Parasound P/SP-1000 User manual

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Unpacking
Remove the remote control handset and the AC cord packed separately inside the carton. We
recommend using only this specially selected cord for the best musical reproduction.
Save your carton and the inserts for future safe transport in case you move or the unit requires shipping
for repair. The actual printed carton is not strong enough for safe shipping by itself; you must place
this carton into an additional outer carton before shipment.
Before you proceed, find the serial number which is located on the rear panel of the unit and note it here
for future reference or in case the unit is ever stolen. ____________________
Placement of the P/SP-1000
Keep your Parasound P/SP-1000 out of direct sunlight that will interfere with the remote control
infrared sensor. It should also be placed away from heat sources such as hot air ducts or radiators.
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Your P/SP-1000 AV Processor/Preamplifier has been designed with the latest technology to
become the heart of the finest home theater systems. Premium parts and advanced design combined
with full remote control make the P/SP-1000 one of the finest AV Processor/Preamplifier values ever
offered. You have made an excellent choice.
Please take a few moments now to read these instructions thoroughly so you may fully understand the
sophisticated capabilities of your new AV Processor/Preamplifier.
affordable audio for the critical listener
P/SP-1000 AV Processor/Preamplifier
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
P/SP-1000 AV Processor/Preamplifier
On-Off/Bypass
On-Off/Bypass Video1
Video 1 Video2
Video 2 Video3
Video 3
Pro LogicPro Logic Stadium
Hall Hall Club
Club Preamp
Preamp USF
USF
Direct
Direct Center
Center 15
15 20
20 30
30 LCROverload
Overload
BassEQ
Bass EQ DelaymS
Delay mS test
test
Subwoofer Subwoofer RearRear
Level
Level
CenterCenter
Rear
Rear LR
Tape
Tape Line
Line
Audio
Audio Audio
Audio
PRO- LOGIC
PRO - LOGIC
DOLBY SURROUND

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Input Connections to Your P/SP-1000
Refer to Drawing # 1
Before making any connections, make sure your P/SP-1000’s power is off and its volume control is
turned fully counterclockwise. Also, make sure the power is turned off to your power amplifiers. After
making connections, make sure there is no strain or tension on any wires that could cause them to pull
loose later on.
Audio/Video Input Connections
Your P/SP-1000 comes equipped with three audio/video inputs and two audio-only inputs. The audio
inputs are compatible with any typical analog line level source such as a CD player, D-A converter,
tuner, DAT, cassette deck, or the audio output of a laser disc player or VCR. The three audio/video
inputs also have switching capability for both NTSC composite and S-Video. Two of the A/V
connections and one of the audio-only inputs also provide recording capability. You may also use just
the audio sections of the A/V inputs if you wish.
LD Input (Play Only)
Connect the audio and video outputs of any audio/video source such as a laser disc player to this input.
The LD input accepts either S-Video or NTSC composite video connections, but it does not provide
an A/V record output.
Video Input 1 (Play Only)
Connect the audio and video outputs of any audio/video source such as a VCR of TV tuner. The
VIDEO 1 input accepts either S-Video or NTSC composite video connections, but it does not provide
an A/V record output.
Video Input 2 (Record and Play)
Connect the output of a audio/video source such as the VCR you use for recording. The VIDEO 2 input
has accompanying NTSC and S-Video video switching and full A/V recording output capability.
Tape Input/Play (Audio Only)
Connect an audio tape deck, DAT or DCC to this input or any other line level source. This input has
play and recording capability for audio only. Connect the OUTPUT of your analog deck to the PLAY
jacks of the P/SP-1000 and connect to the INPUT jacks your deck to the REC jacks of the P/SP-1000.
Line/Audio Input
This input is for the connecting a line level audio source such as a CD player or D-A converter. You
may also connect this input to the main line output of your existing preamplifier. When using your
P/SP-1000 primarily as a processor, use this input to take advantage of the Off/Bypass feature.
Whenever the P/SP-1000 is powered off, a precision gold-plated relay automatically loops the signal
from the Line/Audio input directly to the Bypass output jacks making a direct connection from your
preamp to your power amp this makes the P/SP-1000 "sonically invisible".
Important Note: When the unit is off in its bypass mode, the signal from the source connected to the
Line/Audio input is passed to the P/SP-1000 Bypass output jacks at its full level. Be sure to turn on the
P/SP-1000 before you turn on the source component connected to the LINE/AUDIO input and Bypass
output. Otherwise, the high signal level may overdrive the amplifier and speakers.

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Video 2 Record/Playback Connections
Audio Connections
Connect the left and right audio INPUT jacks of the VCR you will use for recording to the
VIDEO 2 REC jacks of the P/SP-1000.
Connect the left and right audio OUTPUT jacks of the VCR you will use for recording to the
VIDEO 2 PLAY jacks of the P/SP-1000.
S-Video and NTSC Video Connections
Your P/SP-1000 comes equipped with NTSC composite RCA and S-Video circuits with separate video
amplifiers for each. If you connect a video signal to the NTSC composite RCA input, the signal will
only be available through the NTSC composite RCA output connections. Likewise, if you connect a
video signal to the S-video input, the video signal will only be available through the S-video output
connections.
NTSC Composite Video Connections (Yellow RCA Jacks)
Connect the video INPUT jack of the VCR you will use for recording to the VIDEO 2 REC jack of
the P/SP-1000.
Connect the video OUTPUT jack of the VCR you will use for recording to the VIDEO 2 PLAY jack
of the P/SP-1000.
S-Video Connections (5 Pin DIN Jacks)
Connect the S-video INPUT jack of the VCR you will use for recording to the VIDEO 2 REC jack of
the P/SP-1000.
Connect the S-video OUTPUT jack of the VCR you will use for recording to the VIDEO 2 PLAY
jack of the P/SP-1000.
Connections to the TV Monitor
Connect the RCA composite or S-video Monitor OUTPUT jack of the P/SP-1000 to the INPUT jack of
the TV monitor or projector. If you have a monitor with separate inputs for S-video and NTSC
composite, connect the S-video OUTPUT to one input (such as External 1) and the NTSC composite
RCA OUTPUT to another input (such as External 2).
Tape Record/Playback Connections
Connect the left and right audio INPUT jacks of the audio tape deck to the TAPE REC jacks of the
P/SP-1000.
Connect the left and right audio OUTPUT jacks of the audio tape deck to the TAPE PLAY jacks of the
P/SP-1000.

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Output Connections to Your P/SP-1000
Refer to Drawing # 1
Front Left and Right Preamplifier Outputs
Connect the left and right FRONT/LINE outputs of your P/SP-1000 to the inputs of the amplifier that
will power your front left and right speakers. If you are using your P/SP-1000 as a processor with an
existing preamplifier, use the FRONT/LINE BYPASS jacks in order to take advantage of the Off/
Bypass feature (see page 2). You can also use the these jacks to drive an auxiliary zone amplifier.
Center Channel Output
Connect the CENTER output of your P/SP-1000 to the input of the amplifier that will power your
center channel speaker(s).
Rear Left and Right Preamplifier Outputs
Connect the rear left and right REAR outputs of your P/SP-1000 to the power amplifier channels that
will power your left and right surround speakers.
Subwoofer Output
Connect the SUBWOOFER output of your P/SP-1000 to the input of the power amplifier that will
power the subwoofer, or to the line input of a powered subwoofer.
Subwoofer and Center Channel Selection Switches
Subwoofer Low Pass Frequency Selector
This rear panel switch allows you to select the built-in 12 dB per octave roll-off frequency for the
subwoofer. The roll-off points can be selected at 80 Hz, 120 Hz, or FLAT (full range). If your
subwoofer has a built-in crossover set this switch to the FLAT position. Note that this is a low pass
filter only, it does not attenuate low frequencies to the front speakers.
Center Channel Speaker Selector
Set this rear panel switch to accommodate the type of center channel speaker you will be using.
Small (Normal)
Switch to the SMALL position for smaller size center channel speakers. In this position, bass
frequencies are diverted to the left and right channels to insure front channel imaging remains tonally
balanced even with the limited bass capability of a smaller center channel loudspeaker.
Large (Wide Band)
Switch to the LARGE position for center channel speakers that have the same low bass response as your
front left and right speakers. In this position the entire audio bandwidth is sent to the center channel
output.
None (Phantom)
Switch to the NONE position when a center channel speaker is unavailable. In this position the mono
center channel signal is partly reproduced by the right and left speakers to create a "phantom" center
image. However, without the center channel, you will be missing one of the key benefits of Dolby
Pro Logic processing.

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Other Rear Panel Connections
External Remote Control Input
Your P/SP-1000 is compatible with most popular infrared repeater systems for remote control operation
from another room or when it is installed in a cabinet where remote control handset signals cannot reach
its front panel remote control sensor. The EXTERNAL REMOTE INPUT connector is a standard 1/8"
mini jack. The outer conductor is for "-" and the center conductor is for "+". Your Authorized
Parasound Dealer or Custom Installer can recommend a compatible repeater system.
AC Line cord
The IEC standard AC cord supplied with your P/SP-1000 is an audiophile-grade component. Please
connect it directly to an AC wall outlet that is always live. Avoid use of an extension cord or power
strip; these can degrade sound quality.
Calibrating Your Home Theater System
Once you have decided where you are going to locate your speakers, you’ll need to adjust the relative
output levels of each speaker for equal sound pressure level. System calibration should be performed at
your listening/viewing position. Although this can be done by ear with good results, you may prefer to
purchase a sound pressure level (SPL) meter to verify proper levels. You can purchase an inexpensive
SPL meter such as the Realistic Sound Level Meter (cat. # 33-2050) available from Radio Shack for
around $30.00. System calibration can be performed with any mode or source selected.
Test Tone and Indicators
The test signal can only be activated with the remote control and can only be activated in the Dolby Pro
Logic mode. Begin by setting your P/SP-1000's master volume at a nominal level. First, make sure the
P/SP-1000 is in the Dolby Pro Logic Mode. Next, press the TEST button on the remote and listen for
the pink noise signal; it will start in the left channel. Each time you press the test button, the test signal
will advance in the order of left, center, right, both left and right surround, and then off. The TEST
LEDs on the front panel will illuminate in response to the pink noise sequence heard through the
speakers.
Adjusting Level
Adjust the individual channel levels on the remote control so they have the same apparent loudness.
This is where the SPL meter is especially handy. Of course, you may want to adjust the individual
levels to suit your particular tastes, but equal levels in all channels is a good reference point.
Operating Your P/SP-1000
Refer to Drawing # 2
Front Panel and Remote Control Functions
The front panel and remote control share all functions with the following exceptions: the front left and
right BALANCE and input OVERLOAD control can only be controlled from the front panel and the
MUTE function and TEST tone can only be activated with the remote control.
On-Off Switch
Push once to turn on. Push again to turn off. The MUTE LED mounted in the VOLUME control knob
will flash during a 3-4 second delay after turn on. After the circuits stabilize, the protective muting is
defeated. Whenever you turn your P/SP-1000 on, it will select the same source and resume the same
volume setting you were playing before the last time you turned it off. This memory feature is
dependent upon leaving your P/SP-1000 plugged into an AC outlet that is always live.

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Volume
Adjusts listening level; the knob controls a premium-quality, precision 6-gang Alps potentiometer. If
your power amplifier has gain controls, they should first be adjusted to accommodate an 11 AM - 1 PM
setting of your P/SP-1000 VOLUME control knob for your most frequent listening level. The slight
resistance you feel when turning the VOLUME control by hand is normal and is caused by the gearing
of its remote control actuator motor.
Subwoofer Level
These controls adjust the SUBWOOFER level in +/- 2 dB increments
Center Channel Level
These controls adjust the CENTER channel level in +/- 1 dB increments
Surround Channels Level
These controls adjust the right and left REAR channel levels in +/-1 dB increments
Front Balance
This control adjusts relative left and right volume level in the front channels. If clockwise rotation
favors the left channel speaker as you face it, you have reversed right and left hookups between your
preamp and power amplifier or between your power amplifier and speakers.
Input Level and Overload Indicator
This control limits the amount of signal sent to the processor from your source components to maximize
headroom. Center detent represents a 0.3 V input sensitivity and provides the appropriate overall setting
to the surround processing circuitry. You may need to adjust the INPUT LEVEL clockwise for lower
source levels and counterclockwise for higher source levels. The LED overload indicator lets you
know when the input circuit is being overdriven. This indicator should flicker only occasionally with
the highest peak levels. If it frequently flashes, even at moderate levels, reduce the INPUT LEVEL
accordingly.
Processing Modes
Dolby Pro Logic
This mode accurately decodes Dolby Surround encoded material to provide multi-channel playback
including dedicated center and surround channels. Most video releases of major movies and many stereo
TV programs, CDs and video games are now Dolby Surround encoded. You may use the Dolby Pro
Logic mode on a wide variety of non-encoded material with very pleasing results. Most stereo
recordings will produce surround effects to varying degrees, and center channel signals such as vocals
will emanate more naturally from the center channel.
Stadium
The stadium mode provides the “wide field” ambiance of a live stadium experience. This mode is
effective for capturing the excitement of sporting events and live concert recordings.
Hall
The hall mode simulates the ambiance of a concert hall. This mode is designed to enhance both
classical and rock music recordings.

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Club
The club mode recreates the intimacy of a small nightclub or auditorium. This mode is designed to
enhance jazz, chamber music, and acoustic rock recordings.
Selecting a Source for Recording
You can use your P/SP-1000 for both audio/video and audio only recording with the VIDEO 2 and
TAPE connections. To record a with either of these inputs, simply select the source you want to record
on the front panel or remote control and its signal will be simultaneously sent to the audio and video
jacks of VIDEO 2 and to the audio jacks of TAPE.
Other Front Panel Controls
Preamp Direct
The PREAMP DIRECT selector routes any selected input sources around all the surround processing
circuitry of the P/SP-1000. The audio signal is routed directly to the preamp circuitry. This mode
provides a minimum of signal degradation for critical audio listening. An LED illuminates when the
PREAMP DIRECT function is activated.
Unified Surround Field (USF)
The USF selector activates proprietary Unified Surround Field circuitry developed by Unity Audio.
This unique feature blends and contours center channel information back into the right and left channels
and provides a more seamless left, center, right channel soundstage. USF better recreates the ambient
effects of a typical theater. It also permits wider spacing of the left and right front speakers without
compromising the integrity of the augmented soundstage. An LED indicates that the USF circuit is
activated.
Bass Equalization
The Bass EQ circuit provides bass boost of 6 dB between 40 Hz and 70 Hz to add bass authority without
obscuring bass detail. Bass EQ is useful to reinforce the low frequency response of your front channel
speakers if you have located them more than a foot from the rear wall of your listening room. Bass EQ
is not sent to the subwoofer output because the additional equalization would create excessive bass
energy in your room. An LED illuminates when the Bass EQ is activated.
Surround Channel Delay
The surround delay circuitry allows you to choose the amount of time it takes for the surround channel
signal to reach the listening position. The delay time can be set for 15, 20, and 30 milliseconds.
Although the recommended delay time for Dolby Pro Logic is 20 mS, you can adjust the delay time to
best suit your listening room or a particular soundtrack. LEDs indicate each delay setting.
Setting Up your Home Theater System
Refer to Drawing # 3
Speaker Placement
Proper speaker placement is essential for optimum performance of your P/SP-1000. Improper
placement of speakers can produce an unnatural sound and greatly diminish the home theater
experience. Following are basic guidelines based upon idealized conditions. However, it may be
necessary to make compromises for furniture, windows, doorways, and other aesthetic considerations.

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CENTER
MONITOR
RIGHT
LEFT
R. SURR
SUB
L. SURR
SUB
Preamp Direct Mode
(Center and Rear Off) Dolby Pro Logic/Hall Mode Stadium/Club Mode
(Center Off)
CENTER
MONITOR
RIGHT
LEFT
R. SURR
SUB
L. SURR
SUB
Figure # 3 Speaker Placement and Mode Characteristics
CENTER
MONITOR
RIGHT
LEFT
R. SURR
SUB
L. SURR
SUB