ELECTROCOMPANIET AW220 User manual

AW220
Owner’s Manual
UK
UK
UK

Owner’s Manual
AW220 Balanced STEREO / MONO
Power Amplifier
Warning:
To avoid risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Verify line voltage before use.
Do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
The warranty is void if the product is tampered with by non-authorised personnel.
Use only authorised Electrocompaniet service center.

4
We sincerely thank you for selecting an amplifier from Electrocompaniet. We hope you will
enjoy years of listening pleasure and true High End musical performance from your audio
system. Kindly read this owners manual to familiarize yourself with the set before operation.
Welcome to the world of Electrocompaniet
The Electrocompaniet Story
Electrocompaniet was founded in 1973 in Oslo, Norway, to manufactured an amplifier
designed by Per Abrahamsen. The design was based upon a new approach to transistor
amplifier design developed by Dr. Matti Otala and Jan Lohstro.
It had long been recognised that transistor amplifiers had a characteristic sound that many
audiophiles and music lovers found unnatural.
Dr. Otala and Mr. Lohstro analysed transistor amplifiers to determine what actually created
the “transistor sound” in general transistorised designs.
The results of their innovative design work were incorporated in the first Electrocompaniet
design - the legendary 25-watt amplifier.
It was the first commercial transistor amplifier to use this new design approach.
The amplifier was immediately recognised as dramatically more musical than any other
transistor amplifier at the time.
This design philosophy has been constantly updated through continuous research and
development. The philosophy prevails with all Electrocompaniet products.
Skilled technicians and craftsmen carefully create all Electrocompaniet products.
The products are extensively tested for maximum performance and reliability.
Electrocompaniet has always given the highest priority to extensive listening test for all its
designs. Every product designed by our engineers must meet a variety of exacting stan-
dards, set by a listening panel that is carefully selected to represent a cross- section of
musical taste and experience. Electrocompaniet designs go back and forth between the
design laboratory and the listening panel until both the engineers and the listeners are
satisfied with the end results.
Our quality products are sold throughout the world and provide the ultimate in listening
pleasure to discriminating music lovers.

5
Unpacking the AW220
Immediately upon receipt of the AW220, inspect the carton for possible dam-
age during shipment. The carton and packaging have been designed to prov-
ide the safest possible protection for the transport of your amplifier. Unpack
the unit carefully. Save all packaging materials for future shipment.
The contents of the carton
1 pcs Electrocompaniet AW220 power amplifier
1 pcs AC mains cord
1 pcs spare Mains fuse (located in the fuse drawer of the amplifier)
1 pcs inspection card
Setup procedure
Before connecting the AW220 to the mains, check that the mains voltage
indicated on the rear panel corresponds to the line voltage in the territory you
intend to use the unit.
How to avoid damages
Do not under any circumstances connect or disconnect equipment when po-
wer is turned on. The design of the RCA plug generates a huge transient when
inserted. Connecting or disconnecting equipment with the power on can res-
ult in severe damage to both speaker and amplifier. When using the amplifier
in mono mode, do not load the amplifier with lower impedance than 4 ohm.
Never short the speaker outputs to ground or chassis.
How to avoid noise problems
The AW220 contains delicate circuits that are sensitive to magnetic strayfields.
The unit should not be placed near mains transformers, TV sets etc. Care
should be taken regarding placement of the interconnect cables. Do not run
interconnect cables in parallel with main cords or speaker cables. Keep
interconnect and speaker cables as short as possible.
How to avoid antenna problems
In some set-ups hum may occur when you connect the radio, VCR or TV to your
system. The problem is caused by DC voltage coming from your antenna.
Please contact your cable network operator.

6
How to connect your system
Please read this page carefully and follow diagram 1 to 4(page 10-13).
Always turn the product off when changing from stereo to mono and from
mono to stereo.
Inputs / Outputs
Set the “Stereo / Mono” switch to the desired operation.
(Stereo push in Mono out)
Use a small screwdriver and push the switch located on the rear of the
product . A red LED can be observed through the slots of the top cover
(right rear).
LED on = Stereo
LED off = Mono
Stereo
Push the “Stereo / Mono” switch in(LED on).
*Use the included ECP5XLR (RCA to XLR adapter) to enter the XLR inputs
with a single ended source.
See page 10
Balanced operation:
The balanced mode can only be used if the signal source has a balanced
output. Use an XLR interconnect with GND on pin 1, + on pin2, and - on pin 3.
See page 10
Mono operation:
Push the “Stereo / Mono” switch out(LED off).
Connect one channel of the preamplifier to the Right input of the AW220.
Leave the left input open.
Connect the positive speaker terminal to the amplifiers positive right output.
Connect the negative speaker terminal to the amplifiers positive left output.
Do not load the amplifier with impedance lower than 4 ohms.
See page 11
Bi-amping:
See page 12
Input level adjustment
Located on the rear side.
Factory setting of the level adjustment is max volume.
Use it to match levels between amplifiers in bi-amping system.
Link
This output can be used to link more amplifiers together.
The output level is independent of the input level set on the amplifier.
Do not short these outputs to ground or together.

7
How to power up your system
You should always power up your system the following way:
Signal sources (CD player, tuner etc.) first. Then turn on the preamplifier. Allow
30 seconds of preheating before you turn on the power amplifier. After switching
on the power amplifier, there will be a 5 seconds delay before the speakers
are connected. This will prevent large turn on/off transients to reach the
speakers.
When turning your system off, you should start by switching off your power
amplifier, then the preamplifier, and finally the signal source devices.
Warning
The amplifier will be warm.
Due to the high class A operating point used in the Electrocompaniet design,
it is normal that the amplifier feels warm. Proper ventilation will be needed,
and the amplifier should not be covered in. A good rule is to allow 1-2 inches of
air sidewise, and 2-3 inches above the amplifier.
Replacing a blown main fuse
Always remove the AC cord from the Inlet.
The main fuse is located in a small drawer in the AC inlet of the unit. If, for some
reason the fuse blows, turn the unit off, and remove the AC inlet from the inlet.
Open the drawer with a small screwdriver and remove the broken fuse. The
spare fuse is located in the hole in front of the main fuse. Push the new fuse
gently out of the hole, and place it in correct position (where the blown fuse
was removed). Push the drawer gently back to the closed position, connect the
power cord and turn the unit on.
NEWER REPLACE A BLOWN FUSE WITH OTHER VALUES THAN PRINTED
ON THE UNIT.

8
Technical Specification AW 220
The following technical data were measured on randomized test objects and are
typical data.
All measurements are made with main voltage 120/240 V 50Hz / 60Hz.
Main voltage 120 / 240 V. Clipping point of the amplifier is set to a level
where total harmonic distortion (THD) is 0.2%.
Output impedance (20-20kHz) ............................ <0.01ohm
Input impedance stereo ...................................... 330kohm
Input impedance mono ....................................... 165kohm
Input sensitivity for rated output ........................... 1.6V (adjustable)
Max. peak current ................................................ >60A
THD (1kHz half power, 8ohm) ............................. <0.006%
THD (1kHz –1dB, 8ohm) .................................... <0.007%
Noise (both inputs shortened) ............................ <130uV
Frequency response ........................................... DC-65kHz -3dB
Channel separation (1kHz-10kHz) ...................... >90dB
Rated output power
10% change in line voltage will give app. 20% change in output power.
Stereo:
8 ohm 2 x 70 W
4 ohm 2 x 120W
2 ohm 2 x 160W
Mono:
8 ohm 1 x 220W
Dimensions
Width 483mm (19”)
Depth 380mm (15”)
Height 110mm (4.3”)
Weight 15kg (33lbs)
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter these specifications without further notice

9
If Service is needed
Your dealer will have all relevant information regarding the service station in
your area, and will ensure that your unit is serviced with minimum delay. It is
our general policy to have your unit returned to you within five working days.
This is an average time, and can vary locally, depending on the workload at that
particular service station. If, for some reason, there are no service facilities
available in your country, please ship the unit to the following address:
ELECTROCOMPANIET AS,
SOLHEIMSVEIEN 36,
BOX 92, N-1471 LØRENSKOG,
NORWAY
Switchboard: [phone]
Service: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Service department: [email protected]
Web: www.electrocompaniet.com
The end-user is responsible for all-shipping charges, insurance, re-importation
and duty charges. When shipping a product to the factory for service, always
include the following:
1. A sales slip or other proof of purchase if repair is claimed under warranty.
2. A proforma invoice with value of goods, stating that the amplifier is retur-
ned to Norway for repair.
3. An accompanying letter describing faults, symptoms, or problems with the unit.
4.Always ship the unit in its original carton and packaging material to
prevent damage in transit.
Electrocompaniet will not cover damages incurred in transit. If you require
further information concerning the operation of the unit, or if you have any
questions related to service, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or
national distributor.

10

11

12

13