the front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions for using the unit, suggested applications and 

full specifications.

You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it so that you can receive 

online technical  support and so we can send you updated information about other Samson products in the 

future.  Also, be sure to check out our website (www.samsontech.com) for complete information about our 

full line of Samson audio products.

With proper care and adequate air circulation, your SZ amplifer will operate trouble free for many years. We 

recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future reference.

Serial number: _______________________________

Date of purchase: _____________________________

Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained before ship-

ping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-

3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the 

original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and packing materials. If you 

purchased your Samson product outside the United States, please contact your local distributor for warranty 

information and service.

Summary of Contents for SZ240

Page 1: ...SZ240 SZ480 POWER AMPLIFERS SZ SERIES...

Page 2: ...NG TYPE PLUG POLARIZED PLUG HAS TWO BLADES WITH ONE WIDER THAN THE OTHER GROUNDING TYPE PLUG HAS TWO BLADES AND A THIRD GROUNDING PRONG 4HE WIDE BLADE OR THE THIRD PRONG ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUR SAFETY F...

Page 3: ...or objects have fallen into the unit the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped PRECAUCION Para reducir el riesgo de incendios o descargas no permita q...

Page 4: ...Z Series Features 2 SZ480 Layout Front Panel 3 SZ480 Layout Rear Panel 4 SZ240 Layout Front Panel 5 SZ240 Layout Rear Panel 6 Designing an Installation Plan 7 Setting Up and Using Your SZ Series 10 Th...

Page 5: ...ch rack mount design and convenient carry handles facilitating easy installation in any rack Optimized for commercial installations houses of worship live sound venues and for driving small and medium...

Page 6: ...B crosstalk of 80 dB and frequency response of 10 Hz to 25 kHz guarantee ultra clean sound quality LED signal indicators for each channel continuously display power output levels and allow you to corr...

Page 7: ...f When lit no signal is provided to any connected speakers thus muting them and preventing any thump from occurring For a complete description of the conditions under which this light goes on see the...

Page 8: ...terconnection instructions 3 Limiter Each amplifier channel has a quick attack Limiter with peak detection to help ensure a clean signal The Limiter for each individual channel can be set to on or off...

Page 9: ...s whenever the channel is outputting signal at full strength For the best signal to noise ratio the right PEAK segment should light occasionally during peak levels if it lights frequently you may be o...

Page 10: ...nterconnection instructions 3 Limiter Each amplifier channel has a quick attack Limiter with peak detection to help ensure a clean signal The Limiter for each individual channel can be set to on or of...

Page 11: ...onnect line level signals on all four input channels so signals from TAPE CD DVD or Karaoke players Audio Video TV monitors Radio Tuners DJ mixers or any other line level device can be used as a sound...

Page 12: ...some time to consider where you need to have sound in your particular installation After you have decided where you need to create sound zones you can consider your speaker selection but first decide...

Page 13: ...iers have built in transformers on each channel that step up the output voltage and reduce the current allowing you to connect to a series of speakers with step down transformers over long cable runs...

Page 14: ...xt make the signal input connections using the Euroblock input connectors on the rear panel If your mixer has balanced outputs we recommend the use of three conductor cabling and connectors unbalanced...

Page 15: ...s and that both the front and rear panels are unobstructed Severe over current conditions This occurs whenever the signal being input to the SZ Series rises to a level above 20 THD Total Harmonic Dist...

Page 16: ...and 70 Volt operation SZ Series Connections 8 Ohm Operation One 8 Ohm speaker per amplifer 8 Ohm 8 Ohm 8 Ohm 8 Ohm 4 Ohm 4 Ohm 4 Ohm 4 Ohm 4 Ohm Operation Two 8 Ohm speakers per amplifer 70 Volt Opera...

Page 17: ...first two SZ amp channels are connected to four wall mounted speakers in each of the Dining Rooms with their transformers set to a 25 watt tap The third SZ amp channel powers two speakers in the outs...

Page 18: ...ways to interface the SZ series amplifers depending on your exact system set up Follow the cable diagrams below for connecting to the input of your amplifier Euroblock to RCA Unbalanced Euroblock to 1...

Page 19: ...e zip cord can be used for most small to medium size installations Follow the cable dia grams below for connecting to the input of your amplifier 4 and 8 Ohm Wiring Guide 70 Volt Wiring Guide 100 Volt...

Page 20: ...d cooling through your SZ Series amplifier To clean the fan filters follow these simple steps 1 Remove the fan filter by placing your finger in the depressed area under the fan filter frame 2 Clean th...

Page 21: ...channel Input Active balanced Euroblock Output Euroblock Controls AC power switch Channel volume Limiter Indicators Power on blue Protection amber Signal green for each Ch Peak red for each Ch Protect...

Page 22: ...18 Block Diagram...

Page 23: ......

Page 24: ...Samson Technologies Corp 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge New York 11788 8816 Phone 1 800 3 SAMSON 1 800 372 6766 Fax 631 784 2201 www samsontech com...

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