Niles Audio SI-1260 manual

INST ALLA TION & OPERA TION GUIDE B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE ® Systems Integration Amplif ier ® ®[...]

CONGRA TULA TIONS! 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 . W ith proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-fr[...]

2 INTRODUCTION 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 s[...]

3 FEA TURES AND BENEFITS Microcontr oller 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, 2[...]

FEA TURES AND BENEFITS 4 T welve to Six Channel Configurable Power Each of the SI-1260's six adjacent output pairs are bridgeable. Y ou 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[...]

5 SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS As shown in Figure 2 , a distrib- uted audio/video system is defined by the number of lis- tening zones it has. W ithin a lis- tening zone you can listen to only one (1) source (e.g. CD, Radio, T ape, etc.) at any one time. A listening zone can con- sist of a single room or a group of rooms. T o achieve different volumes and [...]

SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS 6 SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS Speaker Compatibility A single channel (not bridged) of the SI-1260 is capable of driving a low imped- ance speaker load. As many as three eight ohm speakers can be safely connect- ed to a single channel, presenting the amplifier a 2.66 ohm load. Proper ventila- tion of the SI-1260 is cr[...]

7 SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS 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 fr[...]

8 APPLICA TIONS Advantages of Using The SI-1 260 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 speake[...]

9 APPLICA TIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS 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 ma[...]

10 APPLICA TIONS D VD/CD CHANGER VCR Dual Zone Surround Sound Receiver DSS F ront Speakers ZONE 1 (Home Theater) Living Room Kitchen Exercise Room Hallwa y P atio Center Speaker Rear Speakers (Bridged Channels 9-1 0, 1 1-1 2) (Unbridged Channels1-8) SI-1 260 BusMatrix Input 1 Second Zone Output Niles VCS-2D V olume Control Niles VCS-2D HP V olume C[...]

11 APPLICA TIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS Adding Preamps T o Create More Listening Zones 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 locat-[...]

12 APPLICA TIONS & SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERA TIONS Utilizing the Dual BusMatrix ™ Input 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. As shown in Figure 8 , a Niles A4.6Ci Multi-zone Controller has its first and secon[...]

13 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 W orksheet on page 29 to document how you plan to connect your SI-1260. Figure 9 , shown below , is an example o[...]

14 INST ALLA TION CONSIDERA TIONS INST ALLA TION CONSIDERA TIONS 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 curren[...]

15 INST ALLA TION CONSIDERA TIONS If the cabinet rear is not open to fresh air or if your using low impedance loads, install two “boxer fans” to pro- vide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet. Make sure that there is a minimum of 6” of free air space above the amplifier and 1” on each side for proper ventilation. Allow a minimum [...]

16 INST ALLA TION Line Level Audio Inputs Caution! The amplifier must be off whenever you make changes to the input con- nections. Cascade Audio Outputs The "Cascade Audio Outputs" enable you to connect additional amplifiers to your preamplifier's output. Connection is accomplished with standard RCA interconnect cables. The outputs a[...]

17 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 circuitr y. 3.5 mm Jack for 1 2v DC Control Outpu[...]

18 Attractive extruded aluminum front panel. Multi-color “Channel Pair” LED indicators display channel pair on/off status, and protection modes. Gold plated, dual banana plug spaced, five-way speaker binding posts. Removable T wo-prong IEC compatible AC power cord. Bridging switch for each channel pair . Gold-plated RCA jacks for the dedicated [...]

19 INST ALLA TION Bare Wire Unscrew the red or black plastic knobs and insert the bare wire through the hole in the post. T ighten the knob until the wire is secure- ly clamped. STEP 1. Label all wires. 2. Connect one stripped wire end or banana plug to the black terminal and one to the red terminal. CAUTION ! NOT EVEN A SINGLE STRAND OF WIRE CAN B[...]

20 INST ALLA TION BusMatrix ™ Input DIP Switch Settings Each channel has a dedicated BusMatrix ™ DIP switch bank that assigns that chan- nel's source input signal (see Figure 15) . T o assign the BusMatrix ™ source input sig- nal for a particular channel, set only one of the seven switches to the right. Again, only one of the seven DIP s[...]

21 Bridging T wo Channels into One The SI-1260's bridging switches allow you to create a more powerful amplifier chan- nel by combining or "bridging" two adjacent amplifier channels together into one. Slide the bridg- ing switch in the direction of the arrow to bridge two adjacent amplifier chan- nels. Set the controls of the newly b[...]

22 Setting the T urn-On Mode Switch 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. The Control Output As shown in Figure 19 , a 3.5 mm female mini- plug output jack on th[...]

23 OPERA TION 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 a[...]

24 Channel Pair LED Indicators The SI-1 260 incorporates individual multi-colored LEDs for each channel-pair that indicate the following: OFF Solid Green Fast Red Blinking (Three Times Per Second) Slow Red Blinking (Once Every Three Seconds) Solid Red The channel pair is OFF . The channel pair is active and operating normally . Indicates a possible[...]

25 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 regard- less of size and acoustics and to establish a maximum volume [...]

26 Listening at Higher V olumes 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 care[...]

27 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 T echnical Support at 1-800-289-4434 . The most common problems are related to hook-up. Have your configuration worksheet handy when you call. SYMPTOM V[...]

28 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE V ery low or no sound on some or all channels. Hum from all of the speakers. Sound is distorted on one or more channels at normal volume. No sound on any channels and power LED is slowly blinking. Bass is weak and stereo sound is "phasey". A speaker connected to a bridged pair of amplifier channels sounds weak. 1.[...]

CONFIGURA TION WORKSHEET CONFIGURA TION WORKSHEET BUS INPUTS & OUTPUTS CONNECTED TO. . . Left Bus Input # 1 Right Bus Input # 1 Left Bus Input # 2 Right Bus Input # 2 Cascade Output Bus # 1 Right Cascade Output Bus # 1 Left Cascade Output Bus # 2 Right Cascade Output Bus # 2 Left CH # BRIDGED DIP INPUT SOURCE SPEAKER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 [...]

SPECIFICA TIONS 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. Bridged Power Output (Adjacent channels bridged, all channels driven) 1 20 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Input Impedance 47,000 ohms Input Sensitiv[...]

Niles Audio Corporation 1 233 1 S. W . 1 30 Street Miami, Florida 33 1 86 T el: (305) 238-4373 Fax: (305) 238-0 1 85 www .nilesaudio.com © 2000 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logo, Blending High Fidelity and Architecture, and Systems Integration Amplifier ar e registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. BusMat[...]