Furman SPR-20 User manual

SPR - 20 OWNER’S MANUAL
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SPR - 20 OWNER’S MANUAL
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The SPR-20 Features
• Provides an ultra-stable 120 VAC supply from low or high voltage sources
• Linear Filtering Technology for unequaled audio / video clarity
• Series Multi-Stage Protection provides virtually maintenance-free AC surge
suppression
• Cool running, noise free technology allows placement in critical listening environments
• Detachable surge suppression module for telco and cable / satellite connectors
• 20 amp RMS capacity

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Introduction
For over 30 years, Furman has pioneered the
development of AC power products for the
most demanding audio, video, and broadcast
professionals. Though the need for stable AC
power is nothing new, the SPR-20’s technology
and its unique implementation is revolutionary.
The extreme AC demands encountered in the
professional audio/video arena have required
technological developments far in excess of
typical home theater/audiophile power products.
In studios, live sound, and broadcast facilities,
breakdown is unacceptable. Equipment failure
or poor performance is costly. The same is
true of today’s home theater. Our solution
based technology, extensive engineering
expertise, and robust build quality have
answered the challenge of today’s corrupted
power lines, and led to the creation of the SPR-
20.
With today’s chaotic demands on many
municipal power facilities, AC voltage is often
reduced so that it can be stretched to fulll
excess demand. This creates a substantial
negative impact on your system’s performance.
Power ampliers and powered sub-woofers
cannot perform to their full potential. Even a
relatively modest reduction in AC voltage can
obliterate the sonic impact of an otherwise
superior system. Just as problematic are
excessively high line voltages. Excess voltage
can overheat sensitive circuits; lower the life
and reliability of projector lamps, and cause
many circuits to shut down.
With the SPR-20’s exclusive Stable Power AC
Voltage Regulation Technology, voltage-starved
power ampliers and powered sub-woofers
perform at their full potential. With the SPR-
20, home theaters are supplied with constant,
virtually unwavering AC voltage. This assures
trouble-free service for any environment
suffering from unstable power.
The SPR-20 generates virtually no heat, and
produces none of the mechanical noise typical
in inferior AC voltage regulators. Further,
our zero-crossing solid state technology
provides virtually unlimited peak current
delivery, avoiding the current limiting found in
AC regulators that convert AC power into DC,
then synthesizing an AC output signal.
In addition to unstable voltage, today’s AC
lines are plagued with RF and EMI noise.
When connecting sensitive equipment to your
home’s power outlet, AC noise couples into
your system’s critical components. This AC
noise masks low level signals and cripples
performance. This low level content is critical
because it relays the crucial harmonics and
ambience in audio, as well as the depth and
clarity in video. With Furman’s exclusive Linear
Filtering Technology, televisions, projectors,
DVD players, and processors are fed linearly-
ltered AC power. This dramatically reduces
noise, ensuring consistent peak operation of
your critical components regardless of load
conditions or the time of the day.
Another critical feature is our exclusive
Series Multi-Stage Protection. This virtually
maintenance-free surge suppression assures
the highest level of AC protection possible,
without sacricing itself when the offending
surge is severe – no damaged equipment, no
service calls, no down time. Further, our digital
AC input voltage, output voltage, and current
meters allow precise measurements of both the
AC line and the current load. These meters are
a valuable asset when monitoring systems that

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are connected to today’s potentially poor power
grids, or the meters may be dimmed when
monitoring is not required.
When employing the SPR-20, you will notice
far clearer, stunningly focused sound and visual
images from your system. Video presentation
will be crisp and colors true with greater gray
and black scale denition, as well as noticeably
improved depth and clarity. When installed with
the IT-Reference 15 or 20, home theaters will
reap the dual benets of Furman’s Stable Power
and Discrete Symmetrical AC Filtering, ensuring
performance without compromise – without peer.
Installation:
Unpacking
Before unpacking your unit, inspect the carton
for any obvious severe damage to the box and
internal protective materials. If internal damage
is likely, contact the carrier who delivered the
unit before proceeding with unpacking. If, after
unpacking, shipping damage is evident, contact
the carrier. Save all shipping and packing
materials. You may need them if you should
ever have to return the unit to the factory for
servicing.
The box should contain the SPR-20 unit,
detachable AC cord, rack mount kit, owner’s
manual, and warranty registration card. If
anything is missing, please contact Furman
Customer Service. Fill out and return your
warranty registration card. Registration
is recommended because it can be used
to establish whether the unit is within the
warranty period should your original ownership
documents be lost, and it assists us in
informing you about upgrades or other vital
information.
Safety Information - Warnings
Please read and observe all of the safety and
operating instructions before the SPR-20 is
operated. Retain these instructions for future
reference.
•Do not disassemble or modify in any way.
No user-serviceable parts inside
•Keep away from moisture and avoid
excessive humidity
•Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to
enter the unit
The SPR-20 should be serviced by qualied
service personnel when:
•The power supply cord or plug has been
frayed or cut.
•Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled
into the unit.
•The SPR-20 has been exposed to rain or
other moisture.
•The SPR-20 does not appear to operate
normally, or exhibits a marked change
in performance.
•The SPR-20 has been dropped, or the
enclosure damaged.
The SPR-20 requires that a safety ground be
present for proper operation. Any attempt to
operate the SPR-20 without a safety ground
is considered improper operation and will
invalidate the warranty.
Power Source
The power source to which the SPR-20 is
connected should be adequate for use at 20
Amps. Though the system may function with a
15 Amp panel circuit breaker, nuisance circuit
breaker tripping could result at your service
panel. If your system includes multi-channel
audio power ampliers that require more than

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modest power demands, a circuit breaker
with a rating of at least 20 Amps is essential
for optimum performance. If other electrical
loads are used on this same AC line, and
the continuous load from your equipment is
in excess of 10 Amps, we recommend a 30
Amp circuit breaker wired with #10 gauge
wire. For installations which must comply with
NEC codes, a dedicated 20 Amp circuit is the
minimum requirement. If in doubt, consult your
local electrician. In rare instances, two SPR-
20 may be required for the most ambitious 5.1
and 7.1 home theater systems with continuous
current draw in excess of 20 Amps (consult
your sales professional, or Furman Sound
technical assistance).
Placement
The SPR-20 is manufactured with four rubber
feet for placement on any table, cabinet,
shelf, or oor. These rubber feet may be
easily removed with a standard Philips screw
driver when rack mounting adjacent to other
components. Because of the SPR-20’s
internal shielding, placement or proximity
to other components is not critical, and the
SPR-20 does not produce any appreciable
heat under standard use. The SPR-20 may
also be rack mounted in a standard 19” rack
by attaching the SPR-20 rack ears. These
rack ears (contained within the plastic rack kit
package) mount ush with the back portion of
the SPR-20’s front panel. They are attached
to the chassis by removing the (2) countersunk
screws on each forward-side of the chassis top
cover. Each rack ear is installed with (3) pan-
head Philips screws contained within the SPR-
20 rack mounting kit. The third screw used for
each rack ear is for the center hole, located
towards the rear and aids in stabilizing the unit
when rack mounted.
Connection:
AC Cable Routing
Once the SPR-20 is placed, its AC cord’s
female end must be plugged into the male IEC
connector located on the lower left hand side
of the rear panel (when facing the rear panel).
Next the male Edison plug must be connected
to an appropriate socket (see current rating
recommendation above).
Connecting Components to the Digital -
Video Component AC Outlet Banks
The SPR-20’s four “Digital - Video Component
AC Outlets” should be employed for critical
video components such as DVD players,
projectors, Plasma, or LCD video screens.
When employing the SPR-20 for a 2-channel
audio system, a pre-amplier and or CD player
would be ideally suited for these outlets.
Connecting Components to the Linear
Filtering Power Banks
The SPR-20’s eight rear panel, and one front
panel, Linear Filtering Power Outlets should be
employed for any component not connected
to the four “Digital - Video Component AC
Outlets.” These outlets still posses incredible
AC noise ltering to maximize system
performance.
Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time
When power is rst applied to the SPR-20,
(the front panel breaker- power toggle must
be switched to the “on” position) the Soft Start
feature is activated. There is an audible “clack”
when the SPR-20 is rst turned on or off. This
sound is produced by the Soft Start circuit’s 30
Amp relay engaging or disengaging. There is
virtually nothing in the SPR-20’s construction,
design, or componentry to wear over the life

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time of the product, and there is no power draw
from your electric service meter aside from
the LED power indicator, and relay circuits.
For this reason the SPR-20 may be left with
its power engaged permanently at a cost of
pennies per month. This is an added benet,
as many audio/videophiles nd performance
improves signicantly when leaving low-
powered components permanently charged
(turned on). In fact, this is true of the SPR-20.
Though it will function awlessly right from its
shipping carton, the performance of its circuit
parts will improve after approximately two
weeks of continuous use or “break-in.”
AC Transient Voltage Surge
Suppression and Extreme
Voltage Shutdown
Extreme Voltage Shutdown Indicator:
This LED is normally off. It monitors AC wiring
faults – for example, accidental connection
to an open neutral from a 208 or 240VAC
feed (this is a common occurrence if the 15
Amp outlet source is not a dedicated line, but
instead has been wired with a daisy-chained
neutral from a homes breaker box). The
Series Multi-Stage Protection (SMP) circuit
senses voltages that are so high that operation
would be impossible and shuts the power
down before damage can occur. Upon initially
applying power to these units, the Extreme
Voltage indicator LED will light if the input
voltage is above the extreme voltage cutoff, and
power will not be applied to the unit’s outlets. If
the unit has been operating with an acceptable
input voltage and subsequently that voltage
exceeds 137V, it will shut off power to the outlet
and the Extreme Voltage LED will light.
Protection OK Indicator:
Although the Furman SMP circuit assures
virtually maintenance free protection from
transient voltage spikes and surges, nature has
a way of occasionally creating electrical forces that
are beyond the capabilities of any Transient Voltage
Surge Suppression device to absorb without some
degree of damage. In the rare instance that this
occurs, the blue LED located in the center of the
front panel will dim, even though AC power is
present at the unit’s outputs. If this happens, some
level of protection from voltage surges will remain,
but the Furman’s clamping voltage rating will be
compromised. The unit must be returned to Furman
Sound, or an authorized Furman Service center for
repair.
NOTE: If the mains power is above the high cutoff
voltage and has caused the unit to remove power
from its outlets, it cannot restore power without
the operator manually turning the unit off, then on
again. Avoid turning the unit back on, without rst
checking the source of the problem, and perhaps
changing the AC source.
Telco – Satellite – Cable Transient Voltage
Surge Suppressors
The SPR-20 features transient voltage surge
suppression for both standard telephone lines, as
well as cable or satellite lines utilizing standard
coaxial connectors. As these surge suppressors
are in-line, they will require an additional cable
to connect from their output to the control device
requiring protection.
All in-line surge suppressors feature our
exclusive ground contamination free technology.
This aids in eliminating audio buzzing, and the
video hum-bars that can result from typical
in-line suppressors. Further, our cable and
satellite suppressors are TIVO friendly as well as

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HD-Digital Television ready. Both DC carrier
signals as well as high bandwidth signals can
pass through our circuit. In fact the bandwidth
is less than 0.1dB loss at 1GHz!
To connect your cabling to these in-line
protectors, simply follow the in and out
indications marked next to the Telco, Cable
and Satellite connectors.
NOTE: It is not possible to make an in-line
cable or satellite protector “maintenance-free”
as we have accomplished with the 120 VAC
line. This would necessitate limited signal
bandwidth that would not allow the signal
to pass. Under extreme conditions, it is
possible that the surge suppression in one
of these devices could sacrice itself after a
catastrophic event. If the telephone, cable or
satellite signal will no longer pass through our
protector, please contact your local service
representative, installer or Furman for servicing.
Since these circuits are modular, replacement
may be accomplished in seconds with a new
TVSS module. To test this, simply disconnect
the incoming and out going cable from the
SPR-20. Connect the incoming connector
to the component that formerly received the
out going connector, thus by-passing the in-
line protection. If the signal is present (but
not when used with the SPR-20) then the
protection circuit is damaged (assuming it
worked properly before a storm or catastrophic
event).
AC Voltage and Current Meters
Your SPR-20 contains a combination precision
incoming AC volt/current meter, as well as
output voltage meter. The rst meter (located
towards the left of the front panel) continuously
monitors either the incoming AC voltage, or the
total system AC current draw. To continuously
read current or voltage, simply select the
setting you wish to monitor by either pressing
the voltage/current switch for current, or
disengaging the switch for voltage. Since the
AC voltage meter indicates incoming voltage,
you should not be concerned by readings
above or below 120VAC. The voltage meter
located to the right of the front panel will
indicate the SPR-20’s output voltage, which
is automatically regulated to a continuous
120VAC, when the incoming voltage is within
113VAC to 126VAC. When the SPR-20 is
properly regulating (a continuous 120VAC +/-
1.0V typically.), the blue LED indicator, located
in the center of the front panel, will light.
NOTE: For those that mount the SPR-20
where it could be visible during use, we have
included a variable dimmer for the red voltage
and current meters. This allows the user to
entirely dim these lights when the room lights
are turned off for optimum video viewing. The
dimmer is adjusted via a small knurled knob
located towards the left of the front panel.
Turning the knob counter-clockwise will dim the

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Suggested AC Connection
Powered
Subwoofer
5 - 7
Channel
Amplier
Plasma /
LCD Monitor
DVD
Player
Satellite
Receiver
Surround
Sound
Processor
Audio Pre-
Amplier
Telco /
Satellite
Protection
Video
Projector
V.C.R. or
H.D. Hard
Drive

SPR - 20 OWNER’S MANUAL
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voltage meters, while turning the knob clock-
wise will increase the meters brightness.
Warranty
Furman Sound, LLC warrants to the original purchaser
of this product, the Furman {model no.}, that the product
will be free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of three years from the date of purchase. The
purchaser of the product is allowed fteen days from the
date of purchase to complete warranty registration by
mail or on-line at the Furman website. If the purchaser
fails to complete the aforementioned registration, the
warranty period will be reduced to one year from the date
of purchase.
If the product does not conform to this Limited Warranty
during the warranty period (as herein above specied),
purchaser shall notify Furman in writing of the claimed
defects. If the defects are of such type and nature as to
be covered by this warranty, Furman shall authorize the
purchaser to return the product to the Furman factory or
to an authorized Furman repair location. Warranty claims
should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase
invoice showing the purchase date; this is not necessary if
the Warranty Registration was completed either by mailing
in the completed warranty card or by registering on-line
at the Furman website. Shipping charges to the Furman
factory or to an authorized repair location must be prepaid
by the purchaser of the product. Furman shall, at its own
expense, furnish a replacement product or, at Furman’s
option, repair the defective product. Return shipping
charges back to purchaser will be paid by Furman.
CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANTY: Furman
Sound’s Connected Equipment Warranty covers
equipment that is damaged by transient voltage (an
“Occurrence”) while properly connected through the
Furman {model number} to a properly wired AC power line
with a protective ground in an indoor location. Furman’s
Connected Equipment Warranty is limited to the amount
of the deductible on the Purchaser’s personal property
insurance policy up to $500.00. In order to make a claim
for this Connected Equipment Warranty, the Purchaser
must forward a copy of his/her personal property insurance
claim for the damaged equipment to Furman and
complete the Furman Connected Equipment Warranty
claim form (call Furman at [phone] to obtain the
form). Furman reserves the right to review the damaged
Furman product, the damaged connected equipment, and
the site where the damage occurred. All cost of shipping
damaged equipment to Furman for inspection shall be
borne solely by the Purchaser. Damaged equipment must
remain available for inspection until the claim is nalized.
The Connected Equipment Warranty is also in effect for
a period of three years unless the Purchaser does not
complete the warranty registration within fteen days from
date of purchase, at which time, the Connected Equipment
Warranty period is also reduced to one year from the date
of purchase.
All warranties contained herein are null and void if: the
Furman Surge Protector in use during the occurrence
is not provided to Furman for inspection upon Furman’s
request at the sole expense of the Purchaser, Furman
determines that the Furman Surge Protector has been
opened, improperly installed, altered in any way or
tampered with, Furman determines that the damage did
not result from the Occurrence or that no Occurrence
in fact took place or Furman determines that the
connected equipment was not used under normal
operating conditions or in accordance with Manufacturer’s
instructions for the connected equipment. All Furman
Surge Protectors must be plugged directly into a properly
wired AC power line with a protective ground and must
not be “daisy-chained” together in serial fashion with other
power strips, UPS’s, other surge protectors, three-to-two-
prong adapters, or extension cords. Any such installation
voids this warranty. The Furman warranty only protects
against damage to properly connected equipment where
Furman has determined, at its sole discretion, that the
damage resulted from an Occurrence and does not
protect against acts of God (other than lightning) such as
ood, earthquake, war, terrorism, vandalism, theft, normal-
use wear and tear, erosion, depletion, obsolescence,
abuse, damage due to low-voltage disturbances (i.e.
brownouts or sags), non-authorized program, or system
equipment modication or alteration. Do not use this
product in anyway with a generator, heater, sump pump,
water-related device, life support device, medical device,
automobile, motorcycle, or golf-cart battery charger. To
be used indoors only and in dry areas. All warranties
contained herein are null and void if used in anyway with
any of the aforementioned devices.
THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING

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BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. Furman does not warrant against damages
or defects arising out of improper or abnormal use or
handling of the product; against defects or damages
arising from improper installation, against defects in
products or components not manufactured by Furman, or
against damages resulting from such non-Furman made
products or components. This warranty shall be cancelable
by Furman at its sole discretion if the product is modied
in any way without written authorization from Furman.
This warranty also does not apply to products upon which
repairs have been affected or attempted by persons other
than pursuant to written authorization by Furman.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and
exclusive obligation of Furman shall be to repair or
replace the defective product in the manner and for the
period provided above. Furman shall not have any other
obligation with respect to this product or any part thereof,
whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise.
Under no circumstances, whether based on this Limited
Warranty or otherwise, shall Furman be liable for incidental,
special, or consequential damages. Furman’s employees
or representatives’ ORAL OR OTHER WRITTEN
STATEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES,
shall not be relied upon by purchaser, and are not a part of
the contract for sale or this limited warranty. This Limited
Warranty states the entire obligation of Furman with
respect to the product. If any part of this Limited Warranty
is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall
remain in full force and effect.
Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the
original purchase invoice showing the date of purchase (if
a Warranty Registration Card was mailed in at the time of
purchase or if the product was registered on-line, this is
not necessary). Before returning any equipment for repair,
please be sure it is adequately packed and cushioned
against damage in shipment, and that it is insured.

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SPR - 20 OWNER’S MANUAL
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SPR - 20 SPECIFICATIONS
AC Current Capacity:
Input - 20 Amp capacity required
Output - 20 Amps RMS (19 Amps continuous @ 114VAC)
AC Voltage Regulation:
Provides AC regulation for a continuous output of 120VAC (+/- 1.0V typically)
with an input voltage range of 113VAC to 126VAC.
Linear Noise Attenuation:
Transverse (Differential) Mode:
>40 dB from 10Khz. - 100 kHz. >80 dB from 100Khz. – 1GHz.
(Linear attenuation curve from 0.05 – 100 ohms line impedance)
Outlets:
4 (linearly ltered outlet – rear panel)
8 (linearly ltered outlet with additional ultrasonic ltering for digital or video components)
Shutdown Range:
137 VAC +/- 5 VAC
Dimensions:
4” H x 17” W x 16.25” D (Standard 2 RU height without feet)
Transient Voltage Surge Suppression:
120 VAC Series Multi-Stage Protection - Non-Sacricial with Zero Ground Contamination.
Extreme Voltage Shutdown (>135 VAC)
Telco Cable / Satellite (less than .1dB line loss)
Weight:
35 lbs.
Power Consumption:
12 Watts for display and control circuits independent of actual load.
Safety Agency Listing:
C-ETL pending
Furman Sound, LLC
1690 Corporate Circle
Petaluma, California 94954-6919 USA
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Web: www.furmansound.com
E-mail: [email protected]
030706_J