Cerwin-Vega CXA-8 User manual

CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIERS
OPERATION MANUAL
CXA Manual Rev 3_Manual_CXA_English_DB 1/31/2012 10:06 AM age i

WARNING
CXA Manual Rev 3_Manual_CXA_English_DB 1/31/2012 10:06 AM age ii

Cer in-Vega! CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIERS
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulaons! Welcome to the Cerwin-Vega! family. You’ve joined a growing group of audio professionals who have
turned to Cerwin-Vega! for the most advanced audio reproducon systems available. All Cerwin-Vega! systems are
thoroughly tested to insure that they meet or exceed our performance specificaons. Backed by the best service in the
industry, Cerwin-Vega! is dedicated to quality and reliability. For a complete overview of Cerwin-Vega! products,
accessories, and services, log onto www.cerwin-vega.com.
2. UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
Although it is neither complicated to install, nor difficult to operate your amplifier, a few minutes of your me are required
to read this manual for a properly wired installaon, and to become familiar with the unit’s features. Please take great care
in unpacking the unit and do not discard the carton and other packing materials. They may be needed when moving the
unit and are required if it ever becomes necessary to return the unit for service. Never place the unit near a radiator, in
front of heang vents, in direct sunlight, in excessive humidity, or dusty locaons to avoid damages and to guaranty a long
reliable use. Connect the unit with the system components according to the descripon on the following pages.
3. ABOUT THE CERWIN-VEGA! CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIERS
The Cerwin-Vega! CXA-8 & CXA-10 high performance stereo and bridgeable power amplifiers are for those that want to
sound like a pro! These home-use versions of the renowned Cerwin-Vega! Professional series amplifiers. The same
capability for shock and awe, but with input/output connecons and a form factor suited for performing at home versus
on stage.
These workhorses have the muscle to accommodate the most demanding audio challenges. With power rangs of up to
1800 was* (for the CXA-8) and 2800 was* (for the CXA-10), exceponal THD (Total Harmonic Distoron) and Signal-to-
Noise rangs, the CV Series power amps are the right choice for a wide range of music and home theater applicaons.
To ensure reliable operaon the CXA amps include a highly efficient variable speed tunnel cooling system that dynamically
follows amplifier output levels. The 21-posion detent level control knobs help you set and maintain volume sengs.
Signal and clip indicators provide a convenient way to monitor the amplifier’s status. Proven professionally -- the CXA-8 &
CXA-10 Amps are right for the job – even when the “job” is entertaining friends and family.
Main Features:
• Power rangs up to 2800 was – run in stereo or bridged
• Professional quality design and reliability
• Flow-through cooling design prevents overheang
• Defeatable limiter and high pass filter per channel
• Detented 21-posion input level control knobs
• Front panel LED indicaon of power, clip protect and signal status
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Cer in-Vega! CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIERS
2
CXA AMPLIFIER FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
Figure 1.1
1. Fan Vent
The CXA-8 & CXA-10 amplifiers are cooled by two rear-mounted
fans. Cool air flows through the front fan filters, reducing the
temperature of internal components while forcing the heat out
the rear vents. Never block these vents and keep them clean at
all mes.
2. AC Power Switch
This switch powers the unit on and off.
3. Signa Indicators
These blue LED's will illuminate to indicate that a signal is
present at the amplifier input, and that the signal is being am-
plified.
4. C ip Indicators
These red LED's will illuminate at the clipping threshold. These
lights should not light up during normal use as they indicate
signal outside of the amplificaon range of the amplifier. When
a signal is "clipped" and the clip indicator illuminates, it means
that the signal is being distorted at the output stage. Prolonged
clipping can not only damage your amplifier, but also your
speakers, so be careful to monitor the clip indicator during setup
and use. If the clip indicator is illuminated then simply lower the
channel gain or input signal unl the indicator does not light.
5. Acve Indicators
These blue LED's indicate that AC power is connected and the
amplifier is turned on.
6. Protect Indicators
These red LED's indicate that the channel is in Protect mode.
When the channel goes into protect mode all output for that
channel will be muted. The protect LED's light when overheang
or other severe problems occur. This is to protect any speakers
connected to the channel. The LED's also light for approximately
five seconds whenever the unit is powered on and fade slowly
when the amplifier is powered off.
7. Channe input eve contro
These two 21-posion detented potenometers adjust input
level for their respecve amplifier channels. In Bridged Mono
Mode, only channel 1 level control is used to adjust signal level.
In Parallel Mode, both input level control are used to adjust sig-
nal level for their respecve amplifier channels. At their fully
counter-clockwise posion, the signal is aenuated by more
than 80dB. At their fully clockwise posion, the signal is at max-
imum gain.When 0 dBu of signal arrives at the input jacks and
the Channel input level controls are set to their fully clockwise
posion, the unit delivers full power output.
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Cer in-Vega! CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIERS
3
Figure 1.2
1. Fan
This is a variable speed cooling fan. Cool air enters the amplifier
through the fan filters located on the front of the amplifier. Be
sure not to block these ports when installing the amplifier or
other equipment.
2. Input connectors
Connect the input source to the unbalanced RCA connectors
using standard RCA cables.
3. Link connectors
These jacks are used to send a parallel signal to another device
or amplifier.
4. High Pass Fi ter (HPF) switch.
These switches are used to acvate the built-in High Pass Filter.
The HPF rolls off signals below 40Hz. This improves bass per-
formance by liming sub-audio cone moon, making more
power available for the speaker’s rated frequency range. When
the filter is turned off, a 5 Hz roll off protects against DC or deep
sub-audio inputs.
5. Limiter switch
When the input signal connected to your amplifier is too high,
you end up with a distorted output signal. To prevent this, both
channels feature a clip limiter that can be engaged or disen-
gaged selecvely.
6. Bridge / Stereo / Para e switch
This switch changes the amplifier operang mode between
stereo, mono bridged, and parallel.
7. 5-way Binding Post
Connect each channel of the unit to your speakers. Binding posts
are provided for each channel as so that paralleling of speakers
is possible. Connecon to the binding posts can be made with
bare wire, banana plugs, or spade lug terminaons. Make con-
necons to both the Channel 1 and Channel 2 terminals for
Stereo or Parallel Mode, or a single connecon across the red
terminals only of Channel 1 and Channel 2 for Bridged Mono
Mode.
8. Circuit breaker
The breaker acts in place of common disposable fuses. This cir-
cuit breaker will trip if there is a fault with the main voltage or
if maximum output is exceeded. Simply depress the circuit
breaker and power up the unit again.
9. AC input
IEC connector for AC power cable. Connect the supplied heavy-
gauge 3-pin IEC power cable.
CXA AMPLIFIER REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
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PROTECTION
Every model in the CXA-Series incorporates protecon features.
The front panel Protecon LED indicates the acvity of the
speaker connecon relay circuitry in each channel.When the
protecon LED turns on, this circuitry is acve, and all connected
speakers are muted.
Inia power-up : For approximately five seconds a er inial
power-up, the protecon circuitry is acvated and the speaker
outputs are muted. If everything is operang normally, you will
hear an audible click at the conclusion of this brief period, as
the protecon circuitry is deacvated and the unit begins
delivering signal to the connected speakers. It is normal for the
Protecon LED to fade gradually a er the amplifier is powered
off.
Therma Protecon : Abnormally high heat sink temperatures
will engage the protecon circuitry for the overheang channel
only. An output relay disconnects the speakers unl normal
temperature range is restored. The Protect indicator will light
to show the protecon circuit is acve. To guard against this
problem, make sure the unit receives adequate venlaon on all
sides and that both the front and rear panels are unobstructed.
If the power transformer gets too hot, its thermal switch will
disconnect all of the secondary power and disconnect both
channel outputs.
Short circuit : If output is shorted due to faulty wiring, the
thermal circuitry will automacally protect the amplifier. If this
occurs, the load will be disconnected by the thermal protecon
circuitry.
DC Vo tage Protecon : If an amplifier channel detects DC
voltage at the speaker output, the output relay will immediately
open to prevent speaker damage.
Subsonic Frequency Protecon : The built-in High Pass Filter
provides subsonic frequency protecon for each channel.
Current iming Protecon : At the amplifier’s full power limit,
or clipping point, the limiter circuitry will be acvated. This is
indicated by illuminaon of the Clip LED. The channel gain is
automacally reduced, protecng the speakers from high
power. Uncontrolled feedback, oscillaons, or improper
equipment gain seng may acvate this circuitry, which is
virtually transparent in operaon as full signal bandwidth is
maintained.
There is reason to be concerned any me the Protecon LED
lights up (except for inial power-up during approximately five
seconds). If this occurs, turn the amplifier off immediately and
SETUP
Clipping is the result of an amplifier running into power supply
limitaon. The maximum output voltage that any amplifier can
produce is limited by its power supply. Aempng to output a
voltage (or current) level that exceeds the power supply limit
will result in a flaening effect on the signal. A clipped waveform
exhibits extreme harmonic distoron, making it sound harsh or
dissonant. The clip limiter detects this and reduces the gain to
minimize the amount of overdrive. To preserve as much of the
program dynamics as possible, liming reduces the average
program level unl peaks barely clip. Each channel has its own
clip limiter, which can be switched on or off. When driving full-
range speakers, clip liming reduces high frequency distoron
caused by bass overload. It also protects higher frequency
drivers from excess overdrive and harsh clipping harmonics.
Also known as a low-cut filter, a High Pass Filter rolls off signals
below 40Hz. The reproducon of the signal’s bass poron is thus
opmized, since ultra-low, distracng frequencies are
eliminated, and more power is available for the reproducon of
the wanted segment of the signal.
You should set up the filters so they best suit the frequency
response of your speakers, since some speakers are parcularly
sensive to over-excursion. The 40Hz filter works well with most
compact full-range speakers.
Clip limiter HPF (Hi-Pass Filter)
Limiter
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SETUP (CONTINUED)
Mode Select
CONNECTIONS
Stereo Mode
In stereo mode, both channels operate independently with in-
dividual input gain controls. Signal at channel 1’s input pro-
duces output at channel 1, while signal at channel 2’s input
produces output at channel 2’s output. Recommended mini-
mum nominal load impedance for stereo operaon is 2 ohms
per channel.
Para e Mode
When set to Parallel mode, a signal applied to channel 1’s input
will be amplified and appear at outputs for both channel 1 & 2.
The parallel mode is well suited for applicaons in which driv-
ing two speakers with the same signal but with separate am-
plificaon. The ‘Channel1’ and ‘Channel 2’ input gain controls
individually control the out put level on channels 1 and 2.
Bridged Mono Mode
Bridged mono mode straps both amplifier channels together
to make a very powerful, single-channel monaural amplifier.
One channel ”pushes” and the other channel “pulls” equally,
doubling the power over that of either channel alone. There-
fore the voltage is doubled, the peak power is quadrupled, and
program power is roughly three mes as high as that of the in-
dividual channel. Signal is applied to the channel 1 input only
and channel 1 input gain control is used to adjust signal level.
The input gain control belonging to channel 2 are not used.
Note : Bridged mono mode is to be used only when
the CXA-Series is connected to a 4 or 8 ohms speaker
load. Use of Bridged mode with speaker loads of less
than 4 ohms can result in severe damage to the unit
due to excessive heat and current liming. Use extreme cauon
when operang the amplifier in Bridged Mono Mode. Never
ground either side of the speaker cable; the speaker load must
“ float “ away from the amplifier chassis.
Stereo Mode
(5-Way Ouptut Binding Posts)
Parallel Mode
(5-Way Output Binding Posts)
Bridged Mono Mode (5-Way Output Binding Posts)
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Cer in-Vega! CXA-8 & CXA-10 AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS
CXA-8 CXA-10
400 W 600 W
600 W 900 W
900 W 1400 W
Output Power (RMS)
8 ohms
4 ohms
2 ohms
102 dB 104 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (20 Hz - 20k Hz)
0.01% 0.04%
Distortion (SMPTE-IM)
4 dBu 4 dBu
Input Sensitivity @ 8 ohms
33 dB 35 dB
Voltage Gain
Class AB Class H
Output Circuitry
8.8 / 4.4 amps 6.8 / 3.4 amps
@ 1/8 power @ 4 ohms
12 / 6 amps 17 / 8.3 amps
@ 1/3 power @ 4 ohms
19.5 / 9.5 amps 32 / 16 amps
@ Full power @ 4 ohms
0.01% 0.03%
20 Hz - 20k Hz @ 1/2 Power
0.10% 0.10%
1k Hz @ Full Power
280 350
Damping Factor (400 Hz)
18 Kg 18.8 Kg
Net Weight
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Distortion
Current Consumption
1200 W 1800 W
8 ohms
1800 W 2800 W
4 ohms
Stereo Both Channels Driven
Output Power (RMS) Bridged Mono
+/- 0.5 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Input Impedance 15k ohm Un-balanced / 30k ohm balanced
Input Clipping 22 dBu (10 Vrms)
Cooling
CONNECTORS
CONTROLS
Continuously variable speed fan, front to rear
Input Unbalanced RCA input and link out
Output 5-way binding post
Front AC power switch / Channel 1 & 2 volume
Rear HPF Switch / Limiter Switch / Mode Selector Switch
Indicators Power On: Light Blue / Signal: Dark Blue / Limit-Clip: Red
Power Requirements 120V 60Hz (USA) / 230V 50Hz (EU)
Dimensions 482 X 101 X 420 mm
Protection Short Circuit / Thermal / Current Limit resetable breaker / DC oset /
Current In-Rush / RF Protection / On-O Mute
+/- 3 dB 5 Hz - 60 kHz
120V / 230V
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CXA Manual Rev 3_Manual_CXA_English_DB 1/31/2012 10:06 AM age 6

Cerwin-Vega! A member of the Gibson family of brands
Gibson Customer Service • 309 lus ark Blvd. • Nashville, TN 37218
hone: 1-800-4GIBSON (1-800-444-2766)
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cerwin-vega.com
LITH00023 CXA OWNERS MANUAL © 2012 CERWIN-VEGA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This document is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from CERWIN-
VEGA. CERWIN-VEGA shall not be liable for operational, technical, or editorial errors/omissions made in this document.
CXA Manual Rev 3_Manual_CXA_English_DB 1/31/2012 10:06 AM age 7