Leon L3-1K User manual

User’s Manual
L3-1K Subwoofer Amplifier
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Thank you for purchasing the LeonTM L3-1K subwoofer amplifier, one of the most versatile and powerful subwoofer
amplifiers available. The tabletop or rack-mountable design is perfect for high-end home theater installations or DIY sub-
woofer projects. The L3-1K has the power to drive even the most power-hungry subwoofer systems.
FEATURES:
• Patented tracking downconverter power supply for
high efciency
• Class AB output stage for clean, controlled output
• Low frequency parametric EQ allows you to boost or
cut to custom-tailor the sound
• Advanced soft clip circuitry improves headroom and
protects woofers
• Manual, auto, or triggered on/off for integration into
any automated system
• Switchable subsonic and bass boost lters
INSTALLATION:
The L3-1K is designed to provide high delity subwoofer amplication and is tailored for home audio, home theater, and
studio environments.
It is not recommended for use in DJ, pro-sound, or other high-duty-cycle applications. For home audio tabletop applications,
use the unit as it comes out of the box with the rubber feet and without the rack ears. In a custom home theater or studio
where rack mounting is available, simply remove the rubber feet and attach the included rack ears. The amplier runs cool
thanks to its high efciency, but care should be taken to leave some room for air circulation above the amplier. Stacked com-
ponents that utilize rubber or plastic feet should provide adequate clearance in most situations.
FRONT PANEL:
1. Power Switch / Indicator LED
Front panel pushbutton power switch turns the amplier on
and off. When the indicator LED is lit dimly, the amplier is
in standby mode. When the LED is lit brightly, the amplier
is fully active.
2. Gain
Sets the overall level of the amplier, used to match the
output of the subwoofer to the rest of the speakers in
the system.
3. Frequency
Adjusts the low-pass crossover frequency from 30 Hz to
200 Hz. When using the Left/Right inputs, this adjustment
will allow you to properly integrate the subwoofer with the
satellite or main speakers. It is recommended to experiment
with different settings until the smoothest transition between
subwoofer and speakers is achieved.
4. Phase
Adjustable phase compensation from 0 to 180 degrees. Helps
the user correct improper phasing of the main speakers or
differing listening distances between the subwoofer and
mains, which can cause a poor acoustic summation around
the crossover point. In most situations the knob should be left
at 0 degrees, but for the advanced user it can be set either
by ear or with the aid of measurement instruments.
5. EQ
The EQ adjustment knobs enable the user to custom-tailor
one band of parametric equalization for their subwoofer,
which can be used to add boost to the low-end of the re-
sponse, or can be used to cut out an excessively loud room
resonance. The freq. knob selects the frequency for the
lter, the bandwidth knob selects how wide or narrow the
lter is (the higher the bandwidth, the broader the effect),
and the level knob can be used to add up to 6dB of boost
or 14 dB of cut.
• High pass output for looping signal back into distributed
audio systems
• Can be easily converted between rack-mount and
tabletop congurations
• Heavy-duty steel chassis with brushed aluminum faceplate
• Adjustable phase, gain, crossover, and parametric EQ
• Pop-out adjustment knobs keep settings from being
easily disturbed
• Switchable 110/220V input voltage
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REAR PANEL:
6. AC Power
The L3-1K comes shipped standard for 110V U.S. opera-
tion; simply connect the included IEC power cord to your
wall outlet. For 220V input, remove the fuse holder, rotate
180 degrees, and re-install. In most 220V applications a
separate power cord will be required and is not included.
7. 12V Trigger Input
The 12V trigger input is a handy feature when connecting
the amplier to an automated audio system. The 3.5mm
mini-plug jack will accept up to a 12V DC output from an-
other device, or from a separate power supply. When the
trigger input is energized, the amp turns from standby to ON
mode. When using the L3-1K with a home theater receiver
without a trigger output, the voltage can come from a 12V
wall wart (3.5mm tip-positive connector) plugged into the
receiver’s switched outlet and the trigger input.
8. Speaker Outputs
Speaker level output connections carry the amplied signal
to the subwoofer drivers. Binding posts will accept bare
wire, banana plugs, or spade plugs. Two sets of outputs
are provided so multiple systems can be connected. When
using both outputs the combined load must have a minimum
of 4 ohms impedance!
9. Remote Turn On
Selects the turn-on stimuli that will put the amplier in ready
mode. “12V trigger” setting relies on voltage going into the
12V trigger input to activate the amplier. “Auto” setting
senses a signal on the RCA line-level inputs and automati-
cally puts the amp in ready mode. “On” setting puts the amp
constantly in ready mode so that it can be controlled by the
master power switch on the front panel. In “Auto” mode, the
amplier will take approximately 15 minutes to turn off from
ready to standby mode.
10. Bass Boost
Selects a bass boost lter with +3dB @ 25Hz, Q=1.4. Allows
the user to add boost to the low end response without using
the built-in parametric EQ. This leaves the parametric EQ
function to address room modes to cut out an excessively
loud room resonance.
11. Subsonic Filter
Selects a subsonic lter with -3dB @ 18Hz, Q=.8. Allows
the user to remove the subsonic information from the
signal and tighten the low end response of some
subwoofer systems.
12. Line Inputs
RCA-style jacks receive the audio signal from standard
line-level audio sources. When used in a two-channel ste-
reo system, both the left and right audio inputs should be
connected and are internally summed to a mono output.
The adjustable crossover is in effect when using the left or
right inputs. When using an amplier with an audio source
that is mono and pre-ltered, the LFE input should be used;
this bypasses the onboard low-pass crossover for more
accurate reproduction of the incoming signal.
NOTE: Bass Boost and Subsonic Filters are active on
both LFE and L/R inputs.
13. High Pass Output
RCA-style jacks allow the line level input signal to be looped
back into other audio equipment. The high pass signal
utilizes a 12 dB per octave lter with an output slope of
-3dB @ 80Hz. This feature is useful for connecting the signal
to distributed audio systems.
BASS BOOST / SUBSONIC FILTER SETTINGS
Frequency Response Switch Settings
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L3-1K-09
SPECIFICATIONS:
Rated Power Output: (0.92 % THD) 497 Watts* into 8 ohms, 950 Watts* into 4 ohms
*Based on one-third power duty cycle
Signal to Noise Ratio: 98 dB A-weighted
Efficiency: 86%
Input Impedance: 12K ohms
Subsonic Filter: -3dB @ 18 Hz, Q=.8
Bass Boost: +3dB @ 25 Hz, Q=1.4
High Pass Output: -3dB @ 80 Hz, 12dB per octive
Low Pass Adjustment: 30 Hz – 200 Hz
Phase Adjustment: 0° – 180°
Parametric EQ:
Frequency: 18 Hz – 80 Hz
Bandwidth: 0.1 – 1 Q
Level: -14.5dB – +6dB
Dimensions: 17-1/2" W x 4" H x 13" D (tabletop conguration)
Power Requirements: 120/230 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Stand-by Power Rating: 120V 24W; 230V 18.4W
Weight: 20 lbs.
NOTES ABOUT HUM:
While the L3-1K has been designed to minimize the possibility of hum in the subwoofer system, it is still possible that a hum
will occur in rare circumstances. Its safety grounding can create a path for small amounts of 60 Hz energy to travel trough
the line-level audio system. While not dangerous, this energy can cause difculty with the subwoofer auto signal sensing
circuit, and at the very least will interfere with the quiet enjoyment of your system. The rst course of action should be trying to
make sure that all of the audio components are connected to either the same electrical outlet, or at least into the same circuit
branch. Next, cable TV systems are notoriously the culprit, so be sure to try disconnecting all coaxial feeds that are connected
to the system. If this solves the problem, install a coaxial line isolator and reconnect the system. In the very worst case, a line-
level audio isolator/transformer connected to the line-in of the subwoofer amplier will usually solve the problem.