Owner's Manual

12
12 V In Jack
The JC 5 12 V input uses a 3.5 mm jack (mono). To use the 12 V trigger, insert the trigger wire plug into this
jack and the plug at the wire’s other end into your preamplifier’s 12 V output jack. For your convenience we
have included a 12 V trigger wire with mono 3.5 mm plugs at both ends. The JC 5 12 V trigger circuit draws a
negligible 5 mA.
Note: If your preamplifier’s 12 V trigger output is terminal with + and – screws terminal, you can cut the 3.5
mm plug off one end of the included trigger wire and attach the bare wires to these terminals. The lead with
the white stripe on it corresponds to the plug’s tip and the unmarked lead corresponds to the sleeve of the
plug. The trigger plug tip is + (positive) and its sleeve – (negative).
12 V Loop Out Jack
The Trigger Out jack lets you loop or “daisy-chain” the incoming trigger voltage to an additional JC 5 or other
component(s). The total load on your triggering device’s 12 V output is the sum of the trigger current drawn by
each of the components you plan to loop together. Check the maximum capacity of your preamplifier’s trigger
output so you do not overload it by connecting too many power amplifiers. Typical triggering devices are rated
to handle 50 mA to 100 mA.
3.5 mm vs. 2.5 mm jacks
Some other Parasound power amplifiers and preamplifiers might use a 2.5 mm “sub-mini” (mono) trigger jack.
To use the JC 5 trigger with products that use a 2.5mm jack you will need a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm mono adapter
for one of the plugs on the included trigger wire.
Front Panel Operation
On-Off Button
Push once to turn on the JC 5. When the JC 5 is turned on the dim blue glow around the On-Off button will
become brighter and the two blue channel indicators will illuminate. Push the button again to turn off the JC 5.
The front panel On-Off button will be disabled when the Turn On Options switch is set to Audio or 12 V.
Whenever the JC 5 is turned on, the soft blue glow behind its On-Off button changes to red for a few seconds
until its internal circuits have stabilized. Then the red glow is replaced by a brighter blue glow to indicate
normal operation. If the glow remains red after turn on or while the amp is playing, it indicates activation of the
JC 5’s protection circuits and no sound will be heard from the speakers.
The JC 5 protects itself from external conditions such as excessive heat, load impedance that is too low, or a
short-circuited speaker connection or wire. After you correct the fault, the JC 5 will resume operation. If the JC 5
remains in “protection mode” after it has cooled down and you’ve confirmed there are no external faults, it could
indicate an internal problem. Please contact Parasound’s Technical Service Department.
Channel Indicators
When the two blue channel indicators are lit, the JC 5 is operating normally. If one or both of the indicators
does not light, even though the amp is turned on, there is a fault in your system. In the case of a fault first
check that there is no short circuit with your speaker wire or speakers.
Hi Temp Indicator
This indicator is near the right side of the panel recess. It will glow red if any channel overheats. The On-Off
button will also glow red if the JC 5 overheats. If such a condition occurs you must provide for better
ventilation around the amplifier or check speakers for faulty operation that is causing the JC 5 to overheat.