Emotiva Ultra Series Amplifiers – Table of Contents SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 5 NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer Antenna Grounding Outside the House 7 7 7 Thank You For Your Purchase 8 Emotiva Ultra Series Amplifiers Overview 9 Ultra Amplifier Features 10 Power Rating Note 10 Unpacking Your Ultra Amplifier Inventory 11 11 Front Panel Layout 12 Back Panel Layouts UPA‐1 Back Panel UPA‐2 Back Panel UPA‐5 Back Panel UPA‐7 Back Panel 13 13 15 17
Troubleshooting Guide No Sound (from one or more speakers connected to the amplifier) The amplifier shuts down often or the line circuit breaker trips often Poor Bass Performance From Full Range Speakers connected to the amplifier Turn‐on and turn‐off thumps “Hum” Noises in the Speakers Other Probable Causes of Noise One or more RED lights on the Front Panel are Blinking Problems with the whole A/V System 27 27 27 28 28 28 29 29 29 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS UPA‐1 Specifications UPA‐2 Specifications UPA‐5 S
Safety Precautions Read this User’s Guide thoroughly before attempting to install and configure your Ultra Series Amplifier. All the safety and operation instructions should be read before any operation of the component(s) begin. After successful installation and configuration of the amplifier, be sure to retain this manual in a safe place for any future reference needs. All warnings on the amplifier and in this Operation Manual should be followed.
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of the component is not defeated.
NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer This reminder is to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820‐40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Thank You for your Purchase We’re happy you chose Emotiva Audio! We believe our products set a new standard for performance and value. Emotiva amplifiers are designed for maximum performance, ease of use, and simple installation. Our experienced engineers use practical, proven designs, along with innovative ideas to create amplifiers that will easily power your speakers at any level while remaining as efficient as possible.
Ultra Series Amplifiers Overview Our Ultra series has redefined what ‘entry level’ can mean by offering powerful, dependable, and long‐lasting amplifiers at industry‐shaking prices. A lot of skeptics became believers when they heard the difference an Ultra amplifier made to their sound when added to a basic receiver setup. No receiver, regardless of power ratings can compete with a dedicated external amplifier.
Ultra Series Amplifier Features: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Audiophile quality performance and sound High current power supply Low noise toroidal power transformer Advanced microprocessor operating system Complementary, discrete power amplifier design incorporating high current, high speed, On Semiconductor power devices Channel status indicators for standby, operate, and fault 12 volt trigger connections Completely stable into 4 ohm loads Signal to Noise Ratio is greater than 100dB, unweighted ref.
Unpacking Your Ultra Amplifier All Emotiva amplifiers are double boxed to survive the rigors of long distance shipping and arrive to you undamaged. The outer box may show wear and tear, but this is no cause for alarm. The outer box’s purpose is to protect the inner box. If the inner looks heavily damaged, and you are concerned about damage to the amplifier, please call Emotiva Technical Support at 877‐366‐8324 (877‐EMO‐Tech).
Front Panel Layout The face of a UPA‐7 is shown above. Although there is variation within the Ultra Series amplifiers (size and faceplates), the basic features are the same: a power button and LED Status window. 1. Front Panel LED Display The front panel display contains Status LED lighting to indicate the operation status of the amplifier. • NO LED = Amplifier is OFF • BLUE LED = Normal Operation • FLASHING RED LED = Fault Condition ‐ see “Troubleshooting” section for details.
Back Panel Layouts UPA‐1 Back Panel 1. Status Led Selector ‐ Status LEDs can be turned on and off with this selector. 2. RCA /Unbalanced Audio Input ‐ Standard RCA input connection that connects to a standard RCA audio output connection on a preamplifier, receiver or multi‐channel processor. 3. Unbalanced/Balanced Input Selector – When turned towards ‘Un‐Bal’, the RCA (unbalanced) input is chosen and active. When turned towards ‘Bal’, the XLR/Balanced input is chosen and active. 4.
In ‘STANDBY’ mode the front panel button will emit an amber glow, but the unit is not fully powered. A small amount of amps are used in this mode, less than an average night light would use. If you are away for an extended period of time (more than a few days), shut off all power to the amplifier with the main power switch on the back of the amplifier. 10.
UPA‐2 Back Panel 1. Status Led Selector ‐ Status LEDs can be turned on and off with this selector. 2. Channel Two (Right) Audio Input – Standard RCA input connection that connects to a standard RCA audio output connection on a preamplifier, receiver or multi‐channel processor. 3. Level/Output Control – This rotary dial controls the output level of the UPA‐2. This is recommended for use when the output level of the UPA‐2 (32db) exceeds the output level of other amplifiers being used in the same system.
In ‘STANDBY’ mode the front panel button will emit an amber glow, but the unit is not fully powered. A small amount of amps are used in this mode, less than an average night light would use. If you are away for an extended period of time (more than a few days), shut off all power to the amplifier with the main power switch on the back of the amplifier. 10.
UPA‐5 Back Panel 1. Status Led Selector ‐ Status LEDs can be turned on and off with this selector. 2‐6: Audio Inputs‐ These are standard RCA input connections that connect to standard RCA audio output connections of a preamplifier, receiver or multi‐channel processor. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Channel Five Audio Input Channel Four Audio Input Channel Three Audio Input Channel Two Audio Input Channel One Audio Input 7. Master Power Switch ‐ This rocker switch provides the master power for the amplifier.
9. Channel Five Speaker Terminals 10. Channel Four Speaker Terminals 11. Channel Three Speaker Terminals 12. Channel Two Speaker Terminals 13. Channel One Speaker Terminals Note: Potentially lethal voltages present! Never connect, disconnect or modify speaker wiring with the amplifier turned on. 14. IEC Power Cable Connection 15. Voltage Indicator ‐ All Emotiva amplifiers operate on either 115V or 230V. The voltage is detected when the amplifier is turned on, and is identified by the indicator lights.
UPA‐7 Back Panel 1. Status Led Selector ‐ Status LEDs can be turned on and off with this selector. 2‐8: Audio Inputs‐ These are standard RCA input connections that connect to standard RCA audio output connections of a preamplifier, receiver or multi‐channel processor. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Channel Seven Audio Input Channel Six Audio Input Channel Five Audio Input Channel Four Audio Input Channel Three Audio Input Channel Two Audio Input Channel One Audio Input 9.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. Channel Seven Speaker Terminals Channel Six Speaker Terminals Channel Five Speaker Terminals Channel Four Speaker Terminals Channel Three Speaker Terminals Channel Two Speaker Terminals Channel One Speaker Terminals Note: Potentially lethal voltages present! Never connect, disconnect or modify speaker wiring with the amplifier turned on. 18. IEC Power Cable Connection 19. Voltage Indicator ‐ All Emotiva amplifiers operate on either 115V or 230V.
Installation and Connections AC Power Considerations The majority of household electrical sockets (in places other than the kitchen and garage) are 15 amperes maximum, which is sufficient to power your Ultra series amplifier. However, remember to account for the electrical power that other components will require if they share a common wall socket or electrical circuit.
Input Connection Considerations High quality, fully shielded RCA or XLR cables are recommended for use with Ultra amplifiers. ‘Twisted Pair’ cables are not recommended. Ultra amplifiers have an extremely high bandwidth, and twisted, non‐shielded cables can actually act as an ‘antenna’, receiving outside interference and signals (EMI and RFI), which will cause the amplifier to go into protect mode.
Connection Diagram (using a UPA‐7 for example) 23
Connections Using a Multi‐Channel Preamp/Processor with Speakers The diagram on the preceding page depicts an UPA‐7 connected to an Emotiva UMC‐1 Multi‐Channel Processor/Preamplifier. Your personal setup may differ, depending on which amplifier you own, and how many channels you are using. The UPA‐7 is simply shown as a basic example. The image shows a basic 5‐channel surround configuration connecting the RCA/Unbalanced outputs on the processor to the RCA/Unbalanced inputs on the amplifier.
Series and Parallel Speaker Connections Whenever connecting more than one speaker per channel to an amplifier, you must consider the way in which the amplifier will be impacted by adding the additional speaker(s). Additionally, speakers with dual voice coils also apply to this consideration. Two voice coils in a single speaker also cause different reactions from an amplifier depending on the way in which they connect to the amplifier.
Parallel Connections A parallel circuit is established when voice coils are connected in a way that there are multiple paths for audio signals to flow “in” and multiple paths for audio signals to flow “out”. When speakers are connected in parallel, the total resistance at the amplifier is proportionally divided based on the value of each individual voice coil resistance. The term “divided” simply means all of the values together in parallel are a SMALLER value than each all by itself.
Troubleshooting Guide Ultra Series amplifiers are expertly designed and built to provide years of trouble‐free performance. Most problems that occur can usually be solved by checking your setup or making sure that the audio and video components connected to the amplifier are on and fully operational. NOTE: Before turning on your amplifier for the first time, be sure to check: 1. The Balanced/Unbalanced selectors for each amplifier channel (located on the back panel).
Poor Bass Performance from Full Range Speakers • Make sure that your preamp does not have the bass (tone control) level turned down. • Many surround preamplifiers have controls, which can direct all the bass to subwoofers, or let your main speakers play the full range. Make sure that the preamplifier has been correctly set. If you are not using a subwoofer, set the speaker options to “Large” where possible.
Ground loop isolators are available for audio lines and video devices. If you need assistance, contact Emotiva. Although this is not always an ideal solution, the grounding differences between certain home entertainment components sometimes require ground loop isolators. This is the exception rather than the rule. Other Probable Causes of Noise • Speaker noise may also be caused by interference or noise on your AC line.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: UPA‐1 Number of Channels: 1 Topology: Fully Discrete, Dual Differential, High Current, Short Signal Path Class A/B Power output (all channels driven): 350 watts RMS @ 4 ohm (0.1% THD) 200 watts RMS @ 8 ohm (0.1% THD) Power Band Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than .05db deviation at rated power Broadband Frequency Response: (‐3db): 5Hz to 150kHz Amplifier Gain: 32db Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >89db Full Power: >117db Input Impedance: Unbalanced – 23.
UPA‐2 Number of Channels: 2 Topology: Fully Discrete, Dual Differential, High Current, Short Signal Path Class A/B Power output (all channels driven): 185 watts RMS @ 4 ohm (0.1% THD) 125 watts RMS @ 8 ohm (0.1% THD) Power Band Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than .
UPA‐5 Number of Channels: 5 Topology: Fully Discrete, Dual Differential, High Current, Short Signal Path Class A/B Power output (all channels driven): 185 watts RMS @ 4 ohm (0.1% THD) 125 watts RMS @ 8 ohm (0.1% THD) Power Band Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than .05db deviation at rated power Broadband Frequency Response: (‐3db): 5Hz to 150kHz Amplifier Gain: 32db Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >119db Full Power: >116db Input Impedance: 23.
UPA‐7 Number of Channels: 7 Topology: Fully Discrete, Dual Differential, High Current, Short Signal Path Class A/B Power output (all channels driven): 185 watts RMS @ 4 ohm (0.1% THD) 125 watts RMS @ 8 ohm (0.1% THD) Power Band Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than .05db deviation at rated power Broadband Frequency Response: (‐3db): 5Hz to 150kHz Amplifier Gain: 32db Signal to Noise Ratio 1 watt: >115db Full Power: >120db Input Impedance: 23.
Limited Warranty Emotiva offers the following warranty to owners of X Amplifiers: Emotiva Audio warranties your X‐Series amplifier to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the original date of purchase. The following items are excluded from, or will void this warranty coverage: • Damage caused during shipment and handling. If you receive an item that you believe to have been damaged during shipment, please contact Emotiva immediately.
Emotiva Disclosure Copyright 2009 Emotiva All Rights Reserved. Emotiva reserves the right to make improvements to its products at any time. Therefore, the specifications of the product and the specific details of this manual are subject to change at any time. Emotiva and the Emotiva "E" are registered trademarks of Emotiva Audio Corporation.