System Fidelity SA-270 User manual

ACCESSORIES
Accessories
1 x SA-270 Integrated Amplifier
1 x Remote control
2 x Batteries (Optional)
1 x Operation Manual
This operation manual supplies all the information that you need to have about your System
Fidelity Integrated Amplifier. Please read this operation manual carefully before you start
using the unit!
CONTENTS
ACCESSORIES
CONTENTS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CONNECTIONS TO THE MAINS
REMOTE CONTROL
FRONT/REAR PANEL
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
OPERATION AND FUNCTIONS
ON, OFF and Standby
Selecting the input source
Using the function menu
Volume control
Bass and treble control
Balance control
Loudness
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICAL DATA
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ AND OBSERVE BOTH THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS
MANUAL AND THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE UNIT. KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE .
This unit was designed and manufactured with a view to providing maximum safety for the user.
Incorrect use of the unit may cause electrical shock or fire. The protection devices built into this unit
will protect the user if the procedures below are observed in connection with installation, use and
repair. This unit is fully electronic and contains no parts that can be repaired by the end user .
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE CABINET. RISK OF DANGEROUS VOLTAGE. ONLY QUALIFIED AND
AUTHORIZED TECHNICIANS ARE ALLOWED TO REPAIR THE UNIT.
Read the manual upon unpacking the unit
Please read the manual carefully and observe all the instructions given.
Power supply
Only the power supply indicated on the rating plate must be used for this unit.
If you are not sure which power supply you have, please contact the distributor or the local
electricity supplier.
Earthing or polarisation
If the plug cannot be inserted properly into the socket, or if the plug does not fit, the unit must
not be used in your country.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A triangle with a lightning symbol draws the user’s attention to “dangerous voltage”
without insulation in the cabinet which may be high enough to entail a risk of electric
shock.
A triangle with an exclamation mark draws the user’s
attention to important instructions for use and maintenance in the accompanying manual,
which should be studied.
A symbol for CLASS II (double insulation)
WARNING:
TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET AS IT CONTAINS DANGEROUS VOLTAGE. ONLY QUALIFIED
TECHNICIANS ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY OUT REPAIR AND SERVICE.
CAUTION:
If the plug of the power cord needs to be replaced, it is important that the replacement is identical to the
plug to be replaced, or that the new plug has been recommended by the manufacturer.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK, IT IS IMPORTANT TO INSERT THE PLUG CORRECTLY INTO THE SOCKET.

Ventilation
The cabinet is provided with slots and openings to ensure ventilation and reliable operation and to
protect the unit against overheating. Do not block or cover these openings. The openings must
never be blocked, for instance by placing the unit on a bed, a sofa, a carpet or similar surface .
Heat
Do not place the unit near sources of heat such as radiators, heat registers, ovens or other units
that produce heat.
Water and moisture
The unit must not be placed close to water, such as bathtub, wash basin, kitchen sink or laundry
tub, in a damp cellar or close to a swimming pools, etc.
Cleaning
Unplug the unit before cleaning. Do not use liquid detergents and aerosol cleaning agents. Please
use only a dry cloth for cleaning the unit.
Power cords
Wiring must be organised to
prevent people from stepping on the cables and to avoid pinching by objects placed on or beside
them. Take special care around sockets and plug boxes and where the power cords leave the unit.
Overloading
Make sure that wall sockets, extension cords and plug boxes are not overloaded as this may lead
to fire or electrical shock.
Lightning
Unplug the unit for additional
protection during thunderstorms or when the unit is not used for prolonged periods. This will
prevent damage to the unit from lightning and power surges.
Penetration of objects and liquid
Never push any foreign objects through the openings into the unit, as they may touch
dangerous
voltage points or short-circuit parts and thus cause fire or electric shock. Do not allow any
liquid to be spilled on or into the unit.
Accessories
Do not place the unit on unstable surfaces such as a trolley, stand, tripod, shelf or table.
The unit may fall and injure children or adults or be seriously damaged. Use only trolley,
stand, tripod, shelf or table that is very stable or provided with the unit. The unit must be
installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and by means of installation
equipment recommended by the manufacturer.
If the unit is placed on a trolley, the trolley must be moved very carefully. Sudden stops,
unnecessary force and uneven surfaces may cause the trolley to turn over.
Loads
Do not place heavy loads on the unit and do not step on it. The load may fall and cause
serious injury to persons or damage to the unit.
Damage
Unplug the unit and contact qualified technicians in
the following cases:
A) If the power cord or the plug is damaged.
B) If liquid has been spilled on the unit or objects
have fallen into the unit.
C) If the unit has been exposed to rain or water.
D) If the unit does not work properly after adhering to
the instructions in the operation manual. Only the settings described in the operation manual
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must be made as incorrect setting may result in damage and often will make it difficult for a
qualified technician to make the unit work properly again.
E) If the unit has been dropped or damaged in any other way.
F) When the operation of the unit changes
drastically, the unit requires service.
Service
Do not attempt to carry out any service work yourself. By opening or removing the cabinet,
you will be exposed to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Any service work should be
carried out by qualified technicians.
Spare parts
If spare parts are required, make sure that the service technician uses spare parts specified
by the manufacturer or spare parts with the same
characteristics as the original. Unauthorised spare parts may cause fire, electrical shock, etc.
Safety check
After service or repairs on the unit, ask the service technician to carry out a safety check to
ensure that the unit is ready for use.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Handling instructions
The top and back panel of the unit may become warm after prolonged use. This is not due to a
defect.
Turn off the power when the unit is not used.
Protect the power cord
Follow the instructions below to prevent abnormal operation, electrical shock, fire or personal
injury: Hold the plug firmly when inserting it into the socket.
Avoid heat-producing devices.
Do not place objects on the power cord.
Do not carry out service work on or change the power cord.
Positioning
Do not place the unit in any of the following places:
-In sunlight, close to heat-producing devices or in an enclosed rack;
-In places with high temperatures (40C or more) or high relative humidity (90% or more);
-In dirty or dusty places as some internal parts may be damaged.
Please do not put your fingers or any other objects into the unit
Touching the internal parts is dangerous and may cause injury or damage. Do not open the cabinet.
Do not place any foreign matter in the unit.
Interference
Placing the amplifier near a television set, radio or video player may cause poor picture and sound
quality. In that case, move the amplifier further away from the television set, radio or video player.
Condensation
Condensation may occur in the following cases:
When the amplifier is moved directly from a cold to a warm place.
When the amplifier is used in a room where the radiator has just been switched on or a place where
the cold air from the air-conditioning system is directed at the unit.
If the amplifier is used in the summer in a warm and humid room just after it has been moved from
an air-conditioned room.
If there is steam or a high level of humidity in the room.
In case of condensation, the amplifier will not work properly. Turn off the unit. Unplug the unit and
leave it for 2-3 hours. The amplifier will then have adapted to the environment and any condensation
will have disappeared.
NOTES ON INSTALLATION
Your System Fidelity SA-270 should be placed on a firm, level surface. Avoid placing it in direct
sunlight or near sources of heat and damp. Always allow adequate ventilation and don’t place
it on a soft surface like a carpet. Don’t place it in an enclosed position such a bookcase or
cabinet that may impede the air-flow through the ventilation holes. The unit shall not be
exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the unit.
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About connection to the mains
Do not turn on the power before all connections have been made correctly.
Check that all connections have been made correctly before turning on the
power.
Check that the mains voltage is 230-240V AC50Hz before turning on the power.
Check that all other connections have been made correctly before inserting the mains plug into the
wall socket.
Then insert the plug into a suitable socket.
If the unit is to be used abroad, you may need an adapter.
REMOTE CONTROL
Installation of batteries
Remove the cover at the back.
Position two batteries of the type AAA/R03/UM4
in the battery compartment. Make sure that the
orientation and polarity of the batteries is correct
(see drawing).
Do not mix new and old batteries and do not use
different types of batteries.
If the remote control is not used for prolonged
periods, remove the batteries from the remote
control to avoid corrosion.
Using the remote control
Direct the remote control at the sensor on the front
panel of the amplifier. When the remote control signal is received, the
unit reacts accordingly. The remote control works within a range of 6m.
Sometimes the remote control may not work well in direct strong light.
You may have to move the amplifier if it is a problem.
Malfunction may occur if remote controls of some other equipments
are used near the amplifier.
Do not place any objects on the remote control, as the batteries may
become flat if a key is depressed constantly.
Make sure that there are no obstacles between remote control and
amplifier.
Do not position the amplifier behind tinted glass as it may reduce the
maximum range of the remote control.

SA-270 AMPLIFIER FUNCTIONS:
(1) Power: Sets the SA-270 in standby mode.
(19-23) Input buttons: Selects input source of
amplifier.
(24) SPKRS A/B: selects which pair of speakers
are playing - press once for SPEAKERS A, press
one more time for SPEAKERS B, press third time
for SPEAKERS A+B
(25) Function: Adjusts treble/bass level, loudness
and balance by means of VOL + and -
(26) Volume +/-: Adjusts the master volume.
Some of the amplifier functions can only be
performed by means of the remote control. Some
functions are connected with the selected signal
input source. Some buttons on the remote control
may therefore not be available if the
corresponding signal input source has not been
selected.
ST-270 AM/FM TUNER FUNCTIONS:
(1) Power: Sets the ST-270 in standby mode.
(3) 1-10 : Selects stored stations. If depressed
for more than two seconds, a station is stored
under the number concerned.
(4) RDS: Displays RDS and other information.
(5) AM/FM: press to choose between AM or FM
mode
(6) ST/MONO: press to choose between stereo
or mono reception (in case of very weak signal,
mono can offer better sound without noise.
(7) Autotune: Press once to automatic tune in to
AM/FM stations. Depress button for two seconds
to initiate an automatic search. At FM, the
autotune function will search for a station at a
higher frequency.
(8) MEMORY: press to store the tuned station
CD-270 CD-PLAYER FUNCTIONS:
(1) Power: Sets the CD-270 in standby mode
(2) Eject: Opens the CD tray
(3) 1-10 : Selects desired track for playback
(11) PLAY/PAUSE: press once for playback. If
press during play, the disc is paused. Press one
more time for resume play.
(10) SKIP (IWW): Selects the previous track
(12) SKIP (XXI): Selects the next track
(9) SEARCH (XX): Search forward
(13) SEARCH (WW): Search back
(14)Random: All tracks are played in random
order
(15) Repeat: Repeats a single track or all tracks
on a CD
(16) Stop: Stops playback
(17) Program: Allows playback of the music
tracks on a CD in a certain order
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Remote control functions

(1) Mains switch: Used to switch on and off the unit by switching the mains voltage.
(2) Headphone output jack: 3,5-mm jack that suits most headphones.
(3) MP4/iPod input: 3,5mm jack for connection of iPod or MP3 and MP4 player.
(4) LED indicator: Lights blue indicating that the amplifier is on stand-by mode.
Switched off when the amplifier is in operation and VFD display is lit.
(5) Vacuum Tube Display (VFD): main display displaying most of the function
performed.
(6) DVD: Activates the DVD input.
(7) CD: Activates the CD input.
(8) Tuner: Activates the Tuner input.
(9) AUX1: Activates the AUX 1 input.
(10) AUX2: Activates the AUX 2 input.
(11) MP4/iPod: Activates the MP4/iPod line input
(12) Speakers A: Activates the main speaker pair output (A)
(13) Speakers B: Activates the secondary speaker pair output (B)
(14) Function: Gives the user access to the adjustment of the features as Balance,
Bass, Treble and Loudness.
(15) Mute: switching the mute button mutes the sound loudness for -20dB.
(16) Reset: gives the user the possibility to reset all adjustments to a factory default
(17) Volume knob: by turning the knob sound volume increases of decreases
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FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

Notes:
-Thespeakerimpedancemustbebetween4and16Ohm.Iftwospeakerpairsareconnectedandrunsimultaneously(A+B),theimpedanceofthe
speakersmustbeminimum6-8ohms.
-Foroptimalsoundqualitytheremustbeaproperandfirmconnectionbetweenthespeakerterminalsandtheamplifierterminals.Ensurethatallcablesand
socketsarenotdamagedinanywayandallsocketsarefirmlypushedhome.
-Thecableendsmustnotbefrayedtoavoidthattheycomeintocontactwitheachotherorthecabinetbackpanel.Besuretoconnectthepolaritiesofthe
speakersystemandthespeakerterminalscorrectly(+to+,-to-).
-Whenmaketheconnection,pleaserefertotheconnectiondiagram.Makesurethatalltheunitsareswitchedoffduringanyconnection.TheRCA
socketsonyourSA-250arecolorcodedforyourconvenience.RedandwhiteareRIGHTandLEFTaudiorespectively.
UsehighqualityRCA-interconnectandspeakercablesforoptimumperformanceandreliability. 11
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
(1) Line Out - RCA cynch output for connection of additional power amplifier, active subwoofer
or recording device
(2) AUX1: RCA cynch input for connection of optional equipment.
(3) AUX2: RCA cynch input for connection of optional equipment
(4) CD: RCA cynch input for connection of CD player
(5) DVD: RCA cynch input for connection of DVD player (Note: Analogue stereo input only).
(6) Tuner: RCA cynch input for connection of FM/AM radio.
(7-8) Speakers A left & right: For connection of main loudspeaker pair
(9-10) Speakers B left & right: For connection of additional loudspeaker pair
(11) AC input: For connection of mains voltage. Make sure that the plug is correctly
inserted, and that the voltage corresponds to the text printed on the cabinet back panel.
CONNECTIONS

On, Off and standby
1. Turn on the amplifier by pressing the mains switch.
2. Press the standby button on the remote control to switch to standby
mode. The display will turn off and all functions will be reduced to a
minimum to make sure that the amplifier uses minimal power. When in
standby mode the unit only reacts to the standby button of the remote
control.
3. If you wish to turn off the unit to avoid any power consumption, you must
press the mains switch.
Protect the environment and turn off the unit after use.
Selecting the input source
Turn on the SA-270.
Now you can call the input source that is active at the moment. Select Tuner to listen to the radio,
CD to listen to a CD, DVD, Phono, MP4/iPod, AUX1 or AUX2 if units have been connected to these
inputs.
If you do not know which input has been selected, the VFD display will clearly indicate it.
Press the Phono, DVD, CD, Tuner, MP4/iPod, AUX 1 or AUX 2 button either on the remote control or
on the front panel to select the corresponding input.
Note: All inputs are analogue stereo inputs. It means that you cannot connect a digital sound source
through a digital cable (optical or coaxial).
Using the function menu
The SA-270 features a “function menu” that allows adjustment of the following: Master volume,
bass, treble, balance and loudness.
Volume control
Turn the volume control knob to the right to increase the volume and turn the volume control to the
left to reduce the volume.
The volume control on the front panel can be turned both clockwise and anticlockwise to change the
volume. The volume control includes 64 steps, from -78,75 dB for minimum volume and up to 0 dB
for maximum volume.
When the volume control is operated, the first line of the display will switch from information on input
source to information on volume. When the volume control is no longer operated, information on
input source will be displayed again after five seconds.
Note: dB is a professional term for indicating the amplitude of an audio signal where 0 dB
is the maximum output. You will see that the LCD display of the unit indicates - dB up to 0 dB
which is the maximum volume.
Quick start
1. Connect the speakers to the speaker terminals and sources to the relevant terminals
and rear input sockets on the back panel of the unit.
2. Plug in the AC power cord.
3. Press the POWER switch on the front panel of the unit to turn on the amplifier.
4. Press the required input selector. And enjoy.
OPERATION AND FUNCTIONS
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Bass control
This amplifier features bass control that allows adjustment of the bass level by +/- 14 dB, from 45Hz
to 259Hz.
1. Press the FUNCTION button on the remote control or on the front panel until information on
bass adjustment is displayed to activate the bass tone control.
2. Press VOL+ and VOL- to adjust the bass level.
3. Then turn the volume control to adjust the bass level.
Note: If the bass control is not operated within five seconds, the display will return to the volume
information display.
Treble control
This amplifier features treble control that allows adjustment of the treble level by +/- 14 dB, from
2KHz to 20KHz.
1. Press the FUNCTION button on the remote control or on the front panel until information on
treble adjustment is displayed to activate the treble tone control.
2. Press VOL+ and VOL- to adjust the treble level.
3. Then turn the volume control to adjust the treble level.
Note:
If the treble control is not operated within five seconds, the display will return to the volume
information display.
Please note that the high bass or treble boost level offered by the bass/treble control
may lead to permanent damage to your loudspeakers if the high setting is used for
prolonged periods
Balance control
This amplifier features balance control that allows adjustment of the volume of one loudspeaker at a
time by +/- 38,75 dB, divided into 32 steps.
This function is used to compensate for a non-centred listening position, and makes it possible to
get back the correct stereo perspective.
- Press the FUNCTION button on the front panel or remote control until information on balance
control is displayed.
- Turn the volume control to adjust balance.
Note:
If the balance control is not operated within five seconds, the display will return to the volume
information display.
Loudness
This amplifier features a loudness function that allows boosting of the volume of the low frequencies
at low volume.
This function is active at frequencies between 20Hz and 800Hz, and the function is automatically
dampened when the amplifier volume is increased. When the volume is at the maximum setting,
the loudness function is completely cut out.
- Press the FUNCTION button on the front panel or remote control until information on loudness is
displayed
- Turn the volume control to the right to activate the loudness function and to the left to
deactivate the loudness function.
Note:
If the loudness function is not operated within five seconds, the display will return to the volume
information display.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
No power when the amplifier is turned on.
No sound.
There is sound in one channel only.
High buzzing.
Weak bass and poor stereo perspective
Distortion of sound.
The LCD display does not display
any information.
_ERROR 1 _ is displayed on the LCD display
The unit does not switch between inputs
CAUSE/REMEDY
-Switch on the electric current at the socket.
-Check that the plug has been correctly inserted into the
socket.
-The internal fuse has blown and must be replaced by a
qualified service technician.
-The power cord has been damaged and must be replaced
-The amplifier has not been turned on from stand-by mode.
-The volume control is set at a minimum
-The speaker cables have not been correctly connected.
-A wrong input source has been selected.
-No input source has been connected.
-The balance control is not correctly adjusted
-The audio input cables have been incorrectly connected
or damaged.
-The input source is defective.
-The speaker cables have been incorrectly connected or
damaged.
-The speakers are defective.
-The audio input cables have been incorrectly connected
or damaged.
-The ground cable for the record player has not been
connected.
-The record player pick-up is defective.
-The speaker connection is out of phase. Check that the
positive and negative poles have been correctly
connected, both at the back of the amplifier and at the
back of the speaker.
-Some of the conductor wires of the speaker cable are in
contact with each other which causes distortion.
-Bass and treble controls are set too high in relation to
speaker specifications.
-The volume is set too high.
-The amplifier is defective and should be serviced by a
qualified technician.
-The amplifier is defective and should be serviced by a
qualified authorized service.
- The amplifier is defective and should be serviced by a
qualified authorized service.
-The amplifier is defective and should be serviced by a
qualified authorized service.
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TECHNICAL DATA
Output power 2x70 Watt at 4 Ohm
2x50 Watt at 8 Ohm
Frequency response 10Hz to 63KHz (-3dB)
Distortion <0.05%
Signal-to-noise ratio >90dB
Phono input
Input impedance 47 KOhm
Input sensitivity 3.8mV
Line level inputs (Tuner, CD, DVD, AUX1, AUX2)
Input impedance 47 Kohm
Input sensitivity 200mV
Line level outputs
Output impedance Line out 100KOhm
Headphones 300Ohm
Maximum output level Line out 740mV
Headphones 1.25V
Tone control
Treble +/- 14dB
Bass +/- 14dB
Voltage and power consumption See back panel
Dimensions (WxDxH) 430 x 290 x 75mm
Weight 5.3Kg
We reserve the right to change the technical data and the design of the
product without notice as a result of further development.
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CONSUMER NOTICE:
The System Fidelity product you have purchased is subject to Directive 2002/
96/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on
waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and, in jurisdictions adopting
that Directive, is marked as being put on the market after August 13, 2005,
and should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Please utilize your
local WEEE collection facilities in the disposition of this product and otherwise
observe all applicable requirements.