Knoll MR1250A User manual

12 Channel
Power Amplifier
Version 2.4
OPERATION
MANUAL
MR1250a
MR1250f
2
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the Knöll
MR1250a power amplifier. The MR1250a is designed to
meet the amplifier needs of multi-zone systems where
high quality sound is a specific requirement.
Key Features:
1. Size efficiency. The MR1250a consists of a total of
12 power amplifiers in one 3-1/2" high enclosure. Each
power amplifier channel can deliver 50 watts RMS.
2. Automatic protection circuitry.Each MR1250a
channel is individually and fully protected against low
impedance, overheating, overloading, overvoltage and
undervoltage.Theprotectioncircuitryautomatically
restores the amplifier channel as soon as its parameter
returns to the safe operating area.
3. Individual input gain adjustment.Each channel
features an input gain adjustment pot to adjust each
channel for gain and speaker sensitivity variations. The
gain adjustments are on the rear of the MR1250a so
installers normally set the gain.
4. External power on/off.The MR1250a can be
turned off and on by external controllers such as the
MR640. To activate external power on, apply a 12VDC
current to the trigger jack (the MR1250a power switch is
in the off position for external power control).
5. Stackable 17" chassis.Optional RK1250 rack kit.
6. Link Feature. Certain installations require that some
or all of the stereo channels play the same content.
Instead of using Y cords, "link" cascades any or all of
channels 2-6 to channel 1 (l/r).
7. Optional fan version. For installations that require
a lot of "heavy" use we recommend the MR1250F with an
internal fan. A fan will help to avoid early protection
systemdistortion.

Installation
InstallingtheMR1250ashouldberelativelyeasy.Withabitof
planning,theMR1250awillgivetroublefreeserviceforyears.
1. The most important consideration when installing the
MR1250a/f is cooling. The MR1250a has a lot of power
packedintoasmallchassissize.Wheninstallingitinan
equipmentstack,itshouldbethetopcomponent.Itneedsat
least3"-5"of space abovetheamplifiertoallow foradequate
convectioncooling.
2. Wheninstallingthe MR1250ainarack wesuggestaddinga
3-1/2"blank above and below the MR1250a.In multiple
MR1250ainstallations,plan fora3-1/2"blank (double)
betweeneach MR1250a and a 3-1/2" blank on the top and
bottom.Amplifiersshouldalwaysbethetopcomponentsina
racksystem.
3. TheRK1250isanoptional19"EIArackmountkitforthe
MR1250aandMR1250f.
4. IfMR1250achannelsfrequentlyshutdown dueto
overheating,installafandirectedupfromtheMR1250a
bottomcenterorchangeitforaMR1250f.
5. Neveroperatethe MR1250ainitsside, asthecooling
potentialdropssignificantlywhenoperatedontheside.
6.ConnecttheMR1250ainputstothesourcecomponent
outputswithgoodquality,shortaspossibleRCAjackcables.
Connecteachchannelindividually.
7. ConnecttheMR1250a speaker outputstospeakersusing
goodqualityspeakerwire.Minimum16 gaugecopperwire is
recommendedwith14 gaugeminimumfor runsover30'(10m).
Note: IdeallytheMR1250a/flikes6-8ohmloads.Connecting
to4ohmloadswon'thurttheMR1250abutthosechannels
connectedto4ohmloadsmayoccasionallyshutdowndueto
overloading.NeverconnecttheMR1250atolessthan4ohms.
8. Individuallyadjustthechannelgainsasrequired.Ideally,all
gainsarefullyon(fullyclockwise).
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installation continued...
9. Makesurethespeakers in eachroomareconnectedinphase
withthe amplifier+goingtothespeaker+ .Outofphase
speakers give unstable imaging and poor bass response.
10. Connect trigger if being used to a 12VDC source (about
35mA) using a 3.5mm mono jack. 5VDC triggers will not work.
11. Connect the AC power into an outlet than can supply at
least six amps (750 watts) dedicated to each MR1250a.
MR1250a/f 12 Channel Power Amplifier
Inputs: 12 gold RCA style with adjustable gain
Inputimpedance: 24kohms
Outputs: Gold5 wayBindingposts
Outputpower: 50 watts RMS per channel (8 ohms)
Peakoutputpower: 100 watts RMS per channel (8ohms)
Idealimpedance: 4-8ohms
Freq.response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz +/- 1 dB (1w)
S/Nratio: over 105 dB A weighted 50 watts
THDdistortion: <0.1% 20 Hz to 20 kHz
IMDdistortion <0.01% 60 Hz 7 kHz 4:1 (SMPTE)
Triggercontrol: 12VDCon3.5mminputjack.
Power: 750 watts 117 VAC
Dimensions: 17" x 3.5" x 10.5"
Weight: 21 lbs (9.6 kg)
Caution:Neverlistentosoundthatisdistorted.Ifdistorted
soundisheard,turnthevolumedownimmediatelyorspeaker
and/oramplifierdamagecouldoccurthatisnotcoveredbythe
warranty.Ifthisproblempersists,contactyourdealer.
User Adjustments and Service: There are no user
adjustmentsontheMR1250a.Yourinstallermaymakecertain
gainleveladjustmentsontherearpanel.
Caution:TheMR1250acontainsnouserserviceableparts,so
donot attempttoopenorrepair theMR1250a.Referservicing
toaqualifiedtechnicianonlyorcontactthefactoryfor
information.
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InCanada:
11791 Machrina Way #210
Richmond, B.C. V7A 4V3
Knöll Systems
tel [phone]
fax [phone]
Knöll Systems, Richmond, BC & Point Roberts WA
CCOPYRIGHT 1998-2003, Knöll Systems, All Rights Reserved
In America:
145 Tyee Drive, #1206
Point Roberts, WA 98281
Limited Warranty
Knöll Systems warrants MR1250a and MR1250f amplifiers sold in the USA or
Canada by authorized Knöll dealers to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship. This warranty extends for three full years from the date of
purchase by the consumer. Any products returned freight prepaid to Knöll
Systems and found to be defective by Knöll Systems within the warranty
period will be repaired or replaced at Knöll Systems option, at no charge.
Knöll Systems will not be responsible for the actual cost of installation or
removal of the product, nor for any consequential or incidental damages. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights which
vary from state to state. Knöll products sold outside of the USA and Canada
may be covered by warranties provided by an authorized Knöll distributor.
Please contact the distributor in the country that the Knöll product was
purchased.
* DMS, Powermatch, Transformer free and Digicom
are trademarks of Knöll Systems
Printed in Canada
5
Troubleshooting
If a problem is encountered with the MR1250a or MR1250f,
the most expedient procedure is to locate the problem and if
possible repair it before requesting service. Be sure to
carefully check other system components such as
controllers, CD players, volume controls, wiring, speakers,
etc. that may be at fault.
Problem Action
Power led does 1. Check that the MR1250 is plugged in.
not light - no sound 2. Test the AC outlet with a lamp.
3. If remote on/off is used, check that
the trigger voltage is at 12 VDC.
4. Check MR1250 power button on (in).
Sound cuts out 1. Verify speaker impedance is 4-16
ohms. Changing speakers may be
required. 2. Check if the MR1250 feels hot. If it's
hot increase cooling - see
Installation.
Sound is distorted 1. Turn the volume down
2. Check speakers for damage.
3. Check inputs for proper levels.
MR1250 gain and source output level
may have tobe adjusted.
4. Speakers may be less than 4 ohms.
MR1250a/f does 1. Push MR1250 power switch off (out)
not turn off 2. If trigger is being used, power switch
needs to be set to off (out) position
or amp is on all the time.
3. Try disconnecting trigger jack.
Trigger does not 1. Measure trigger voltage with a volt
work meter. It needs to be 11-15 volts DC
to work (current is about 35mA total
per amp). See page 5 for details.
Speaker pops when 1. Speaker may need resistor placed
amp turned on or off across terminal. Suggest 2k0 1/4 w.
Discharges speaker internal cap.

MR1250a/f Rear Panel
12V trigger
34
L
R
3L+
3L 3R 4L 4R
Gain
Inputs Outputs
3L- 4L- 4L+
3R+ 3R- 4R- 4R+
12
L
R
1L+
1L 1R 2L 2R
Gain
Inputs Outputs
1L- 2L- 2L+
1R+ 1R- 2R- 2R+
56
L
R
5L+
5L 5R 6L 6R
Gain
Inputs Outputs
5L- 6L- 6L+
5R+ 5R- 6R- 6R+
Link-Out
Link-Out
Link-Out
Link-Out
Link-Out
Link (out position)
cascadeschannel1
to channels 2-6
Note 1: Ideal speaker impedance
is 8 ohms. When using 4 ohm
speakers, MR1250f with fan may
be needed to obtain full power
with out distortion caused by
protection system.
Caution: NEVER connect the
MR1250a or MR1250f to
impedances less than 4 ohms or
amplifier damage not covered by
the warranty may occur.
Trigger is 12 VDC (35mA per MR1250a
and/or MR1250f) via 3.5mm mono jack.
5 VDC trigger outputs will not work.
To connect the trigger to a receiver use a
12 VDC power supply (we suggest Knöll
PS1202 power supply). Plug the power
supply into the switched outlet on the
rear of the receiver. Connect the 12 volt
wire to a 3.5mm mono jack. Plug the jack
into the rear of the MR1250a or
MR1250f. 12 VDC polarity is not
important.
When the receiver is switched on, the
MR1250 amplifier is switched on.
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1
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1
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AC120V
8amps
The Link button is normally set to the in position to
give all six stereo inputs individual sources. When the
Link button is set to the out position, that input Left/
Right is linked or cascaded to input #1 (without the use
of Y cords). Any or all combination of linked inputs 2
to inputs 6 are possible. When all inputs are linked to
input 1 the input impedance is about 4000 ohms.