7
Input Signal Connections
[See Figure 2.]
NOTE:
To prevent loud noises that neither
you nor your speakers will appreciate,
make sure the system is turned off when
you make any signal connections.
Phono Input
e
and
Ground Connection
w
Plug the cable from the turntable into the ap-
propriate left and right phono inputs. If the
turntable has a “ground” wire connect it to the
screw terminal to the left of the Phono inputs.
It will help prevent hum and noise.
Line Level Inputs
r
The CD, Tuner, and Aux inputs of the RA-03
are “line level” inputs. These are for connect-
ing components such as CD players, Hi Fi or
NICAM Stereo video cassette recorders, tuners,
Laser Disc players or the analog output from
a CD ROM drive.
The Left and Right channels are labeled and
should be connected to the corresponding
channels of the source component. The Left
connectors are white, the Right connectors
are red. Use high quality RCA cables for
connecting input source components to the
RA-03. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for
advice about cables.
Recorder Connections
t
[See Figure 2.]
The Tape inputs and outputs can be connected
to any record/playback device that accepts
standard line level analog input and output
signals. Typically that will be a conventional
tape recorder.
When connecting a recorder to the RA-03
remember that the outputs of the recorder must
be connected to the tape inputs of the RA-03.
Similarly the tape outputs of the RA-03 must
be connected to the inputs of the recorder. As
with other sources be sure to connect the Left
and Right channels of each device to the proper
channels on the associated components. Use
high quality connecting cables to prevent loss
of sound quality.
NOTE:
The Tape Outputs are not affected
by the Volume, Balance or Tone controls.
They receive a fixed level signal.
Preamp Outputs
y
The RA-03 has a set of preamp outputs. The
signal from the source selected with the Func-
tion Selector is always available from these
outputs. Typically these outputs are used to
provide a signal to another integrated ampli-
fier or power amplifier, which is used to drive
remote speakers
NOTE:
Changes to the settings of the
Volume, Balance or Tone controls affect the
signal from the Preamp Outputs.
Speaker Outputs
u
i
Speaker Selector Switch
6
[See Figure 2.]
The RA-03 has two sets of speaker outputs,
labeled “A”
u
and “B”
i
. The speaker
outputs are controlled by the switch
6
on
the front panel.
Speaker Selection
If only one set of speakers will be used at any
given time, the speakers may have an imped-
ance as low as 4 ohms. If there are times when
both the A and B speakers will be used, all
the speakers should have an impedance of 8
ohms or more. Speaker impedance ratings
are less than precise. In practice, very few
loudspeakers will present any problems for
the RA-03. See your authorized Rotel dealer
if you have any questions.
Speaker Wire Selection
Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to
connect the RA-03 to the speakers. The size
and quality of the wire can have an audible
effect on the performance of the system. Stan-
dard speaker wire will work, but can result in
lower output or diminished bass response,
particularly over longer distances. In general,
heavier wire will improve the sound. For best
performance, you may want to consider special
high-quality speaker cables. Your authorized
Rotel dealer can help in the selection of cables
for your system.
Polarity and Phasing
The polarity – the positive/negative orientation
of the connections – for every speaker and
amplifier connection must be consistent so all
the speakers will be in phase. If the polarity
of one connection is reversed, bass output will
be very weak and stereo imaging degraded.
All wire is marked so you can identify the
two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe
on the insulation of one conductor. The wire
may have clear insulation with different color
conductors (copper and silver). There may be
polarity indications printed on the insulation.
Identify the positive and negative conductors
and be consistent with every speaker and
amplifier connection.
Speaker Connection
Turn off all the components in the system before
connecting the speakers. The RA-03 has color-
coded binding post type speaker connectors on
the back panel (except in European Community
countries where their use is not permitted). These
connectors accept bare wire, connector lugs,
or dual banana type connectors.
Route the wire from the RA-03 to the speakers.
Give yourself enough slack so you can move
the components to allow access to the speaker
connectors. If you are using dual banana plugs,
connect them to the wires and then plug into the
backs of the binding posts. The thumbscrews
of the binding posts should be screwed in all
the way (clockwise).
If you are using terminal lugs, connect them
to the wires. If you are attaching bare wires
directly to the binding posts, separate the wire
conductors and strip the insulation from the end
of each conductor. Be careful not to cut into the
wire strands. Unscrew (turn counterclockwise)
the binding post thumbscrews. Place the connec-
tor lug or wire around the binding post shaft.
Turn the thumbscrews clockwise to clamp the
connector lug or wire firmly in place.
NOTE:
Be sure there are no loose wire
strands that could touch adjacent wires or
connectors.
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