James Loudspeakers A2.1 User manual

1
390W 3-CHANNEL (1-SUB, 2-SATS) AMPLIFIER
A2.1
USER MANUAL
From the family of quality James Loudspeaker ampliers
we bring you the A2.1.
Designed and engineered by James Loudspeaker, we leveraged our
decades of sound engineering experience to build what might be
the simplest, most smartly designed amp in the industry. Designed
for the stand-alone system located in a guestroom;
to complement a high-end multi-media desktop system; and or
even for use with close-proximity outdoor systems,
the A2.1 fits a number of applications.
New Features
•Remote Control
•Digital Inputs
•Remote IR Receiver
•12VTrigger
•Selectable Subsonic Filter
•Selectable Input Sensitivity
Designed for the
stand-alone system
in a guest room or
bedroom where you
desire premium L/R
& subwoofer sound.
This may include a
SoundBar with an
in-wall subwoofer.
A
Ready your
workstation for a
high-end media
experience requiring
rich L/R & subwoofer
sound.
B
Perfect for the close
proximity landscape
system using both
L/R & subwoofer
speakers.
C

2
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back).
No user-serviceable parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualied service personnel.
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
Non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the products enclosure that may be of sucient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point with
arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the amplier.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Correct disposal of this product: This marking indicates that this product should not
be disposed with other household wastes throughout the EU.To prevent possible harm
to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources.To return your used device,
please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was
purchased.They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.
All other servicing should be referred to qualied service personnel.
1. Read Instructions – All safety and operating instructions should be read carefully before
the amplier is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the amplier and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Warning –To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that objects lled
with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on apparatus.
6. Carts and Stands – The amplier should be used only with a cart or stand
recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Rack or Shelf Mounting – The amplier should be mounted in a rack or on a shelf only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation – The amplier should be situated so that its location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the amplier should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings, or placed
in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the ow of air
through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat –The amplier should be situated away from heat sources such as heating
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other ampliers or components that produce heat.
10. Power Sources – The amplier should be connected to a power supply only
of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the amplier
itself.
11. Power Cord Protection – Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon them or against them,
paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point at which they exit from the amplier.
12. Caution – To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot,
fully inserted.
13. Cleaning – The amplier should be cleaned only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
14. Non-Use Periods – The power cord of the amplier should be unplugged from the
outlet when it is left unused for extended periods of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken that objects will not fall
and liquids will not be spilled on the enclosure.
16. Damage Requiring Service – The amplier should be serviced by qualied personnel
when:
a. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
b. Objects have fallen or liquid spilled into the amplier.
c. The amplier has been exposed to rain.
d.The amplier does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
e.The amplier has been dropped or damaged.
17. Servicing – The user should not try to service the amplier beyond what is described in
the operating instructions.
18. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of re or electrical shock.
19. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts specied by the manufacturer or have the same
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in re,
electric shock, or other hazards.
20. Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
21. Warning –The batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive
heat such as sunshine, re or the like.
22. Warning –Only use attachments/accessories specied or provided by the manufacturer (such
as any separate power supply, battery, etc).
23. Warning –The mains plug is used as disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain
readily operable.
USER MANUAL
A2.1 AMp
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user-service-
able parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated“dangerous voltage”within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the subwoofer.
1. Read Instructions – All safety and operating instructions should be read carefully before
the subwoofer is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the subwoofer and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The subwoofer should not be used near water – for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet or damp basement, near a
swimming pool, or the like.
6. Carts and Stands – The subwoofer should be used only with a cart or stand reco-
mmended by the manufacturer.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting –The subwoofer should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only
as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation – The subwoofer should be situated so that its location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the subwoofer should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings, or placed
in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat –The subwoofer should be situated away from heat sources such as heating
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other subwoofers or components that produce heat.
10. Power Sources – The subwoofer should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the subwoofer itself.
11. Power Cord Protection – Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon them or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point at which
they exit from the subwoofer.
12. Caution – To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully
inserted.
13. Cleaning– The subwoofer should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Non-use Periods –The power cord of the subwoofer should be unplugged from the
outlet when it is left unused for extended periods of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken that objects will not fall and liquids will
not be spilled on the enclosure.
16. Damage Requiring Service – The subwoofer should be serviced by qualified personnel
when:
a. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
b. Objects have fallen or liquid spilled into the subwoofer.
c. The subwoofer has been exposed to rain.
d.The subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
e.The subwoofer has been dropped or damaged.
17. Servicing – The user should not try to service the subwoofer beyond what is described in
the operating instructions.
18. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
19. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service techn-
cian has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same charac-
teristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock,
or other hazards.
20. Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
USER MANUAL
A2.1 AMp
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user-service-
able parts are inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated“dangerous voltage”within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the subwoofer.
1. Read Instructions – All safety and operating instructions should be read carefully before
the subwoofer is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the subwoofer and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The subwoofer should not be used near water – for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet or damp basement, near a
swimming pool, or the like.
6. Carts and Stands – The subwoofer should be used only with a cart or stand reco-
mmended by the manufacturer.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting –The subwoofer should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only
as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation – The subwoofer should be situated so that its location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the subwoofer should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings, or placed
in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat –The subwoofer should be situated away from heat sources such as heating
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other subwoofers or components that produce heat.
10. Power Sources – The subwoofer should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the subwoofer itself.
11. Power Cord Protection – Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon them or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point at which
they exit from the subwoofer.
12. Caution – To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully
inserted.
13. Cleaning– The subwoofer should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Non-use Periods –The power cord of the subwoofer should be unplugged from the
outlet when it is left unused for extended periods of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken that objects will not fall and liquids will
not be spilled on the enclosure.
16. Damage Requiring Service – The subwoofer should be serviced by qualified personnel
when:
a. The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
b. Objects have fallen or liquid spilled into the subwoofer.
c. The subwoofer has been exposed to rain.
d.The subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.
e.The subwoofer has been dropped or damaged.
17. Servicing – The user should not try to service the subwoofer beyond what is described in
the operating instructions.
18. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
19. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service techn-
cian has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same charac-
teristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock,
or other hazards.
20. Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

3
Features and Controls
1. Rack Ears - For standard 19”rack mounting of the amplier - these can be removed if
needed for shelf mounting
2. IR Window for Receiving Remote Control Signals – Do not block. Will be disabled if
the rear IR input jack is used.
3. Power LED - Indicates the power state input source: no color – powered o, red - stand
by mode, blue – RCA inputs, green – coax input, purple – digital input, yellow – signal
muted. In every mode except standby (red), after 5 minutes of inactivity the LED will dim
to be less obtrusive.
4. Master Volume - Controls the overall volume of the sats and subs together.
5. Sub Volume - Used to set the relative level of the subwoofer volume to the sat volumes.
There is about a +/- 12dB range relative to the sat level. This allows the bass level to be
matched with various sats and will vary based on the eciency of the sats and subs used.
There is no standard setting – what sounds best.
6. Sub Crossover - Set the crossover point for the subwoofer between 40Hz and 150Hz.
80Hz is marked as a reference.
7. Sat Crossover - Set the crossover point for the sats between 40Hz and 150Hz.
80Hz is marked as a reference.
8. 45Hz Boost Switch - Allows the addition of +4dB of bass boost for the subwoofer
9. Phase Switch - Switches the polarity of the subwoofer to allow better matching to the
sats in certain situations - the setting depends on the specic installation and James
recommends you start in the 0 degree setting.
10. Right Sat Speaker Connection - Connect the red terminal to the positive on the right
sat speaker.
11. Left Sat Speaker Connection - Connect the red terminal to the positive on the left sat
speaker.
12. Subwoofer Speaker Connection - Connect the red terminal to the positive on the
subwoofer. *Output bridged - No common ground.
13. Optical Digital Audio Input (Purple LED) - S/PDIF Connector
14. Coaxial Digital Audio Input (Green LED) - RCA Connector
15. Left/Right RCA inputs (Blue LED) - A 1/8 mini phone plug to RCA cable is included for
cell phone and tablet sources.
16. Source Selector Button - Pressing this button cycles through the 3 inputs. The front
LED color will indicate the source selected. Oers the same function as the remote control
17. Input Sensitivity Switch - Use the 0.2V setting for phones, tablets, music players
and other low output sources. Use 0.775V for normal audio source such as DVD players,
TVs and control systems.
18. High Pass Filter Switch - Selects a low frequency cut o for the subwoofer – used
to prevent damage to smaller sub woofers. Normally, 30Hz is recommended unless the
subwoofer specs indicate otherwise.
19. IR Input for IR Cable – A 10 ft (3 m) remote IR receiver is supplied. When installed,
this disables the front IR sensor. This allows the amplier to be hidden and the IR
receiver placed discretely where it can receive remote control signals.
20. 12V Trigger Input - Plugging in a 12V plug will automatically switch the amplier to
12V on/o trigger mode.
21. USB B Connector – For factory use only.
22. USB A Connector Provides 5V Power Only – For future peripherals.
23. Power Switch - Turns the amplier on and o. In the“On”position, the amplier will can
be put into standby via the 12V trigger, remote or though the auto sleep function.
Auto sleep – if there is no input signal present for 15 minutes the amp will go into
standby.
24. 120V/240V Selector - Make sure this is correctly set for your AC line voltage.
25. IEC Power Connection.
26. Fuse Holder/Spare Fuse Holder -Fuse Ratings: 120V -T5.0 / 240V - T2.5
27. Optional Self-Adhesive Feet on Bottom These can be left o for rack mounting or
attached for shelf use.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES:
28. Remote control.
29. Self adhesive rubber feet.
30. 6ft (2m) RCA to mini phone
plug audio cable.
31. 10ft (3m) IR receiver with adhesive.
32. IEC power cable.
NOTES
Remote Control – be sure to pull and remove the clear plastic tab
to allow the battery to turn on the remote.
30
31
32
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4
20151214
Channels 3 (Left, Right & Sub)
Inputs Left/right RCA - Analog (Blue LED)
Coaxial RCA - Digital (Green LED)
Optical S/PIDF - Digital (Purple LED)
Switchable via remote or rear push button
Input Sensitivity 0.2V or 0.775V (Switchable on rear)
Sat Crossover Range 40Hz-150Hz (12dB/octave)
Sub Crossover Range 40Hz-150Hz (12d B/octave)
Sub Volume Level +/-12dB ref to sat level
12V Trigger Input Min 4VDC required
Subsonic Filter 30Hz/50Hz (Switchable on rear)
IR Input On rear
USB A Connector Supplies +5V to optional peripherals
USB B Connector For factory use only
Bass Phase Switch 0 or 180 deg
Bass Boost +4dB at 45Hz
Signal Auto Sense 20 minutes
Sub Power Output 170W @ 4 ohms
70W @ 8 ohms
Sat Power Output 110W @ 2 ohms
65W @ 4 ohms
40W @ 8 ohms
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.2dB
Distortion 0.1% max THD @ 1W
Size W x H x D 19”x 1.75”x 10”
(w/rack ears) 483mm x 44.5mm x 254mm
Weight 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
Power Requirements Switchable 120V/240V
50Hz/60Hz
530W max
Standby Power <0.5W
Supplied Accessories Remote control
10ft (3m) IR receiver (+adhesive)
6ft (2m) dual RCA to mini phone
plug audio cable
IEC power cable
4 self adhesive rubber feet
A2.1SPECIFICATIONS
535 Airpark Road, Napa, CA 94558
Ph: 707.265.6343
www.jamesloudspeaker.com
Notes: