MOON ROCK Mono Power Amplifier
Connecting the ROCK
1.
Connect the input cable running from your preamplifier’s output, whether balanced or single-ended, to the amplifier’s XLR
or RCA input respectively. We highly recommend that you use the balanced XLR input (provided that your preamplifier
has balanced outputs) to take full advantage of MOON ROCK Mono power amplifier’s capabilities. Please refer to the
next section “Balanced Operation” below for further information.
Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables. Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall sonic
performance of your system. It is recommended, though not mandatory, to use balanced interconnects between your
preamplifier and the ROCK when using long cable runs (i.e. more than 3 meters in length).
2.
Connect your speaker, with the cable of your choice, to the ROCK’s speaker binding posts. Take care to respect the
polarity (“+” , “-” ) of the output. You may use either pair of binding posts. In the event that your speakers are bi-
wireable, you should use both pairs of binding posts accordingly. Once again, don’t hesitate to use high quality speaker
cables. Poor quality speaker cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system.
3.
Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle, located on the amplifier’s rear panel. Alternatively, if you
wish, you may use a dedicated high-performance AC cable designed for high current applications. Ensure that the AC
wall outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your ROCK
directly into a dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord. If you have the time and willingness, consider
installing a superior quality AC wall outlet such as a hospital grade Hubbell.
4.
In order to obtain the maximum performance from your audio system, we strongly recommend that the detachable
power cord not come into physical contact with either the interconnect cable or the speaker cable running to and from
your ROCK. In the event that this can’t be avoided, you should ensure that any cables coming into contact with each
other are crossed at ninety degree angles to minimize the contact area.
Balanced Operation
When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any
noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an AC power cord) will be reproduced by the amplifier
and heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate conductors; one for the ground
and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with the other. For
example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +5 Volts, the other will be carrying a signal of –5 Volts. When these two
inverted signals on a balanced line are input into a differential power amplifier such as the MOON ROCK, any noise picked up
by the interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two signals: Noise
on a balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore not be processed.
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Connecting the ROCK / Balanced Operation
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