Sonance SONAMP 260 MKII User manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: Read all of these instructions before you operate and
save instructions for later use.
1. Read Instructions - all the safety and operating instructions should be read
before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5.Water and Moisture- The appliance should not be used near water - for
example, near a bathtub,washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick stops,excessive force and uneven surfaces
may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
7. Caution: To prevent electric shock, do not use this (polarized) plug with an
extension cord, receptacle or other outlets unless the blades can be fully
inserted to prevent blade exposure.
8.Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example,the appliance should
not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings; or,placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or
cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators,heat registers, stoves,or other appliances (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply
only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on
the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken so that
the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
12. Power-Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they
are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles,and the point where they exit from the appliance.
13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by
the manufacturer.
14. Non-use Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged
from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified
service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B.Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond
that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be
referred to qualified service personnel.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SONAMP
®260 MKII
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
PN.33-2498 7.02
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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 lighting flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT
BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING. NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH
LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

INTRODUCTION
C ongratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component.
The Sonamp® 260 MKII has some significant improvements over its
predecessor the Sonamp® 260. Improved circuitry provides
increased robustness and reliability. The protection relay stays
disengaged for 1 second when a fault is detected to prevent the relay
contacts from overheating. There is improved THD and IM
distortion due to new circuit board layout. The input PCB has a high
pass filter which rolls off at 32Hz to protect autoformer based VCs.
The filter is defeatable by two jumpers on the input PCB. Auto-On
detect circuitry has improved sensitivity and a sensitivity cut jumper
located on the Input PCB. Improvements have been made to the
power supply to feature a 25A bridge rectifier and a double side low
voltage supply. All these improvements have allowed us provide a 5
year warranty. Special features include auto turn-on and looping
jacks to make it ideal for multi-room and multi-zone installations. Its
high power output is matched by enormous current capacity to drive
multiple pairs of high quality speakers. A robust toroid transformer
assures power in reserve. A discrete AB output stage assures flawless
reproduction. The Sonamp 260 MKII is the standard in the industry
with its reliable and efficient performance.
UNPACKING
Save your carton and the styrofoam inserts for future safe transport in
case you move or the unit ever requires shipping for repair. Note, it is
best if you place it into an additional outer "overcarton" before
shipment to minimize a chance of theft in 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.
Serial # ________________________________________
PLACEMENT OF YOUR SONAMP®260 MKII
Keep your Sonamp 260 MKII out of direct sunlight and away from
windows that could ever be left open to let in rain.It should be placed away
from heat sources such as hot air ducts or radiators; do not place the unit
directly on pile carpet that could interfere with airflow into its bottom vent
openings. If you place your Sonamp on the floor near your speakers,
elevate it up from the pile carpet.If you stack your components, it is better
to place the Sonamp 260 MKII above or alongside your other components;
when driven hard, the unit itself creates significant heat and can affect
components stacked on top of it. If it is inside a cabinet allow ample
ventilation and at least 3" clearance on top and both sides. In a rack
installation, use a 1U vent below your Sonamp and a 2U vent above.Very
sensitive low level sources might pick up some hum radiated from its
power supply.
GROUND LIFT
The Sonamp 260 MKII features a Ground Lift switch to break
the hum loop set up by the chassis making contact in a rack system. This
eliminates the need to insulate rack mount faceplates with nylon washers.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Before making any signal or speaker connections, make sure your
power amplifier is turned off and unplugged.Whenmaking
connections,make sure there is no strain or tension on input leads or
speaker wires that could cause them to pull loose later on.
Input Connections
Use the RCA jacks for the R and L channels. Make sure these are
consistent with the R and L outputs from your preamplifier.
Looping Jacks
Your Sonamp 260 MKII provides a pair of RCA output jacks, which
duplicate the input signal. These facilitate connection of additional power
amplifiers from a single source component.With these un-buffered output
jacks,you can link or“loop”amplifiers without messyY-cord adapters.
Speaker Connections
Use bare wire without spade lugs or plugs, make sure you strip only
enough wire (3/8"-1/2") to fit into the hole that runs across the
metal shaft of the terminal.
Polarity
It is important to observe correct polarity when using in stereo
mode. One side of the speaker lead will have some sort of mark,
either printing, a raised ridge on the insulation or different color of
conductor. This permits you to know which wire you had connected
to the + and which to the - speaker terminals so you can do exactly
the same at the power amplifier terminals.
Speaker Hookup
The Sonamp 260 MKII is capable of handling a 4 Ωload without strain or
distortion. If any of your speakers have a rated impedance of less than
8Ω, be sure that the total speaker impedance is not less than 4Ωper
channel. If you are in doubt,consult your Sonance retailer,custom installer,
or Sonance Technical Service.
Use Good Wire
For best results you should never use thin gauge speaker wire – it will
constrict the sound and deteriorate bass response. We recommend
use of premium Sonance MediaLinQ® speaker cable, which also
complies with UL fire rating. You may also wish to experiment with
audiophile-grade speaker cable and interconnects, but be sure to
check local codes governing wire that may be installed within walls
or ceilings. Each brand of wire will have a different characteristic
sound and some may be more compatible with the sonic“signature”
of your various components. Your Sonamp 260 MKII is stable with
any reputable brand of wire and speaker cable.
SONAMP 260 MKII

AC Line cord
DO NOT plug the power cord into an AC outlet on your
preamp/receiver. If you choose to use the auto turn on/off feature,
you must leave the Sonamp plugged into an unswitched AC outlet that
is always "live" even when the preamp is turned off.If you are installing
the Sonamp in a remote zone, you may plug it into the closest AC wall
socket that is always "live."
Use only a heavy-duty extension cord, if required, to avoid starving the
amplifier of all the current necessary for full power operation.
OPERATING THE SONAMP 260 MKII
Operating Tip
The Sonamp 260 MKII has an ingenious and very sophisticated
auto turn on/off circuit.Please read these instructions completely so
you do not get frustrated trying to operate them for the first time.
Power Switch
Press once to the “in” position to turn the unit on. Press again to the “out”
position to turn it off. Leave the button in its inner position when using the
Auto turn on/off or voltage control feature.The amplifier will switch its power
on automatically when there is a musical signal present at its input jacks.
Auto-On
Any audio signal arriving at the Sonamp's input jacks will trigger
automatic turn on circuitry to activate the unit for operation.A green LED
on the front panel markedActive indicates that the amplifier is operational.
The amplifier will remain on after the audio signal has ceased for
approximately 3 1/2 minutes. This provides ample time to prevent
erratic operation from pauses between musical passages or while
changing sources. With this feature there is no limit to where you can
place the Sonamp. Here are a few installation possibilities:
• Local room system coupled with a multi-CD changer.
• Surround sound rear or side channels.
• Z-coupled local sound (Sonance OP3)
(using B&O Masterlink* or equivalent).
• Multi-room, multi-source control systems.
Auto-On Defeat (located on rear panel)
If the auto turn on/off feature is not required, it can be defeated by
moving the rear panel switch to its off position.Use a small flat-bladed
screwdriver to move the recessed switch. Do not apply excessive force.
Now the Sonamp power switch will function conventionally and the
Sonamp will turn on and off with the front panel button.
Level Controls
Front panel level controls are recessed for adjustment by
screwdriver only. This prevents accidental tampering with levels.
Use the level controls to adjust left-right channel balance. You may
also adjust levels to limit maximum safe gain to protect speakers
and in-wall volume controls (such as the Sonance VC60/VC101) or
to optimize the signal to noise ratios between the source
components and amplifier. Many volume controls on source
components are overly sensitive near their minimum position; by
reducing the Sonamp input level control settings, you "compel" the
source component volume control to operate up higher in its more
uniform adjustment range.
Power LED
This LED indicates that the AC power line cord is plugged into a live
AC outlet. If the main AC line fuse ever opens, this LED will go out.
To use the Auto-On feature, this LED must remain on at all times.
The Power switch has no effect on this LED.
Active LED
The primary function of this LED is to show amplifier operational
activity. In the Auto-On mode, this LED turns on at the presence of
a musical signal to the input jacks. The first time AC power is
applied to the Sonamp 260 MKII, the Active LED will light for about
1.75 minutes and then extinguish. This is a normal reaction of the
Auto-On circuitry the very first time it receives power.
Thereafter, the Sonamp 260 MKII is ready for automatic operation.
In normal Auto-On operation the amplifier will turn on within 1 1/2
seconds, it will turn off about 3 1/2 minutes after the signal ceases.
Note: Whenever AC power to the Sonamp 260 MKII has been
interrupted, the Active LED will light up for about 1.75 minutes when
the power is first restored. The Active LED functions as a normal on/off
power indicator when the Auto-On feature is defeated.
Protection Circuits
The Sonamp has numerous protection circuits. If any are
triggered, the green Active LED will extinguish and you may hear
the sound of the protection relay clicking to protect the amplifier.
After the fault has been corrected, the unit will automatically reset
itself for normal operation. But it is always a good idea to turn off
the power switch while you are trouble-shooting for shorted
connections or faults with source components.
AC Fuse
This will blow to protect the unit for possible internal parts failure.Never
replace the fuse with any size other than indicated on the rear panel to
avoid more serious damage. Substitution of a larger fuse may create
serious damage to internal parts and will void your Sonance warranty.
Note: For continued protection against fire, replace fuse with only
same type and rating.
MAINTAINING YOUR SONAMP 260 MKII
The Sonamp requires no periodic maintenance and has no user
serviceable parts inside. Do not remove the top cover to avoid risk of
electric shock. To keep it clean use only a soft cloth and never use
any solvents or abrasives. Fingerprints may be removed with a soft
cloth moistened only with a few drops of water.
TROUBLESHOOTING
• If the red“AC ON”LED is out, check that the AC outlet is active and
that the rear panel fuse is not blown.
• If the green “ACTIVE” LED is out, check that an audio signal is
present at the input jacks and that the power switch is in the
“ON” position.
• If the green “ACTIVE” LED is on but there is no audio from the
speakers, check that the front panel level controls are not set to
off (full counter clockwise). Then check all connections from the
amp through any switches or in-wall volume controls to the
speakers. Place an AC volt meter on the output terminals of the
amplifier to verify signal.
* B&O and Masterlink are registered trademarks of Bang and Olufsen

• If there is an audible hum in a rack mount system, set the
“GROUND LIFT” switch to on.
• If the amplifier won’t automatically turn on, check that an input
signal is present, that the “AUTO ON” switch is set to “ON” and
that the power switch is in the “ON” position.
SERVICE
If you have any questions about the operation or installation of your
Sonamp®260 MKII, please call our Technical Assistance Department
on any business day at: [phone] or [phone] from
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Should your product require repair or service, contact your authorized
Sonance retailer for help, or use the following procedure:
1. Prior to calling, note the product model number, serial number,
purchase date,and original retailer's name and address.
2. Contact our Technical Assistant Department at the number(s) above
and describe the problem. If required a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number will be issued. IMPORTANT: Do not
return the unit to Sonance without first obtaining an RMA number.
3.If you are directed to return the unit to Sonance for repair, pack the
unit in its original shipping cartons (inner & outer). Replacement
packaging can be obtained from Sonance for a small charge.
4. Contact United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or RPS to arrange
prepaid (not collect) shipping. Do not use the United States Postal
Service. IMPORTANT: Freight collect shipments will be refused.
5. Write the Return Merchandise Authorization number on the
outside of the shipping carton.
6.For warranty work, please include a copy of the original bill of sale
inside the package.
Ship the packaged unit to:
Technical Assistance Department
Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531
WARRANTY COVERAGE (USA ONLY)
If, within five (5) years from the date shown on the bill of sales, the
unit fails due to a defect in workmanship or materials,Sonance will,
at its option and at no charge to the purchaser, repair or replace the
components of such unit which proves to be defective.
For this warranty to be effective, the bill of sale must show that the
unit was purchased from an authorized Sonance retailer. This
warranty shall apply exclusively to the original purchaser and shall
not apply to units purchased for industrial or commercial use.
Furthermore, this warranty shall not apply if:
1. Damage to the unit was caused by accident, abuse or misuse;
2. The unit was modified, or repaired by unauthorized personnel; or
3. The unit was not used as outlined in the operating instructions
Exclusions and Limitations
The warranty set forth above is in lieu of all other warranties;
express or implied, of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or otherwise. The warranty is limited to Sonance products
registered herein and specifically excludes any damage to any
associated equipment, which may result for any reason from use
with this product.
Sonance shall, in no event, be liable to incidental or consequential
damages arising from any breach of this warranty or otherwise.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights, which vary from state to state.
SPECIFICATIONS
Output Power, Stereo mode, RMS: 60 Watts per channel @ 8Ω
100 Watts per channel @ 4Ω
Dynamic Power at Clipping: 85 Watts per channel @ 8Ω
125 Watts per channel @ 4Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05% 20Hz-20kHz @ 8Ω
0.09% 20Hz-20kHz @ 4Ω
I.M. Distortion (SMPTE 4:1) @ 8Ω: 0.008% @ 1 watt
0.01% @ 60 watts
Signal to Noise Ratio: -100dB below rated output (A-weighted)
Input Sensitivity: 0.625 volts for rated output
Input Impedance: 47k Ω,Min.
Power Requirement: 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 500 watts (625VA)
Heat Output: 750 BTU/HR
Dimensions (WxHxD): 16 3/4" x 3 7/8" x 12 1/2" (425mm x 98mm x 318mm)
RMF 19" x 3 1/2" x 12 1/2" (483mm x 89mm x 318mm)
Special Features: All discrete output devices, no "brick" modules
Toroidal transformer, low hum radiation
Auto Turn-on, input signal detection, can be defeated
In/out RCA jacks, allows multi-linking of amplifiers
Status indicators,AC power and active conditions
30,000uF of power supply capacitor storage
Short circuit protection, with visible indication
IEC Power Connector Chassis ground lift switch for rack mounting.
Specifications and features subject to change without notice.
SONANCE • 212 Avenida Fabricante • San Clemente, CA 92672-7531 Technical Support [phone] ©2002 All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations