Emotiva Ultra UPA-7 User manual

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5
NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards
A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer 7
Antenna Grounding Outside the House 7
Thank You for Your UPA-7 Purchase 8
Unpacking the UPA-7 9
Inventory 9
Emotiva UPA-7 Seven Channel Amplifier Features 9
UPA-7 Front Panel Layout 10
UPA-7 Rear Panel Layout 11
Installation and Connections 12
AC Power Considerations 12
Physical Placement 12
Input Connection Considerations 13
Output Connection Considerations 13
Connection Tips for Superior Sound 13
12V Trigger Connections 14
Connection Diagrams 15
Connection using a 7 Channel Preamp/Processor 15
Connection using a 7 Channel Preamp/Processor with Audio Devices and Speakers 16
Series and Parallel Speaker Connections 17
Series Connections 17
Parallel Connections 18
Technical Note about Multiple Speaker Connections 19
(continued, next page)
3

Troubleshooting Guide 20
No Sound (from one or more speakers connected to the UPA-7) 20
The amplifier shuts down often or the line circuit breaker trips often 20
Poor Bass Performance From Full Range Speakers connected to the UPA-7 21
Turn-on and turn-off thumps 21
“Hum” Noises in the Speakers 21
Other Probable Causes of Noise 21
One or more RED lights on the Front Panel are Blinking 22
Problems with the whole A/V System 23
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 24
Limited Warranty 25
Service Assistance for the UPA-7 25
Emotiva Disclosure 26
4

Safety Precautions
Read this User’s Guide thoroughly before attempting to install and configure the Emotiva UPA-
7 Amplifier. All the safety and operation instructions should be read before any operation of the
component(s) begin. After successful installation and configuration of the Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier, be
sure to retain this manual in a safe place for any future reference needs.
All warnings on the Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier and in these operating instructions
should be followed. Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free
installation. The vast majority of the subsequent safety precautions involve
simple common sense. If you are not comfortable with the installation of
audio/video entertainment equipment, it will be to your benefit to seek the
services of a qualified installation professional.
NEVER use the UPA-7 Amplifier near water such as a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc. There is a risk of electric shock to your body and
permanent damage to the equipment. Electric shock may result in permanent bodily injury or death.
The Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier should be situated so that its location or installation position does not
interfere with proper ventilation. The Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug,
or similar surface that may block any ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation such as a
bookcase, cabinet, or closed equipment rack that may impede the flow of air through ventilation
openings. If installed in a closed equipment rack for custom installations, be sure to add forced air
ventilation so that it has adequate air circulation. The Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, or any other devices, which produce heat.
The Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in this
User’s Guide and what is labeled on the UPA-7 component. Power supply cords should be routed so
that they are not in high foot traffic areas or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at the wall plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they connect
into the UPA-7 Amplifier.
The power cord of the UPA-7 Amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet when unused for a long
period of time. When it’s time for cleaning the Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier, it should be cleaned only as
recommended in this User’s Guide. Never spray liquids directly into the component’s vent openings.
Care should be taken so that small objects do not fall into the inside of the UPA-7 Amplifier.
The following situations require your Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier is serviced only
by qualified service personnel:
•The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
•Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the component; or
•The UPA-7 has been exposed to rain; or
•The UPA-7 does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
•The UPA-7 has been dropped, or its enclosure or chassis is damaged.
The user should not attempt to service the UPA-7 Amplifier beyond the means described in this Owner’s
Guide. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
5

HOCK,
E.
AUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
TTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES,
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension
cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
Pour preevenir les chocs electriques ne pas utiliser cette fiche polarises avec un
prolongateur, un prise de courant ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent titre inserees
a fond sans laisser aucune parIIIe a decouvert.
Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of
the component is not defeated.
This apparatus does not exceed the Class A /Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant las
limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de classA/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le
reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicts par les ministere des communications du Canada.
For questions regarding service, please contact:
EMOTIVA Toll Free – (877) EMO-TECH
www.emotivaaudio.com
WARNING : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC S
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTUR
C
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
A
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE L
6

NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards
his reminder is to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
ntenna Grounding Outside the House - If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure
lways observe proper antenna or satellite dish grounding techniques. When lightning strikes there is
ing
A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer
T
guidelines for proper grounding and in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to
the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
A
the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with
regard to proper grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
A
always the possibility that your antenna or dish (mounted high on the roof) can become a conduit for
lightning and electrically damage any equipment to which it’s connected. Additionally, proper ground
offers safety to the people using the audio/video system in the event of an electrical problem.
7

Thank You for your UPA-7 Purchase
Dear Home Entertainment Enthusiast,
Thank you for purchasing the Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier. We sincerely believe that it offers you
outstanding performance and value. Emotiva products are engineered and produced with the highest
quality materials and incorporate the latest technology. We think you will find the Emotiva UPA-7 meets
or exceeds your expectations.
The Emotiva UPA-7 is a flexible, high performance amplifier. It has been designed for maximum
performance, ease of use, and installation flexibility. By employing cutting edge technology, the Emotiva
UPA-7 easily powers your speakers at high power levels, while at the same time remaining as efficient
as possible, regardless of volume levels. This allows you to fully enjoy audio and video sources without
concern for dynamic headroom during complex musical passages and high-level effects. What’s more,
the Emotiva UPA-7 does it all with exceptionally refined cosmetics and a sound quality that will satisfy
even the most discriminating tastes.
The Emotiva UPA-7 features an array of leading edge technologies and all the features necessary to
perform the functions expected of a high-end power amplifier.
The Emotiva UPA-7 power amplifier is a rock solid component. At Emotiva, we remember that creating
home audio/video products means that they should be easy to use while delivering unparalleled
performance.
8

Unpacking the UPA-7
The Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier should reach you in flawless condition. If you notice any shipping damage
or other issues upon unpacking the unit, please contact your Emotiva Retailer immediately.
Inventory
Included with your UPA-7 amplifier should be an IEC Class 1, 2 prong power cord, and this
User’s Guide. Please take a moment to make sure all the items are there in the packaging.
Gently lift out the unit and remove all the packing material and accessories. This amplifier is
heavy, so please unpack it carefully to avoid unnecessary injury or damage to the amplifier. It is
important to save all the packing materials and the box in case your Emotiva UPA-7 ever needs
to be moved or shipped back to the factory for service.
Emotiva UPA-7 Seven Channel Amplifier Features:
• Audiophile quality seven channel multi-channel power amplifier.
• Seven 125 watt channels of amplification
• Low noise 850 VA torrid power transformer
• Complementary, discrete power amplifier design incorporating high current, high speed,
On Semiconductor power devices
• Channel status indicators for standby, operate, and fault
• Completely stable into 4 ohm loads
• Signal to Noise Ratio is greater than 100dB, unweighted ref. full output
• THD .03% at rated power, 20Hz – 20kHz
• Fully protected from all fault conditions
• Soft start circuitry
• External trigger turn on
• Soft touch power switch
• 4RU chassis w/ solid milled aluminum faceplate
• IEC power inlet, 115/230 VAC Auto configurable
9

UPA-7 Front Panel Layout
1. Front Panel LED Display
The front panel display contains Status LED lighting to indicate the condition of the UPA-7.
• NO LED = Amplifier is OFF
• BLUE LED = Normal Operation
• FLASHING RED LED = Fault Condition - see “Troubleshooting” section for details.
2. Front Panel Power Switch
This switch provides the ON/OFF control of the UPA-7 from the front panel. When the unit is off and in
standby mode, the switch illuminates amber. Automatic switching is accomplished with the 3.5mm
trigger input on the back panel using a 5-12VDC control signal.
3. Rubber Feet
These rubber feet keep the UPA-7 elevated for bottom ventilation as well as for vibration isolation.
10

UPA-7 Rear Panel Layout
1. RCA Audio Inputs - These inputs are for signal input on the UPA-7. Simply connect the appropriate
input to your preamplifier/processor or other preamp level audio device.
2. Master Power Switch - This rocker switch provides the master power for the UPA-7. After it is in the
ON position, the amplifier can be turned on manually from the front panel switch or automatically with the
trigger input via 3.5mm input jack.
3. Remote Trigger Input - This 3.5mm jack accepts a 5-12 volt input for remote activation of the UPA-7.
This mates directly with the Emotiva processor trigger out. If building your own cable, center is positive
and outer shield is negative.
4. Speaker Outputs (5 way Binding Posts) - These are the speaker outputs. The 5 way binding posts
accept stripped speaker wire, banana plugs (single or dual), or spade connectors. Be sure to observe
correct polarity when connecting speakers and be sure that the wires do not touch between positive and
negative terminals.
5. Power Receptacle - This is a standard IEC 2 prong power receptacle. It is advised that this amplifier
have a direct connection to a wall outlet. Do not plug into a “power strip”.
Note: Potentially lethal voltages present! Never connect, disconnect or modify speaker
wiring with the amplifier turned on.
11

Installation and Connections
AC Power Considerations
Ensure that the unit is plugged into an outlet capable of supplying the correct voltage and current
specified for your model. Remember to account for the electrical power that other components will
require if they share a common wall socket or electrical circuit. The majority of household electrical
sockets in places other than the kitchen and garage are 15 amperes maximum. Most DVD players and
other source components are fairly low current items. The Emotiva UPA-7 requires a minimum of 10
amperes @ 115volts or 5 amperes @ 230 volts. It should be sufficient to allow the other devices such as
preamplifiers and A/V source units to share a wall socket, but power amplifiers such as the UPA-7 and a
video display (big screen TV or video projector) should be provided a SEPARATE electrical connection
on a SEPARATE circuit. As the UPA-7 has a minimum requirement that can consume nearly one entire
circuit, please use a second (separate) electrical connection for other devices. DO NOT plug the UPA-7
into a power strip or extension cord unless the device is specifically designed and rated for high current
use.
Refer to your preamplifier, A/V source component(s), and video display owner’s manuals to learn the
power requirements so you can safely plan your electrical power requirements for your home
entertainment system.
Upon powering up the UPA-7 with the front panel switch or via 3.5mm trigger input (switch on the rear
panel must be set to “ON”), you will notice the front panel LED lighting starts off red for 5 seconds and
then turns to blue. This indicates the amplifier is “on,” functioning normally, and ready for operation. If
you do not see an LED light or a blinking red LED light while the amplifier is on during (otherwise) normal
operation, please refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual.
Physical Placement
Place the UPA-7 on a flat, level surface. Please distribute the weight equally on the four feet. Please give
this unit adequate ventilation for proper cooling when placing. If this unit is placed in a cabinet, please
make sure that the cabinet’s rear is open to fresh air and there is at least 6 inches of free air space
above the amplifier and 1 inch on each side. If the amplifier is located on a carpeted surface, place a
board under the amplifier’s feet. If the cabinet’s design will not accommodate an open rear, install two
small brushless DC fans (such as those used in computer cases) to provide continuous airflow into and
out of the cabinet.
Do NOT block the ventilation holes on the UPA-7. The UPA-7 is equipped with a massive toroidal power
transformer. This transformer generates a magnetic field that could induce a hum in a turntable
(particularly a turntable equipped with a moving coil cartridge). Do NOT place a turntable directly above
or directly adjacent to the UPA-7.
Before placing the UPA-7 on a shelf, verify that the weight bearing capacity of the shelf is 80 lbs or
greater. The amplifier is heavy and should be placed toward the bottom of an audio rack to minimize the
rack being unnecessarily top heavy.
12

Input Connection Considerations
Whenever possible, keep preamplifier level audio cables away from electrical power cords by at least a
few inches. It’s more important with amplifiers as the AC power cords are carrying much more current
than other source and preamplifier components, which means there is a larger degree of noise or “hum”
potential with the amplifier power cord in close proximity.
Output Connection Considerations
The output connectors provided on each channel of the UPA-7 are standard “binding post” speaker
connectors with industry standard spacing. These are sometimes called 5-way binding posts because of
the many ways in which the speaker wire can connect into the posts. The posts can accept bare wire,
spade terminals, and dual or single banana connectors. Spade connections or banana plugs ensure a
simple, solid fit in the terminal whereas bare wire may be awkward when the terminal is screwed down to
compress the wire into place. Keep in mind that if you use “dual banana” plugs and “stack” them, you
will be creating a parallel connection. For more details on series and parallel connections, see pages 13-
14.
It is important to observe polarity so that the speaker wire connects to the red and black terminals on the
amplifier and the corresponding terminals at the speaker. Also, make sure that the positive speaker
wires do not touch the negative speaker wires, or any chassis metal. This will cause a short circuit and
activate the protection circuitry.
Connection Tips for Superior Sound
Before setting up your new system, please consider the following:
• Always make sure the UPA-7 is turned off before making or changing ANY connections.
• Whenever possible, route the power cords away from the signal cables or speaker wires to
prevent any hum or interference heard in the speakers.
• Many RCA type patch cords can be a very tight fit and there is usually a preferred method of
removing them. Some have to be removed with a twisting action. Be gentle or you may damage
the jacks of your UPA-7, the cables themselves, or other components.
• Many audiophile signal cables are intended to be hooked up in one direction. If this is the case,
the cables will be marked with arrows the direction of signal flow.
• It is usual for the right channel RCA patch cord plugs to be red and the left channel connections
to be white, grey, or black (depending on the cable brand). RCA connectors that are gold will be
designated with a colored band to designate the channel.
13

12V Trigger Connections
The 12 VDC trigger connection shown can be
used to turn the amplifier on when the preamplifier
turns on.
This trigger will actually trigger with any switched
DC Voltage from 5-12 VDC; however, the majority
of home theater components use a standard 12
VDC trigger connection for this function. This is
the preferred connection as it has the greatest
degree of reliability.
Never switch anything that plugs directly into the
wall with this trigger connection. This action will
damage the unit and VOID THE WARRANTY.
The speaker output terminals for each amplifier
channel are located across the bottom of the UPA-7.
The top post of each binding post pair is the positive
output, and connects to the positive (red) post of your speaker. The bottom post of each pair is the
negative, and connects to the negative (black) post of your speaker.
Regardless of the configuration used for the UPA-7 amplifier
channels, proper connection of each speaker is essential. The
5-way binding posts can accept bare wire, spade terminals,
and dual or single banana connectors. Spade connections or
banana plugs ensure a simple, solid fit in the terminal whereas
bare wire may be awkward when the terminal is screwed down
to compress the wire into place.
Keep in mind that if you use “dual banana” plugs and “stack”
them, you will be creating a parallel connection and this
amplifier is not rated to play below 4 Ohms per channel.
14

Connection Diagrams
Connection using a 7 Channel Preamp/Processor
15

Connection using a 7 Channel Preamp/Processor with Audio Devices and Speakers
This configuration shows the UPA-7 driving full range channels. This type of configuration is ideal for
enthusiasts who have (or will) make their own self-powered subwoofer and want to utilize an amplifier
that will drive the entire system in one chassis.
16

Series and Parallel Speaker Connections
Series Connections
Whenever connecting more than one speaker per channel to an amplifier (regardless of the brand), you
must consider the way in which the amplifier will be impacted by adding the additional speaker(s).
Additionally, speakers with dual voice coils also apply to this consideration. Two voice coils in a single
speaker also cause different reactions from an amplifier depending on the way in which they connect to
the amplifier.
The connection of more than one speaker per channel will tend to degrade the speaker’s frequency
response and may make the amplifier run hot. For the best sonic results, use one speaker per amplifier
channel. If you must connect more than one speaker per channel, there are two methods in which to do
so: Series or Parallel.
Series
A series connection is established when voice coils are connected in a string – end to end – so there’s
only one way for audio signals to flow “in” and only one way for audio signals to flow “out”. For example,
if you were to series-connect two speakers to the front right channel of the amplifier:
• The positive output terminal of the right channel connects to the positive input post of the first
speaker.
• The negative input post of the first speaker connects to the positive input post of the second
speaker.
• The negative input post of the second speaker connects to the speaker's negative output terminal
of the right channel.
The total impedance of speakers in series is found by adding their impedances together. For example;
two, four-ohm speakers in series is an eight-ohm load. Series connections are easier on the amplifier
than parallel connections as the total impedance is higher than driving a single speaker.
An example of a SERIES connection between two speakers.
17

Parallel Connections
A parallel circuit is established when voice coils are connected in a way that there are multiple paths for
audio signals to flow “in” and multiple paths for audio signals to flow “out”. When speakers are
connected in parallel, the total resistance at the amplifier is proportionally divided based on the value of
each individual voice coil resistance. The term “divided” simply means all of the values together in
parallel are a SMALLER value than each all by itself. For example, if you were to parallel connect two
speakers to the front right channel of the amplifier:
The positive output terminal of the right channel connects to the positive input post of the first speaker
and to the positive post of the second speaker.
An example of a PARALLEL connection between two speakers.
The negative output terminal of the right channel connects to the negative input post of the first speaker
and to the negative post of the second speaker.
The total impedance of equal speakers in parallel is found by dividing the impedance of one speaker by
the number of speakers. For example; two, eight-ohm speakers in parallel is a four-ohm load (eight
ohms divided by two), four eight-ohm speakers in parallel is a two-ohm load (eight ohms divided by four).
Two-ohm single channel loads are NOT RECOMMENDED for the UPA-7!
Running the UPA-7 below recommended impedance level can cause excessive heat and will eventually
drive the amplifier into protection (blinking red LED’s on the front of the unit)>
Parallel connections are harder on the amplifier than series connection, as the total impedance is lower
compared to driving a single speaker, and the amplifier must produce more current to drive them.
Ideally, the total average impedance should be no less than 4 ohms per channel. You must make sure
that the lower impedance does not cause the amplifier to overheat, shut down, blow the line fuse, or trip
your circuit breaker. If this happens, you should reduce the number of speakers wired in parallel, rewire
them in series, or use more than one power amplifier.
Technical Note about Multiple Speaker Connections
Although there are two possible connection types discussed in this manual, it is imperative that with
either connection type that you use loudspeakers of the same type and nominal impedance for these
connections. In doing so, you have the most predictable outcome for your installation. When speakers
18

of different nominal impedances and/or different bandwidths are used, there are many other acoustic
problems that come into play in addition to complex impedance at the amplifier’s speaker output
terminals. If you must use multiple speakers on any individual amplifier channel, please use speakers as
close to identical as possible.
19

Troubleshooting Guide
The Emotiva UPA-7 is expertly designed and built to provide years of trouble-free performance. Most
problems that occur can usually be solved by checking your setup or making sure that the audio and
video components connected to the amplifier are on and fully operational.
The following information will help you deal with common setup problems you may experience during
normal use of your unit. If problems persist, contact Emotiva support for help.
No Sound (from one or more speakers connected to the UPA-7)
• Speaker cables may have come undone. Turn off your system and check the cables, tighten the
amplifier and speaker binding posts.
• Damaged audio cable.
• The preamplifier volume level is low for the channels concerned. Recheck the preamplifier
calibration procedure.
• A preamplifier Mute switch may be on, an external processor loop or a tape monitor loop is
engaged.
• Check that your preamplifier or source is running the correct surround mode. Maybe it is set for 2-
channel stereo when you were expecting 5.1 surround sound.
• Check if any missing channels have been turned off in a preamplifier setup menu. For example,
the center amplifier channel will not receive a signal if the preamplifier has been set to “Phantom”.
• If the unit is not on the ON/OFF switch on the UPA-7 might be in the off position.
• An internal fuse on the unit may have blown. Contact Emotiva Support for assistance.
The amplifier shuts down often or the line circuit breaker trips often
• Check that the positive and negative speaker wires are not shorted together.
• Make sure that no speakers are shorted internally. If you have an ohm-meter, disconnect the
speaker wires and measure the resistance between the speaker’s positive and negative
terminals.
• Measure all speakers and check their impedance specifications. If necessary, review the “Series
and Parallel Connections” section in this manual.
• If you have connected speakers in parallel, the overall impedance may be too low. It is
recommended that you rearrange the speakers in series to increase the overall impedance, thus
taking some load off the amplifier.
20