B&K AV2500 Series II User manual

B & K Components Ltd.
P/N 12695

Page 1
Safety Precautions Page 2
Purpose and function Page 3
Design and construction Page 3
Features Page 4
Rear panel view Page 4
Rear panel description Page 5
Control muting Page 5 - 6
Level controls Page 6
Inputs Page 7
Outputs Page 8
Internal bus Page 9
Jumper description Page 9 - 10
Mono application Page 11
Bridged application Page 12
System installation Page 13
Making the connection Page 13 - 14
Troubleshooting Page 15
Care and cleaning Page 15
Specifications Page 16
Warranty Page 17
Manual and Power cord

Page 2
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user of the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to you.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the unit.
Observance of polarity is essential. Double-check connections before turning
the amplifier on. The amplifier can be damaged if polarities are incorrect.
Damage can occur to your speakers if the power rating* of each individual driver
is exceeded by the amplifier. Ensure that all the drivers in your speaker system
are capable of handling not only the power being delivered by the amplifier, but
the energy that is likely to be generated during strong passages.
Turn amplifier ‘off’ when plugging in or unplugging input and speaker cables!!!
The AV2500 series II is equipped with raised feet so that continuous ventilation
can be maintained. They help to maintain acoustic feedback into the amplifier at
a minimum. They also provide a measure of protection against scratching any
surface the unit might be resting on.
Do not stack anything on top of the amplifier (preamplifier, processor,
source...etc.).
Leave at least 2-3 inches clearance from the top of the amplifier to the next shelf,
component, etc., to ensure proper ventilation.
* If you are at all unsure of what the speaker ‘ratings’ are, contact your dealer.

Page 3
The AV2500 series II is a compact, very efficient, five channel power amplifier. It is
designed to be used in all types of audio or audio/video systems. The term versatile is
almost adequate to describe the variance of operational modes the AV2500 series II is
capable of providing. This is all accomplished through the simple placement of internal
jumpers and the paralleling or bridging of it’s outputs and/or linking multiple AV2500
series II’s.
Here is a listing for some of the many tasks it can be set up to perform:
&The most obvious function for the AV2500 series II is to take five separate
audio inputs and provide five separate amplified outputs. Your AV2500
series II has arrived set up in this configuration.
&With the inputs buffered, a line output (OUT BUS) may be taken from
either the L BUS, R BUS, or L+R BUS and sent on to another amplifier.
This allows for linking of multiple amplifiers.
&Continuing its versatility, the AV2500 series II may be used mono to
provide one, high current channel in order to drive a speaker requiring
more power.
&As a result of the AV2500 series II’s unique bus system, the input to
channels 4 and 5 may be inverted thereby allowing the possibility of
creating a single high voltage (bridged) channel from one source, through
the left bus.
The AV2500 series II utilizes high quality electronic circuitry to achieve an environment
wherein a detailed, transparent, and highly musical sound can be realized. The high
quality parts complement include state-of-the-art solid state devices, 1% metal film
resistors, computer grade electrolytic power supply capacitors, and a high capacity
toroidal transformer.

Page 4
- Efficient high current transformer for improved dynamics.
- More accurate and three dimensional reproduction of source
material.
- Provides short term protection from accidental shorting of output
devices and protection from thermal overload.
- Improve connections for better sound and minimized signal
loss and degradation.
- Low noise resistors for better sound and a greater degree
of repeatability.
- Ability to reproduce demanding recordings.
- Large capacity computer grade electrolytic capacitors
for extended low frequency control and improved dynamics.
1. AC fuse holder 5. Line Level outputs
2. AC Input receptacle 6. RCA inputs
3. Speaker outputs 7. Level controls
4. Amplifier control muting input/output

Page 5
1. AC fuse holder - Holds the AC Line fuse. This fuse is an 8 Amp / 250 Volt
Slow Blow fuse. Replace with same type and value fuse
only.
2. AC Input receptacle - For attaching the supplied AC power cord to the
amplifier.
3. Speaker outputs - For connecting the speakers to the amplifier. Explained
further on page 8.
4. Amplifier control muting input/output -
To provide remote switching of mute on/off of the amplifier.
Explained further on page 5.
5. Line level outputs - For connecting signal to another amplifier (daisy chaining).
6. RCA inputs - For connecting signal patch cables (interconnects) from the
preamplifier to the amplifier to pass signal.
7.Level controls - For adjusting the input level to the amplifier. Explained
further on page 6.
A control is provided on each AV2500 series II amplifier to allow remote switching of
mute on/off. The preamplifier’s control output, such as is provided with B&K series
preamplifiers, can be utilized to provide a control signal to the AV2500 seriesII. If more
than one amplifier is being controlled, the control signal can be extended to include
each successive unit by simply running an RCA type audio 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’). An example of how to connect two amplifiers is
illustrated in figure B.
If a source other than a B&K series preamplifier is used to control multiple amplifiers,
only the control output voltage from the source is critical. It must be within the range, as
indicated on the rear panel, 5-24 volts DC is required. The amplifier will provide each
successive amplifier with a control voltage of 12 volts DC for reliable operation. The
amplifiers control output may be used as a source of 12 VDC @ 125 mA for other user
applications as well.

Page 6
If the control function is desired, each unit in the system must remain connected at all
times and the control must be enabled. To enable the control function, the CTRL
ENABLE button must be out for each controllable amplifier in the system. For more
information on the amplifiers output status under various control conditions, refer to the
table below.
@ CTRL IN Button position Output status @ CTRL OUT
Signal OUT Sound Signal
Signal IN Sound Signal
No Signal OUT Mute No Signal
No Signal IN Sound Signal
There are five level controls on the back of the amplifier. One level control for each
channel.
When using the level controls, first start with them turned all the way up (clockwise).
Then adjust them according to your system requirements to match the sound level
coming from each speaker. This is a rough adjustment for matching different driver
impedances. Any fine tuning should be done by the preamplifier.

Page 7
Example: When using 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakers together, the 4 ohm may sound
louder then 8 ohm at a given volume level. The level controls on the amplifier are used
to match the speakers volume level. Clockwise will increase the output. Counter
clockwise will decrease the output.
RCA type connectors accept line input from the preamplifier’s unbalanced output
connectors. There are two input connectors, one for each channel, that may be used to
connect the amplifier to the preamplifier.
RCA cable connector -
Here is a typical input setup:
You will notice the OUT BUS connections shown above. You may use these to connect
to another amplifier. The L BUS OUT carries the same signal as channel 1
(L INPUT). The R BUS OUT carries the same signal as channel 2 (R INPUT). The
L+R BUS OUT carries the combined signal from channels 1 and 2 (the left and right
inputs).

Page 8
Five way binding posts are provided. One pair for each channel. They are designed to
accept a banana-type plug or spade lug connector (shown below) and are color coded
for easy identification. The red (+) post should always be connected to the speakers (+)
jack. The black (-) post should always be connected to the speakers (-) jack.
Spade connector Banana jack
Here is a typical amplifier setup:

Page 9
In order to gain access to the internal bus structure, you must first remove the top
cover. Turn the amplifier so the rear panel is facing your. The jumper modules may be
seen on the circuit board just behind the level controls.
Below is the default setup for the AV2500 series II amplifier. By arranging the jumpers
allows you to configure the amplifier for different applications. If you wish to use the
amplifier as a five channel amplifier, you need not change any of the settings.
In order to reconfigure the AV2500 series II’s channels, remove the source control
group jumper from its present position (if necessary) and install it on the terminal you
wish to select as the source for that channel. Make sure it has been inserted on both
terminal pins of the jumper modules.
To complete the configuration, the volume group jumper should be placed at either the
‘USE VOL’ or ‘NO VOL’ terminal depending on you configuration.
Figure G illustrates the jumper modules used in
configuring each channel. Each jumper terminal
location is conveniently labeled as to the source it
can be configured to provide. Explained further on
the following page.

Page 10
With the jumper plug set to this location on a channels jumper module will
only let the signal present at that channel’s input to appear at it output.
Along with being channel 2's input, it is used as the input to the right bus
and the right source for the ‘L+R BUS’. Because it is a BUS input, any
signal input here will appear at the ‘R BUS’ jumper terminal for both of the
AV2500 series II’s jumper modules.
Installing a jumper plug at this terminal on any of the five internal jumper
modules selects the combined signal being carried by both the left and right
inputs. If the left bus and right bus are being used to carry stereo right and
left channels, a jumper plug installed at the ‘L+R BUS’ location will provide
a true L+R mono output.
Along with being channel 1's input, it is used as the input to the left bus and
the left source for the ‘L+R BUS’. Because it is a BUS input, any signal
input here will appear at the ‘L BUS’ jumper terminal for both of the AV2500
series II’s jumper modules.
If volume control is desired only from the source, or if outputs are being
combined to obtain higher power, the jumper plug should be installed at the
‘NO VOL’ location.
If volume control is desired at the amplifier, beyond that provided at the
source, a shorting plug is installed at the ‘USE VOL’ location. The ‘USE
VOL’ setting be used when channels are bridged or
combined.
This is a single jumper module that is set apart, up and to the right from the
channel jumper modules on the circuit board. It provides a special function,
when the jumper is set on the ‘-L’ pins, the left bus signal feeding the left
channel will be inverted.

Page 11
The AV2500 series II’s five output channels may be paralleled (mono) to combine the
output current for all channels. This feature allows the amplifier to increase its
apparent output current. To use, place the source group jumper for all channels on the
‘L BUS’ jumper terminal. Place the volume group jumper for all channels on the ‘NO
VOL’ jumper terminal.
The speaker output terminals on the AV2500 series II’s rear panel must be paralleled in
order to complete the setup. Simply connect the (+) terminals for all channels together
using jumper wires (not supplied with the amplifier). Finally, connect the speaker
cables from channel 1's (+) and (-) terminals to the speakers. Input your source signal
into the left channel input. The instructions show the use of the left channel. You may
also use the right channel if you desire, just follow the above instructions using the right
channel. You may also use the L+R BUS to send a mono signal out of the amplifier
derived from the left and right channels. See below:

Page 12
The AV2500 series II may operate with 2 channels bridged to drive a high impedance
speaker. To use, place the source group jumper for both channels on the ‘L BUS’
jumper terminal. Place the volume group jumper for both channels on the ‘NO VOL’
jumper terminal. Place the invert jumper module on the ‘-L’ terminal. One of the
bridged channels be either channel 4 OR 5.
Finally, connect the speakers (+) to channel 3's (+) terminal and the speakers (-) to
channel 4's (+) terminal. Input your source signal into the left channel input (
).

Page 13
There will most likely be a number of cables involved in the installation of your home
entertainment system. Pre-planning is essential in order to maximize system efficiency.
We recommend the following as a means of helping you reach that goal:
Make a diagram of your 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
reference.
Cable runs are critical in that they must be kept away from sources of power
radiation (amplifiers, power cords, heaters, etc...). For the sake of safety, they
should also be kept out of traffic areas.
The 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. Your dealer can
advise you on the products available and their relative merits. If building custom
length audio cables is not your strength, your dealer should be able to help you
with that as well.
When possible, use a separate AC power line for the amplifier, one that is not
shared by any other component in the system of any other house hold
component.
Before doing anything, ensure that the power switch on the amplifier’s front panel
is in the ‘off’ position. Again, it is recommended that you locate a separate AC
power outlet for the amplifier, one that is shared by any other audio
component in the system or any other house hold component. This will eliminate
the possibility of the amplifier ‘modulating’ the power being supplied to the
component and compromising the signal originating from that component.
Locate the AC power cord provided with the amplifier and plug it into the power
input receptacle in the rear panel.
Connect the audio cables from your preamplifier’s output to the corresponding
input connector on the amplifier.

Page 14
Connect the wires from your speakers to the appropriate output on the amplifier.
It is absolutely essential that you observe correct polarity in these connections.
Double check all connections.
Plug the amplifier’s power cord into the AC power source. Turn the amplifier’s
power switch ‘on’. The panel light should be illuminated. Leave the preamplifier
turned off. Before proceeding to the next step turn the amplifier off and wait 30
seconds for the amplifier to discharge. Both the preamplifier and amplifier
should be off.
Connect a playback unit (CD, VLD, Tuner, etc...) to the preamplifier. Turn the
volume on the preamplifier to minimum. Turn on the preamplifier, then the
amplifier (in that order). Set source on the preamplifier to the playback unit
you’ve just connected. Turn volume up slowly and music should be heard from
all channels. If this is not the case, double check your installation.
Should you encounter any problems that cannot be traced to the source or the
material being played, consult the “TROUBLESHOOTING” section on page 15.

Page 15
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTION
No sound 1. Power cord not plugged in. 1. Reconnect power cord.
(‘on’ LED not illuminated) 2. Power off at AC source. 2. Check AC switch or fuse.
3. AC power inlet fuse blown 3. Check for shorts or
or faulty. overloading.
4. Control switch in the wrong 4. Place control switch in
position. proper position. (Page 5)
No sound on some or all 1. Speaker leads loose or 1. Tighten, repair, or
selected channels (‘on’ faulty. replace cable.
LED illuminated) 2. Line stage to amp. cables 2. Tighten, repair or replace
loose. or faulty. cable.
3. Source to line stage cables 3. Tighten, repair or replace
loose or faulty. cable.
4. Line stage or source not 4. Check all switch settings.
correctly selected.
Sound lacks direction, 1. Speakers connected out of 1. Check connections
bass weak phase. making sure that cables
are connected (+) to (+)
and (-) to (-).
Loud hum or buzz on one 1. Poor ground connection in 1. Check all connectors and
or more channels interconnect cables. repair as necessary.
Low output from amplifier 1. Balanced switch in 1. Put balanced switch in
balanced mode when correct position.
using unbalanced inputs.
Channel sounds distorted 1. Blown rail fuse. 1. Replace blown rail fuse
and low in output inside amplifier.
** Note
: If unit continues to blow power inlet fuses,
have it serviced.
Under normal use, the amplifier will not require any special care. Over time you may
wish to clean the exterior of the unit by wiping it with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or
dust that accumulates on it. Do not let any liquid enter the amplifier thru the vents in
the top cover. You may clean the connectors on the rear panel with isopropyl alcohol
annually.

Page 16
Power rating: 8 ohms 60 watts @ 1 kHz
4 ohms Not recommended
Frequency response 5 Hz - 45 kHz
Input sensitivity 0.77 Volts
THD (S+N) 0.09 % @ 1 kHz
Input impedance 33.2 k ohms
Damping factor 80
Current (peak to peak) 16 Amps
Slew rate 14 V / )sec
Dynamic headroom 1.0 dB
S/N (A-weighted) 95 dB
Voltage gain 28
Line voltage 120/220/240 VAC switchable
Dimensions (O.A.) 17"(w) X 12"(d) X 3.75"(h)
Weight 23 lbs
Power consumption 450 watts max
4.6 Amps max current draw
30 watts @ no input
Replacement fuses Line - 8 Amp/250 Volt Slow Blow
Rails - 4 Amp/250 Volt Slow Blow

Page 17
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 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, the
remote controller, or appearance items such as the faceplate, control buttons, or display lenses, nor
does it cover any expenses incurred in shipping the unit to and from the manufacturer’s service depot.
No warranty, implied or otherwise created by State law shall extend beyond the terms of this warranty
and B&K shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damage arising out of a defect in material
or workmanship of the unit during the terms of this warranty or thereafter. Some States do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages and the foregoing exclusions may not
apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Your may also have other rights which vary from State to
State.
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.
No equipment may be returned to B&K Components Ltd. Without a RETURN AUTHORIZATION.
Should you find it necessary to return equipment to B&K, for any reason, a RETURN AUTHORIZATION
(RA) number must be issued by B&K in respect of the equipment being returned. You may request an
RA number by calling B&K at the numbers below. We ask that you provide the following information at
that time.
1. Your name, address, and phone number.
2. The model and serial number of the equipment being returned.
3. A description of the problem being experienced.
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 Road, Buffalo New York 14227
1-800-543-5252 or 1-716-656-0023

B&K Components, Ltd.
2100 Old Union Road
Buffalo, New York 14227
716-656-0023
www.bkcomp.com