Rotel Dolby Pro Logic RSP 980 User manual

RSP-980
SURROUND SOUND
PROCESSOR
Owners Manual

SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-980
A
This symbol is to alert the user of
the presence of dangerous
voltages inside the enclosure of
the RSP-980. To reduce the risk of
electric shock do not remove any
parts of the RSP-980.
A
This symbol is to alert the user of
important operating instructions
in the owner's information
accompanying the RSP-980.
Read all the Instructions before connecting or operat¬
ing the RSP-980. Pay particular attention to the safety
information. Keep this manual so you can refer to
these safety instructions.
WARNING:
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel. Please do not open the cabinet
as this will expose you to the risk of shock from potentially dan¬
gerous high voltages. Unauthorized attempts at repair or modifi¬
cation will void your warranty..
WARNING;
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not ex¬
pose the RSP-980 to moisture or water. Do not allow
foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is
exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets into the
enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord
from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified service per¬
son for inspection and necessary repairs.
If you wish to clean the RSP-980's cabinet, please use a soft, DRY
cloth. Don't use cleaning compounds or solvents as they may
dull the finish, remove the labels, or damage circuitry if any resi¬
due falls inside.
Place the RSP-980 on a fixed, level surface strong enough to
support Its weight. Keep the RSP-980 away from radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.
Connect the RSP-980 to the power outlet only with the supplied
power supply cable. The cable should be connected to a prop¬
erly grounded 3-pin wall outlet. Do not modify the supplied cable
in any way. Do not use extension cords.
Do not route the power cord where It will be crushed, pinched,
bent at severe angles, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way.
If the cable shows any sign of wear or damage, immediately stop
using it and obtain a proper replacement from a qualified service
agency or from the Rotei National Service Center.
If the RSP-980 shows signs of Improper operation, or if it has
been dropped or damaged In any way, Immediately disconnect
the power cord from the wall. Take the RSP-980 to a qualified
service person for inspection and necessary repairs.

RSP-980
ContSntS (circled numbers refer to illustrations on the following page)
Figure 1: RSP-980 Features _ 4
Figure 2: Audio Components Hookup_ 5
Figure 3: Video Components Hookup (RCA connections) 6
Figure 4: Video Components Hookup (S-VIdeo)_7
Figure 5: Zone 2 Connections_8
Figure 6; RR-930 Features_9
Getting started _9
RSP-980 key features 9
Unpacking the RSP-980 9
Where Does It Go7 10
Notes On Cable Routing 10
Front panel controls_10
Standby LED Indicator ^ 10
Standby Switch ^ 10
Remote Sensor ^ 10
Master Volume Control Q 10
Listening Source Selector Buttons ^ 11
Recording Source Selector Buttons ® 11
Surround Sound Mode LED Indicators ^ 11
Tone Controls ^ 11
Movie Filter Q 12
Tape Monitor Q 12
5.1 Channel Input Q 12
RR-930 Remote Control_12
Standby Switch 12
Master Volume Controls Q 12
Listening Source Selector Buttons ^ 12
Mute Button (remote only) 12
On-Screen button (remote only) 12
Surround Mode Buttons (remote only) ^ 13
Delay Time buttons (remote only) 13
Center Focus Button (remote only) o 14
Balance Check (remote only) ^ 14
The On-Screen Display_14
Operating Screen 14
Bypassing the On-Screen Display 15
Rear Panel Input Signal Connections_15
RCA Source Audio and Video Inputs; 0 15
S-Video Source Inputs 0 15
5.1 Channel Audio Input ^ 16
Rear Panel Output Signal Connections _16
RCA-type Source Audio and Video Outputs ^ 16
S-Video Outputs ^ 17
Video 3 S-Video Selector 0 17
Main Preamplifier Audio Outputs (RCA) 0 17
Main Preamplifier Audio Outputs (Multi-pin) ^ 17
TV/Monitor Video Output & Selector Switch ^ 18
Tape Monitor Audio Outputs 0 18
Rear Panel Zone 2 Connection _ 18
Zone 2 Audio Outputs 0 19
Remote External Sensor/Repeater Jacks 0 19
Rear Panel Speaker Configuration Switches_ 19
Surround Hi-pass (On/Off) ^ 19
Front Hi-pass (On/Off) ^ 19
Center Mode (Normal/Phantom/Wide) 0 20
Rear Panel AC Power Connections_20
AC power cord 0 20
AC Convenience Outlet 0 20
System Calibration_20
What You'll Need 21
How to calibrate your system 21
Using the RSP-980 _22
Overall Design 22
DSP Modes 22
Some Comments about Speakers_23
Tonal Balance 23
Speaker Placement 23
RSP-980 Specifications_25

SURROUND SOUND
Figure 1: RSP-980 Features
RSP-980
t

RSP-98Q
Figure 2: Audio Components Hookup
CD PLAYER
To from chtnaol amplilier inputs
To surround channsi amplifier inputs
To center channel amplifier Input
To subwoofer amplifier Input
26 pin cable instead of RCA
connectors (shown at left) whan
using an multichannel amplifier
with 2S-pin input connector
ROTEL RSP-965 POWER AMP

ROTEL SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR R5P-980
Figure 3: Video Components Hookup (RCA connections)

RSP-980
Figure 4: Video Components Hookup (S-Video)

SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-980
Figure 5: Zone 2 Connections
CD PUVER
ZONE 2 SPEAKERS

RSP-980
Figure 6: RR-930 Features Getting started
First of all, thank you for purchasing our RSP-980 Dolby Pro
Logicir) surround sound processor. This THX(r) certified compo¬
nent will provide accurate reproduction of both movie
soundtracks and demanding musical selections and is a natural
extension of our well-known passion for good sound. We de¬
signed the RSP-980 to be durable, easy to use, and to accurately
recreate the original input signal, whatever its origin.
The RSP-980 benefits from over 30 years experience in designing
exceptional stereo components and the latest advances in sur¬
round sound processing to bring you accurate and natural repro¬
duction of the widest variety of sources available today.
To get the most from your RSP-980, we strongly suggest you read
this manual and keep it as a reference to answer any future
questions. We've organized it so that your questions about dif¬
ferent topics are handled as completely as possible in their own
sections. Look at the Table of Contents for a quick orientation.
RSP-980 key features
• Rotel's “Balanced Design ' approach that combines advanced
circuit board layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and exten¬
sive listening tests for superior sound and long term reliability.
• THX certifification for excellent performance and sound quality
with a wide variety of audio/video sources.
• 5. 1 channel input for Dolby Digital IAC-31 surround processing.
• User friendly On-Screen Display.
• DSP music modes for enhanced surround sound music listening.
• Comprehensive input switching with separate recording and lis¬
tening controls.
• “Zone 2" output with independent input selection and level ad¬
justments for multi-zone custom installations.
• Highly regulated power supply.
■ Comprehensive rear panel input and output connections for au¬
dio and video sources.
Unpacking the RSP-980
Your RSP-980 underwent quality control tests before we sent it
on its way to you and should perform perfectly out of the box.
Simply remove it carefully from its packing. Look for the hand
held remote controller and other accessories before putting the
packing material back in the box. Although space is usually tight
in today's homes, we recommend that you save the packing and
box if possible as it will protect the RSP-980 if you move or need
to return it to us for maintenance.

SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-980
Where Does It Go?
Place the RSP-980 on a solid, dry, level surface away from direct
sunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, or strong vibrations.
Make sure the RSP-980 is close to the other components in your
audio/video system as that makes initial hook-up and any subse¬
quent troubleshooting easier.
Furniture specifically designed to house audio and audio/video
components is ideal as these racks and wall units provide many
separate shelves. Well-designed component furniture reduces
vibration, improves the looks of many system installations, and
provides adequate amplifierventilation. Ask your ROTEL AUTHO¬
RIZED DEALER for advice.
If at all possible, put the RSP-980 on its own shelf. This makes
initial cable routing, hook-up, and any subsequent system
changes easier. It also minimizes potential interference or heat
build-up from other components.
Make sure there is enough room behind the RSP-980 — at least
5' of free space — for easy hook-up. Remember, you're connect¬
ing many other components to this unit and you'll probably need
more space than you think.
Don't stack other objects (components or other items) on top of
the RSP-980. Don't let water fall into the RSP-980 as this could
damage delicate circuitry.
Plan your system! Careful installation and hook-up will pay many
dividends in the years ahead.
Notes On Cable Routing
For best results, we strongly recommend that you group cables
by function (audio connections, video connections, remote sen¬
sor/repeater connections, AC power cords, etc.) and keep simi¬
tar groups as far apart from each other as practical. This usually
reduces unwanted noise and hum.
Front panel controls
Although we went to great lengths to make the RSP-980 as
simple to use as possible, it is still a complex piece of gear. For
that reason, we suggest you take a few moments and look over
the RSP-980's front and rear panels before you actually start
connecting other components to it. The following brief explana¬
tions will help you get familiar with the unit and are keyed to the
numbers in the preceding drawings.
Standby LED Indicator O
The RSP-980 is similar to many of today’s TV sets in that some of
its circuitry (the central microprocessor, infrared sensor, etc.)
remain powered at all times while the rest of the circuitry is
turned on or off by the user. The Standby LEO indicator glows
whenever the RSP-980 is plugged into a live AC outlet but does
nornecessarily mean that the RSP-980 is totally active. If other
front panel LEDs are lighted, then the RSP-980 is fully functional.
Standby Switch O
Similar to a "Power" switch in function, this button switches the
RSP-980 from standby mode to fully active mode. If only the
Standby LED is lighted, push the front panel (or handheld remote
Standby button) to fully activate the RSP-980. You'll see other
LEDs light up. Push the Standby switch again to deactivate the
RSP-980. You'll see that only the Standby LED remains lit.
The Standby Switch is duplicated on the RSP-980's handheld re¬
mote contol.
Note: The Standby switch also controls the rear panel AC conve¬
nience outlet When the RSP-980 is 'off" (in "Standby" model the
AC outlet is also off. When the RSP-980 is fully functional, the AC
outletislive.
Remote Sensor O
This sensor receives infrared signals from the handheld remote
control. Make sure you do not accidentally block this sensor with
cables or accessories.
Master Volume Control O
Turn this control clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to
lower the volume to all six main output channels (Left Front,
Center Front, Right Front, Left Surround, Right Surround, and
Subwoofer) simultaneously.
Master volume controls are also available on the RSP-980's
handheld remote control.
Note: The Master Volume control is mechanically-connected to
an internal servo-motor and responds to commands from the
handheld remote. It will rotate in the appropriate direction auto¬
matically when adjusting the volume from the remote control.
Use the position of the LED indicator on the knob's outer edge to
determine relative volume settings. When the volume control
LED blinks, you've engaged "Mute" from the remote controller. A
bar graph volume indicator also appears on he On-Screen Dis¬
play. This volume bar graph will blink when "Mute" is engaged.)
Note on THX volume settings: The Master Volume control's
"OdB" setting provides the most "accurate" playback of a THX
movie soundtrack in your listening room. This results from the
fact that all THX certified components, regardless of manufac¬
turer. are “system engineered" with specified input sensitivities
and output level capabilities for maximum compatibility.
The "0 dB" position is indicated by a front panel marker at the
“12 o'clock" position just above the volume control and by the
On-Screen Display's numerical reference 10 dB) and a square
block just to the right of center in the Master Volume bar graph.