Pioneer SA-5500II User manual

STEREO AMPLIFIER
SA-5500 I]
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
imi
+——
r
SA-5500II are designed to operate 220V or 240V (HG model) main and
— | 110V, 120V, 220V or 240V (S model) main. Before turning on the §=[~——;T—
power, please confirm the line voltage setting indicated on the rear of your
unit corresponds to the supply voltage in your area; if not, change the setting
‘®)
PIONIEER’
as
described
in
IMPORTANT
-
LINE
VOLTAGE
on
page
12.

FEATURES
Plenty of Power at Low Distortion
Pioneer’s original newly developed monolithic power IC is
employed which composes a differential input SEPP OCL
circuit in the power amplifier section. Ample power and
low distortion stable stereo reproduction are assured.
Reliable Protection Circuit
Current limiter and thermal shutdown circuits are com-
bined in the protection circuit. Speakers and power IC are
protected from shorts due to faulty speaker connections or
other causes. A muting circuit is also included which blocks
surge noise when the power switch is operated on-off.
High Stability Direct Coupled Equalizer
Stringently selected PNP and NPN transistors are used ina
direct coupled circuit in the phono equalizer. Frequency
deviation governing record playback is held to within
+0.5dB. This design also achieves improved stability at low
frequencies and advanced SN ratio.
Compatible with All Program Sources
In addition to special jacks for turntable and tape deck,
auxiliary (AUX) input jacks are provided for connecting
a cartridge tape player or other component. Virtually all
program sources can be connected.
2 Sets of Speaker Systems Can Be Used
The speaker switch can be used to select between two sets
of stereo speaker systems. A-B comparison listening or
simultaneous listening with speakers installed in another
room become possible. A single SA-SSOOH functions as two
stereo amplifiers in this manner.
Designed for Convenient Operation
Center point click stops are provided for tone and balance
controls, while the main volume control uses a 41 click stop
system. Ease of operation is given full consideration in the
design.
Clean and Simple Styling
Front. panel layout is designed for both eye pleasing
simplicity and operational convenience. Since a matching
stereo tuner is also available, a high quality easily operated
stereo system can be set up.
CONTENTS
FO@atures. sees ieee eee eee oe wees 8 Se 2
Stereo System Composition
Installation Cautions
Connection Diagram
Connections
Front Panel Facilities
Before Operation
Operation
Tape Deck Connections
Using Tape Deck
Using AUX Jacks
Specifications
Conditions Frequently Mistaken
for Malfunction
Important-Line Voltage

PIONEER
STEREO SYSTEM COMPOSITION
Tape deck Turntable
eBe sure to install reel clamps e Protect from vibrations.
when operating vertically. @Keep dust cover closed when-
e@Protect with dust cover when ever possible.
not in use.
Cabinet : . Speaker connections
eStable construction that is Check that speaker cord has
durable under weight and vibra- Fe } sufficient current handling capac-
tion. ity. Avoid using longer cord
s lengths than necessary.
i
—
——
IIT
ed
Thick curtains a,
eShield equipment from direct (>
sunlight. ‘>
eAid to reduce listening room cs ow wall een
reflections and resonance. See
[ {oo ©oce}
Ca es
Speaker system
e Rear and side panels of left and
right speakers should be at the
same conditions. (Placing with
SA-55001 F
rear panel against a wall im-
proves bass.)
Tuner e install speakers so that vibra-
tions are not transferred directly
to the floor.
eEmploy stands or concrete
blocks with bookshelf type
speakers,
Do not use longer connecting
cords than necessary.
e Install antenna in direction pro-
viding best reception.
@An outdoor FM antenna is
recommended for FM reception.
Storage case
e Store records vertically.
eProtect tapes from magnetic
fields.
e Best listening position is slightly
to the rear of the apex of an
equilateral triangle formed with
the left and right speakers.
e Furniture materials and place-
ment can affect tone.
Carpet
@ |mproves sound absorption.
INSTALLATION CAUTIONS
In order to ensure long term top performance, do not install the SA-5500II in locations such as the following:
Locations to be avoided Detrimental effects
e Direct sunlight, radiators or other sources of heat. e Accumulated effects of internal and external heat can reduce
thermal dissipation efficiency of power amplifier and lead to
component deterioration. [In some cases heating may also pre-
vent stable operation.
e@Can cause faulty connection or corrosion of input and output
terminals. Humidity and moisture in particular may reduce
insulation performance and lead to current leakage or com-
ponent overheating.
@ Poorly ventilated, humid or dusty locations.
eMay adversely affect precision circuit components. Weight can
also pose a hazard in regions subject to seismic activity.
e@ Unstable supports that are not level or subject to vibration.
eln addition to fire hazard, some materials may contribute to
corrosion or mar finish of equipment.
e@ Locations where alcohols, insect spray or flammable material is
used or stored.

CONNECTION DIAGRAM
Four Line Voltage (110V, 120V, 220V,
TURNTABLE
ouTPuT fF
240V) model.
CARTRIDGE
TUNER TAPE PLAYER
a eacel
a rs] t
OUTPUT f OUTPUT LINE
i
a
|
5
DIN |
CABLE :
4
FT Te ee ee ce er ee se ae ane cm om coms a cam om cme ae oem, cm
Sica
om 500 6
CONVENIENCE
OUTLETS
Connect to
ground terminals
of turntable, tuner,
tape deck, etc.
i] RECS PLAY
GROUND
LEAD
GROUNDING: :-
TO EARTH
(L)
A SPEAKER SYSTEM
fy}
B SPEAKER SYSTEM
ac OUTLETS
Bb SWITCHED 200WMAX
UNSWITCHED
= 200WMA x
SUT CUT
TAPE DECK
[o}
a
®
Convenience outlets (AC
OUTLETS)
SWITCHED: Power to this
outlet is coupled to the
operation of the front
panel POWER _ switch.
By connecting the power
cord of often used com-
ponent (maximum _ total
200W) such as a tuner,
the tuner power switch can
be left in the on position.
Power for the tuner will
then be controlled by on-
off operation of the SA-
5500]I POWER switch.
UNSWITCHED: Power is
always supplied to this
outlet (maximum _ total
200W) regardless of the
front panel POWER switch
position.
Two Line Voltage (220V, 240V) model.
(i inpur-—q
TUNER = AUX
4
833
:
REC/ PLAY
oe
VAN UNOU ON UU

CONNECTIONS
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
Two sets of stereo speaker systems (A and B) can
be connected to the SA-5500II. Normally employ
the SPEAKERS A terminals when connecting only
one set of speaker systems.
NOTE:
If two sets of speaker systems are used simultaneously,
the impedance of each speaker system must be 80hms or
greater. Malfunction can be incurred if a speaker of less
than 8ohms impedance is connected in this case.
As shown in Fig. 1, connect the right channel
speaker (as viewed from listening position) to the
R terminals and the left channel speaker to the L
terminals. Observe plus (+: red) and minus (-:
black) polarities of SPEAKERS terminals and the
terminals on rear of speaker systems. Be sure to
connect plus to plus and minus to minus.
Speaker Cord Connection
1. As shown in Fig. 2, strip about 10mm of the
insulation from the end of the speaker cord.
If the conductor is stranded, twist the strands
together to prevent spreading.
2. While Holding the terminal button depressed,
insert the end of the cord into the terminal hole.
3. Release the button and confirm that cord is
firmly clamped in terminal.
SA-55000
RIGHT SPEAKER LEFT SPEAKER
SYSTEM SYSTEM Fig. 1
SPEAKER CORD
Fig. 2
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TURNTABLE
Connect the output cord of a turntable equipped
with a moving magnet (MM) type cartridge to the
PHONO jacks. If the turntable is provided with
a ground lead, connect this lead to the GND termi-
nal on the rear of the SA-55001.
NOTES:
e In addition to an MM type cartridge, an induced
magnet (IM) type cartridge can be employed. In the
case of a moving coil (MC) type cartridge, a special
boosting transformer or head amplifier becomes
required.
e Select turntable installation site carefully. If it is too
close to the speakers or subject to vibration, feedback
howling can occur, preventing use at high volumes.
TUNER
Connect’ the output of an AM/FM stereo tuner to
the TUNER jacks.
AUX JACKS
Employ for connecting auxiliary source compo-
nent (see page 9).
TURNTABLE
TURNTABLE
OUTPUT CORD
PHONO INPUT
JACKS
INPUT —
PHONO TUNER A
SA-550011
GROUND LEAD
Fig. 3
OUTPUT
© L
R
TUNER
SA-55000 INPUT JACKS TUNER
OUTPUT JACKS
INPUT
PHONO TUNER AUX
CONNECTING
CORDS .
Fig. 4
5

FRONT PANEL FACILITIES
POWER SWITCH
Set to ON position to energize SA-5500II. After setting to
ON, there is a brief delay before sound is obtained. This
is due to the operation of the muting circuit which
prevents noise when the POWER is switched. This func-
tion does not indicate difficulty and normal operating
condition is attained in a few seconds.
BASS AND TREBLE CONTROLS
Controls for adjusting low and high frequency tone. Turn
controls clockwise to enhance low or high frequencies and
counterclockwise to attenuate their respective frequency
ranges.
PILOT LAMP
PHONES JACK
When listening with stereo headphones, connect them to
this jack.
NOTE:
Set SPEAKERS buttons to OFF (released position)
when listening only with headphones.
SPEAKERS BUTTONS
Switch for selecting speaker systems connected to the rear
panel. Seund from corresponding speaker systems is
obtained when button is depressed, while sound is not
obtained in the released position.
A: Sound obtained: from speakers connected to the
A speakers terminals.
B: Sound obtained from speakers connected to the
B speakers terminals.
If both buttons are depressed simultaneously, sound will
be obtained from both sets of speaker systems.
When listening with headphones, set SPEAKERS buttons
to released (OFF) positions.
BALANCE CONTROL
Adjusts relative left and right channel volume balance
between speaker systems and headphones. If the right
channel volume is insufficient, turn the control clockwise
from center. Conversely, if the left channel volume is
insufficient, turn the control counter-clockwise from
center.
VOLUME CONTROL
Adjusts volume from speakers and headphones. Clockwise
rotation increases volume.
W PIONGER STEREO AMPLIFIER SA 5001
FUNCTION SWITCH
Selects desired playback program source.
PHONO: To play records on a turntable connected to the
PHONO jacks.
TUNER: To listen to broadcasts with a tuner connected
to the TUNER Jacks.
AUX: To play a component connected to the AUX
jacks.
LOUDNESS SWITCH
When listening at low volume settings, set switch to ON to
enhance low frequencies. The response of the human ear
to sound differs according to loudness. This switch com-
pensates for this effect at low volumes.
TAPE MONITOR SWITCH
Set to ON to play on a tape deck connected to the TAPE
jacks or to monitor recording conditions.
NOTE:
Be sure to set switch to upper (OFF) position when .
playing records or listening to broadcasts.

POWER
Turn VOLUME control
fully counter-clockwise.
Set BALANCE contro! to
center of rotation.
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SPEAKERS:
voLpme
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BEFORE OPERATION
Select desired play-
back program source.
on FY ro) ©
c © © @
Set other controls
and switches, then ing to the connected
speaker system terminals
set POWER switch
to ON. (A or B).
OPERATION
Before Playing Records
e When playing a record, be sure to lower the
stylus gently. onto the record surface. At this
time, it is suggested to set the VOLUME control
to minimum or SPEAKERS buttons to OFF in
order to avoid a noise burst as the stylus con-
tacts the record.
e Use care not to subject turntable to vibration
while a record is being played. This can cause
the stylus to jump the grooves and possibly
damage the record. Also avoid turning off the
power while the stylus is in contact with the
record.
PLAYING RECORDS
1. Set FUNCTION switch to PHONO.
2. Operate turntable and play the record.
3. Adjust VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls
for desired volume and tone.
@ PIONEER STEREO AMPLIFIER SA-55001
Set to position correspond- Set TAPE MONI-
TOR switch to up-
per position.
EMPLOYING TUNER (AM OR FM RECEPTION)
Proper antenna installation is important for best
signal reception with tuner.
1. Set FUNCTION switch to TUNER.
2. Operate tuner and tune in desired station.
38. Adjust VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls
for desired volume and tone.
Protection Circuit
After setting the power switch to ON, there is a
delay of about 2 seconds before sound is obtained
from the speakers. This is due to the muting circuit
which functions to prevent annoying surge noise
when the power supply is operated.
7

TAPE DECK CONNECTIONS
The SA-5500I[ can be connected to a stereo tape
deck (reel-to-reel, cassette) for recording and
playback. Use tape deck accessory connecting
cords to connect the jacks as follows. Upper jacks
are for the left (L) channel and lower for the right
(R) channel.
Recording Connections: Connect the TAPE REC
jacks to the recording input (LINE INPUT) jacks ©
of the tape deck.
Playback Connections: Connect TAPE PLAY jacks
to the playback output (LINE OUTPUT) jacks
of the tape deck.
Use of Record/Playback DIN Connector
If the tape deck used has a 5p DIN type socket for
record/playback, connecting the tape deck to the
TAPE REC/PLAY socket by means of a DIN cable
(purchased separately) will provide simultaneous
connection for both recording and playback. If the
DIN cable is used, the Pin connectors at TAPE
REC and PLAY jacks should be removed.
USING TAPE DECK
TAPE PLAYBACK
Steps for playback of a prerecorded tape on the
tape deck (Fig. 6).
1. Set TAPE MONITOR switch to ON.
2. Operate tape deck and play tape.
3. Adjust VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls
for the desired volume and tone.
NOTES:
1. Be sure to return the TAPE MONITOR switch to
the upper position when not playing tape.
2. Tape playback is unaffected by the position of the.
FUNCTION switch.
TAPE RECORDING
A program source (records, FM broadcasts, etc.)
can be recorded with tape deck (Fig. 7).
1.Set FUNCTION switch to the source to be
recorded (PHONO, TUNER, etc.)
2. Operate program source.
3. Adjust recording levels with the controls of the
tape deck and proceed with recording.
Monitoring Recording Conditions
If the tape deck is equipped with monitoring
facilities (8 heads), recording conditions can be
monitored from the speakers by setting the TAPE
MONITOR switch to ON. Both recording and
playback connections must be completed in this
case.
TAPE DECK
INPUT & OUTPUT JACKS
>se=
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go>}
TAPE DECK
a —
1 Playback
Ve connection
i
Recording ————' sa 55000. |
connection oo mal
co - cable
TAPE REC &
PLAY JACKS
Fig. 5
TAPE DECK

a PIONEER
USING AUX JACKS
A source component, such as 8-track cartridge tape
player, TV sound tuner, a second stereo tuner or
the playback outputs of a second tape deck, can be
connected to these jacks (Fig. 8).
OPERATION
1. Set FUNCTION switch to AUX.
2. Operate component connected to the AUX
jacks.
3. Adjust VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls
for desired volume and tone.
Tape Duplication Using AUX Jacks
If two tape decks are available, the playback out-
put (LINE OUTPUT) jacks of the second deck can
be connected to the AUX jacks, as shown in Fig. 9.
Duplication and editing of previously recorded
‘tapes can then be performed. Recordings of FM
broadcasts and other sources can be edited by
transferring only the desired portions to a second
tape. A personalized tape library can be composed
in this manner. Another application is transferring
recordings from reel-to-reel to conveniently
handled cassettes.
1. Connect two tape decks as shown in Fig. 9.
2. Set FUNCTION switch to AUX.
3. Play the prerecorded tape on the deck con-
nected to the AUX jacks and perform recording
with the deck connected to the TAPE jacks.
NOTE:
Recording monitoring can only be performed with a tape
deck specially equipped for this function (3 heads).
Normally it cannot be performed with 2 head type reel-to-
reel decks or cassette decks, even if the TAPE MONITOR
switch is set to ON. By setting this switch to the upper
(OFF) position in this case, however, playback sound
conditions may be heard.
EE EE NE NE
SUGGESTIONS FOR BETTER RECORDINGS
Conditions external to the tape deck play an
important role in the quality of a recording. Check
the following points before proceeding with the
recording.
Inspect Connections
Check that connections are correct and secure.
Improper or loose connections can produce noisy
recordings.
Use an Outdoor FM Antenna
Tune in an FM station several minutes before the
start of the desired program in order to allow the
tuner time to warm up and stabilize: A properly
CARTRIDGE TAPE PLAYER
CARTRIDGE
TAPE PLAYER
OUTPUT JACKS
SA-550011 Fig. 8
Connections for Tape Duplication
TAPE DECK 1
(playback) TAPE DECK 2
a (recording)
TAPE | TAPE
PLAY| MONITOR
| ONo— SWITCH
z 4. RE
y : 4
I i noe
Recording conditions can be monitored
by operating TAPE MONITOR switch. Fig. 9
FE GE OE EE RC A OE EE OE OE CE EE EE EE EE ae)
installed outdoor FM antenna is reeommended for
better results.
Clean Records and Stylus
Be sure to use a good quality record cleaner to
clean the records and a soft stylus brush to clean
the stylus before recording.
Separate from Noise Sources
Note carefully possible causes of noise external to
the recording equipment. These include such items
as buzzers, electric shavers, hair dryers, refrigerator
thermostats and similar electrical noise sources.
Avoid using such appliances while recording is in ©
progress.
9

SPECIFICATIONS
Semiconductors
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Amplifier Section
Circuitry .............. 2-stage differential amplifier
direct-coupled OCL
Continuous power output is 15 watts* per chan-
nel,min.RMS,at 8 ohms from 20Hertz to 20,000
Hertz with no more than 0.5% total harmonic
distortion.
Total Harmonic Distortion at 20Hertz to 20,000Hertz from
AUX
Continuous rated power output. ............ 0.5%
Iwatt per channel power output, 8ohms....... 0.1%
Intermodulation Distortion
Continuous rated power output............. 0.5%
1watt per channel power output, 80hms ....... 0.1%
Speakery iciiAr-cG: ance e085 nd oe aa area ees A,B,A+B
Headphones. ......0....0000 eee ee Low impedance
Damping Factor (20Hertz to 20,000Hertz, 8ohms) ... 30
Input (Sensitivity/Impedance)
PHONO \ hot e eedsie Seiad wus bees 2.5mV/S50kohms
TUNER» & ¢.stanies ate Saree wre ron. 4 150mV/S50kohms
AUX coacdak te ae eee oh oe eet 150mV/SOkohms
TAPE PLAY ...........2 0885 150mV/50kohms
TAPE PLAY (DIN connector) 150mV/50kohms
PHONO Overload Level (T.H.D.: 0.3%)... 130mV (1kHz)
Output (Level/Impedance)
TAPE REG. 33a tole he Si ia octal 150mV
TAPE REC (DIN connector) ...... 30mV/80kohms
Frequency Response
PHONO (RIAA Equalization) ..... 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+0.5dB
TUNER, AUX, TAPE PLAY...... 20Hz to 20,000Hz
+1dB
Tone Control
BASS iris toi haut hehe cen shetys decynts +7dB (100Hz)
TREBLE #4 % 2.0:<'graiela eee ate She tiess +7dB (10kHz)
Loudness Contour
(Volume control set at —40dB position) . .+6dB(100Hz)
Hum and Noise (IHF, short-circuited, A network, rated
power)
PHONG: fete 0S 28 Shakeel. Ae 71dB
TUNER, AUX, TAPE PLAY............... 87dB
10
Miscellaneous
Power Requirements ...... AC220V, 240V (Switchable)
50Hz/60Hz or 110V, 120V, 220V, 240V
(Switchable) 50Hz/60Hz
Power Consumption ..........0000 00s eres 130W
Dimensions .......... 380(W) x 124(H) x 269(D) mm
14-15/16 x 4-7/8 x 10-9/16 in |
Weight ........... Without Package; 5.2kg (11lb 7 oz)
With Package; 5.9kg (13lb)
Furnished Parts
Operating Instructions... 2... ee eee 1
Fuse 3A (S model only)... 22... cece eee eee eee 1
* Measured pursuant to Federal Trade Commission’s Trade
Regulation rule on Power Claims for Amplifier.
NOTE:
Specifications and the design subject to possible modifica-
tion without notice due to improvements.