AMPLIFIERS I N S T A l l ati o n SI- G u i d e SERIES 2
CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for purchasing the award winning Niles SI-1230 Series 2, one of the most versatile and powerful multi-channel amplifiers ever offered. Like all Niles products, the SI-1230 is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability. With proper installation and operation, you’ll enjoy years of trouble-free use.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9.
Introduction We call the SI-1230 a Systems Integration Amplifier because it is a power amplifier specifically designed to solve the problems of interfacing with different brands and models of equipment, different acoustic environments in different rooms, and different kinds of applications: home theater, stereo, and background music.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Features and Benefits Real World Power The SI-1230 is a 12-channel amplifier that delivers a solid 30 watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms and 40 watts per channel RMS into 4 ohms. A new digital power transformer design provides the energy necessary to efficiently deliver solid, deep, controlled bass response to a house full of speakers. Twelve to Six Channel Configurable Power Each of the SI-1230’s six adjacent speaker output pairs are bridgeable.
Features and Benefits continued... Independent Level Controls Each amplifier channel has an independent level control enabling you to adjust the volume settings for twelve different speaker locations individually. Each speaker can now be adjusted specifically for its location and for who will be listening! Turn-On Modes The SI-1230 features three turn-on modes: 1. Manual turn-on via the front panel switch, 2. Audio Sense and 3. External Voltage trigger.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS As shown in Figure 1, 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 source (e.g. CD, Radio, iPod, 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.
SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS Continued... A MultiZone system as shown in Figure 2, offers the house hold more flexibility. For instance, a family might have their family room wired for surround sound and their living room wired for background music. In a two zone system, the children can watch TV in surround sound while Mom and Dad are reading the paper and enjoying background music in the living room.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Speaker Compatibility A single channel (not bridged) of the SI-1230 is capable of driving a 4 ohm impedance speaker load. No more than two 8 ohm speakers or no more than one 4-6 ohm speaker can be safely connected to a single channel. Proper ventilation of the SI-1230 is critical when driving lower impedance loads.
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS continued... 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-1230’s BusMatrix™ enables you to create mono sound from one speaker without impacting the stereo quality in the rest of the system.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers applications Advantages of using the SI-1230 in a Single Zone System When you connect the preamplifier outputs of your stereo receiver or stereo preamplifier to the SI-1230 BusMatrix™ you dedicate a robust 30 watts to each speaker in your multi-room system as shown in Figure 3. Each channel of the SI-1230 has its own level control so you can compensate for architectural differences that create sonic imbalances.
applications Using a Dual-Zone Receiver for Two Listening Zones Most of today’s Dolby Digital Audio Video Receivers include a second zone preamplifier output to create a second listening zone. Using this output with the SI-1230 BusMatrix™ input provides amplification for multiple rooms within a second listening zone as shown in Figure 4.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers applications Expanding a MultiZone System to Include More Rooms In the ultimate MultiZone system, you connect six stereo preamplifiers (or a single component multi-zone/multi-source preamplifier) to the dedicated inputs of SI-1230. These dedicated input signals are then routed to the appropriate amplifier channels via dip switch settings creating six completely independent listening zones.
applications Adding Preamps To Create More Listening Zones In the ultimate MultiZone system, you connect six stereo preamplifiers (or a single component multi-zone/multi-source preamplifier) to the dedicated inputs of SI1230. These dedicated input signals are then routed to the appropriate amplifier channels via dip switch settings creating six completely independent listening zones.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM Because the SI-1230 offers so many configuration possibilities it is important to plan carefully before you install it. Draw a block diagram of your system and use the Configuration Worksheet on page 27 to record how you plan to connect your SI-1230. Here is an example filled out according to the block diagram on page 10.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Automating the turn-on of your SI-1230 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-1230 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-1230 in order to prevent system “turn-on thumps”.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers INSTALLATION Considerations Placement Place the SI-1230 on a flat, level surface like a table or shelf. It should be placed upright so that its weight rests on the unit’s four feet. PLACING THE WEIGHT OF THE AMPLIFIER ON THE REAR OR FRONT PANEL FOR EVEN AN INSTANT WILL RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER’S CONNECTORS AND CONTROLS. The SI-1230, like any hi-fi component, will last much longer if it is given adequate ventilation for proper cooling.
FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS S I - 1 2 3 0 S y s t e m s I n t e g r a t i o n A m p l i f i e r ® Front panel “Master Power” switch turns off the entire amplifier, including the TurnOn circuitry Cascade outputs of the main bus input enable you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers Main Bus Inputs enable you to route a stereo line level source to the BusMatrix™ of the SI-1230 S I - 1 2 3 0 S y s t e m s S E R I E S I n t e g r a t i o n 1 MAIN BUS INPUT CASCADE BUS OUTPUT L L USE CH 2 WHEN BRI
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS Power LED illuminates to confirm the amplifier is connected to a live AC power outlet and that the master power switch is on Bridging switches, BusMatrix controls, dedicated inputs and level controls for each channel 7 EVEL LEVEL ODE) 6 L R L+R 6 BRIDGED USE CH 8 WHEN BRIDGED L R L+R 7 BUS 8 9 LEVEL LEVEL L R L+R 8 BUS Gold-plated RCA jacks Serial Number This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Installation Line Level Audio Input Caution! The amplifier must be off whenever you make changes to the input connections. STEP DESCRIPTION 1. Label all of the interconnecting cables for the sources they connect to. Use audio patch cables with RCA phono plugs attached to the ends. 2. Connect the sources by inserting the RCA plug into the amplifier’s jacks. NOTE: If you are using two amplifier channels in “bridged” mode connect the input cable to the even numbered amplifier input jack.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Installation Speaker Wire Connections Caution! All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier off. Banana Plugs There are many types of banana plugs, some crimp, some solder. The Niles gold banana plug has 3 quick-connect binding post for the bare wire on the body of the plug. A banana plug is simply inserted into the jack at the end of the amplifier’s binding post. Dual banana plugs will fit the binding post.
Installation BusMatrix ™ Input Switch Setting Each channel has a dedicated BusMatrix™ DIP switch that assigns that channel’s source. To assign a signal from the Main Bus Input, select one of the first three switches which will give you either Left (L), Right (R) or Mono (L+R). To assign the channel’s dedicated input select the fourth switch. Only ONE switch should be selected to the “ON” position.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Installation Bridging Two Channels into One The SI-1230’s bridging switches allow you to create a more powerful amplifier channel by combining or “bridging” two adjacent channels. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Installation Setting the Turn-On Mode Switch The SI-1230 has three turn-on modes. Select the mode you want by sliding the mode switch. See Installation Considerations on page 14 for more information about each of the turn-on modes. TIP: To conserve energy set the TURN ON mode to either AUDIO SENSE or TRIGGER INPUT. Use of the CONSTANT mode will prevent the amplifier from turning off when not in use wasting energy.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers OPERATION Power Switch The front panel switch is a master or “vacation” power switch. No matter which turn-on mode you have selected, the master power switch will turn off all circuitry including the sensing circuitry. If you will not be using the amplifier for an extended period of time, turn the master power switch “Off” (push button switch out). When you would like to return to normal operation, turn the switch “On” (push button switch in).
OPERATION Listening at Higher Volumes Thirty watts is enough power to play a conventional speaker in a normal sized room loudly enough to completely drown out conversation. Even at levels like that, the SI-1230 will sound clear and clean. However, it requires more power to achieve a reasonable volume of sound in a large room than it does in a small room. It is possible (even if you are not a teenager) to turn the volume so high that the amplifier runs out of power. This creates “clipping” distortion.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers trouble-shooting guide When there is a problem 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 relate to hook up. Have your configuration worksheet handy when you call. Symptom Possible Causes and Test Procedure BusMatrix™ DIP switch is not in the correct position.
trouble-shooting guide Symptom Sound is distorted on one or all of the channels at normal volumes Normal volume cannot be reached Bass sound is weak and the stereo image is “phasey” sounding in one room A speaker connected to a bridged pair of amplifier channels sounds weak Possible Causes and Test Procedure BusMatrix™ DIP switches are not in the correct positions. Check your configuration worksheet and verify all settings. One of the internal amplifier fuses is blown.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Specifications Detail SI-1230 Series 2 Design Principle Digital, high current bridgeable multi-channel amplifier Continuous Average Power Output 30 watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms , 40 watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohms (all channels driven) Continuous Average Power Output Bridged 80 watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms Frequency Response 5Hz to 25kHz, +0dB/-3dB Signal to Noise Ratio 20Hz to 20kHz unweighted - >102dB Total Harmonic Distortion @ 1kHz <.
configuration worksheet For ease of use, the Configuration Worksheet can be enlarged on a photocopier. BUS INS & OUTS CONNECTED TO Left Main Bus Right Main Bus Cascade Output CH# BRIDGED DIP INPUT SOURCE SPEAKER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MODE SETTINGS IN USE SPECIAL Constant Audio Sense Voltage Trigger Control Output 30 WWW.NILESAUDIO.
2 Channel, Bridgable Power Amplifiers Limited Warranty Niles Audio Corporation (“NILES”) warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this product will be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for the following periods and subject to the limitations and exclusions set forth below: Lifetime Warranty All Passive Amplifier Products (those not requiring AC or battery power). Ten years from the date of purchase All Other Passive Products (those not requiring AC or battery power).
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