ARX ZA 5.1 User manual

ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX® ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX®
8 1
ZA 5•1ZA 5•1
ZA 5•1ZA 5•1
ZA 5•1
Surround Sound
PowerAmplifier
OWNER’S MANUAL
INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY
ARXSystems(ARX)warrantstothefirstpurchaserofanyARXequipmentthatitis
freefromdefectsinmaterialsandworkmanshipundernormaluseandservice.ARX’s
sole obligation under this warranty shall be to provide, without charge, parts and
labournecessarytoremedydefects,ifany,whichappearwithintwelve(12)months
from date of purchase, and for a further twelve (12) months supply parts only.
This is our only warranty. It does not cover finish or appearance items, or burned
voice coils, if the equipment has been, in ARX’s sole judgement:
• Subjected to misuse, abuse, negligence or accident;
• Repaired , worked on, or altered by persons not authorized by ARX;
• Connected, installed, adjusted or used for a purpose other than that for
whichitwasdesigned. Thisincludes damagecausebyconnectiontothe
wrongACvoltage,andrunningspeakersystems(a)withouttheappropriate
ISC processor (b) with a non ARX crossover, or (c) with the ISC
disconnectedorbypassed.
Thiswarrantygivesyouandusspecificlegalrightsandtheremayalsobeotherrights
and considerations which can apply.
Warranty Service Procedure
Shoulditbecomenecessarytohaveyourequipmentservicedunderthetermsofthewarranty,please
followthesesteps:
1.CallyourDistributorforReturnAuthorisation,freightdetailsandReturnaddress
2.Carefullyrepack theunit,in itsoriginalpackagingwhere possible.Ifnot, use plentyofpacking
material-bettertobesafethansorry.
3.Includeanotewithadescriptionoftheproblem
4.Includeacopyofthereceipt/invoiceshowingdateofpurchase.
5.Don’tforgettowriteyournameandaddressclearly,andincludeaphonenumberwhereyoucanbe
contactedduringnormalbusinesshours.Makeiteasyfortheservicetechnicianstocontactyouifthey
haveaquestion.
6.Attachallthesetotheactualunititself.
7.Westronglyrecommendyouinsurethepackage.Wecan’tfixitifitgetslost!SenditprepaidbyUPS,
Fedex,DHLorasimilarparcelservicethatcantrackthepackage.Parcelpostisnotrecommended!
If Warranty Registration Card is missing, please contact ARX, stating model, and where & when
purchased.
ARXHeadOffice,POBox15,Moorabbin,Victoria3189,Australia
Phone[phone] Fax[phone]Email:[email protected]
ARXARX
ARXARX
ARX Systems Pty Ltd, PO Box 15,
Moorabbin, Victoria 3189, Australia
PhonePhone
PhonePhone
Phone: [phone] FaxFax
FaxFax
Fax: [phone]
International FaxInternational Fax
International FaxInternational Fax
International Fax: [phone]
On the WebOn the Web
On the WebOn the Web
On the Web: www.arx.com.au
EmailEmail
EmailEmail
Email: [email protected]

ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX® ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX®
Specifications
PowerOutput :
Channels 1 - 5 @ 8 ohms: 75 w RMS
Channels 1 - 5 @ 4 ohms: 100 w RMS
Sub Channel @ 8 ohms: 180 w RMS
Sub Channel @ 4 ohms: 250 w RMS
Distortion:
1 Watt @8 ohms, 1 KHz .01%
ChannelSeparation:
@ 1KHz -88dB
@ 10KHz -80dB
Frontpanelindicators:
Clip LED: yes
Protection LED: yes
Weight:
Kg 14
Lbs 30
Size 2 RU High (89 mm)
19” Wide (482 mm)
16” Deep (400 mm)*
Inputsensitivity:for
rated output 8 ohms: .775V
Frequencyresponse:
@ rated output: 20Hz - 20KHz ±4dB
CMRR >70dB @ 1 KHz
InputImpedance: 40 Kohms Balanced
InputConnectors: Jack
OutputConnectors: Neutrik Speakon
Construction All steel monocoque
27
ThissymbolindicatesthataSlowBlowfuseisusedinthisequipment.Replacewithsame
typeandvalueonly
Thissymbolisintendedtoalertyoutothepresenceofuninsulateddangerousvoltagewithin
theproduct'senclosurethatmaybeofsufficientmagnitudetoconstituteariskofelectric
shock.
Thissymbolisintendedtoalertyoutothepresenceofimportantoperatinginstructions
containedinthisowner'smanual
WARNING SYMBOLS USED ON THIS EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT - This amplifier is designed to be
connected ONLY to the AC voltage ticked below
100 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
120 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
220-240 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
240 V AC, 50 - 60 Hz
!
It is essential that you check that
this voltage is correct for your
area before connecting it to AC
power. Do not plug power cable
into AC power until voltage has
been checked. If incorrect, contact
your ARX distributor.
Your warranty does not cover
connecting the amplifier to the
wrong voltage AC power!
* Add 30mm to depth behind front panel to allow for rear rack mount
ears and handles; add 30mm to depth before front panel to allow for
handles and volume controls (if fitted)
Complies with 89/336/EEC EMC Directive, amended
by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC and meets the following
standards:EN 55013 : 1990, Sections 3.2 and 3.5 EN
55020 : 1988, Sections 4.3, 5.4, 6.2, 7.0, 8.0.
Complies with Australian Standard AS/N25 1053
ThismodelhasaremovableACpowerleadthatconnectstoan
IECconnector(SeePictureatLeft)

ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX® ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX®
45
1. EasyGripHandles
2. DetentedLevel controls(VF only)
3. Protection,ClipLEDs
4. 4mmsteelfrontpanel
1. BalancedJackInputs
2. 20 turn Level controls (VR only). Note
that amplifiers are shipped with these
controlssetatmaximum(noattenuation)
3. NeutrikSpeakonOutput Connectors
5. Non-scratchLexanprinted panel
6. Illuminatedpower switch
7. Fanfilters. Remove,cleanandreplace
monthlyoratfirstsignof clogging
Rear Panel Layout
Front Panel Layout
➊➌
➍
➎
➏➐
4. ACpower connector
5. AC Fuse. Replace with value as
markedonly
6. Heavy Duty Rear rack ears for four
pointracking
Connecting up your ZA 5.1
TheZA5.1accepts6discreteinputsfromyour
surroundprocessor.Theseconnecttothesix
inputjacks asshownin Fig1.
➍
➌
Fig. 1
Fig 2.
The Speaker outputs are fully insulated Neutrik
Speakon 4 pole connectors, each handling 2
channels.
Connector1 LeftandCentre
Connector2 RightandRearLeft
Connector3 RearRightandSUB
It’sagoodideatolabeleachspeakercablepairat
eachend(amplifierendandalsospeakercabinet
end) to help you connect the system correctly.
(Fig. 3) Make sure the polarity of the amplifier
outputsmatchesthepolarityofthespeakers.i.e.
+ to +, – to – .
REAR
RIGHT
SUB
From surround
processor
Fig. 4 shows a surround sound system
layoutusingARXAmbience5cabinetsfor
Left, Centre, Right; Ambience 1 cabinets
as Left Rear and Right Rear; and an
AmbiSUBastheSubBasscabinet.
Fig.3
Fig. 4
Connect all the input and output leads,
double check the wiring, and ensure that
thelevelcontrols areturneddown before
poweringupthesystem.Withanincoming
signalrunning,turnupeachvolumecontrol
asmallamounttocheckthateverythingis
running correctly before increasing the
levels.
StandardVR(VolumeRear)Model
OptionalVF(VolumeFront)Model
➊➋➌
➎
➏➐
➍
StandardVR(VolumeRear)Model
OptionalVF(VolumeFront)Model
➋
➊➎
➏
➍
➌
➊➎
➏

ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX® ZA5.1 Surround Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 1.6 CE ©2003 ARX®
63
Introduction
ThankyouforchoosingthisARXamplifier.Wehopeyouenjoyusingitasmuchasweenjoyedcreating
it. Itisaprecisionengineeredproductdesignedforprofessionaluseinallpro-audioapplications,and
assuch,a workingknowledgeofbasic electronicsafetyproceduresis assumedonthepart ofthe
operator.
LikeallARXequipment,ithasundergoneextensivefactorycalibration,testingand‘burnin’before
shipping.Toensurecontinuedtroublefreeuse,pleasefamiliariseyourselfwiththecontentsofthis
manualbeforeusing.
About the ZA 5.1 amplifier
TheZA5.1isamultichannelsurroundsoundamplifierdesignedfromthegroundupfortheintensive
dutycyclethattoday’sinstallationsdemand.Morepower,moreprotection;lessheat,lessweight,and
mostof all- bettersound.
It consists of 5 full range channels, i.e. Left, Centre, Right, Rear Left and Rear Right, plus a
dedicatedSubBasschannel.Itisideallysuitedforallhighendsurroundsoundinstallationsandhome
theatres.
TheZA5.1usesthenewgenerationLateralMosfetdevicesfortheall-importantamplifieroutput
stage,ensuringanultrafasthighfrequency,highcurrent-to-loadmeasuredinnanoseconds,upto100
timesfasterthanamplifiersusingconventionalBipolartransistors.
Based on the core technology developed by ARX for our new range of ISC Loudspeaker
Processors,ournew‘HeadroomEnhance’circuitryprovidesMaximumpoweroutputlevelsunderall
ratedloadconditions,eliminatingOutputStageclipping.
AdvancedcomputermodellingoftheZA5.1chassisdesignhasputstrengthwhereit’sneeded,
andreducedexcessweightwherepossible.Couplingthiswiththeuseofcompacttoroidaltransformers
hasresultedinanexcellentpower-to-weightratio.
Anewre-settableHighCurrentrelayswitchedprotectioncircuitinstantlydisconnectthespeakers
whenapotentiallydamagingsignaloramplifiererrorisdetected.
NewInputdelaymutingcircuitryeliminatesswitchon/switchoffnoise.
DualvariablespeedcoolingfanscirculatecoolingairthroughARX’sproven‘UltraFin
TM
’heatsink,
ensuringthattheMosfetoutputdevicesarekeptwellwithintheirthermaltolerancelevelsunderall
operatingconditions.
Asacompany,ARXisdedicatedtoproducingproaudioproductsthatconsistentlydeliverthe
powerandthequalitythataudioprofessionalsexpect.
TheZA5.1multichannelsurroundsoundamplifierisproofofourcommitment-anamplifierthat
workashardasyoudo,dayafterday,nightafternight,becauseweknowthataudioprofessionalslike
yourselfdependonittoearnaliving.
WARNING!
THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE AMPLIFIER, SO PLEASE
DON’T TAKE THE LID OFF AND POKE AROUND!
AmplifiersrunonDCvoltagesprovidedbytheamplifier’sinternalpowersupply.TheZAseries
haveseparate+and-DCfusesforbothchannels,mountedinternallyonthemaincircuitboard.
ThepowerMosfetsusedintheamplifiersareextremelyruggeddevices,andthecorrectrating
fuses in the power supply ensure that the amplifier circuitry is protected from short circuit
damage.
AblownDC fusewillbeindicated by averydistorted low volumeoutputfrom that sideofthe
amplifier. AblownACfusewillbeindicatedbynothingworkingatall-checktoseeifthefans
areturning.
Anyblownfuseshouldbeinvestigated.Itdoesn’tnecessarilymeanthatsomethingiswrongwith
theamplifier,butindicatesthatthereissomethingwronginthecompletesignalpath,fromthe
mixingconsoletothespeakers.
If a fuse blows:
Getaqualifiedservicepersontoinspectinsidetheamplifier.Pleasedon’tdoityourself!There
areverydangerousvoltagesinsideamplifiers,evenwhentheyhavebeenturnedoff!
Things to check before you plug your amplifier in
MainsACpower-checkthatthevoltageonyouramplifieristhesameasthevoltageatthepower
point.It is a very good idea to check this before plugging the amplifier into the power
point!Beespeciallycarefulofpluggingintounchecked‘piggyback’plugs,powerdistribution
boxesorextensioncables.
Yourwarrantydoes notcoverdamage causedbyincorrect wiring.
MakesuretheamplifierisconnectedtothesameACpowersupplyandEarth/Groundasthe
restofthesystem,otherwiseyoumaysetupaGroundloophum.
Westronglyrecommendthatyouusetherearmountingslotsaswellasthoseonthefrontpanel.
Thereare2coolingfansontheZAamplifierstoforceairaroundandthroughtheheatsinks.Do
notblocktheairexitpath!
Air flow and cooling
Itisextremelyimportantthatyouensurethatthereisunrestrictedairaccesstothesefans,andalso
unrestrictedairexitpath.Cleanthefanfiltersregularlyoratthefirstsignofbecomingclogged.
AllZAamplifiershavesufficientfancoolingcapacitybuiltin,andneednoextraexternalfancoolingto
operatenormally.Theircompact‘UltraFin’heatsinksprovidemassivesurfaceareasforrapidcooling
andstabletemperatures. BUT...IfyouarerackingupaZAamplifier,youMUST
allowspaceintherackfortheairtoexitfromtherear
oftheamplifier.
Ifyouareusingarackthathasasealedrearpanel,then
the normal fan cooling of the amplifiers must be
supplementedbyadditionalfanforced air extraction
fromtherack.Allthatairbeingpumpedinbythefans
hastoexitsomewhere!
RememberthatPower=Heat,andMaximumairflow=
successfulheatmanagement.
COLD AIR IN
FROM FRONT
WARM AIR OUT
AT REAR