Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier Owners Manual

Introduction
W elcome to the Jeff Rowland Design Group family and congratulations on your purchase of what is
unquestionably one of the worlds finest audio power amplifiers. W ith its combination of features such as numerous function control and interconnect possibilities, precision electronic circuitry, and accurately machined chassis components throughout, your Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier will offer you many years of musically satisfying enjoyment. P lease take a few minutes to read the remainder of this Owners Manual before proceeding with the installation of the amplifier. A thorough understanding of the J eff Rowland Design Group, Inc. 2911 North Prospect Street Colorado Springs, CO 80907

T elephone: 719-473-1181 F ax: 719-633-4158 E -mail: jrdg@jeffrowland.com

operational features will allow you to gain the maximum performance and ease of use for which this amplifier was designed. P lease note that your Model 10 Stereo Amplifier serial number begins with the letter H. This number is recorded below and is also located on the rear panel of the chassis. Please include this number with any correspondence regarding your Model 10 Stereo Amplifier. I t has been my joy to create an audio component of enduring value that reflects a higher ideal of musical and artistic expression. It is my hope that these qualities will enrich your experience of ownership. Enjoy the music! Jeff Rowland

W eb: www.jeffrowland.com

President Jeff Rowland Design Group

Product Features

XLR input connectors for balanced (Differential Mode) system configuration.

Automatic bias adjustment maintains optimal bias setting regardless of source material or loudspeaker load.

RCA input Connectors for unbalanced system configurations. Selectable overall gain of 26 or 32 dB. User selectable switching between balanced and unbalanced connections.

Standby power condition reduces warm-up time. Fail-safe operation provided by user-resetable thermal circuit breakers located on power supply rear panel.

Quiet, transient-free operation during power and function mode switching.

12V remote ON/OFF power switching connector. Automatic temperature stabilizing circuitry maintains constant operating temperature.

Automatic input muting under anomalous input or output operating conditions.

CE approved speaker output connectors requiring no tools for tight connections.

Fully-balanced Differential Mode circuit topology implemented from input to output.

Separate power supply featuring 2nd generation high-speed switch mode circuit design.

Low resonance, structurally integrated chassis constructed of precision-machined aircraft grade aluminum.

Features

Contents

Model 10 Amplifier Section Section

Model 10 Power Supply

DC Power Supply Cable

AC Power Cable

Warranty Card

Initial Inspection I nspect

the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container, packing material, amplifier, or accessories are damaged or missing, notify your dealer and the shipper (if a claim is to be made) immediately. Note: Many shippers require notification and inspection within twenty-four hours of delivery to determine the nature of damages incurred. Your Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier has undergone extensive performance evaluations, listening tests, quality control inspections, and a minimum seventy-two hour burn-in period prior to shipment and should therefore be in perfect operating condition upon receipt. If the amplifier does not operate correctly, please notify your dealer immediately. We strongly suggest that you save all packing materials. If the amplifier is returned to your dealer or Jeff Rowland Design Group, the original packing materials must be used for shipment to avoid damage. Neither Jeff Rowland Design Group nor the shipper can be held responsible for damages incurred during transit if the original factory packing is not used. All factory returns require that Jeff Rowland Design Group issue a Return Authorization (RA) number prior to shipment.

Contents E nsure that all of the auxiliary components listed below are enclosed within the accessory box. Refer to the diagrams illustrated above and verify the components included.
1 2 3 One AC Power Cable One DC Power Supply Cable One Warranty Card (In some countries, warranties are provided by the respective importer.)

Contents

Care, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Care
T he Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier is finely constructed from
based furniture polish. Because of the fine finish of the front panel, small scratches from the use of any other agent to clean the front panel will become very visible. Again, the water or polish should be applied to the cloth, not the chassis. If you have any questions about the treatment or cleaning of your Model 10 amplifier, please contact your dealer or the Jeff Rowland Design Group factory before attempting to clean the chassis. The use of a cleanser or abrasive to clean the chassis that has not been approved by the factory will almost certainly damage the finish and will not be covered under warranty.

pieces of solid aluminum. The surface of the unit is cut in a unique process that uses a diamond tipped blade. This process was refined over many years to produce an artistic and attractive finish. The front, top, bottom and side panels are then finished with fine automobile polyurethane clear coat after a light anodizing to preserve the clarity of the finish and are not raw or exposed metal. Because the surface is not finished in the typical fashion of most audio and video equipment, there are a few rules that must be kept in mind when cleaning the equipment. Please allow the unit to cure for 6 months before attempting to clean it. This will prevent small scratches from marring the surface before the surface coating has had a chance to harden completely. The top cover, sides, and bottom cover can all be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth (such as an optical lens cleaning cloth or fine furniture polishing rag) dampened with plain water. Water should be applied directly to the cloth and not the chassis. If a mark has been left on the chassis, do not use any type of abrasive or chemical cleaner to remove the mark. A very mild plastic or glass cleaner that does not contain ammonia should be tried only as a last resort. Please contact the factory before trying any type of cleanser on the chassis other than water to clean the unit. The front panel of the unit should never be cleaned with anything other than a very soft cotton cloth and plain water or fine oil-

Maintenance Maintenance A ll Jeff Rowland Design Group products are designed to provide a

lifetime of enjoyment and listening pleasure. The chassis is sealed to prevent dust from entering and the interior of the chassis should not need cleaning during the lifetime of the product. All internal circuitry is self-adjusting or stable so no adjustments or maintenance of any kind should be necessary over a lifetime of normal operation. If the amplifier is ever in need of service, updating, or upgrading, it should only be returned to an authorized repair facility or technician for servicing. It is not recommended that the customer attempt to disassemble or repair the unit and doing so may void your warranty.

Care

Amplifier Front and Rear Panel Function Controls Amplifier Front Panel

Standby/Power Button

Power Indicator LED

Amplifier Rear Panel

Right Channel Input Select Switch

NEUTRIK

NEUTRIK

PUSH

Left Channel Input Select Switch

PUSH

Amplifier Front and Rear Panel Function Controls

B efore attempting any system interconnection, please familiarize yourself with the front and rear panel controls of the Model 10 Stereo Power

Amplifier. The descriptions below refer to the diagrams above.

Front Panel 1 FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER BUTTON: Press this button to

Rear Panel
(Note: If desired, the switch described below can be switched while the amplifier is operational and playing music.)

operate the amplifier. Press again to place the amplifier in Standby mode. The small orange POWER INDICATOR LED will illuminate when the amplifier is operational. When the POWER INDICATOR LED is not illuminated, all amplifier inputs are muted and internal circuitry reverts to power-saving (Standby) mode. Anomalous operating conditions will place the amplifier in Standby mode and will prevent the amplifier from being switched back on again until such a condition is eliminated. To avoid spurious noises, the amplifier should never be turned on if the inputs on the rear panel are not connected. Note: All ON/OFF power switching should be initiated ONLY with this button. The amplifier should never be disconnected from AC power without first placing the amplifier in Standby mode.

1 INPUT SELECT SWITCH: This switch selects either the unbalanced

RCA inputs or the balanced XLR inputs. Note: When the RCA position is selected, pin 2 of the XLR is shorted to pin 1.

Control Functions

Rear Panel Power Connections Amplifier Rear Panel

DC Power Supply Cable Connector

NEUTRIK

NEUTRIK

PUSH

PUSH

Volts AC Indicator

AC Power Cable Connector

Power Supply Rear Panel

Installation
L ocate the amplifier as close as possible to its final installation point.

Rear Panel Power Connections

Important: Please strictly follow the steps in order as outlined below
before operating your Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier.

Allow access to the rear panel for making connections.

The Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier is convection cooled, eliminating the need for fan or forced-air cooling. When operating, the chassis should have at least two (2) inches of air space around the heatsink areas. Multiple chassis can be stacked vertically, facilitating an upward flow of warm air currents throughout the vertical heatsink areas. This upward flow must not be blocked or recirculated around the chassis if proper cooling is to be maintained.

1 Verify that the VOLTS AC input identified on the rear panel near
the AC input socket is the same as the AC mains voltage in your area. If the voltage does not match, do not connect the amplifier to AC power and contact your dealer immediately.

2 Install the DC Power Supply Cable between the power supply

and the amplifier section. There is a slot cut in the edge of each connector on each end of the cable, and this slot should be aligned to facing up. Use the knurled ring on the connector to secure the cable to both the power supply and the amplifier. NEGATIVE SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKERS are closed. mains outlet.

3 Verify that the AC MAINS CIRCUIT BREAKER and the POSITIVE and 4 Install the AC Power Cable between the amplifier and your AC

Note: If the amplifier is to be moved to another location, always

place the unit in Standby mode before disconnecting the AC power cable from the AC mains wall outlet!

Installation and Power

Signal Connections and Remote

Input Select Switch

Amplifier Rear Panel

Unbalanced Input Connector

Balanced Input Connector

NEUTRIK

NEUTRIK

PUSH

PUSH

Speaker Output

12V Remote Remote Connector

Power Supply Rear Panel

Signal Connections
T he Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier offers unprecedented

Remote
1 A 12V REMOTE ON/OFF mini-plug connector is provided on the

compatibility with associated audio components. When Connecting or disconnecting speaker or interconnect cables, it is necessary to place the amplifier in Standby mode (orange POWER INDICATOR LED on the front panel OFF).

1 If you are using balanced XLR interconnects from your

preamplifier or source component, position the INPUT SELECT switch to BALANCED INPUT. If you are using unbalanced RCA interconnects, position the INPUT SELECT switch to UNBALANCED INPUT.

rear panel of the power supply for remotely switching the amplifier between Operational and Standby modes. The connections on this connector parallel the electrical contacts of the FRONT PANEL STANDY/POWER button. When connected to another component with the proper circuitry, the amplifier can be turned ON and OFF remotely. Please contact your dealer for further information about this feature.

2 Connect your interconnect cable to one input either BALANCED

INPUTS or UNBALANCED INPUTS on each channel.

3 A slight mechanical click may be heard when the balanced XLR

interconnect cables are correctly installed and locked. The unlocking tab (located on the input connector and labeled PUSH) must be pressed to disconnect the XLR interconnect cable from the amplifier.

4 Unscrew the knob that secures the speaker output connectors on

both the LEFT SPEAKER OUTPUT and the RIGHT SPEAKER OUTPUT and pull the securing block out far enough to allow access to the binding posts. Install the positive (usually red) loudspeaker cable spade terminal to the positive (+) binding post and the negative spade terminal to the negative (-) binding post on both the LEFT and RIGHT CHANNEL. Secure the loudspeaker connections by tightening the knob securely with your fingers.

+ Warning: Both positive and negative outputs are electrically

active with respect to chassis and/or system ground potential. Therefore, this amplifier cannot be used in certain loudspeaker switching configurations, such as those used in retail demonstrations. Failure to avoid these precautions can result in damage to the amplifier and will void the warranty.
Signal & 12V Connections

Internal Function Controls

Overall Gain T he overall gain of the Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier can be adjusted between 26 dB and 32 dB. The setting from the factory is 26 dB, which is adequate for the majority of applications, though in a small number of situations involving low efficiency systems the higher gain setting may be necessary. There is no sonic difference between the two settings.
Because of the potentially dangerous voltages inside of the chassis, it is recommended that you contact your dealer for information regarding the overall gain setting adjustments. Note: Do not attempt to disassemble the chassis of the amplifier and adjust the gain without explicit instructions from your dealer or Jeff Rowland Design Group.

DC Protection System
The Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier can produce high power levels that, without well-designed protection circuitry, could damage your loudspeakers and is equipped with a circuit that protects the amplifier from DC current emitted by source components. This system also prevents amplification of DC currents that can damage your loudspeakers. Do not alter the settings of the DC protection circuit, as this will disable the ability of the amplifier to protect your loudspeakers! These settings are for production and testing purposes only. Because of the potentially dangerous voltages inside the chassis, do not attempt to disassemble the amplifier.

Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier Specifications

Output Power: Power Consumption: Consumption:
150 watts 275 watts DC to 160 kHz, -3 dB 30 volts/microsecond <.008% >60, 20 to 20 kHz User Selectable Internal Jumper, 26 dB or 32 dB 40k ohms 85 watts idle, 770 watts maximum Both Channels Driven Simultaneously at Full Output Power User Selectable, 2 x Balanced XLR 2 x Unbalanced RCA One Pair Binding Posts per Channel 17.5 W x 11.7 D x 3.1 H 44.5cm W x 33.5cm D x 6.5cm H 30 lbs. 13.4 kg 17.5 W x 11.7 D x 3.1 H 44.5cm W x 33.5cm D x 6.5cm H 32 lbs. 14.3 kg 24 W x 22 D x 13 H 61cm W x 56cm D x 33cm H 73 lbs. 32.6 kg

Continuous RMS watts @ 8 ohms @ 4 ohms

Power Bandwidth: Slew Rate: THD + Noise: Noise: Damping Factor: Gain (1 watt, 8 ohms): Input Impedance: Common Mode Rejection Ratio: Absolute Phase:

Inputs:

Outputs: Amplifier Section Dimensions: Amplifier Section Weight: Power Supply Dimensions: Power Supply Weight: Shipping Dimensions: Shipping Weight:

>80 dB, 20 20 kHz Phase-Inverted

Internal Control & Specifications

Basic Troubleshooting
A summary of fault conditions and their causes and remedies are listed below.
The Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier can produce high power levels that, without well-designed protection circuitry, could damage loudspeakers. Therefore, most fault conditions will result in the Model 10 reverting into Standby Mode.

Condition:
Front panel POWER INDICATOR LED does not illuminate after pressing POWER/STANDBY BUTTON, amplifier does not operate normally:

Cause:
Incorrect power connections, incorrect speaker connections, or circuit breaker must be reset. Abnormal Operation of the Model 10 internal circuitry.

Remedy:
Reset circuit breaker, review Installation and Rear Panel Connections section of Owners Manual. Contact your dealer immediately. Repair or replace source component. Identify and correct abnormal conditions such as low frequency rumble and/or acoustic feedback caused by phono playback (if applicable). Reduce volume slightly or use higher efficiency loudspeakers. Consult your dealer immediately to have the amplifier reconfigured for the proper AC mains voltage. Contact your dealer immediately. Use balanced system configuration if possible. Inspect interconnect cables for poor connection or termination. between

FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button reverts to Standby Mode during listening but can be returned to normal operation:

Excessive sub-sonic or DC signals produced by source components.

Severe clipping of amplifier circuitry. AC MAINS CIRCUIT BREAKER switches OFF or will not remain ON: AC mains voltage too high for amplifier.

Abnormal operation of amplifier internal circuitry. 50/60 Hz buzz noise in loudspeakers: Ground loop condition components in system. created

Additional Information
I f you have any additional questions regarding the installation or
operation of the Model 10 Stereo Power Amplifier, please contact your authorized Jeff Rowland Design Group dealer or check the Jeff Rowland Design Group web site at http://www.jeffrowland.com.

Troubleshooting and Information

Post Office Box 7231 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933 USA