Adcom GTP-600 User manual

/©COM
details you can hear
GTP-600
Surround Sound
Tuner/Preamplifier
OWNER S MANUAL

THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ARE REQUIREMENTS OF UL AND CSA SAFETY REGULATIONS
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this unit to rain or moisture.
E3
CAUTION
m
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
—-
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR.
A The graphic symbol of a lightning flash with an arrow
point within a triangle signifies that there is dangerous
voltage within the unit and it poses a hazard to anyone
removing the cover to gain access to the interior of the
unit.Only qualified service personnel should make
any such attempt.
/|\ The graphic symbol of an exclamation point within an
/ W \ equilateral triangle warns a user of the device that it is
/ f \ necessary to refer to the instruction manual and its
/ • \ warnings for proper operation of the unit.
Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the
unit. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
unit. Any mounting of the device should follow the man¬
ufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting ac¬
cessory recommended by the manufacturer.
Read all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using
this unit.
Retain this notice and the owner’s manual for future reference.
All warnings on the unit and in its operating instructions should be adhered to.
All operating and use instructions should be followed.
Do not use this unit near water; tor example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool.
The unit should be installed so that its location or position does not interfere
with its proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or
placed in a built-in installation, such as bookcase or cabinet, that may
impede the flow of air through its ventilation openings.
The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
The unit should be connected to a power-supply outlet only of the voltage
and frequency marked on its rear panel.
The power-supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked
on or pinched, especially near the plug, convenience receptacles, or where
the cord exits from the unit.
Clean unit only as recommended in its instruction manual.
The power-supply cord of the unit should be unplugged from the wall outlet
when it is to be unused for a long period of time.
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled,
into the enclosure through any openings.
This unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. T he power cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. O b jects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled, into the unit; or
C. T he unit has been exposed to rain, or liquids of any kind; or
D. T he unit does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a
marked change in performance; or
E. T he device has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT YOURSELF.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
ATTENTION
POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER
CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE
DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES
LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN LAISSER AU-
CUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.
CAUTION
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED PLUG
WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UN¬
LESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE
EXPOSURE.
CAUTION
POWER LINES
Any outdoor antenna must be located away from all power lines.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING
If an outside antenna is connected to your tuner or tuner-preamplifier, be
sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with
respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding
of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
a. Use No.10 AWG (5.3 mm*) copper, No.8 AWG (8.4 mm*) aluminum,
No.17 AWG (1.0 mm 2 ) copper-clad steel or bronze wire, or larger, as a
ground wire.
Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-off
insulators spaced from 4-6 feet (1.22-1.83 m) apart.
c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where lead-in
enters house.
d. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG (13.3 mm 2 ) copper, or the
equivalent, when a separate antenna-grounding electrode is used. See NEC
Section 810-21 (j).
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS
CONTAINED IN ARTICLE 810 - RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT
POWER LINES
STANDOFF
INSULATORS, b
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
{e. g. interior metal water pipe)
ANTENNA
LEAD-IN WIRE
TO EXTERNAL ANTENNA
TERMINALS OF RADIO RECEIVER
BONDING JUMPER, d
GROUND WIRE, a.b
GROUND CLAMPS
OPTIONAL ANTENNA GROUNDING
ELECTRODE DRIVEN 8 FEET (2.44 M) INTO
THE EARTH IF REQUIRED BY LOCAL
COOES. SEE NEC SECTION 810-21 {1}
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer's attention to
Article 820-22 of the National Electrical Code that provides guidelines for
proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of
cable entry as practical.

INTRODUCTION
a w^sechdce" 3 °° ^ deC ' S ' ° n t0 purchase the ADCOM GTP-600 Surround Sound Tuner/Preamplifier.
You’ve made
the e finI s P t’in temp f ir ?.^ ne I /pr f amplifier specifical| y designed for both audiophiles and videophiles who want
FM anH &M h theater flexibility. The tuner section uses superbly accurate quartz synthesizer technology for excellent
reception. The preamplifier section derives extensive sonic benefits from ADCOM’s exclusive Class A
biased linear amplifiers and precision Roederstein 1% metal film resistors in all critical circuiTpaths
The GTP- 6 °0 combines advanced Dolby Pro Logic decoding, ADCOM’s proprietary Cinema enhancement circuit
$W '“ n 9 °' <Comp “ t e> high
A NOTE ON YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL *
!pft h tnth ? The °H / ? S W f lrSeCti0n W '" S OOn have you up and runnin 9- However, we strongly recommend that you
ZX«zr^zt^ 9 EVERYTHING Y0U NEED T0 know ' ° ' ,ine “
if you’re more patient or want more background, start with EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW You’ll be rewarriPd
with a much better understanding of how the GTP-600 works and what its capabilities are
This unit is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation. It is additionally licensed under one or more
of the following patents: U.S. number 3,959,950, Canadian numbers
1,004,603 and 1,037,877. “Dolby,” “Pro Logic” and the double-D
symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
1

FRONT and REAR PANELS
We carefully designed the GTP-600 with your enjoyment in mind. We’ve arranged the controls in functional groups so
that their use is almost intuitive. The rear panel also benefits from the same design goals. Take a few moments to
familiarize yourself with them. You'll find references to the circled ID numbers throughout the rest of this manua.
GTP-600 FRONT PANEL DIAGRAM
2

GTP-600 REAR PANEL DIAGRAM
3

GTP-600 REMOTE CONTROL DIAGRAM
© Learn indicator LED
© Learn/Use mode switch
© Power On/Off
© Input selectors
© Numeric keypad
© Forward/Reverse scan (CD)
© Surround mode selector
© Display (On Screen Display) On/Off
© Check (Balance Check) On/Off
© Delay selector
© Rear level set Up/Down
© Center level set Up/Down
© Sub(woofer) level set Up/Down
© Transmit LED
CD Reset button
© Audio mute On/Off
© CD player controls
© FM/AM select & CD disc select
© FM/AM tuning Up/Down & CD track
change buttons
© Master volume Up/Down
©-
©-
©-
©-
©
©
©
©
©
©
D—I
- learn □
mule
c=>
CD tuner tape 1 tape 2
c=] CZI CZJ CD
video 1 video 2 video 3 video 41
□ □□□ :
CD CD CD
7 B 9
CD
0
CD
CD
+ 10
pause
CD
disc random
CP hCD
-1 < tunin
CD (- {
—« »» _|j
delay che ck display surround ^
H-1 L_D CD CD
1 1
i
CD CD
1_1
rear center
sub
CD CD CD
LI_I ™
T
□
master
B
/CCOM
-©
©
©
-©
©
©
©
QUICK START
© © ©
OUT OF THE BOX---
1) UNPACKING: Unpack the GTP-600 carefully. MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE THE REMOTE CONTROL FROM THE
BOX. Put the foam inserts and other packing materials back in the carton and save it.
2) PLACEMENT: Select a stable, vibration-free location for the GTP-600 as close as possible to your other audio
and video components.
3) POWER OFF!: Turn off all the other components in your system. This means everything. And don't plug the GTP-
600 into the AC outlet yet.
CONNECTIONS
4) FM ANTENNA: Depending on the antenna you use, connect it to either the 75 Ohm terminal © or the 300-Ohm
screw terminals © on the GTP-600’s rear panel.
The “T" shaped FM antenna supplied with the GTP-600 is a 300 ohm "dipole” and should be connected
accordingly. You’ll find it adequate for most installations.
5) AM ANTENNA: Connect an AM antenna to the “Ground" and “AM" screw terminals ©on the GTP-600’s rear
panel.
The supplied AM loop antenna is sufficient for all but the most difficult reception areas. However, it must be
oriented for best reception.
4

6 )
^ DIO rf^ URCE H0 ° K UP: Connect up to three external hi 9 h tevel audio sources (CD players, cassette decks
MD or DCC devices, etc.) to the appropriate input jacks (© © and ©) on the rear panel. Be sure to observe
proper channel continuity (Left channel to Left channel, Right to Right.) ..
jacks^oS© T a " aUd ' ° reCOrd ' n 9 dev ' c es should be connected 10 ltie GTP-600 ' s corresponding tape output
7) VIDEO SOURCE HOOK UP: Make all video connections to and from the GTP-600 (including TV monitor) using
EITHER the standard (composite) video jacks OR the high definition S-video connectors. DO NOT INTERMIX
Connect up to four video sources (videodisc players, video cassette players, camcorders, video cassette recorders
etc.) to the appropriate jacks on the rear panel
Video 1 and 2 inputs are for play-only devices (videodisc players for example) while Video 3 and Video 4 have
complete input and output connections for a play/record device such as a VCR.
Standard (composite) video connections go to the appropriate yellow color-keyed RCA jacks (© © © ©
© and ©). w
8 )
9)
High definition S-video connections go to the appropriate multi-pin connectors (© through ©).
Left and Right channel audio connections for your video components go to the appropriate white and red
color-keyed RCA jacks (©©©©© and ©).
TV HOOK UP: Connect your TV monitor or receiver to either of the two Standard (composite) Monitor outputs
® °! th ® S ' vldeo Monitor output © by using the appropriate cable from the GTP-600 to the corresponding input
on the TV. Use the same format (standard or S-video) already chosen for other video components.
If you own an older TV with only an antenna input (either screw terminals or an "F” type connector) you will need
to purchase an RF modulator at an electronic parts store. Check your TVs Owner's Manual for additional information.
VIDEO MODE SELECTION: Set the Video Mode switch ©to either Standard (composite) or S-video, depending
on which format you have chosen for video signal transfer.
10) CENTER CHANNEL MODE SELECTION: Adjust the Center Mode switch © to the appropriate position.
"Normal" restricts bass information below 100 Hz. It is used when a center channel speaker has somewhat
limited bass capability.
Choose "Wideband" when the center channel speaker/amplifier combination is capable of extended bass response.
Choose “Phantom” only when a center channel speaker is not being used. !
11) PREAMP TO POWER AMP CONNECTIONS: Connect the GTP-600's 5 Main Preamplifier Outputs (© - ©)
to the corresponding power amplifier inputs. Remember to maintain proper channel continuity: Connect the GTP-
600 s right front output to the power amplifier’s right front input, etc.
The multi-pin ADIink"" connector © simplifies these connections when used with ADCOM 5 or 6 channel power
amplifiers. . ^
12) SUBWOOFER CONNECTIONS: Connect a powered (self-amplified) subwoofer to the Subwoofer output ©
using anRCA to RCA patchcord to the line-level (or amplifier) input of the subwoofer. Adjust the Low-pass Filter
switch © in accordance with the instructions supplied with the subwoofer.
A non-amplified subwoofer used with a separate power amplifier should be connected in the same manner-
Subwoofer output ©to amplifier input. Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier according to the instructions
supplied with those units.
13) REMOTE EXTENSION ACCESSORIES: Connect up to two (optional) remote control repeater units (IRA-500) to
the Infrared Repeater outputs © if needed.
Connect the (optional) remote control sensor (XR-500 II or SPM-500 II) to the Remote Sensor Extension ©
according to the instructions supplied with these units.
5

14) AC CONVENIENCE OUTLETS (Certain models only):
A) Switched outlets: Plug up to two sources (CD player, etc.) into the switched AC outlets © These components
will receive AC whenever the GTP-600 is "ON" (provided, of course, that the GTP-600 itself is plugged into a
live AC outlet.)
B) Unswitched outlet: This outlet © supplies AC whenever the GTP-600 is plugged into a live AC outlet
regardless of whether the GTP-600 is “ON" or not. The unswitched outlet is usually reserved for mechanical
devices (such as a tape deck) that might De damaged if power was inadvertently cut off before the mechanism
disengages.
15) AC LINE FUSE: This socket © holds the AC line fuse. In the unlikely event that the AC fuse opens, replace it
ONLY with a fuse of the exact type and rating. A subsequent fuse failure means that your GTP-600 needs service.
16) AC LINE CORD: Plug the AC cord © into an unswitched AC wall outlet so that power to the GTP-600 can t be
accidentally interrupted by turning off an AC switch.
BASIC OPERATION
NOTE: This section assumes that you've set up the rest of your system (sources, power amplifiers and speakers, etc.) in
accordance with the instructions supplied with these units.
17) VOLUME DOWN—POWER ON!: Turn the GTP-600's volume control © all the way down (fully counterclockwise.)
Turn the unit on by pressing the power switch O • Then turn the other system components on: sources first, then
power amplifiers.
18) SOURCE SELECTION and RECORDING: Choose a source by pressing the GTP-600's appropriate Audio or
Video source selectors (©& ©respectively). Then operate the source component according to the supplied
instructions.
NOTE: Signals from the chosen source are available at all recording outputs. This means, for example, that you
can record a CD on a Hi Fi VCR without changing any of the rear panel connections. Conversely, you can record
the audio portion of a video tape on an audio cassette recorder.
19) THE TUNER: The Tuner button selects the internal AM/FM/FM Stereo tuner. Choose FM or AM by using the FM/
AM selector button ©..Tune in the desired station.
20) TONE CONTROLS: The Bass and Treble controls (©&© respectively) emphasize or decrease low and high
frequencies to suit your taste. These controls are active only when the Tone in switch © is depressed.
A separate Bass EQ switch ©adds a predetermined amount of bass energy to all signals. You may find this
particularly convenient to enhance video soundtracks. This circuit operates independently of the Tone in switch.
21 ) BALANCE CONTROL: The Balance control ©allows you to compensate for source eccentricities or unusual
listening room acoustics by adjusting relative output from the main system speakers. If you want more output
from the right speaker, for example, turn the control to the right.
22) VOLUME CONTROL: The Volume control © is the master gain control for the entire system. Turn it clockwise
to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease volume.
NOTE: The LED on the front panel Volume control glows steadily when in normal operation. When the Audio
mute switch ©is engaged, the LED blinks.
23) AUDIO MUTE CONTROL ©: Push this to fully mute the output. The Volume control LED blinks when mute is
engaged.
24) MONO SWITCH ©: Push this for a mono signal. You’ll also find this useful to reduce background noise on very
weak FM broadcasts.
25) THE REMOTE CONTROL: The RC-65 hand held remote controller duplicates all front panel controls. It also
contains additional controls that are used only from remote locations. Basic operating instructions are on the rear
of the RC-65.
The RC-65 is a “learning” remote and can be programmed to operate many other components.
6

ADVANCED OPERATION
26) SYSTEM BALANCING: After you’ve physically set up your system, use the RC-65 remote controller to balance
the relative outputs of all speakers to fully enjoy the spatial benefits of Dolby Pro Logic decoding.
A) Verify that you're in Cinema or Dolby Pro Logic mode by making sure that the appropriate LEDs (the ones to
the left of “Cinema” and “Dolby Pro Logic") are lighted. If some other mode is indicated, press the “Surround”
button (front panel ©or remote ©) until the proper LEDs appear.
B) Activate the Balance Check circuit by pressing the “bal check" button (front panel ©or remote ©). A test
tone that sounds like rushing water will start in the left front loudspeaker.
C) Adjust the center and rear channel outputs so that the sequential “rushing water" noise is equally loud when
heard through each speaker. Sit in your favorite chair and use the remote control for this adjustment.
D) Turn off the sequential test tone by pushing the “bal check” control (©or ©) again.
27) SURROUND and DELAY CHOICES: The GTP-600 gives you 7 operating modes to choose from. Choose the
mode best suited for your source by pushing the front panel or remote Surround button(©& © respectively) until
the LED beside the chosen mode lights. If no LED is visible, you have chosen 2 channel stereo (or surround
bypass.)
Each surround mode has a pre-programmed delay setting chosen to best complement that mode. You may
select another by sequentially pushing the delay button (© & ©). Note that not all delay settings are available
with all surround choices.
28) ON-SCREEN DISPLAY: The on-screen display gives an instant status check of selected inputs, operating modes,
delay choices, etc. Press the remote control’s Display button © to turn on the display, Press it again to turn it off.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
This section uses the same paragraph numbers as the preceding QUICK START section. We hope you find the
additional information useful and enjoyable.
OUT OF THE BOX - -
1) UNPACKING: As part of ADCOM’s quality control procedures, your GTP-600 was carefully inspected for physical
imperfections and electrical performance before it left our plant. In the event of physical damage, notify your
ADCOM dealer immediately and request help in filing a written damage claim.
THE RIGHT TO A CLAIM AGAINST A COMMON CARRIER CAN BE FORFEITED IFTHE CARRIER IS NOT NOTIFIED
PROMPTLY IN WRITING AND IF THE SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE
FOR INSPECTION. SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS UNTIL THE CLAIM HAS BEEN SETTLED.
The foam packing and carton were specifically designed to protect your GTP-600. Even though space is often at
a premium in today's homes, we recommend that you save the packing materials in case you need to ship the unit
anywhere in the future.
2) PLACEMENT: A stable supporting surface is necessary. The more massive and firmly anchored the supporting
surface is, the less likely you’ll be to experience any problems.
3) POWER OFF!: Turn off system components before initial installation and connection. Remember to give any
power amplifiers sufficient time to fully discharge their power supplies before you begin your connections: 30
seconds after turn-off is usually sufficient.
CONNECTIONS
4) F M ANTENNA: The “T” shaped 300 ohm dipole antenna supplied with the GTP-600 will probably be adequate for
most installations. After you’ve connected the rest of your system and turned it on, select Tuner from the Audio
Source selectors ©. Then choose FM by pressing the FM/AM selector © until “FM" appears in the display
7

window. Tune to an FM station. Extend the top of the “T" antenna and rotate it to the position that results in the
best reception. Once you've determined that, fasten the antenna to the wall, a cabinet back or even the ceiling so
t at the T is aligned as closely as possible to the direction that gave you the best reception.
Remember that the dipole antenna is directional — it is most sensitive to signals arriving at right angles to the
extended T and relatively insensitive to signals arriving from the ends of the "T."
The dipol e antenna rapidly looses its effectiveness when rolled up or carelessly dropped behind a cabinet, etc If
the “T" antenna is undesirable from a functional or decor point of view, your ADCOM dealer will be pleased to
show you a variety of indoor antennas that might be more appropriate. We do suggest, however, that you ask for
a home trial as reception conditions vary enormously from location to location.
The GTP-600 can also be used with a 75 ohm antenna. These are usually large roof mounted antennas and can
provide superior reception when compared to the 300 ohm ‘'dipole.” In addition, most cable companies use 75
ohm cable to distribute FM signals. Connect the GTP-600 to a 75 ohm antenna system by terminating the
connecting cable with an “F” connector (available at most electronic parts stores) and attaching it to the rear
panel 75 ohm antenna terminal ©.
The grounding schemes used by cable companies are very complex and occasionally cause hum when the
cable is attached to the 75 ohm antenna input. An isolation transformer (again, available at most electronic parts
stores) will usually solve the problem.
5) AM ANTENNA: The supplied movable ferrite “loop” will provide reasonable AM reception in most locations. The
loop should be rotated away from the body of the GTP-600 and some experimentation will undoubtedly improve
AM reception. K
In the event that you need better reception, you can make your own AM antenna from a single length of insulated
wire. Connect one end of the wire to the terminal marked “AM" and run the other end to a high location in your
home or hang it from a window.
In most cases, a second wire run from the “Ground” terminal to a solid earth ground (a cold water pipe for
example) will also improve AM reception as well as provide a safe “path to ground” in the event that liqhtninq
strikes an outdoor AM antenna.
6) AUDIO SOURCE HOOK UP: Patience and common sense will help you avoid almost all the errors you might
make when rushing the initial installation. Remember to connect Left Channel to Left Channel and Right Channel
to Right Channel, etc. The jacks on all ADCOM products follow conventional color coding: White for Left Channel
and red for Right Channel. Most interconnect cables observe this general guideline: the connectors on each end
ot the cable are usually color coded.
We ve received many questions about the sonic attributes of premium interconnect cables. We do suggest
that you make sure any cable you use is a “low capacitance" design. (Most are.) Your ADCOM salesperson
will be happy to make cost-effective recommendations based on individual component characteristics and
system complexity.
8