Line Outputs
(
Figure 1, #6)
The 2120T MKII provides a pair of RCA Line Out jacks which duplicate the
input signal. These can link additional power amplifiers to a single source
component without using messy Y-cord adaptors.
Speaker Connections
(
Figure 1, #9)
The Sonamp 2120T MKII features binding post speaker connectors that can
accept bare wire and wire terminated in pins or single banana connectors.
Note: If using single banana connectors, be sure the terminals are closed
(rotated fully clockwise) before inserting the connector.
If you use bare wire, make sure you strip only enough wire (½") to fit into the
slot in the terminal. Before inserting the wire, twist all strands tightly to pre-
vent strays that could cause a short circuit between the “+” and “–” terminals!
Insert wire in the direction of terminal rotation (clockwise) to force the wire
around the terminal post to make a secure connection.
Polarity
It is important to observe correct polarity for proper stereo reproduction. One
side of the speaker lead will have some sort of mark, either printing, a raised
ridge on the insulation or different color of conductor. This permits you to
know which wire you had connected to the “+” and which to the “–” speaker
terminals so you can repeat these connections at the power amplifier terminals.
Connecting Multiple Speakers
The Sonamp
®
2120T MKII is stable into low impedances, so it can drive more
than one pair of 8-ohm speakers. If you are in doubt about the impedances
of your speakers, consult your dealer or Sonance Technical Support.
To connect more than one pair of speakers to the 2120T MKII, you will need
to connect the speaker wires from each speaker in parallel. The safest and
most efficient way to do this is to use dual-banana plug connectors which are
plugged into each other, end-to-end. If you are connecting bare wires from
each pair of speakers together, we recommend you make this junction at a
point that is not immediately at the speaker terminals. This is because each
joined bundle of wires will be too thick to fit into its speaker terminals and
you will run the risk of causing a short circuit between the “+” and “–”
terminals. We recommend using a Sonance SS6 or SS4 speaker selector to
connect multiple pairs of speakers.
Use Good Speaker Wire
For best results you should never use thin gauge speaker wire – it will constrict
the sound and deteriorate bass response. We recommend use of premium
Sonance MediaLinQ® speaker cable, which also complies with UL fire rating.
You may also wish to experiment with audiophile-grade speaker cable and
interconnects, but be sure to check local codes governing wire that may be
installed within walls or ceilings. Each brand of wire will have a different
characteristic sound and some may be more compatible with the sonic
“signature” of your various components. Your Sonamp 2120T MKII is stable
with any reputable brand of wire or speaker cable.
POWERING THE AMPLIFIER
You can plug the amplifier’s AC cord into a wall socket or an AC outlet on
your preamplifier. Make sure your preamp outlet rating is equal to or greater
than the 2120T MKII’s power consumption rating (750 watts). If you do not
plan to use the amplifier’s Auto On feature, you will probably want to use a
switched AC outlet that is turned on and off by your preamp's power button.
If you choose to use the 2120T MKII’s Auto On feature, you must leave the
amplifier plugged into an unswitched AC outlet that is always “live” even
when the preamp is turned off.
If you are installing the 2120T MKII in a remote zone, you may plug it into
the closest AC wall outlet that is always “live”.
Caution: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot in
the outlet, fully insert the blades into the slots.
Attention: Pour evitar les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large
de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu'au fond.
Use only a heavy-duty extension cord, if required, to avoid starving the
amplifier of all current necessary for full power operation.
Ground Lift Switch
(
Figure 1, #7)
The Sonamp 2120T MKII features a ground lift switch that can eliminate
hum caused by ground loops. This often happens when rack-mount
adapters (sold separately) are used and the chassis makes contact with the
equipment rack. Flipping the Ground Lift switch may eliminate the hum,
avoiding the need to insulate the rack with nylon washers.
OPERATING THE 2120T MKII
Power Switch
(
Figure 1, #1)
The Sonamp 2120T MKII has an ingenious and sophisticated Auto On turn
on/off circuit. Please read these instructions carefully for proper operation.
Press the power switch once to the “in” position to turn the amplifier ON.
Press the switch again to the "out" position to turn it OFF. Leave the switch in
the “in” position when using the Auto On turn on/off feature. (The Auto On
feature will automatically switch the amplifier’s power ON when an audio sig-
nal is present at its input jacks (see below).
Auto-On Switch
(
Figure 1, #8)
When the Auto On switch is in the ON position, any audio signal arriving at the
2120T MKII’s left input jack will automatically activate the amp for operation
within 1.5 seconds. The green Active LED on the front panel will illuminate,
indicating that the amplifier is operational.
Note: The amplifier is shipped with the Auto-On switch in the ON position.
The amplifier will remain ON for approximately 3 minutes after the audio
signal has ceased. This provides ample time to prevent erratic operation from
pauses between musical passages or while changing signal sources. With this
feature there is no limit to where you can place the 2120T MKII. Here are a
few installation possibilities:
• Local room system coupled with a multi-CD changer
• Surround sound front, side, or rear channels
• Multi-room, multi-source control systems
If the Auto-On turn on/off feature is not required, it can be defeated by
moving the rear panel “Auto On” switch to its OFF position. Use a small flat-
bladed screwdriver to move the recessed switch. Do not apply excessive force.
Now the 2120T MKII’s front-panel Power Switch will function conventionally
and the amplifier will turn ON and OFF from a switched AC outlet on your
preamp.
Level Controls
(
Figure 1, #4)
The 2120T MKII has recessed front-panel level controls that allow adjustment
by screwdriver only. This prevents accidental tampering with levels. You can use
the Level Controls to adjust the left/right channel balance, to limit the maxi-
mum safe gain to protect the speakers or to optimize the signal-to-noise ratios
between the source components and amplifier. Many volume controls, on
source components, are overly-sensitive near their minimum positions; by
reducing the 2120T MKII’s input level control settings, you “compel” the source
component volume control to operate in its more uniform adjustment range.
In a system that incorporates in-wall speaker volume controls, the
2120T MKII’s Level Controls can be used to set a safe maximum level that
prevents volume control transformer saturation, distortion or burn-out.
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I N S T R U C T I O N M A N U A L
S O N A M P
®
2 1 2 0 T M K I I
S T E R E O P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
