INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE Systems Integration Amplifier ® ® B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E®
CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for purchasing the Niles SI-1260 Systems Integration Amplifier, one of the most versatile and powerful multi-channel amplifiers ever offered. Like all Niles products, the SI-1260 is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems.
Designed for use in high-end/high-powered distributed audio systems, the SI-1260 Systems Integration Amplifier provides a level of performance, flexibility, and ease of installation previously unavailable to custom installers. The SI-1260's unique design enables each of its channels to be independently configured to reproduce stereo or mono in any combination, as well as to compensate for differing volume levels in rooms of different sizes.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS FEATURES AND BENEFITS Microcontroller Based Real World Power The SI-1260 12 channel amplifier incorporates microcontroller technology which maximizes the amplifier's operational efficiency and enables it to deliver a solid 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, 0.04% THD. Its power increases to 80 watts per channel into 4 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz, at 0.06% THD.
Each of the SI-1260's six adjacent output pairs are bridgeable. You can create up to six 120-watt channels by setting the bridging switch to the "BRIDGED" position. These switches are located at the top of the rear panel (see Page 21 Figure 16). Bridging enables you to double the power to specific speaker locations, including large rooms and outdoor applications.
SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS As shown in Figure 2, a distributed audio/video system is defined by the number of listening zones it has. Within a listening zone you can listen to only one (1) source (e.g. CD, Radio, Tape, etc.) at any one time. A listening zone can consist of a single room or a group of rooms. To achieve different volumes and greater convenience in different rooms within a zone, individual volume controls can be used. Niles makes volume controls in various styles and colors.
Speaker Compatibility A single channel (not bridged) of the SI-1260 is capable of driving a low impedance speaker load. As many as three eight ohm speakers can be safely connected to a single channel, presenting the amplifier a 2.66 ohm load. Proper ventilation of the SI-1260 is critical when driving low impedance loads.
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Using Mono For Smoother Coverage In large or irregularly shaped rooms, you may find that the main listening area may be closer to one of the speakers. If the speakers in the room are connected to a stereo amplifier you will only hear half the music. The SI-1260's BusMatrix™ enables you to create mono sound from one speaker without impacting the stereo quality in the rest of the system. You can configure each room to either stereo or mono as needed with no ill effects.
Advantages of Using The SI-1260 in a Single Zone System By connecting a Niles SI-1260 to a stereo receiver's preamplifier outputs, you dedicate a robust 60 watts to each speaker in your multi-room system. Each channel has its own level control, enabling you to compensate for architectural differences which may cause one speaker to seem louder than another.
APPLICATIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Creating a Low-Cost Second Zone Using A Dedicated Source The main problem in a single zone system is that when a source is being listened to in one room, you cannot listen to another source in another room simultaneously. However, for a listener who only listens to CDs, a low-cost second zone may be created to allow simultaneous CD listening while the main system is playing another source.
Most of today's Dolby Digital surround sound receivers include a second zone preamplifier output used to create a second listening zone. Using this output with one of the SI-1260's BusMatrix™ inputs provides amplification for multiple rooms within a second listening zone as shown in Figure 6.
Adding Preamps To Create More Listening Zones APPLICATIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS In the ultimate multi-zone system, you would connect six stereo preamplifiers (or a single component multi-zone/multi-source preamplifier) to one SI-1260, creating six completely independent listening zones. Multi-zone systems enable listeners located in six separate zones to simultaneously listen to different source components as shown in Figure 7. AM/FM TUNER DSS DVD/CD CHANGER Niles A4.
Utilizing the Dual BusMatrix™ Input DVD/CD CHANGER AM/FM TUNER DSS Zones 3-6 ZONE 3 SI-1260 Niles A4.6Ci Zones 1-2 BusMatrix™ Input 1 BusMatrix™ Input 2 ZONE 4 SI-1260 Niles VCS-2D Volume Control ZONE 5 ROOM 1 ROOM 2 ZONE 1 ROOM 3 ROOM 4 ROOM 5 ZONE 2 APPLICATIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Many multi-zone systems incorporate multiple rooms within a single zone. The SI-1260’s Dual BusMatrix™ Input simplifies the connections required for this system design.
CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM The SI-1260 offers many configuration possibilities. Therefore, carefully plan the installation before starting. Start by drawing a block diagram of your system and use the Configuration Worksheet on page 29 to document how you plan to connect your SI-1260. Figure 9, shown below, is an example of a Configuration Worksheet filled out according to the block diagram (figure 6) on page 10.
Automating the turn-on of your SI-1260 is one of the easiest steps when installing it in a distributed system. However, do not plug the main power cord into the switched AC outlet of your preamplifier or receiver. The high power design of the SI-1260 requires large amounts of current from its AC power source. Additionally, it is always recommended to activate the system preamplifier/receiver before turning on your SI-1260 in order to prevent system “turn-on thumps”.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Placement CAUTION! Placing the SI-1260’s weight on the rear or front panels will cause damage to the amplifier’s connectors or controls. Place the SI-1260 on a flat, level surface like a table or shelf. The SI-1260 must be placed with its weight equally distributed on the unit's four feet. This amplifier, like any high-fidelity component, will last much longer if it is given adequate ventilation for proper cooling.
Line Level Audio Inputs Caution! The amplifier must be off whenever you make changes to the input connections. STEP DESCRIPTION 1. Correctly label the interconnecting cables coming from each source. Use audio patch cables terminated with RCA connectors. 2. Connect the sources by inserting the RCA connectors into a BusMatrix™ input or dedicated input jack on the SI-1260's rear panel. Connect outputs from your source components to the input jacks on the amplifier.
Figure 13 FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS Red “Power” LED confirms the amplifier is connected to a live AC outlet and that the front panel switch is on. Additionally, it indicates any AC line voltage problems and main power fuse status. Front panel “Master Power” switch turns off the entire amplifier, including the auto turn on circuitry. Cascade outputs of the bus input enable you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers. BusMatrix™ controls for each channel.
Bridging switch for each channel pair. Attractive extruded aluminum front panel. FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS Multi-color “Channel Pair” LED indicators display channel pair on/off status, and protection modes. DB-25 input connector for simplified dedicated audio and voltage trigger connection using Niles Multi-Zone Products. Gold-plated RCA jacks for the dedicated inputs. Serial Number. Removable Two-prong IEC compatible AC power cord.
Speaker Wire Connections INSTALLATION CAUTION! All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier OFF. Figure 14 - Binding Posts STEP DESCRIPTION 1. Label all wires. If all wires connecting to the SI-1260 are labeled with their destination rather than their specific connection to the SI-1260, it will be easier to reconfigure the system in the future. 2. Connect one stripped wire end or banana plug to the black terminal and one to the red terminal. A.
BusMatrix™ Input DIP Switch Settings DIP Switch Settings 1L is for the assignment of the Left Bus Input #1 1R is for the assignment of Right Bus Input #1 1L+1R is for the assignment of a summed mono signal of the Left and Right Bus Input#1 2L is for the Left Bus Input #2 2R is for the Right Bus Input #2 2L+2R is for a summed mono signal of the Left and Right Bus Input #2 The seventh switch assigns the dedicated input to its respective channel Again, only one of the seven DIP switches should be configured
Bridging Two Channels into One INSTALLATION The SI-1260's bridging switches allow you to create a more powerful amplifier channel by combining or "bridging" two adjacent amplifier channels together into one. Figure 16 Channel Bridging Switch and DIP Switches Slide the bridgWhen two channels are bridged ing switch in the together, connect speakers to the direction of the two terminals labeled “Bridged”. arrow to bridge two adjacent amplifier channels.
Setting the Turn-On Mode Switch Figure 18 Slide the switch with either your fingernail or a 1/8” slotted screwdriver blade. The Control Output INSTALLATION The SI-1260 has three (3) turn-on modes. Select the desired mode by sliding the mode switch to the proper position. See Installation Considerations on page 14 and Figure 10 for more information about each of the turn-on modes. Figure 19 As shown in Figure 19, a 3.
OPERATION OPERATION Front Panel Power Switch The SI-1260's master power switch is located on the front panel. Pressing the switch toggles between the ON (switch in) and the OFF (switch out) position. It must be in the ON position to enable the amplifier to activate regardless of the turn-on mode selected (see page 14). If you are going on vacation and/or would like to reduce power consumption while you are away, set the master power switch to the OFF position.
The SI-1260 incorporates individual multi-colored LEDs for each channel-pair that indicate the following: CHANNEL PAIR LED STATUS OFF The channel pair is OFF. Solid Green The channel pair is active and operating normally. Fast Red Blinking Indicates a possible short circuit or low impedance condition. Speaker wire strands that are touching at the speaker or the amplifier's speaker terminals and/or a damaged speaker wire can cause a short circuit.
OPERATION Using Level Controls as Limiters Using the individual level controls, the SI-1260 enables you to set a specific volume level for each of the different rooms connected. Individual room volume levels can be calibrated so that all rooms have similar volume control characteristics regardless of size and acoustics and to establish a maximum volume level. This is especially useful if your system is remote controlled, or if some of the users like to play the stereo too loudly.
An output of 60 watts is adequate power to completely drown out conversation in a normal sized room. Even at those levels, the SI-1260 will sound clear and clean. Obviously, it requires more power to achieve a reasonable volume of sound in a large room than it does in a small room. Even if you are normally very careful, it is possible to turn the volume so high that the amplifier runs out of power. This creates "clipping" distortion.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE When a problem occurs, consult this guide first. If the problem persists, or you have additional questions, call your local Niles dealer or call Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434. The most common problems are related to hook-up. Have your configuration worksheet handy when you call. SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE Very low or no sound on one channel. 1. BusMatrix™ DIP switch is not in the correct position.
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE Very low or no sound on some or all channels. 1. Bridging Switch is in wrong position. Check your configuration worksheet for the correct setting and verify. 2. Audio cable to the input is bad. Connect a cable known to be good to the non-working channel. Hum from all of the speakers. Hum can be caused due to a ground potential difference between connected components (especially those connected to antenna or cable TV feeds). 1.
CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET BUS INPUTS & OUTPUTS CONNECTED TO. . .
Design Principle Linear voltage/current amplification. Continuous Power Output (FTC Rated) (Unbridged, all channels driven) 60 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 80 watts per channel at 4 ohms. SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS Bridged Power Output (Adjacent channels bridged, all channels driven) 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Input Impedance 47,000 ohms Input Sensitivity 100mv for 1 watt out; 850mv for full output, (60 watts) level controls set at maximum.
Niles Audio Corporation 12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186 Tel: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0185 www.nilesaudio.com © 2000 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, Blending High Fidelity and Architecture, and Systems Integration Amplifier are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. BusMatrix is a trademark of Niles Audio Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
