Parasound
®
ZoneMaster
™
450 Owner’s Manual
Page 11
Rear Panel Controls for Each Zone
Mode Select Switch
The Mode select switch determines how the amplifier is utilized in that zone. There are three options:
Stereo:
The Stereo setting routes the Left channel input to the Left channel speaker outputs and the
Right channel input to the Right channel speaker outputs.
Mono:
The Mono Mode is particularly useful for applications such as bathrooms and hallways where
mono speakers and a single speaker wire are more practical than separate L and R wires and a single
one-point stereo speaker. The Mono setting combines the Left and Right channel inputs into a summed L
+ R mono signal and routes it to both the Left and Right channel speaker outputs. In the Mono Mode you
can connect one speaker to the L+ and L- and another speaker to the R+ and R- terminals. Because the
450 is stable with a 2 ohm load, two additional mono speakers can be connected in parallel to the L and R
speaker outputs. All speakers in the zone will play the same Mono signal.
Bridged:
The Bridged Mode setting internally reconfigures the left and right amplifier channels of the
zone into a single channel amplifier with more than the twice as much power output to drive a single
speaker. The bridged mode can be used to drive larger or less efficient speakers in large spaces where
more power is needed. A typical use of the bridged mode would be to run Zones 1 and 2 in Bridged
Mode to power a single pair of floor standing speakers. Another application would be to run only one
zone in Bridged Mode to power an in-wall passive subwoofer and the other zone in Stereo Mode to power
the left and right speakers. The minimum speaker impedance in Bridged Mode is 4 ohms.
Both Zone 1 and Zone 2 use the same connection method even though the rear panel only shows the
bridged polarity under Zone 2. There simply wasn’t enough space to print the bridged text under the
Zone 1 speaker terminals.
When you have selected Bridged Mode only use the
L+ and R –
terminals. Only the R channel Input jack
and Level control are used.
CAUTION: Do not use the L+ and R+ terminals (in Bridged Mode) as you would when bridging
most other power amps. The L− and R + terminals are not used. Follow the markings on the rear
panel located below the speaker terminals.
Safety Caution Bridged Mode 4 Ohm Minimum Speaker Impedance
The minimum speaker impedance in Bridged Mode is 4 ohms per zone.
Sustained high power operation in Bridged Mode driving two speakers could overheat the
ZoneMaster 450 if it is installed in a confined space without adequate ventilation. As with any high
powered amplifier,
continuous overheating can damage the amplifier and could ultimately pose a
risk of fire.
