Viola Systems LEGACY User manual

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGACY MONO POWER
AMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© Viola Audio Laboratories 2009
The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The
mostcurrentversionofthismanualwillbepostedonourwebsiteat
www.Violalabs.com.
P/N: 91-legacymanual Revision: 0

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 2 of 14 14
th
February 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
•Safety Instructions 3
•Introduction 4
•Unpacking 4
•Voltage Setting 4
•Location 5
•XLR Connector Pin Assignment 5
•Speaker Cable Connection 6
oSingle Speaker Cable Connection 6
oBi-wiring Speaker Connection 7
•Multi-amplification 7
•AC Power Cable Connection 8
•Switching on for the First Time 8
•Remote On – Off 8
•Breaking In 9
•Care and Cleaning 9
•Mains Fuse 9
•Troubleshooting 10
•Warranty 11
•Service 12
•Contacting VIOLA 13
•Specifications 14

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 3 of 14 14
th
February 2009
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all of the following instructions before operating your power amplifier.
1. This product contains no user serviceable parts. NEVER attempt to
repair the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to a VIOLA approved
technician.
2. Thisproductmustbeconnectedtothemainssupplywithathree-
conductor AC mains power cord that includes a ground connection.
To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be
used. NEVER defeat the ground connection.
3. ALWAYS disconnectyourentiresystemfromtheACmainsbefore
connecting or disconnecting any cables, or before cleaning any
component.
4. NEVER operate this unit with any covers removed. Dangerous
voltages may exist within the unit even when it is disconnected from
the mains supply.
5. We do not recommend the use of AC extension cords with this
product. Ifitisnecessarytouseanextensioncord,pleaseensure
that it meets the safety standards in your country and has sufficient
current capacity. For 100V to 120V operation, useacablewithat
least a 10A rating. For 220V to 240V operation, useacablewithat
least a 5A rating.
6. NEVER use flammable chemicals for cleaning this product.
7. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid, or operate the
unit in a wet environment.
8. NEVER block air flow through the ventilation slots on either the top
or the bottom of the unit.
9. NEVER bypass any fuses.
10. NEVER replaceanyfusewithavalue or type other than those
specified. Suitable replacements are available from your local VIOLA
dealer, national distributor or directly from VIOLA.
11.
NEVER expose this product to temperatures outside the range 0°C
to 55°C, non-condensing.
12. ALWAYS disconnect the unit from the mains supply during lightning
storms, or if the unit will not be used for a prolonged period.

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 4 of 14 14
th
February 2009
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the VIOLA Legacy Amplifier. Great care has gone into the
design and manufacture of the Legacy and if properly used, it will give a lifetime of
musical enjoyment. We strongly recommend that you read these instructions before
youattempttousetheunit,sothatyoucanbesureitissetuptogiveoptimum
performance.
UNPACKING
Please keep all ofthepackingmaterialsincaseyoueverneedtoshipthe unit.
Should you need to return the unit to the factory, you must use the original shipping
carton. The use of any other packing may result in the product sustaining damage in
transit. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. Replacement shipping cartons
may be obtained via your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or directly from the
factory.
After unpacking the unit, please confirm that the following items are present:
1 VIOLA Legacy power amplifier
1 user manual
1 three-conductor mains cord
1 Remote Cable
2 Spare Fuses
If anyoftheaboveitems are missing, or if the amplifiers show any signs of damage,
please contact your VIOLA dealer immediately.
VOLTAGE SETTING
Before going any further please, confirm that the unit issettooperateonthemains
voltage youplantouse. The setting is indicated on the fusecover.Thisisonthe
mains input receptacle located on the unit’s rear panel.Please see the section on
the MAINS FUSE formoredetails. Ifthesettingonyourunitisnotcorrect,contact
your VIOLA dealer. Only a VIOLA approved technician should change the voltage
setting. Donotattempttodothisyourself.Shouldyousettheunit to the wrong
voltage,youriskpersonalinjuryandyoumayalsocauseseriousdamagetotheunit
which will void the warranty.

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 5 of 14 14
th
February 2009
We recommend that you place the Legacy as close to the loudspeaker as possible, as
this reduces the length of speaker cable required. While this may make it necessary
to use longer interconnect cables, long interconnects cause less sonic degradation
than long speaker cables.
The unit may be placed on a stand or shelf, provided it is strong enough.
Alternatively, itmaybeplaceddirectly on thefloor.Inthiscase, please ensure that
that the ventilationslotsonthebaseofthe unit are not obstructed by carpeting or
other floor covering.
Never stack Legacy unitsontopofeachotheror place them on top of another power
amplifier, or other source of heat.
Always allow a clearance of at least 3.5” (5cm) above the unit. You must also allow
a clearance of at least 6” (15 cm) behind the unit, to enable the cables to be routed
without being subject undue strain.
Regardless of where you locate your amplifier, we advise positioning it well away
from sensitive low signal level components such as pre-amplifiers and turntables.
The Legacy power amplifier dissipates approximately 400 watts as heat when idling
(i.e. no input signal). It is normal and perfectly safe for it to run hot to the touch.
XLR CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT
The Legacy is fitted with 2 XLR type balanced inputs. The pin assignments of the
Legacy’sXLRinputconformstotheAES14standard, which is now commonly used
throughout the audio industry. These assignments are shown below:
Pin 1:
Signal ground
Pin 2:
Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3:
Signal - (inverting)
Connector shell:
Chassis ground
Some equipment may have the polarity of the signals on pins2and3ofthe XLR
connectors swapped over. Please refer to the user manuals of the other equipment
in your signal chain to confirm whether this is the case.
Ifthisisthecase,itwillnotcauseanydamage,butitmayreducethequality of the
stereoimage,aswellastheperceivedattackofthebass.Thissituationiseasily
remedied by swapping the connections of pins 2 and 3 at either end of one of one set
ofbalancedcablesinthesignalchain.Alternativelyyoucanswapover the polarity
LOCATION

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 6 of 14 14
th
February 2009
ofthespeakerleadsonbothchannels.Yourdealershouldbeabletoadviseyouon
the best course of action.
Iftwoitemsinthesignalpathhavetheconnectionstopins2and3oftheXLR
connector reversed with respect to the AES standard, this cancels out the problem
and you need take no further action.
Caution!
•NEVER connectapoweramplifier'soutputterminalstoany
device other than a loudspeaker.
•NEVER short-circuit the amplifier's output terminals.
•ALWAYS switch the amplifier off before connecting or
disconnecting signal or speaker cables.
CABLES AND CONNECTORS
To realize the full potential of the Legacy,werecommendtheuseofa high-quality
speaker cable such as the VIOLA Jazz cable. Consult your VIOLA dealer for details.
The Legacy is equipped with four pair of high quality binding posts. These are
designed to accept cables fitted with spade lugs. The lugs should either be soldered
or crimped to the speaker cable – the latter is preferred. We do not recommend the
useofbarewiretoconnectthespeakercabletothebindingpost.Thisproducesan
inferior connection that degrades as the bare conductors become tarnished.
SINGLE SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTION
WARNING: The Legacy uses a balancedoutputconnection.Thereisvoltageonboth
the plus and minus terminals. Do not ground any output connection.
Connect red (H) bindingpostontherearoftheLegacy to the input terminal marked
+, or colored red on the speaker.
Connect the black (L) binding postontherearoftheLegacy to the input terminal
marked -, or colored black on the speaker.
Use the impedance tap that best matches your speaker. If you have a nominal 8 Ω
speaker use the 8 Ω connection.
SPEAKER CABLE CONNECTION

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 7 of 14 14
th
February 2009
Bi-wireable speakers have separate inputs for the high frequency (HF) and low
frequency (LF) sections of their cross-overs. These are connected to the power
amplifier with separate speaker cables. Bi-wire connection is regarded as superior to
using a single cable, as it avoids interactions between the low and high frequencies
that may occur when a single speaker cable is used. You will requiretwosetsof
speaker cables.
To use a bi-wire speaker with the Legacy follow the instructions below:
1. Connect the terminalmarked+,orcoloredredonthespeaker’sLFinputtothe
red (H) binding post on the rear of the Legacy.
2. Using a separate cable, connect the terminalmarked+,orcolored red on the
speaker’s HF input to the red (H) binding post on the rear of the Legacy.
3. Connect the terminal marked -, or colored black on the speaker’s LF input to the
black (L) binding post on the rear of the Legacy.
4. Using a separate cable, connect the terminal marked -, or colored black on the
speaker’s HF input to the black (L) binding post on the rear of the Legacy.
Note: Bi-wireable speakers are often shipped with links between the inputs to the
two sections of the cross-over. Ensure that these links are removed, or the benefits
of bi-wiring will not be realized.
MULTI-AMPLIFICATION
Multi-amplification (or multi-amping) uses separate power amplifiers to drive the
input to each section of the speaker. This reduces the interaction not only between
the upper and lower frequencies, but also between the left and right channels.
Therearetwotypesofmulti-ampedsystem.Themostcommontypeusesthe
speaker’s internal cross-over. Oneamplifierisusedtodriveeachsectionofthe
speaker’s cross-over directly. A 2-way speaker will therefore use 2 Legacy amplifiers
and a 3-way speaker will use 3 Legacy amplifiers.Alltheamplifiersononechannel
must be driven bythesamesignal.Thisiseasilyarrangedas the Legacy has two
XLR inputconnectorsandthesearewiredinparallel.Thepre-amplifier is connected
directly to one Legacy and then the second input on this unit is connected to one of
the inputs on next amplifier in that channel. Additional amplifiers are linked in the
same manner.
In the second type of multi-amped system, the speaker’s internal cross-over is not
used. Eachdriverisdrivendirectlybyitsowndedicated Legacy amplifier. The input
signal is split into the bands appropriate for each driver using an electronic cross-
over such as the VIOLA Quartet or Duet andtheoutputsfromthisdeviceareusedto
drive each Legacy. Splittingtheinputsignalintothenecessarybandsatlowlevel
allowsdistortionlevelstobereducedcomparedtowhena conventional cross-over is
used.
BI-WIRE CONNECTION

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 8 of 14 14
th
February 2009
For more information about the VIOLA Quartet or Duet please visit the VIOLA web
site at www.violalabs.com
.
AC POWER CABLE CONNECTION
IfthewalloutletyouplantousefortheLegacy has an on/off switch, check that it is
switched off.
InsertthesuppliedACmainscordintothereceptacleontherearoftheLegacy and
ensure that it is pushed securely home.
Inserttheotherendofthemainscablesecurelyintothemainsoutlet.Takecareto
arrangethecablesothatitisnotbentsharplyandthatitsweightwillnotpullitout
of either the mains outlet, or the receptacle on the rear of the Legacy.
Do not switch the unit on yet.
SWITCHING ON FOR THE FIRST TIME
Check that all the signal cables in the system are correctly connected.
Select the appropriate input on the pre-amplifier and set the volume to minimum.
Switch on the pre-amplifier and your signal source, which we will assume is a CD
player.
Allowthesystemtostabilizefor2minutes, and then put a CD into the player and
press play.
If the wall outlet you are using for the Legacy is switchable, switch it on now.
TheLEDwillbeadimgreen.ThistellsyoutheLegacyhasACpowerandisin
standby mode. The Legacy consumes less than a ½ Watt in standby.
Press the power switch on the Legacy’s front panel. When the unit starts, the LED
will increase in brightness.
Allowtheunittostabilizefor2minutes,and then slowly increase the volume on the
pre-amplifier to a comfortable level. The unit is now ready for use.
Ifyouexperienceanyproblems,pleaserefertothetroubleshootingsectionofthis
manual.
The Legacycanberemotelyturnedoffandonbya+12VoltDCsignalfeedintothe
remoteinjackonthebackoftheLegacy.YoucanturnonmultipleLegacyamplifiers
REMOTE ON - OFF

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 9 of 14 14
th
February 2009
byconnectingfromtheremoteoutjackofthefirstamplifierintotheremoteinjack
of the second.
BREAKING IN
Although the VIOLA Legacy power amplifier will deliver outstanding performance
straightoutofthebox,youmayexpecttohearitcontinuetoimproveasitreaches
its normal operating temperature and its various components "break-in." It has been
our experience that the greatest changes occur within the first 25-50 hours. The
amplifier willcontinuetoimproveinsoundqualityforabout300hoursfromthestart
of use.
The onlyexceptiontothisruleisiftheunitisswitchedoff, allowing it to cool down.
In this case, a brief warm-up period will be required before the amplifier's sound
quality reaches its best. It is not necessary to repeat the initial 300 hour break-in.
We recommend that you turn off the Legacy when not in use. SinceitisaClassA
bias amplifier it will dissipate the most heat when idle.
CARE AND CLEANING
Caution!
•ALWAYS switch the amplifier off and disconnect it from the
mains supply before attempting to clean it.
•NEVER apply cleaning products directly totheamplifierasthey
may enter the unit and cause damage.
•NEVER use any of the following cleaning products as they may
damage the finish:
•Wax polish
•Spirit or alcohol based cleaners
•Corrosive or abrasive cleaners
Inmostcaseswipingtheunitwithaslightlydampsoft cloth will give
satisfactory results. Non-abrasive glass cleaners containing ammonia or
vinegar, appliedwithasoftclothmayalsobeused.Ifyouhaveconcerns
about the suitably of a cleaner, first tryitoutonapartoftheunitthatisless
visible, such as the rear panel.
MAINS FUSE
The mains fuse is located inside the mains input receptacle on the unit’s rear panel.
If you suspect that the fuse has blown, follow the procedure below:
•Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply.
•Check the fuse with a continuity tester and replace any blown fuses
withoneoftheratingandtype shown below. Using afuseofthe

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 10 of 14 14
th
February 2009
incorrect type or rating may create a safety hazard or cause damage to
the unit and may also result in the warranty being voided.
Operating Voltage
Fuse Rating
Fuse Size
100V, 110V or 120V
T6.25A
11/4 inch
220V or 240V
T3.15A
5mm x 20mm
2sparefusesaresuppliedwiththeamplifier.Suitablereplacements
may be obtained from your VIOLA dealer or directly from VIOLA.
•After replacing the fuse,switchtheamplifieronandcheck whether it
operatesnormally.Ifthefuse blows again, switch the unit off
immediately, disconnect it from the mains supply and get in touch with
your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or VIOLA directly for technical
support. Contact details for VIOLA are given in the GETTING IN
TOUCH section of this manual.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Mostproblemsmayberesolvedbyfollowingthestepsbelow.Ifthesefail,please
contact your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or VIOLA directly.
1. No sound and the front panel LED is not lit?
•Press the frontpanelpowerswitchtoconfirmthattheunitisnot
switched off. If there has been a temporary interruption to the mains
supply, or the supply voltage has dropped below certain limits, the unit
will automatically shut down and cannot be restarted until the mains
voltage returns within the normal operating range. The drop-out
voltageandnormaloperatingrangefor120Vand240Vunitsare
shown below.
Mains Setting
Drop Out Voltage
Normal Operating Range
120V
90V
90V – 140V
240V
190V
190V – 280V
•Check thatthepowerleadisinsertedallthewayintothe AC input
receptacle on the rear panel, the other end is plugged into the AC wall
outlet and if applicable, that the wall socket is switched on.
•CheckthatthereispowerontheACwallsocketbyconnecting
another piece of equipment that is known to work to the socket.
•Check the mains fuse as shown in the MAINS FUSE section of this
manual.
2. No sound and the front panel LED is lit?
•Check the entire signal wiring in the system.
•Check that all the units feeding the amplifier are switched on.

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 11 of 14 14
th
February 2009
•Check that the input selector and any other relevant switches are
set appropriately.
•Check that the signal source is playing.
•Check that the pre-amplifier and or signal source volume control(s)
are set at a level that is loud enough to hear.
3. The front LED is blinking.
The Legacy front panel LED will blink when a fault occurs. Count the
positionofthebrightledinthesequence starting with count one after the pause
in the sequence. This will be the error code of what shut the amplifier down.
Number
Fault
1
+12 Volt Over Voltage
2
- Power Supply Over Voltage
3
+ Power Supply Over Voltage
4
Inverting Amplifier PNP Over Temperature
5
Inverting Amplifier NPN Over Temperature
6
Inverting Amplifier + DC Offset
7
Inverting Amplifier - DC Offset
8
9
10
Non-Inverting Amplifier PNP Over Temperature
11
Non-Inverting Amplifier NPN Over Temperature
12
Non-Inverting Amplifier + DC Offset
13
Non-Inverting Amplifier - DC Offset
14
15
Lost AC Power Line Cycle
3. The amplifier keeps shutting down?
Use the above information to help determine the problem.
•Faults 1, 2 and 3 could be too high of an incoming AC line voltage.
•Faults 4, 5, 10 and 11 could be inadequate ventilation.
•Fault 15 is caused by a power interruption.
•Contact the dealer or maker directly for assistance.

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 12 of 14 14
th
February 2009
WARRANTY
VIOLA AudioLabsproductsarewarrantedtobefreefromdefectsifusedunder
normalconditionsforaperiodof5yearsfromthedateofshipmentfrom the
factory. This warranty is transferable to subsequent owners.
Repairsormodificationscarriedoutbythefactory,orbyanauthorizedrepairagent,
shallbeguaranteedfortheremainingportionofthewarranty,orfor1year,which
ever is greater.
Any unauthorized modifications or repairs will result in the warranty becoming void.
The warranty will also become void if VIOLA determines that the unit has been
subject to misuse.
ThereisnootherexpresswarrantyonVIOLA products. This warranty shall not
extend beyond the stated warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for
incidental or consequential damage.
SERVICE
Customers within the USA
In the first instance please contact your local VIOLA dealer. Should they be unable
to assist you, please contact VIOLA by phone on 1-203-772-0435, by fax on 1-203-
772-0569, or by email at [e-mail]
.
Ifitbecomesnecessarytoreturnyourunittothefactory,youwillbegivenaReturn
Authorization (RA) number. Thisnumbermustbeclearlymarkedontheoutsideof
theshippingbox.ReturnswithoutaRAnumberwillnotbeaccepted.Returns
received in non-standardpackingwillbereplacedwithnewpackingattheowner's
expense. If you need new packing, please contact your VIOLA dealer or the factory.
For units returned to the factory under warranty during the first year, VIOLA will pay
forthefreightchargesbothways.A VIOLA approved shipping company must be
usedandtheunitswillbereturnedtothecustomerusingthesamecarrier,oran
equivalent service.
Forunitsreturnedtothefactoryunderwarrantyduringyears2to5,thecustomeris
responsibleforpayingtheshippingchargesbacktothefactory.AVIOLA approved
shipping company must be used. Providing this condition is met, VIOLA will pay the
cost of shipping the units back to the customer.
VIOLA willnotpayfreightcostsif units are returned without a RAnumber,orifno
fault is found. Customers are responsible for all freight charges for units returned for
non-warranty repairs.
Customers Overseas
Please contact your local VIOLA dealer, or the official VIOLA distributor in your
country.Iftheyareunabletoassistyou,pleasecontactVIOLA by phone on 1-203-
772-0435, by faxon1-203-772-0569, or by email at [e-mail]
. Should

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 13 of 14 14
th
February 2009
itbecomenecessaryforyoutoreturnyourunittoVIOLA directly, the same
conditionsasapplyforUScustomersmustbeobservedregardingfreightcharges
and obtaining Return Authorization numbers.
CONTACTING VIOLA
Should you need to contact VIOLA, please notethatourofficehoursare8a.m.to 4
p.m. EST and that we cannot respond to telephone enquiries outside of these hours.
Address
315 Peck Street
New Haven, CT 06513
USA
Telephone
1 203 772 0435
Fax
1 203 772 0569
Email
[e-mail]

Viola Legacy Manual Rev 0 Page 14 of 14 14
th
February 2009
SPECIFICATIONS
Class of Output Operation: A
Power Rating: 100W continuous average power into 16, 8, 4, and 2 ohms
20 Hz to 20 kHz at less than 0.25% THD
IM Distortion (SMPTE):
1W to 100W<0.01%
THD: <0.08% @ 20 kHz/100 watts
Frequency Response:
1W into 8 ohms (10Hz - 20kHz) +/-0.25 db; 100k <-3 db
Power Bandwidth: 5 Hz to 100 kHz (-3dB points)
SN Ratio: <-110 db at 1 kHz / 100W; C weighted
Gain: 26 dB
Input Impedance: 1M Ohm / 1M Ohm balanced
Inputs: 2 x Balanced - XLR
Output Connections: 1 pair of binding posts for spade terminals for each
impedance tap
Power Consumption: Approximately 450W at idle
Weight: Amplifier: 168 lbs. (76.2kg)
Dimensions: Height w/Feet: 12 3/16”. (31.0 cm)
Width: 17 9/16” (44.6 cm)
Depth w/Binding Posts: 26 1/2”. (67.3cm)
These specifications are subject to change without notice.