B&K AV1230 User manual

B&K Components, Ltd.
User Manual
AV1230
Multi-Zone Amplifier
14347 121307

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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents 1
Warranty Information 2
Safety Precautions 3
AV1230 Features and Benefits 4
AV1230 Back Panel 5
Local RCA Input and Output 6
Amplified Output 6
Level Control 6
Control Trigger and Muting 7
DIP Switches 7
Bus Control and Muting 8
Mono Usage 8
System Installation 9
Making the Connections 9
Care and Cleaning 9
Returning Equipment 9
Specifications 10

COMPLETE USER MANUAL - AV1230
© 2007 B&K Components, Ltd. All rights reserved.
The information in this manual is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from B&K Components,
Ltd. B&K Components, Ltd. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS/OMISSIONS MADE IN THIS MANUAL. The information
in this manual may be subject to change without prior notice.
SIMPLY BETTER! © is a trademark of B&K Components, Ltd. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
organizations.
Limited Warranty
B&K Components, Ltd., referred to herein as B&K, warrants your B&K equipment against all defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of
purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and only to equipment in normal residential use and service. Defective equipment must be returned to B&K,
prepaid, accompanied by proof of purchase and sufficient payment to cover the cost of return shipping and handling, and will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of B&K
whose decision as to the method of reparation will be final.
This warranty shall not apply to any equipment which is found to have been improperly installed, incorrectly fused, misused, abused, or subjected to harmful elements, used
in any way not in accordance with instructions supplied with the unit, or to have been modified, repaired or altered in any way without the expressed, written consent of B&K.
This warranty does not apply to the cabinet or appearance items such as the faceplate or control buttons, nor does it cover any expenses incurred in shipping the unit to and
from the manufacturer's service department.
This warranty on B&K Components, Ltd. products is NOT VALID if the products have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer or an E-tailer or if the original factory serial
number has been removed, defaced or replaced in any way. B&K Components, Ltd. sells its products through authorized dealers in order to insure that consumers obtain
proper dealer service and support. Buying from an authorized B&K Components, Ltd. dealer insures that you have a FACTORY WARRANTY on your B&K Components, Ltd.
product. If you have any questions concerning your Factory Warranty call B&K Components, Ltd. At 716-656-0026.
Upgradability: B&K is one the first manufacturers in the audio/video industry to consistently offer software and hardware upgrades to its processing of audio signals. Through
upgrades B&K delivers exceptional value to its customers. But what is "Upgradability"? Upgradability is not a guarantee; we define it as a philosophy of designing and man-
ufacturing products so that as audio technology evolves, B&K can provide enhancements and improvements to its products that are economically viable.
THE EXPRESS FACTORY WARRANTY HEREIN CONTAINED IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WAR-
RANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, UPGRADABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. B&K COMPONENTS, LTD. SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUM-
STANCES BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CON-
NECTION WITH THE PURCHASE, USE OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY B&K PRODUCT.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Your may also have other rights which vary from State to State. Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inciden-
tal or consequential damages and the foregoing exclusions may not apply to you.
No agent, representative, dealer or employee of B&K has the authority to increase or alter the obligations or terms of this warranty.
B&K Components, Ltd.
2100 Old Union Road
Buffalo, New York 14227
1.800.543.5252 In NY: 716.656.0023
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
On the web: www.bkcomp.com
Warranty Information
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Accessories Included
1 - Power Cord
1 - Owner’s Manual
1 - Warranty Card
2

WARNING: to prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Care should be taken
to prevent objects or liquid from entering the enclosure. Never handle the power cord with wet hands.
NThe lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user of the pres-
ence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may constitute a risk of electric
shock.
NThe exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of impor-
tant operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the unit.
NCaution: To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user-serviceable parts are inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
NUnplug the amplifier from the AC outlet when plugging in or unplugging cables, when left unused for an
extended period of time, moving the amplifier, or when you suspect lightning in your area.
NPrevent damage to the power cord. Do not bend, pull, place objects on, alter, etc. Replace the power
cord if it becomes damaged.
NAlways grasp the plug on the power cord when plugging in or unplugging the amplifier from the AC out-
let.
NThe system may produce sound levels capable of causing permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for
extended periods of time at high volume levels.
NMake sure the amplifier is placed on a level surface.
NThe amplifier is equipped with raised feet to provide ventilation, reduce acoustic feedback, and provide
protection against scratching the surface the unit is resting on. We advise against removing or altering
feet.
NDo not stack anything on top of the amplifier (processor, source, etc.) Leave a minimum of 2” clearance
from the top of the amplifier to the next shelf (or component) to insure proper ventilation.
NThe amplifier should be located away from other sources that may be sensitive to heat.
NDo not perform any internal modifications to the amplifier.
NAlways connect the amplifier’s power cord to an unswitched AC outlet for normal operation.
NIf young children are present, adult supervision should be provided until the children are capable of fol-
lowing all rules for safe operation.
NDo not plug the amplifier’s power cord into an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be
careful if using extension cords and ensure the total power used by all devices does not exceed the power
rating (watts/amperes) of the extension cord.
NExcessive loads may cause the insulation on the cord to heat and possibly melt.
NMistaking CONTROL OUTPUT or CONTROL INPUT connectors for audio/video inputs or outputs may
damage the amplifier or other components.
NDamage can occur to the speakers if the power rating of each individual driver is exceeded by the ampli-
fier. Ensure that all the drivers in the system are capable of handling not only the average power being
delivered by the amplifiers, but also the peak power that is likely to be generated during strong passages.
If you are unsure of your speaker's power rating, contact the speaker manufacturer or the dealer where
you purchased them.
NThe amplifier should be serviced by qualified personnel when:
•The amplifier is not functioning properly.
•Objects have entered the chassis.
•The amplifier was exposed to rain or other type of moisture.
•The amplifier was dropped, or the chassis is damaged.
Safety Precaution
Please Read Before Installing
Safety Precautions
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AV1230 Features and Benefits
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The AV1230 is an integration of a stereo audio distribution Bus with twelve compact and efficient 30 W power
amplifiers. Each pair of amplifiers have Dip Switches that allow system configuration of mono/stereo and mut-
ing control via Bus or Local control input. The AV1230 is designed to allow flexibility and functionality in the
design of Multi-Zone power system applications.
Below are some of the applications for the AV1230 audio distribution amplifier:
NThe most obvious example allows for six stereo audio input pairs to power six pairs of amplified speaker
outputs. This is the default factory configuration.
NUsing the audio distribution Bus Dip Switches allow independent configuration for up to 12 mono chan-
nels or 6 stereo pairs, with independent automatic audio sense muting per amplifier output pair.
NThe availability of both Local and Bus audio outputs, allows for a number of units to be cascaded for
easy and efficient system expansion.
FEATURES
Multiple AV1230s can be easily linked together to add more rooms or expand a large listening area.
Dip Switches allow for configuration of the audio signal for each pair of amplifier channels including Local or
Bus, mono or stereo and muting control.
Toroidal Transformer - Efficient high current power delivery for improved dynamics.
Computer Grade Capacitors - Large capacity computer grade electrolytic capacitors for high transient power
delivery and extended low frequency control.
Limited Protection - Increased Safe Operating Area and thermal overload protection allows for continuous
duty unattended use.
Gold Plated Connectors - Improved connections for better sound and minimized signal loss and degradation.
1% Metal Film Resistors - Low noise precision resistors offer a cleaner more repeatable sound quality.
High Current Circuitry - More accurate three dimensional reproduction of source material with sonic fidelity
usually found only in larger power amplifiers.

AV1230 Back Panel
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1. AC Power Inlet and AC Fuse. The fuse is an 8 Amp / 250 Volt Slow Blow fuse. Replace with same
type and value fuse only.
2. Channel control input/output. Each pair of amplifier channels has its own 1/8” (3.5mm) minijack control
input/output (pass through) control jack to provide remote switching of the amplifier audio mute on/off
feature. The control input circuit is designed to work as Tip Pos. (+) and Ring Neg. (-). A minimum of
5VDC @ 1 mA is recommended, and is compatible with up to 24V AC or DC. (The control outputs DO
NOT source any voltage directly, they only PASS through the input voltage at their receptive inputs).
3. Channel inputs and outputs. Each pair of amplifier channels has its own set of audio input / output
(pass through) RCA connections. Typically used for connecting signal interconnects from the preamplifier
to the amplifier.
4. Dip Switches. Each pair of amplifier channels has its own Dip Switches that are used to configure the
audio signal (Local or Bus, mono or stereo, muting sense and control trigger).
5. Channel level control. Each pair of amplifier channels has its own DUAL input level control. The level
of the right channel is adjusted by the outer level control and the level of the left channel is adjusted
by the inner level control. This is also shown on the back panel of the unit.
6. Removable four position phoenix speaker connections. Speaker connections are 4 ohm stable.
Connectors can accommodate up to 12 gauge speaker wire.
7. Bus control input/output. The amplifier allows for single switching of the amplifier audio mute on/off
feature on any pair of amplifier channels (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12) with it’s Dip Switch setting
configured for Amp off and Sense off. The Bus control output is a pass through of the Bus control
input. The control input circuit is designed to work as Tip Pos. (+) and Ring Neg. (-). A control source
capable of sourcing a minimum of 5 VDC @ 1 mA is recommended, and is compatible with up to 24V
AC or DC. (The control outputs DO NOT source any voltage directly, they only PASS through the input
voltage at their receptive inputs).
8. Bus inputs and outputs. In a similar fashion to the Bus control inputs, the AV1230 has provisions for
an independent stereo audio signal and control trigger distribution bus. It is an independent stereo
audio input and minijack control input and output to source audio and trigger to amplifier channels
1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, or 11-12 when the Dip Switch for Bus is set to On.
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To the Left and Right
Input on 2nd Pair of
Amplifier Channels
From the Left and
Right Output on the
Preamplifier
Level Control
Amplified Output
Local RCA Input and Output
The AV1230 connects to speakers via six plug-in Phoenix connectors. Simply unplug the connector from the
rear of the AV1230, strip the speaker wire approximately ¼” and insert the bare end into the gate on the con-
nector. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to tighten the connection to each conductor. Phoenix adapters can
accommodate up to 12 gauge speaker wire. Make sure the connector is held upside down to connect Left
and Right as shown:
Each pair of amplifier channels have their own Local level control. It may be used to equally attenuate the
level for both amplifiers pairs.
Default from the factory, the level controls are set to full clockwise (no attenuation). Note, on the AV1230
there is a set of level controls for each pair of amplifiers (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12) allowing for sep-
arate control of the left and right signals. The outer level control adjusts the volume of the right channel. The
inner level control adjusts the volume of the left channel.
Each pair of amplifier channels have their own input and output RCA connectors. The inputs are designed to
accept line level audio from a preamplifier's RCA unbalanced output connectors. Output expansion is accom-
modated with the RCA output connectors. These outputs are effectively a direct pass through from the inputs.
Right Channel
Left Channel

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Control Trigger and Muting
Each pair of amplifier channels has its own 1/8” (3.5mm) mono minijack control input / output (pass through)
to provide remote switching of the amplifier audio mute on/off feature. The control input circuit is designed to
work as a Tip Pos. (+) and Ring Neg. (-) mono minijack connection. A minimum of 5VDC @ 1 mA is recom-
mended, and is compatible with up to 24V AC or DC. A preamplifier’s control output, such as is provided with
the B&K series preamplifier, can be utilized to provide a control signal to the AV1230. When Local channel
control muting is desired, the proper Dip Switch configuration must be set with all Dip Switches in the off posi-
tion, as shown below.
To the Trigger Input
on the Next Amplifier
Control Input
From the Trigger Output
on the Previous
Preamplifier, Receiver or
Amplifier
ON: (ON is the factory default setting for all amplifier pairs)
Amplifier pairs with Dip Switch On set to ‘On’, have the remote Bus and Channel switching of the
amplifier audio mute on/off feature disabled. When remote amplifier audio muting is desired by
either the Bus or Local Channel control input, the Amp switch must be set to the ‘Off’ position.
BUS: (OFF is the factory default setting for all amplifier pairs)
Amplifier pairs (channels 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6), with Dip Switch Bus set to ‘On’, have their inputs
sourced from the audio signal present at the Bus input. When the Bus feature is not desired and
the amplifier pair is to be sourced at the Local audio inputs, the Bus switch must be set to the ‘Off’
position.
MONO: (OFF is the factory default setting for all amplifier pairs)
Amplifier pairs with Dip Switch Mono set to ‘On’, have the sum of the selected audio inputs, i.e..
Local or Bus, processed into a composite mono signal source for both amplifier channels. When
mono is not desired, or independent channel amplification of the amplifier pairs is necessary, the
Mono switch must be set to the ‘Off’ position.
SENSE: (OFF is the factory default setting for all amplifier pairs)
Amplifier pairs with Dip Switch Sense set to ‘On’ have the remote Master and Channel switching of
the amplifier audio mute on/off feature disabled. Amplifier pairs set to use Sense will mute automati-
cally after a delay of three minutes once no audio signal has been detected. The sense circuit mon-
itors the selected audio input, i.e. Local or Bus, mono or stereo. When remote amplifier audio mut-
ing is desired by either the Master or Local channel control input, the Sense switch must be set to
the ‘Off’ position. When the Amp On feature is desired, the automatic muting of the amplifier pairs is
not desired, or if the audio signal is erratic the Sense switch must be set to the “Off’ position.
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DIP Switches
Each pair of amplifiers have their own set of four Dip Switches. The function of each Switch is described
below:

*Note: A control voltage is for muting control only. Each amplifier must
be connected to its own source of AC power in order for it to operate.
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From Preamplifier
Mono Usage
Bus Control and Muting
The AV1230 has the ability to have up to twelve output channels that may be mono. When the Mono Dip
Switch is enabled, the single signal from either the left or the right channel would be sent to both outputs. The
AV1230 has the ability to have up to 12 mono channels when using the bus section on the amplifier.
The AV1230 is designed to provide Bus control for all amplifier channels. The Bus control allows for single
switching of the amplifier auto sense mute on/off feature on any pair of amplifier channels (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8,
9-10 or 11-12) with it’s Dip Switch setting configured for Amp off and Sense off and the Bus Switch on. The
Bus control output is a pass through of the Bus control input for both signal and control. The control input cir-
cuit is designed to work as a Tip Pos. (+) and Ring Neg. (-) mono minijack connection. A control source capa-
ble of sourcing a minimum of 5 VDC @ 1 mA is recommended, and is compatible with up to 24V AC or DC.
(The Master control outputs DO NOT source any voltage directly, they only PASS through the input voltage at
their receptive inputs).
If more than one AV1230 or other units are to be controlled, the control signal can be expanded to include
each successive unit by simply running a 1/8" mini cable from the CTRL OUT connector of the first amplifier to
the CTRL IN connector of the next unit (commonly referred to as ‘daisy chaining’) with both a Local and Bus
control signal.
Note: When an 1/8" (3.5mm) mini plug is inserted into the Local amplifier pairs control input jack, the Bus
Control signal is automatically disabled for that amplifier pair.
Shown below is a two AV1230 system, including the Bus signal and control cabling.

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NBefore doing anything, insure that the power switch on the amplifier’s front panel is in the ‘off’ position.
NAgain, it is recommended that you locate a separate dedicated AC power outlet for the audio video system that is
not shared by any other household component.
NLocate the AC power cord provided with the amplifier and plug it into the power input receptacle in the rear panel.
Do not connect it to the AC power source yet!
NConnect the audio cable from your preamplifier’s output to the corresponding input connector on the amplifier.
NConnect the wire from your speakers to the appropriate outputs on the amplifier. It is absolutely essential that you
observe correct polarity in all connections.
NDouble check all connections
NConnect a playback unit (CD, DVD, Tuner, etc.) to the preamplifier.
NBefore turning anything on, insure the preamplifier is set to a low volume level. Turn on the preamplifier, turn
the volume on preamplifier to a minimum level and then turn on the amplifier (in that order). Set the source on the
preamplifier to the playback unit you’ve just connected. Turn the volume up slowly and listen for music from the
appropriate channels. If this is not the case, double check the installation.
Note: When turning equipment ‘off’ the amplifier should always be turned off first then the preamplifier.
Under normal use, the amplifier will not require any special care. Clean the exterior of the unit by wiping it with a damp
cloth to remote any dirt or dust that accumulates. Do not let any liquid enter the amplifier through its’ vents or top cover.
It is recommended that the connectors on the rear panel be cleaned annually using isopropyl alcohol.
Returning Equipment
Care and Cleaning
Making the Connections
System Installation
No equipment may be returned to B&K Components, Ltd. without a RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER (RA) issued
by B&K. An RA number may be requested by calling B&K at the numbers below. Please have the following information
available when an RA is requested.
1. Name, address and phone number
2. The model and serial number of the equipment being returned.
3. A description of the problem being experienced.
4. The sales receipt from an authorized B&K dealer.
Your call will be referred to a Technical Service Representative who will work with you to resolve the problem. If it is
determined that the unit must be returned for repair, an RA number will be issued.
B&K Components, Ltd.
2100 Old Union Rd. Buffalo, NY 14227-2725
Phone: [phone] or [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.bkcomp.com
There will most likely be a number of cables involved in the installation of the home entertainment system. Pre-planning
is essential in order to maximize system efficiency. We recommend the following as a means of reaching that goal.
NMake a diagram of the proposed system by laying out the relative location of each component in the system. Then
lay out the proposed cable runs between them. Number each cable and record its length on the diagram for future
use.
NCable runs are critical in that they must be kept away from the sources of power radiation (amplifiers, power cords,
heaters, appliances, etc.). For safety reasons, they should also be kept out of traffic areas.
NThe process of optimizing the system will include the type of cable, the length of the run, and the obstructions it
must deal with along its run. When possible, use a separate dedicated AC power line for the audio video system that
is not shared by any other household component. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

Specifications
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Power Rating: 8 ohms
4 ohms
30 Watts
55 Watts
Number of Channels 12
Current (peak to peak) 16 Amps
Dynamic Headroom 1.0dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.09% at 1kHz
Frequency Response 5 Hz - 45 kHz
S/N (A-Weighted) 95 dB
Input sensitivity 0.55 Volts
Input Impedance 33.2 k ohms
Dampening Factor 80
Slew Rate 14 V / µsec
Voltage Gain 28
Line Voltage 120/220/240 VAC switchable
Level Controls Dual
Control Input/Output Yes
Minimum Control Input Voltage 5 VDC @ 1 mA
Output Connector Max Wire Gauge 12 gauge
Dimensions (Cut Out Dimensions)
Height
Width
Length
4” (4.125”)
17” (17.125”)
15.25” (15.38”)
Weight (in lbs.) 22
Power Consumption 360 Watts
Replacement Fuse (Main AC) 8A / 250 Volt Slow Blow
*Specifications and design are subject to change at any time without notice.