Parasound Zamp v.3 Audio Amplifier User manual

Power

Z o n e A m p l i f i e r

Protect L R Hi-Temp

Zamp v.3 Zone Amplifier

O w n e r’s G u i d e

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of “dangerous voltage” inside the product that may constitute a risk of electric shock.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

1.

Read Instructions — Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this product.

2.

Retain Instructions — Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference.

3.

Heed Warnings — Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.

4.

Follow Instructions — Follow all operating and use instructions.

5.

Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Clean the outside of the product only.

6.

Attachments — Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer; they may be hazardous.

7.

Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water.

8.

Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart or stand. The product may fall, causing bodily injury and damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care.

Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart to overturn.

9.

Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.

10. Power Sources — Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the label.

If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. This product is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug. This plug will only fit into a grounding power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug.

11. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.

12. Lightning — Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for added protection during a lightning storm and when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges.

13. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords. This can result in a fire or electric shock.

14. Inserting Objects into Unit — Never push objects of any kind into this product through any openings; they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.

15. Servicing — Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

16. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a) If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b) If liquid has been spilled into the product. c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way. f) If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

17. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, and other hazards.

19. Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

20. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — Mount the product to a wall or ceiling only as recommended.

21. Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

www.parasound.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

115v – 230v AC Selector Switch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Ventilation Requirements

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Rack Mounting

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Rear Panel Connections and Controls

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Typical Problems and Remedies

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

If You Require Assistance

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Warranty Repair

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Specifications

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

1

2

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this precision Parasound audio component.

The Parasound Zamp v.3 Zone Amplifier is the third generation of one of the world’s most popular and proven audio amplifiers. It has been designed for a wide variety of applications, including multi-room, multi-zone installations, desktop audio, PC-Mac audio, bedroom or den systems. The versatility of the Zamp v.3 allows many connection and configuration options, so please be sure to read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation.

Unpacking

Carefully unpack your Zamp v.3 and these accessories:

•

Detachable AC power cord

•

Black trigger wire with a 2.5 mm sub-mini plug at each end

•

3.5mm jack to 2.5mm plug adapter

Please inspect the unit now and contact your Parasound Dealer promptly if you see evidence of shipping damage. Save the carton and packing inserts in case you move or in the event you need to ship your amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, locate the five digit serial number on the rear panel or underside of the unit and record it here for future reference:

Serial #: __________________________________________________________________________

Date of Purchase:__________________________________________________________________

Parasound Dealer: ________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________________________

AC VOLTAGE, INSTALLATION AND RACK MOUNTING

115v - 230v AC Voltage Selector Switch

This switch is found on the chassis bottom. The 115V position of this switch is correct for North

America; most other countries require setting it to 230V. Make sure the 115/230V switch is set for the correct AC line (mains) voltage before you connect the Zamp v.3’s power cord and before you install it. The unit may be seriously damaged if this switch is set incorrectly.

3

Installation and Ventilation Requirements

Install your Zamp v.3 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or other heatproducing components. Always position the Zamp v.3 horizontally.

Observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing the Zamp v.3 in an equipment rack or any other enclosed space:

You should never install the Zamp v.3 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment because hot air will not exhaust adequately to prevent overheating. Air won’t often circulate adequately in a cabinet or enclosure whose front and back sides are open; pockets of intense heat can still develop around any heat-producing equipment. Therefore, a ventilation fan is highly recommended.

Allow a few inches of empty space on each side and above the unit and try to avoid crowding or stacking the Zamp v.3 tightly between other components. A ventilation fan is also recommended where other equipment must be mounted close to the Zamp v.3.

Do not place the unit on carpeting or any other material that could obstruct air flow into the ventilation holes in its chassis bottom.

Rack Mounting

The Zamp v.3 occupies only half the width of a single rack space in a standard 19

" equipment rack.

For rack mounting, you can fasten it to another Parasound Z series model by using the Parasound

SBS (Side-by-Side) mounting kit. You can also mount a single Zamp v.3 in the rack with the accessory Zblank panel. The SBS includes four rack mount bolts plus four pairs of plastic “shoulder washers.” The washers are important because they insulate the Zamp v.3 front panel (and chassis) from the metal equipment rack and from the four mounting bolts. Locate these washers on both sides of the front panel before the mounting bolts are screwed into the rack rail.

Power


Zamp v.3

SBS Behind Panels Zblank panel

4

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS

Connection Precautions

Disconnect the AC cord before making or changing any input, trigger, or speaker wire connections.

Make sure there is no strain or tension on any wires that could cause them to pull loose.

Audio In Jacks

Connect the cables from your preamplifier or multi-room controller’s output jacks to the Zamp v.3 L and R audio In jacks.

Loop Jacks

The L and R Loop jacks are convenient output connections for an additional power amplifier.

These jacks eliminate the need for “Y” connectors to drive both your Zamp v.3 and another amplifier from the same source.

R and L Level Knobs

You can adjust the gain for each channel to achieve the lowest noise and widest dynamic range in your system or installation. Start with the 12 o’clock mid-position of each knob on the Zamp v.3 and turn each one clockwise for higher gain or counter-clockwise for lower gain.

Note: We encourage you to experiment with different gain settings for your preamp or controller and the Zamp v.3 to find those gain settings where your system’s background noise is lowest. Among sound professionals this procedure is known as “gain staging.”

Speaker Connections

Each pair of five-way speaker terminals accepts bare speaker wires up to AWG 12, wires terminated with 1 ⁄

4

" spade lugs, and single or dual banana plugs which are 3 ⁄

4

"

(19mm) apart.

If you use bare wires, remove only enough insulation, about 1 ⁄

2

"

(12mm) for each exposed bare wire to insert through the small hole in the side of the binding post. Before inserting a bare wire, twist the strands tightly between your fingers to prevent strays that might touch the chassis or another terminal and cause a short circuit. If you have soldering experience you may want to “tin” the stripped bare wire with solder for a cleaner termination and to prevent the wire from oxidizing.

L

Loop

In

Loop

R

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR.

R

Mono St

Use

R

In

Level L

Gnd Lift

Audio

Sens

Auto On

Man 12V

In Out

Zamp v.3

R+

Zamp V.3 Zone Amplifier

Parasound Products, Inc.

San Francisco, CA USA

RL-

AC Voltage Selector On Bottom

L+

115V

/230V

60Hz

/50Hz

5W

3A

Fuse

Only

Correct Speaker Polarity is Important

As you connect the speaker wires, you can see that the insulation on one of the two wires in each pair has either printing or a raised ridge. The marking lets you know which wire you connected to the positive speaker terminal at its other end.

Make sure the + wire you attach to each Zamp v.3 + speaker terminal is attached to the + terminal of the speaker for that channel.

Stereo - Mono Switch

The Zamp v.3 power should always be turned off before moving this switch.

For normal operation this switch must be to the right in its ST (stereo) position.

For bridged mono operation, move this switch left to its Mono position.

Note: Stereo sound will be faint and very distorted if you accidentally leave this switch in its

Mono position.

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued

Mono Operation

We recommend an 8

Ω minimum speaker load for bridged mono operation. In mono the Zamp v.3 “bridges” the R channel to amplify only the positive half of the audio signal and the L channel to amplify only the negative half of the audio signal. In effect, each channel “sees” only half of the speaker’s rated impedance, so that an 8

Ω speaker in mono is only a 4

Ω load and a 4

Ω speaker in mono is a punishing 2

Ω load.

Note: Do not attach a mono speaker load that is less than 4

Ω to avoid overloading and overheating the Zamp v.3.

Mono Input and Speaker Connections

1.

Turn the unit off and remove the AC cord.

2.

Connect the single cable from the preamp or controller to the R channel audio In jack.

3.

Set the Mono-ST (stereo) switch to its Mono position.

4.

Connect the positive lead of the speaker wire to the red R + channel speaker terminal.

5.

Connect the negative lead of the speaker wire to the red L + channel speaker terminal.

Note: The R + and L + terminals are spaced too far apart to accept a dual-banana plug.

6.

Do not connect anything to either channel’s – speaker terminal.

7.

Reconnect the AC cord.

Automatic Turn On Options

For convenience, there are two ways the Zamp v.3 can be triggered to turn on automatically.

- When a suitable voltage is applied to its 12V In (input) jack.

- When an audio signal is present at the L and R audio IN (input) jacks.

When automatic turn on is selected the Zamp v.3 front panel Power button is disabled so that on/off is determined solely by the triggering preamp or controller.

L

Loop

In

Loop

R


R

Mono St

Use

R

In

Level L

Gnd Lift

Audio

Sens

Auto On

Man 12V

In Out

Zamp v.3

R+




RL-

AC Voltage Selector On Bottom

L+

115V

/230V

60Hz

/50Hz

5W

3A

Fuse

Only

12V Position

When the Auto On switch is set to the right in its 12V position, the Zamp v.3 is turned on and off with an external +9 V to + 12 V voltage from your controller. When the external voltage ceases the

Zamp v.3 will turn off immediately. The 12V switch position disables the front panel Power button.

Man (Manual) Position

When the Auto On switch is in its middle MAN (manual) position, the auto turn on function is disabled and the Zamp v.3 must be turned on and off manually with the Power button on its front panel.

Audio Position

When the Auto On switch is set to the left in its Audio position, the Zamp v.3 will be turned on whenever an audio signal is present at its Left and Right Input jacks. After audio signals cease, the Zamp v.3 will remain turned on for about ten minutes. This prevents it from shutting down during pauses in the music. The Audio position of the Auto On switch also disables the front panel Power button.

5

6

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued

12V In Connection

The Zamp v.3 12V input uses a 2.5mm sub-mini jack. To trigger the Zamp v.3, plug one end of the provided cord into this jack and the other end into the source component’s trigger output.

Some components may use a 3.5mm trigger output jack, so we have also included a 3.5mm

plug - 2.5mm adapter.

If the control component’s trigger output is a + and - terminal, you can cut the 2.5mm 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.

Note: If the trigger voltage source is DC, the trigger plug tip must be + (positive) and its sleeve

– (negative). The Zamp v.3 trigger current draw is a negligible 15 mA.

12V Trigger Out Connection

The Trigger Out jack lets you loop or “daisy-chain” the incoming trigger voltage to an additional

Zamp v.3 or other component.

Note: The total load on your preamp or controller’s trigger output is the sum of the current drawn by the trigger circuits of each of the components you’ve linked together.

Audio Trigger Sensitivity Knob

The Auto On Audio Sensitivity knob adjusts the incoming audio level or the “threshold” required to turn on the Zamp v.3. Its 12 o’clock position will be suitable in most cases. To increase sensitivity to respond to lower level audio signals, turn the knob counter-clockwise toward +.

Turn the knob clockwise toward – to decrease its sensitivity. This will prevent spurious noise and switching transients in your system from turning on the Zamp v.3.

L

Loop

In

Loop

R


R

Mono St

Use

R

In

Level L

Gnd Lift

Audio

Sens

Auto On

Man 12V

In Out




Gnd (Ground) Lift Switch

Gnd is the normal position for this switch. If you hear background hum in the speakers connected to the Zamp v.3, try setting the Ground Lift Switch to its Lift position. The Ground Lift Switch disconnects or “lifts” the audio circuit ground from the chassis ground. This often helps to eliminate audible hum that results from ground loops. Ground loops are multiple ground paths such as the metal-to-metal contact with the panels or chassis of other components combined with the ground connections of the audio cables or even the ground wires of the various AC cords.

AC Power Connections and AC Grounding

If possible, plug your Zamp v.3 into the same AC outlet that your accompanying audio components

(especially the system controller) are plugged into. The ground potential between different AC outlets may be higher or lower, resulting in audible hum.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power Button

Press the Power button once to turn the Zamp v.3 on, press it again to turn it off.

Note: The Power button is inoperative when the Auto On switch is set to Audio or 12V.

L and R Channel Indicators

L and R will illuminate green when the Zamp v.3 is turned on and is operating normally. The green L or R indicator will not light if the fault condition is only in that channel. Neither L or R will illuminate if there is a general fault or if the temperature is too high.

7

Power


Zamp v.3 Zone Amplifier

Protect Indicator

Protect will illuminate red when the Zamp v.3 has experienced either an internal or external fault condition which has also activated its protection circuit to prevent internal damage.

Note: It is normal for Protect to flash on for 1 – 2 seconds after the unit is turned on.

Hi-Temp Indicator

Hi-Temp will illuminate red when the Zamp v.3 reaches its maximum safe operating temperature.

If the heat persists the unit will soon shut itself off for protection and will remain off until the temperature drops. If Hi-Temp appears, the unit has been over-driven at too high a listening level and/or too low impedance speaker load or has not been provided with sufficient ventilation.

Headphone Jack

The headphone jack on the front panel accepts a

1 ⁄

8

"

(3.5 mm) plug. Its high current headphone circuit will easily drive headphones with an impedance of 8

Ω or higher. The output to the speaker terminals is disconnected when you plug headphones into the Zamp v.3.

Maintaining Your Zamp v.3

Your Parasound Zamp v.3 power amplifier requires no periodic maintenance other than to receive an occasional flattering remark. It has no user-serviceable parts inside. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not remove its top cover. The exterior can be cleaned with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with a few drops of water or glass cleaner.

8

TYPICAL PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

No sound

Check that AC is live.

Check that input cables and speaker wires are secure at both ends.

Make sure the control preamp/receiver is switched to the correct input.

Is the unit on? Check setting of the Auto On switch.

If using Auto turn on, increase the sensitivity of the audio trigger.

Is the Hi-Temp or Protect (or both) illuminated? Check for excessive temperature, short circuited speaker wires, low impedance speaker load, and inadequate ventilation to remove heat.

Background Hum

Move the Ground switch to Lift.

Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other.

Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.

Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.

Try reversing the direction of the AC plugs in other components, one by one.

Distorted and Weak Sound

Check the position of the Mono-ST switch. It must be in ST to play stereo.

Make sure the load impedance is not below 4 ohms.

Make sure the gain of the preamp is not set too low.

Make sure the gain controls of the Zamp v.3 are not set too low.

IF YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE

Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage you to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department, toll-free at 1-866-770-8324, Monday - Friday,

7am - 5pm Pacific time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform. If we determine that your Zamp v.3 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized Parasound

Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of a warranty center near you or shipping instructions for the unit’s return to Parasound.

Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service

Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization

(RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department. The RA number must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials and arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt, since this document establishes the validity of this unit’s warranty. Warranty repairs are only performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when your purchase receipt is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.

Units Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions

1.

Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.

2.

Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton, likely to have been damaged in transit.

3.

Unit has inadequate packing, unit likely to have been damaged in transit.

4.

Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.

5.

Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.

6.

Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.

Note: The shipping address is not the same as Parasound’s office address.

Warranty Repair

Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable rights and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.

Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:

1.

Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.

2.

Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.

3.

Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.

4.

Unit was modified in any way.

5.

A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.

9

10

PARASOUND ZAMP V.3 SPECIFICATIONS

Continuous Power Output – Stereo

45 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8

Ω

, both channels driven

60 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 4

Ω

, both channels driven

Continuous Power Output – Mono

90 watts RMS, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8

Ω minimum impedance

Current Capacity

12 amps peak per channel

Frequency Response

5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB, 1 watt

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.07%, at 8

Ω

, 0.1% at 4

Ω

, full output

0.02%, average listening levels

IM Distortion

0.05 %

Transient IM Distortion

Not measurable

Slew Rate

90 V/µsecond

S/N Ratio

116 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted

Input Impedance

33 k

Ω

Input Sensitivity

600 mV; 1.5 V for full output

Dynamic Headroom

1.5 dB

Inter-Channel Crosstalk

80 dB at 1 kHz; 60 dB at 20 kHz

Damping Factor

400 at 20 Hz

Audio Trigger Sensitivity

5 mV to 200 mV

12V Trigger Current Requirement

15 mA

AC Power Requirement

110 – 120 V / 220 -240 V, 50 – 60 Hz

1 watt standby; 220 watts full output

Dimensions

9

1 ⁄

2

"

Wide

10" Deep with connectors

2" High with feet, 1

3 ⁄

4

" panel only

241 x 254 x 50mm, 44.1mm panel only

Net and Shipping Weight

6.65 lbs., 3 kg; 9 lbs., 4.1 kg

Rack Mount Accessories

May be Purchased Separately

SBS: Bracket and bolts to attach two

Z series units side-by-side in a standard

19" equipment rack.

Zblank: 9

1 ⁄

2

" x 1

3 ⁄

4

" blank panel, required to mount a single Z series unit; Zblank kit includes one SBS.

Rev 0.91

Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Customer Service 415-397-7100 / Technical Dept. 415-675-7272 / Fax 415-397-0144 www.parasound.com

© Parasound Products, Inc. 2004

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