9
Zone Speaker Outputs
The removable block connectors used on the Sonance
16-50 or 8-50 amplifier will accept up to 12 gauge wire.
Follow the connection layout on the rear panel of the
amplifier. Make sure no bare wires come in contact with
the amplifier chassis. When bridging channels, use the
first and third terminations on each connector (marked
on the chassis). The positive wire from the speaker
should be on the left side connection and the negative
connection should be on the right side.
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY AND LEDS
Sonance amplifiers have a multi-stage protection system
to prevent damage to your amplifier and speakers.
Amplifier Channel Protection
If a channel encounters a short circuit or extremely low
impedance, it will cause the affected channel outputs to
automatically mute. The output of the effected channel
will remain muted until the fault has been corrected.
Only the effected channels output will mute, all other
channels will continue to operate normally.
Amplifier Channel Protection Indication
On the front panel of the amplifier are multi color
indicators that illuminate to indicate the current
operating status of each amplifier zone.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT EXCEED 100MA OF CURRENT DRAW.
DAMAGE CAN OCCUR.
Indicator color/status:
Red = Zone protection
Yellow Flashing = Zone overdriven
Blue = Normal status with signal detected
White = Normal status with no signal detected
Off = No power/standby
IMPORTANT: ALLOWING THE AMPLIFIER TO OPERATE WITH
ONE OR MORE CHANNELS IN PROTECT MODE FOR AN
EXTENDED TIME CAN DAMAGE THE AMPLIFIER.
Amplifier Over Temperature Protection
The amplifier also has protection for the power supply.
If the power supply heat sink temperature exceeds the
design maximum, the protection circuit will activate,
disconnecting all channel outputs. This is indicated by a
flashing red power status indicator.
IMPORTANT: ANY TIME THE PROTECTION CIRCUITS ARE
TRIGGERED, UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER’S POWER CORD FROM
THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE TROUBLESHOOTING.
PROTECTING SPEAKERS FROM
DAMAGE
To protect speakers from being ‘blown’ by overdriving the
amplifier, Sonance recommends setting a safe, maximum
volume limit for each channel pair.
This can be accomplished by reducing the output volume
controls located on the rear panel of the amplifier. Please
note the Sonance speaker warranty does not cover
blown, user damaged speakers. The warranty covers
manufacturing defects. Consequently, it is imperative
to adjust the output level controls before playing the
speakers to protect them following the instructions
below.
1. Select two or three challenging music selections that
will test the dynamic capabilities of the speakers.
Choose dynamic tracks with substantial bass impact
from synthesizer, bass guitars and drums. Such tracks
will provide ‘a worst case scenario’ for the speakers. It
is best to use uncompressed, high-resolution music,
not MP3s.
2. Reduce all zone output volume level controls on the
amplifier to minimum. This is a critical step before
proceeding any further.
3. Turn the zone preamp or a source with variable
output volume up to the maximum level.
4. Play the first music selection.
5. Slowly increase the Output Volume Level of the first
amplifier pair, stopping when even the least amount
distortion or stress is detected.
6. Decrease the volume below this point.
7. Play your other challenging music tracks and ensure
zero distortion on these selections as well. If any hint
of distortion is heard, decrease the volume setting
just below this point.
8. Once you find this maximum volume, leave the
controls at these settings. Advise others who may
access the amplifier that increasing the controls
beyond these settings can damage the speakers and
void their warranty.
There is a limit of how loud an audio system will play
before distortion occurs. If this point is noted and not
exceeded, most Sonance speakers and amplifiers will
operate safely for years.
Figure 11: Stacked Configuration 16-50 and 8-50
AMPLIFIER STACKING
The amplifier is capable of being directly stacked
with the feet removed for use in low to moderate
output applications. For high-output applications, it
is recommended to leave at least 1U space between
amplifiers for increased ventilation.
