7
until you are sure all the connections are correct and secure. Pay particular
attention to the speaker wires. There must be no loose strands that could
contact the other speaker wires, or the chassis of the amplifier.
Please read this manual carefully. In addition to basic installation and
operating instructions, it provides valuable information on various RB-1581
system configurations as well as general information that will help you get
optimum performance from your system. Please contact your authorized
Rotel dealer for answers to any questions you might have. In addition, all
of us at Rotel welcome your questions and comments
Save the RB-1581 shipping carton and all enclosed packing material for
future use. Shipping or moving the RB-1581 in anything other than the
original packing material may result in severe damage to your amplifier.
If included in the box please fill out and send in the owner`s registration
card. Also be sure to keep the original sales receipt. It is your best record
of the date of purchase, which you will need in the event warranty service
is ever required.
Placement
Like all audio components that handle low-level signals, the RB-1581 can
be affected by its environment. Avoid placing the RB-1581 on top of other
components. Also avoid routing audio signal cables near power cords. This
will minimize the chance it will pick up hum or interference.
The RB-1581 generates heat as part of its normal operation. The heat sinks
and ventilation openings in the amplifier are designed to dissipate this
heat. The ventilation slots in the top cover must be open. There should be
10 cm (4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and reasonable airflow
through the installation location, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.
Remember the weight of the amplifier when you select an installation location.
Make sure that the shelf or cabinet can support it. We recommend installing
the RB-1581 in furniture designed to house audio components. Such furniture
is designed to reduce or suppress vibration which can adversely affect
sound quality. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about component
furniture and proper installation of audio components.
AC Power and Control
AC Power Input
8
Your RB-1581 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line voltage in
the country where you purchased it (USA: 120 volts/60 Hz, Europe: 230
volts/50 Hz). The AC line configuration is noted on a label on the back panel.
NOTE:
Should you move your unit to another country, it may be possible to
reconfigure it for use on a different line voltage. Do not attempt to perform
this conversion yourself. Opening the enclosure of the unit exposes you to
dangerous voltages. Consult a qualified service person or the Rotel factory
service department for information.
NOTE:
Some products are intended for sale in more than one country and
as such are supplied with more than one AC cord. Please use only the cord
appropriate for your country/region.
Because of its relatively high power rating, the RB-1581 can draw considerable
current. Therefore, it should be plugged directly into a 3-pin polarized wall
outlet. Do not use an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet
strip may be used if it (and the wall outlet) is rated to handle the current
demanded by the RB-1581 and all the other components connected to it.
Be sure the power switch on the front panel of the RB-1581 is turned off
(in the „out„ position). Then, connect the supplied power cord to the Power
Connector
8
on the rear of the unit and the AC power outlet.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time
such as a month-long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to unplug the RB-
1581 (as well as other audio and video components) while you are away.
Power Switch and Power Indicator
1
Press the front panel Power Switch button, to turn the unit on (or to activate
the 12V trigger). The Power Indicator light is illuminated when the unit is
on. Press the Power Switch button again to turn the unit off.
Protection Indicator
2
The RB-1581 features thermal and over-current protection circuits that protect
against potential damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions.
Unlike many designs, the RB-1581Ês protection circuit is independent of
the audio signal and has no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the
protection circuit monitors the temperature of the output devices and shuts
down the amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.
Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However,
should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop playing and the
PROTECTION LED on the front panel will light.
If this happens, turn the amplifier off, let it cool down for several minutes,
and attempt to identify and correct the problem. When you turn the amplifier
back on, the protection circuit will automatically reset and the PROTECTION
LED should go out.
In most cases, the protection circuitry activates because of a fault condition
such as shorted speaker wires, or inadequate ventilation causing an
overheating condition. In very rare cases, highly reactive or extremely low
impedance speaker loads could cause the protection circuit to engage.
If the protection circuitry triggers repeatedly and you are unable to isolate
and correct the faulty condition, contact your authorized Rotel dealer for
assistance in troubleshooting.
Trigger On/Off Mode Selector
5
The amplifier provides the option for manual or automatic power on/off
operation. These modes are selectable using a toggle switch on the back panel.
With the switch in the +12V TRIGGER ON position, the amplifier is turned
on automatically when a 12V trigger signal is present at the 3.5 mm
Jack of TRIGGER IN on the rear panel. The amplifier will go into standby
mode if the +12V signal is not present. The front panel POWER SWITCH
overrides this function. It must be ON for the +12V trigger to work. Turning
the switch OFF cuts power to the amplifier, regardless of whether or not a
trigger signal is present.
12V Trigger Input and Output
4
The jack labeled IN is for connecting the 3.5mm Plug/Cable carrying a
+12 volt trigger signal to turn the amplifier on and off. To use this feature
the toggle switch must be set to the ON position. This input accepts any
control signal (AC or DC) ranging from 3 volts to 30 volts.
