Paradigm X-500 User manual

Owner’s
Manual
Multi-Purpose Amplier
X-500
POWER STEREO SUB

1
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture, and objects lled with
liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug
to wide slot, fully insert.
CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of re, replace
the fuse only with the same amperage and voltage type. Refer
replacement to qualied service personnel.
WARNING: Unit may become hot. Always provide adequate ven-
tilation to allow for cooling. Do not place near a heat source, or in
spaces that can restrict ventilation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves or other apparatus (including ampliers)
that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
The wide blade is provided for your safety. When the provid-
ed plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use the attachments/accessories specied by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or
table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when un-
used for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Avoid installing this
unit where foreign objects may fall onto this unit and/or this unit
may be exposed to liquid dripping or splashing. On the top of this
unit, do not place:
• Burning objects (i.e. candles), as they may cause re damage
to this unit, and/or personal injury.
• Containers with liquid in them, as they may fall and liquid may
cause electrical shock to the user and/or damage to this unit.
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no
objects lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning ash with arrowhead sym-
bol within an equilateral triangle is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” with-
in the product’s enclosure that may be of
sucient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilat-
eral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the appli-
ance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION

2
Do not install this equipment in a conned space such as a case
or similar. Install it away from direct sunlight, heat sources, vibra-
tion, dust, moisture, and/or cold.
Do not cover this unit with a newspaper, tablecloth, curtain, etc.
in order not to obstruct heat radiation. If the temperature inside
this unit rises, it may cause re, damage to this unit, and/or per-
sonal injury.
Install this unit near the AC outlet and where the AC power plug
can be reached easily.
This unit is not disconnected from the AC power source when it is
turned o. This state is called the standby mode. In this state, this
unit is designed to consume a very small quantity of power.
CAUTION: Top surface can become hot.
CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualied
service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do
not perform any servicing other than that contained in the oper-
ating instructions unless you are qualied to do so.
CAUTION: Changes or modications to this equipment not ex-
pressly approved by Paradigm for compliance could void the us-
er’s authority to operate this equipment.
FCC WARNING: Changes or modications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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 protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency en-
ergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the in-
structions, may cause harmful interference to radio communi-
cations. 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 X-500.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent
from that to which the X-500 is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician
for help.
DO NOT LOCATE IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
To ensure long-lasting use, do not locate the unit:
• Exposed to direct sunlight.
• Near sources of heat such as heaters.
• Highly humid or poorly ventilated.
• Dusty.
• Subjected to mechanical vibrations.
• On wobbly, inclined, or otherwise unstable surfaces.
• Near windows where there is a chance of exposure to rain, etc.
• On top of an X-500 or another component which dissipates
a great deal of heat.
To ensure proper heat radiation, ensure clearance from walls and
other equipment according to the diagram.
Left: 63mm
(2.5 in) or more
Above: 15mm
(0.6 in) or more
Right: 63mm
(2.5 in) or more
POWER STEREO SUB

3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UK CUSTOMERS: DO NOT cut
o the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug tted is not suit-
able for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to
reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved
extension lead or consult your dealer. If, nonetheless, the mains
plug is cut o, REMOVE THE FUSE and dispose of the PLUG imme-
diately, to avoid possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to
the mains supply. If this product is not provided with a mains plug,
or one has to be tted, then follow the instructions given below:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal
which is marked with the letter “E” or by the safety earth symbol or
colored GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wires in the mains lead on this product are colored in accor-
dance with the following code:
• BLUE — NEUTRAL
• BROWN — LIVE
As these colors may not correspond with the colored markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
• The BLUE wire must be connected to the terminal marked with
the letter “N” or colored BLACK.
• The BROWN wire must be connected to the terminal marked
with the letter “L” or colored RED.
When replacing the fuse, only a correctly rated and approved type
should be used, and be sure to ret the fuse cover. If in doubt, con-
sult a competent electrician.
NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of
with regular household waste but must be returned to a collec-
tion point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.
The symbol on the product, the user’s manual, and the packag-
ing point this out. The materials can be reused in accordance
with their markings. Through reuse, recycling of raw materials
or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an
important contribution to the protection of our environment. Your
local administrative oce can advise you of the responsible
waste disposal point.
CdHgPb
RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES (Europe)
In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment) directive eective August 13, 2005,
we would like to notify you that this product may contain regulat-
ed materials which, upon disposal, require special reuse and re-
cycling processing. For this reason, Paradigm has arranged with
its distributors in European Union member nations to collect and
recycle this product at no cost to you. To nd your local distrib-
utor, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this
product or go to our website at paradigm.com.
Please note that only the product falls under the WEEE directive.
When disposing of packaging and other shipping material, we
encourage you to recycle through the usual channels.
Paradigm and any related party assume no liability for the user’s
failure to comply with any requirements.
Paradigm is registered trademarks of Paradigm Electronics Inc.
© Paradigm Electronics Inc. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein may not be reproduced in
whole or in part without our express written permission. We re-
serve the right to change specications or features without no-
tice as design improvements are incorporated.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction and Quick Start ......................5
1.1 Before Making Connections ..................5
1.2 Box Contents .............................5
1.3 In-Use Notices ............................5
1.4 Rack and Shelf Mounting ....................6
1.5 Front Panel (Status Lights) ...................6
1.6 Back Panel ...............................7
1.7 Quick Start ...............................8
2. Connections and Back Panel Controls ..............9
2.1 Speaker Connections .......................9
2.2 Connecting Stereo Speakers (or Paradigm
Garden Oasis Essentials Outdoor Music System) ...9
2.3 Connecting A Passive (Non-Powered)
Subwoofer ................................10
2.4 Connecting Dual Deance Custom
In-Wall Subwoofers .........................10
2.5 Digital Input ..............................11
2.6 Analog Inputs ............................11
2.7 Subwoofer Input ..........................11
2.8 Power ..................................11
2.9 Trigger Connections .......................11
2.10 Master Power Switch ......................11
2.11 USB Connection ..........................11
3. DSP Presets...................................11
3.1 DIP Switch Functionality ....................11
3.2 DSP Preset Dip Switch Positions .............12
4. Fault Modes ...................................13
4.1 Front Panel Power LED.....................13
4.2 Front Panel Zone LEDs .....................13
5. Frequently Asked Questions .....................14
6. Specications .................................15
7. Limited Warranty ...............................16
8. The Big Picture: X-500 ..........................17

5
1. INTRODUCTION AND QUICK START
Thank you for purchasing the Paradigm X-500. All Paradigm
products are engineered to recreate the passion of a live
musical performance and emotional involvement experienced in
the best movie theaters by utilizing the highest level of circuit
design, superior parts and manufacturing techniques, innovative
features, and intuitive ergonomics. We are condent that their
inclusion in a system signicantly enhances the enjoyment of
recordings.
1.1 BEFORE MAKING CONNECTIONS
Check that you have received all items listed below and report
discrepancies to your dealer as soon as possible. In case the
X-500 needs to be transported in the future, keep the packing
materials. Retain the invoice that you received from your
authorized Paradigm dealer at time of purchase. The invoice is
necessary to obtain service under warranty.
1.2 BOX CONTENTS
• X-500 Amplier
• Rack Mount Ears
• Euroblock Connectors (Preinstalled)
• Power cord
1.3 IN-USE NOTICES
• Disconnect the power cord or ip the AC switch to OFF
before connecting or disconnecting any components.
• If the X-500 was transported or stored in the cold, let it reach
room temperature before use.
• Do not remove the top cover.
• Do not modify the product.
• Due to continuing advances, operational characteristics
may change. If this manual contains discrepancies, please
check paradigm.com for the latest manual.
1.4 RACK AND SHELF MOUNTING
The X-500 ships with both rack mount ears and feet for shelf
mounting. Before rack mounting the unit, it is recommended to
remove the feet on the bottom of the unit. To attach the rack
mount ears, install as shown in the following diagram.
If a dual amplier installation is desired, an optional MPX500CB
Connector Bracket (sold separately) is available. This bracket
connector axes two ampliers side-by-side, as shown in the
following diagram.

6
POWER STEREO SUB
1 2 3
X-500 Front Panel
1.5 FRONT PANEL (STATUS LIGHTS)
Power:
Blue = Unit is on and ready to play
Red = Unit is in standby or a fault condition has occurred
O = No AC power/AC power switch turned o
STEREO:
Blue = Amplier playing in Stereo mode
Red = A Fault Condition has occurred
O = No stereo input signal detected (or amplier is
operating in Subwoofer mode)
Sub:
Blue = Amplier playing in Subwoofer mode
Red = A fault condition has occurred
O = No subwoofer input signal detected (or amplier is
operating in Stereo mode)
For more information, please refer to sections 6 (Fault Modes)
and 7 (Troubleshooting).

7
1.6 BACK PANEL
Trigger input
Coaxial digital audio input
Analog RCA stereo inputs
Power cord inlet (IEC C18 type)
Power: Main power switch ON/OFF
Volume: -60dB to 0dB
Subwoofer input
Optical digital audio input
Trigger Pass-through
DIP Switches: Digital Input and DSP Preset Selection
PC Update (USB) for Firmware Updates
Euroblock speaker terminals
For more information, please refer to section 3 (Connections and
Back Panel Controls).
OPTICAL
PASS-
THROUGH
TRIG IN
MIN MAX
OPTICAL
PC
UPDATE
EQ
120-240VAC at 50-60Hz 500W
INPUT
VOLUME
BRIDGE MODE
–+
–R+
–+
SUB
COAX
F 8A H 250V
L
R
L
1
12 11 8 7 6 5910
2 3 4
X-500
X-500 Back Panel

8
1.7 QUICK START
This quick start section includes just enough information to get
the X-500 operational. For a deeper understanding of speaker
and subwoofer connection options, please review the rest of this
manual.
1. The X-500 comes out of the box with the shelf/tabletop feet
installed. When rack mounting is desired, these feet can be
removed using a Phillips screwdriver. The included rack mount
ears can be attached using a T10 Torx driver (not included).
2. Speaker Connection(s):
Connect a pair of speakers using a Euroblock (aka PhoenixTM)
connector (included) which accepts speaker wire from 28 up
to 12 gauge.
a. Pull both sides of the Euroblock connector to remove it
from the X-500.
b. Use a small slotted screwdriver to loosen and tighten each
contact on the Euroblock when inserting the speaker wire.
c. Follow positive (+) and negative (-) indications shown on
the Euroblock connector.
d. After attaching speaker wires to the Euroblock connector,
insert it back into the X-500.
OPTICAL
PASS-
THROUGH
TRIG IN
OPTICAL
PC
UPDATE
EQ
BRIDGE MODE
–+
–R+
–+
COAX
L
R L
3. Subwoofer Connection:
Follow the steps in “Step 2” except use the positive (+) and
negative (-) indicators for “Bridge Mode” as shown on the text
printed below the Euroblock connector on the X-500 chassis.
*Stereo and Bridge mode cannot be used simultaneously*
OPTICAL
PASS-
THROUGH
TRIG IN
OPTICAL
PC
UPDATE
EQ
BRIDGE MODE
–+
–R+
–+
COAX
L
SUB
4. Input Connection(s):
Connect Analog sources using RCA cables. Connect Digital
sources using a Digital Coax or Optical cable. When being
used to drive a subwoofer, connect the subwoofer out of your
source device to the subwoofer input on the X-500.
If using the digital inputs, you must select Coax or Optical
using the DIP switch on the back of the X-500 (#10 on the
image on page 7).
5. Power Connection:
Insert a power cord into the X-500’s AC input. Plug the cord
into a wall outlet. Make sure to respect the voltage rating
shown beside the AC receptacle.
6. Volume Control:
The X-500 has an onboard volume control if needed. However,
typically the X-500 will be used with a source that oers its
own volume control (like a streaming device or used with an AV
Receiver when driving a subwoofer). In this case the X-500’s
onboard volume control can eectively be used as a basic vol-
ume limiter instead. When being used in this manner, you can
set the X-500’s volume control to maximum, and then control
the overall volume through your source. If audible distortion
occurs, turn down the volume control on the X-500 until the
sound no longer distorts.

9
2. CONNECTIONS AND BACK PANEL CONTROLS
2.1 SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
Depending on the level of the input signal, the voltage
at the outputs can be high enough to cause electric
shock — be sure that power is o when connecting or
disconnecting anything. As well, be sure to use
speakers rated for use with this X-500 — an overdriven
speaker can pose a re hazard.
X-500 oers options to power either a stereo pair of speakers
(or a system like the Paradigm Garden Essentials Outdoor Music
System), or a passive subwoofer (custom install subwoofer).
When powering a custom installation subwoofer, the X-500 can
be congured in “bridged mode” which combines the output
of both amplier channels in order to provide this speaker with
more power.
2.2 CONNECTING STEREO SPEAKERS
(or Paradigm Garden Oasis Essentials Outdoor Music System)
Connect a pair of speakers to the X-500 using a Euroblock (also
known as a PhoenixTM) connector. These connectors are included
with the X-500 and come preinstalled.
Euroblock connectors accept speaker wire up to 12 gauge. Use
speakers as low as 4 Ohms in this conguration.
1. Remove the Euroblock connector from the X-500 by gently
pulling it until it releases.
2. Use a small slotted screwdriver to loosen and tighten each
contact on the Euroblock when inserting the speaker wire.
3. Connect the red (+) connection on the left speaker to
the positive (L+) contact on the Euroblock connector as
indicated by the printing located on the X-500 (above
the connector) or on the connector itself.
4. Connect the black (-) connection on the left speaker to
the negative (L-) contact on the Euroblock connector as
indicated by the printing located on the X-500 (above the
connector) or on the connector itself.
5. Repeat for the right channel.
6. After attaching speaker wires to the Euroblock connector,
insert it into the X-500 by gently pressing it into place.
OPTICAL
PASS-
THROUGH
TRIG IN
OPTICAL
PC
UPDATE
EQ
BRIDGE MODE
–+
–R+
–+
COAX
L
R L