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Harman Kardon PA5800 Multichannel Amplifier

PA5800

Owners Manual

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Owners Manual PA5800 Multichannel Amplifier

Table of Contents

Introduction. 1 Safety Information. 2 Unpacking and Installation. 3 Rear Panel Connections. 3 Installation and Connections. 4-5 Operation. 6 Service Information. 7 Troubleshooting Chart. 7 Technical Specifications. 8
80 Crossways Park West Woodbury, NY 11797
1996 Harman Kardon, Incorporated

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Introduction
Congratulations! As the owner of a Harman Kardon PA5800 Multichannel Power Amplifier, you have at your command a unique product. The PA5800 has been carefully designed to deliver the best possible sonic performance, along with outstanding industrial design that matches other Harman Kardon products or complements any interior design.
In order to fully enjoy the performance of your amplifier, please take a few minutes to read this owners manual. It contains important information that will help you to make certain that the amplifier is properly connected to the rest of the equipment in your system. If you have any questions about this product or its installation and operation, please contact your retailer or custom installer. They are your best sources of product information. You may also contact Harman Kardon via the World Wide Web at: http://www.harmankardon.com. Welcome to the Harman Kardon family. We wish you many years of listening pleasure!

Description and Features

The Harman Kardon PA5800 is a flexible, state-of-the-art audio power amplifier designed to deliver high performance for use in home theater or music reproduction applications. The following are among its many features:
Designed and manufactured in the United States High-current output capbility Ultrawide bandwidth design Low negative feedback Low harmonic and intermodulation distortion Massive heat sinks for quiet convection cooling High-current power supply Remote turn-on/turn-off circuitry with select Harman Kardon products or through optional accessories

s s s s

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Safety Information

Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your new Harman Kardon PA5800 amplifier has been factory-configured for use with 120-volt AC line current. Connecting the amplifier to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard, and may damage the amplifier. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet. Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use High power output of your amplifier may require heavy current draw under full load conditions. To ensure proper performance and avoid potential safety hazards, we recommend that it be connected to a circuit with 20-amp capacity. Connecting multiple amplifiers to the same circuit, or connecting the amplifier to a circuit used by other heavy-power devices, such as high-wattage lights, may cause circuit breakers to trip. It is always a good idea to avoid using any audio equipment on the same AC circuit as equipment with motors, such as air conditioners or refrigerators. This will lessen the possibility of power variation and electrical start-up noise affecting your sound system. Do Not Use Extension Cords To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord supplied with your unit. If a replacement cord is used, make certain that it is of a similar gauge. We do not recommend using extension cords with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy objects on power cords. Damaged power cords should be
replaced immediately with cords meeting factory specifications. Handle the AC Power Cord Gently When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use the amplifier for a considerable length of time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet. Do Not Open the Cabinet There are no user-serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water enters the unit, or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or staple accidentally falls inside the cabinet, disconnect the unit from the AC power source immediately and consult an authorized warranty station.

exposed to direct sunlight or near heating equipment. Avoid moist or humid locations. Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the unit or place objects directly over them. Remember, power amplifiers generate heat, and the heat sink fins and ventilation slots that form part of the cabinet are specially designed to remove this heat. Placing other electronic equipment near these heat-dissipation systems may possibly affect the long-term reliability of both your amplifier and the objects placed above it.
Installation Location s To ensure proper operation and to avoid the potential for safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and any mounting hardware can support the amplifiers weight.
Cleaning When the unit gets dirty, wipe it with a clean, soft and dry cloth. If necessary, first wipe the surface with a soft cloth slightly dampened with mild soapy water, followed by a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe immediately with a dry cloth. Never use benzene, thinner, alcohol or any other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the finish of metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide near the unit. Moving the Unit Before moving the unit, be certain to disconnect any interconnection cords with other components, and make certain that you disconnect the unit from the AC outlet.
Make certain that the proper space is provided both above and below the unit for ventilation. If the amplifier will be installed in a cabinet or other enclosed area, make certain that there is sufficient air movement within the cabinet. Consult with your dealer or installer for more information. Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted surface. Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold locations, in an area that is

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Unpacking and Installation / Rear Panel Connections
Unpacking and Installation
The carton and shipping materials used in protecting your new amplifier were specially designed to cushion it from the shocks and vibration of shipping. We suggest that you save the carton and packing materials for use in shipping if you move or if the unit ever needs repair.

To minimize the size of the carton in storage, you may wish to flatten it. Carefully remove any staples used to close carton seams; carefully slit the tape on the bottom and collapse the carton. Other cardboard inserts may be stored in the same manner. Packing materials that cannot be collapsed should be saved along with the carton in a plastic bag.
When positioning the amplifier in its final location, make certain that it has adequate ventilation on all sides, as well as on the top and bottom. Do not place CDs, record jackets, owners manuals or other paper on top of, or beneath the unit, or in between multiple amplifiers in a stack. This will block the air flow, causing degraded performance and a possible fire hazard. If the unit is to be enclosed in a cabinet or rack, make certain that there is adequate air circulation, with means provided for hot air to exit and for cool air to be brought in.

Rear Panel Connections

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL NO. PA5800 HARMAN KARDON NORTHRIDGE CALIFORNIA, USA MADE IN USA

SERIAL NO.

E160812 596D LISTED AUDIO SYSTEMS

POWER AMP TRIGGER IN

CHANNEL ONE (FRONT RIGHT)

SPEAKER

CHANNEL TWO (SURROUND RIGHT)

SPEAKER IN

CHANNEL THREE (FRONT CENTER)
CHANNEL FOUR (SURROUND LEFT)
CHANNEL FIVE (FRONT LEFT)

4 OHMS

4 OHMS AC INPUT

8 OHMS AC 12OV/60Hz 340W

Speaker Outputs: Connections from these terminals should be made to the appropriate speakers in your system. Audio Inputs: Connect the outputs of the PT2500, ADP303 or other surround processor, preamplifier or decoder to

these jacks.

AC Power Cord: Connect this plug to a wall-mounted AC outlet. Due to the current draw of the PA5800, it is NOT
recommended that the accessory outlets on the back of the audio/video components be used to power this product. to have the PA5800 automatically turn on when the device is activated. See page 4 for additional details.
Remote Amp Trigger In: Connect this jack to the matching trigger output on a PT2500 or other compatible device
Note: To assist in the installation of this product, the numbers used in this diagram appear in the manual to guide you to rear panel connections.

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Installation and Connections
Note: When making any connections between source components, processors or preamplifiers and the PA5800, or when making any connections to speakers, be certain that both the input device and the PA5800 are turned off. To ensure that there will be no unwanted signal transients that can damage equipment or speakers, it is always best to unplug all equipment from AC power outlets before making any connections. Modern electronic products often have a standby mode that may be activated even though the product may appear to be turned off.
Remote Turn-On Using an External ACto-DC Converter If the PA5800 is not used with a compatible Harman Kardon product, it is still possible to activate the unit for automatic turn-on. To control the amplifier in this manner you will need a small AC-to-DC power converter capable of delivering a 6- to 12-volt DC signal. The DC voltage should terminate in a standard 3.5mm mono miniplug. This type of converter may be obtained as a Power Adapter from many electronics retailers. Consult your dealer for further information. Plug the AC adapter into a switched outlet that will be activated when you wish to have the amplifier turn on. This may be the switched outlet at the rear of an AV receiver or other audio equipment, an AC outlet that is part of a current sensing control unit activated by a preamp or surround processor or a switched AC wall outlet. Connect the 3.5mm miniplug from the power converter to the Remote Amp Trigger in jack on the rear of the PA5800.
Connect the outputs of the PT2500 or your surround processor to the audio inputs of the PA5800. To simplify installation, it is best to follow the markings on the rear panel by connecting the Front Right output of the PT2500 to the Front Right input on the PA5800, following the same pattern for each channel. Important Note: The PA5800 is not designed for use in Bridged configuration. Do not connect the same input or speaker to more than one channel. To ensure that the high-quality signals produced by the PA5800 are carried to your speakers without loss of clarity or resolution , we recommend that you use high-quality speaker cable. Many brands of cable are available, and the choice of cable may be influenced by the distance between your speakers and the amplifier, the type of speakers you use, personal preferences and other factors. Your dealer or installer is a valuable resource to consult in selecting a proper cable for connections between your amplifier and speakers. Regardless of the brand or type of cable selected, we recommend that you use a cable constructed of fine, multistrand copper with a gauge of 14 or smaller. When specifying cable, remember that the lower the number, the thicker the cable. Cable with a gauge of 16 may be used for short runs of less than ten feet. We do not recommend the use of cables with an AWG equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss and degradation in performance that will occur.

Power Control Connections
The Harman Kardon PA5800 amplifier features a built-in remote turn-on system that will automatically turn on the amplifier when another device in the system is switched on. To activate this system, this amplifier must be used in conjunction with a Harman Kardon PT2500, other compatible Harman Kardon products or other approved devices. NOTE: Before making any connections to remote trigger outlets, it is critical that both the PA5800 and the triggering device be turned off. For additional safety, it is best that these connections be made while both products are unplugged from AC power sources. Remote Turn-On with Compatible Harman Kardon Products including the PT2500 Connect one end of the accessory cable supplied with the PT2500 to the Remote Amp Trigger in jack on the rear of the PA5800. Connect the other end to the jack on the PT2500 that carries the same identification.

Audio System Connections

As a general rule, avoid running any input signal or speaker wire connections next to or parallel with AC power cords. This may cause undesired hum or other interference that will greatly degrade signal performance. When making connections with RCAtype plugs on interconnect cables, make certain to gently but firmly insert the plugs into the jacks on the rear of the PA5800. Loose connections can cause intermittent sound and my damage your speakers.

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Cables run inside walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate listing with UL (CL-2/CL-3), CSA (FT-4) or appropriate safety agency standards that may be required in your area. Questions about running cables inside walls should be referred to your installer or a licensed electrical contractor who is familiar with the NEC and/or the applicable building or electrical codes in your area. Connections to Speakers The final step of the installation process is to connect the amplifier to your speakers using high-quality cable. A pair of binding posts is provided for each channel output. These posts will accept bare wire or banana-type plugs. Note that one conductor of the speaker cable will have no markings or an indication of - for negative polarity, and the other will have a red line, brandname markings, a colored thread or some other positive-polarity indication. The wire with the positive indication should be connected to the red terminals on both the PA5800 and your speakers. The negative wire should be connected to the black terminal on the PA5800 and the speakers. If bare wire is used for connections, strip approximately 3/4 (20mm) of insulation from the end of each wire and carefully twist the strands of each conductor together. Be careful not to cut the individual strands or twist them off; for optimal performance, all strands must be used. Next, loosen the knobs of the speaker output terminals far enough so that the cap moves back on its threads past the U-shaped groove at the back end of the

terminal. Making certain that you observe polarity by connecting the negative (-) wire to the black terminal and the positive (+) wire to the red terminal, pass the exposed wire through from the top of the slot until the wire is visible from the bottom end. Holding the wire in place, twist the cap back so that the connection is secured. Do not overtighten or use tools, as this may damage the plastic terminal cap or break the delicate wire strands and decrease system performance. Important Note: When making speaker wire connections, be certain that none of the strands from one lead touch any other lead. This will cause a short circuit and may damage you amplifier or speakers. Damage from short circuits caused in this manner is not covered by the product warranty. Connections may also be made using standard 4mm OD banana plugs. Before using a banana-type jack, make certain that the plastic screw caps on the PA5800 are firmly tightened by turning them clockwise until they are snug against the chassis. This will ensure that the maximum surface area of the plug is in contact with the jack. Once the wire has been attached to the banana plug following the plug manufacturers instructions, simply insert the banana plug into the hole provided on the rear of the colored screw caps on the terminal posts. Be certain to observe proper polarity. Finally, run the cables to the speaker locations. It is highly recommended that the length of cable connecting any pair of speakers be identical. For example, make certain that the cable length connecting left and right front or left and right rear (surround) speakers is
identical, even though one speaker may be physically closer to the amplifier than the other. Do not coil any excess cable, as this may become an inductor that creates frequency response variations in your system. Connect the wires to the speakers, again being certain to observe proper polarity. Remember to connect the negative or black wire to the matching terminal on the speaker. Similarly, the positive or red wire should be connected to the like terminal on the speaker. NOTE: While most speaker manufacturers adhere to an industry standard of using black terminals for negative and red ones for positive, some manufacturers may not adhere to this configuration. To ensure properly phased connections and optimal performance, consult the identification plate on your speaker terminals, or the speakers manual to verify polarity. If you do not know the polarity of your speaker, ask your dealer or installer for advice before proceeding, or consult the speakers manufacturer.

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Operation
Operation of the PA5800 is simple. There are no controls to adjust once the installation is complete. After all connections have been made to the amplifiers inputs and speaker terminals, connect the amplifiers power cord to an AC outlet. Make certain that the PA5800 power switch is in the off position before plugging in the power cord. At this point you are almost ready for listening. First, turn on the source components and processor in your system. It is always a good idea to turn on your amplifier last. This avoids the possibility of any turn-on pops or transients from other equipment being amplified and sent to your speakers, where they may cause damage. Always start with a low volume level on your controller or preamp to avoid damage to your speakers.
To place the unit in operation, simply depress the power switch. Note that the ring surrounding the power switch will glow green. There may be a short pause between the time the power switch is turned on and power is applied to the speakers. This is intentional, and this feature protects your speakers from damage as the amplifier stabilizes. You are now ready to enjoy the finest sonic performance available. All volume and level adjustments are made at your preamp, controller or surround processor. To turn the unit off, press the front panel power switch.
Finally, turn on the PT2500 or other device used to trigger the remote amp trigger, such as a wall-mounted AC adapter. The PA5800 will respond to the trigger signal by automatically turning on, and the ring surrounding the power switch will turn green. There will be a short pause after the signal is applied and the indicator changes color, and the power will be applied to the speakers. This pause is intentional to protect your speakers from damage as the amplifier stabilizes. Once your system is turned on, you are ready to enjoy the finest sonic performance available. There are no controls to adjust. All volume and level adjustments are made by your preamp, controller or surround processor. At the conclusion of your listening session, there is no need to manually turn off the PA5800. When the PT2500 or other triggering device is turned off, removing power from the trigger jack, the PA5800 will return to the standby mode. Important Note: If you will not be using your audio system for an extended period of time, such as during a vacation, it is always a good idea to turn the unit off using the power switch. This will prevent the automatic turn-on circuits from accidentally turning the system on during your absence.

For Automatic Operation

Before proceeding, make certain that the connection between the PA5800 and PT2500 or other trigger source has been properly made as outlined previously. At this point the triggering unit should be turned off. Plug the PA5800 into a live AC power source. The ring surrounding the power switch will glow red. Press the Power switch once and note that the ring will turn to amber. This is your indication that the PA5800 is in standby mode.

Manual Operation

If the unit is not being used with the automatic, remote turn-on system and the AC power plug is connected to a live outlet, the ring surrounding the power switch will glow red. This is your indication that the unit is functional.

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Service Information / Troubleshooting
If your installation has followed the procedures in this manual, you should enjoy many years of trouble-free operation and high-quality listening enjoyment. The PA5800 does not contain any user-serviceable parts. If you suspect a problem that may require service assistance, contact your dealer, installer or an authorized Harman Kardon service depot. You may also contact Harman Kardon via the World Wide Web at: http://www.harmankardon.com.
It is important that any repairs be carried out only by an authorized Harman Kardon service agent to ensure proper service and preserve the protection of your Limited Warranty. It is a good idea to keep your sales slip or receipt in a safe place (along with this manual) so that it will be available to verify the purchase date for warranty claims. Input/Output Protection Under some conditions, such as a shorted speaker wire, DC voltage on an input
connection or thermal overload, the Harman Kardon PA5800 will place itself in a protect mode to prevent damage to the amplifier. When this happens, the ring surrounding the power switch will flash and alternate between red and amber. When this occurs, IMMEDIATELY turn off the unit using the power switch and correct the problem. Then turn the unit back on. If the unit continues to go into a protect mode, contact your dealer or installer for assistance.

Troubleshooting Chart

The items listed below are a brief guide to minor problems that may arise with audio equipment such as the PA5800. Before taking a unit in for service, you should check to see if any of these hints solve the problem. If these solutions do not rectify the problem or if the problem reoccurs, contact your dealer or an authorized Harman Kardon service depot for assistance. PROBLEM Amplifier will not turn on. DIAGONSIS Power Switch turned off. (No Power Light LED) Remote trigger cable not properly connected. Amplifier turns on, but no audio from one or more channels. Inputs not connected to proper jack. Speakers not connected properly. Improper settings or output levels from processor or controller. Audio plays, then cuts off. Amplifier shorted (LED flashes amber). TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS Turn on Power Switch. Verify connection of trigger cable at both ends. Check input connections. Check speaker connections. Check the settings on your preamp, processor or controller. Check speaker connections for short circuit.

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Technical Specifications

Power Output:

5 x 80 watts @ 8 ohms FTC: 20 - 20kHz,.03% THD, All Channels Driven 5 x 110 watts @ 4 ohms FTC: 20 - 20kHz,.03% THD, All Channels Driven 73 Amps 0.22 Hz - 160 kHz - 3 dB at 1 watt Less than 110 at rated power 80 watts Less than 0.03% at rated output <5Hz 160kHz
High Current Capability: Frequency Response: Signal to Noise: THD/IMD: Power Bandwidth: Input Impedance: Input Sensitivity: Remote Trigger Voltage: Remote Trigger Impedance: Dimensions (HxWxD):
33K Ohms 1 volt for rated output 6 - 12 volts DC 20K Ohms 17-3/8 x 6-1/8 x 15-1/2 inches 165 x 440 x 394 mm 30 lbs/27.3 kg 120VAC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz 340 watts, maximum
Weight: Power Requirements:
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Staple or clip original invoice here. w

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Printed in USA
Part #1111-PA5800 HA 160-0000-A

Important Safety Information
Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your PT2500 has been designed for use in North America with 120 volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can

C AUTION

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

Description and Features

The PT2500 is a full featured A/V surround tuner controller, incorporating a wide variety of listening options. Through the use of an Analog Devices decoder, surround encoded programs are played back with stunning accuracy, while the direct mode enables stereo recordings to be played back in their purest form. The open architecture of a surround tuner controller allows for easy expansion to full discrete surround decoding with external adapters.
*Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE
GROUNDING PLUG ON THE POWER CORD, OR USE ANY PLUG OR EXTENSION CORD THAT DOES NOT HAVE A GROUNDING PLUG PROVIDED. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE AC OUTLET IS PROPERLY GROUNDED. DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG WITH THIS PRODUCT.

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Do Not Open The Cabinet There are no user serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or a staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and consult an authorized service center. CATV or Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to this product, be certain that it is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and static charges. Section 810-B of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1996, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements of the grounding electrode. NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV (Cable TV) system installers attention to article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as possible. Installation Location s To assure proper operation, and to avoid the potential for safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and any mounting hardware can support the weight of the product.

! Bass Control: Turn this control to adjust the low frequency output of the left/right channels by as much as 10dB. Set this control to a suitable position for your taste and room acoustics. @ Treble Control: Turn this control to adjust the high frequency output of the left/right channels by as much as 10dB. Set this control to a suitable position for your taste and room acoustics. # Balance Control: Turn this control to change the relative volume for the front left/right channels. NOTE: For normal operation of the surround modes this control should be at the midpoint, or 12 Oclock position. $ VCR2 Inputs: This alternate set of VCR2 Inputs may be used for the connection of a camcorder or video game. Select this input by pressing the VCR2 button 2 on the front panel. % Loudness Button: Press this button when listening at low levels to activate special circuits that compensate for the response of the human ear at lower volumes. In the off position the unit will provide flat frequency response. ^ Volume Control: Rotate this control to raise or lower the volume. Note that this is a motorized control, and when the volume is changed using the remote control n it will move in response to remote commands. & Mute/Volume Indicator: In normal operation this green LED provides a relative indication of the units volume level. When the PT2500 is in the MUTE mode, this indicator flashes to remind you that output to the speakers has momentarily been silenced. * Auto/Man Selector: Press this button to select AUTO or MANUAL tuning. In the AUTO mode the tuner will stop only at stations with a strong signal. In the MANUAL mode the tuner will step in 50 kHz increments for FM and 10 kHz increments for AM. ( AM/FM Selector: Press this button to select AM or FM stations.
Up/Down Tuning Button: Press the left side of the button to tune lower frequency stations and the right side of the button to tune higher frequency stations. When a station with a strong frequency is tuned, the T U N E D indicator will illuminate in the Information Display. FM Mode: Press this button to select the stereo or mono mode for FM tuning. In the STEREO mode an F M S T indicator will illuminate in the information display, and stereo reception will be provided when stations are transmitting stereo signals. In the MONO mode the left and right signals from stereo broadcasts will be mixed together and reproduced through all channels. Select the MONO mode fro better reception of weak signals. Information Display: The indicators in this display illuminate to provide visual display of the units operation. Remote Sensor: This sensor receives the signals from the remote control to operate the unit. Do not block this area. Tuner Memory Button: Press this button to store an AM or FM frequency in the units memory. The MEMORY indicator will flash in the display to remind you to choose a numeric location using Numeric Buttons on the front panel or remote ( d). Press this button a second time to complete the memorization process. Storing a station in a memory location that has already been used will overwrite the existing data. NOTE: The preset memories are protected from power loss for two weeks. If the unit is unplugged for more than two weeks all stored frequencies will be erased. Preset Scan Button: Press this button to scan the stations entered in the units memory. When the desired station is reached, press the button again to stop the scan. Numeric Buttons: Use these buttons to enter or recall stations from the tuner memory.

b Center Channel Outputs: Connect the output of one of these jacks to the center channel input of a power amplifier or digital audio processor with pass through capability. NOTE: In most applications only one center channel connection will be required. The output of both jacks is identical, and either jack may be used for system connections. c Front Channel Outputs: Connect these jacks to the front left/right channel inputs of a power amplifier or digital audio processor with pass through capability. d Subwoofer Outputs: Connect these jacks to the line level input of a powered subwoofer, or to the inputs of a subwoofer amplifier. NOTE: This output is a full range left/right signal. For proper operation BOTH jacks must be connected to the left/right inputs of a powered subwoofer, or a Y cable must be used to connect the two outputs together if a single input mono subwoofer is used. WARNING: Since this is a full range output, the signal must be sent through a crossover or low pass filter before being used with a passive subwoofer or other speaker that does not contain a built in crossover. e AM Antenna Input: Connect the AM loop antenna supplied with the PT2500 to these terminals. An external AM antenna may also be connected here. f FM Antenna Input: Connect an FM antenna to these terminals. Note that a 300 ohm to 75 ohm adapter is required for connections from twin lead dipole antennas.

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System Remote Control
Using the Reference Card supplied with this manual, familiarize yourself with each of the controls on the PT2500s infrared remote control. This section of the manual will also serve as a quick reference to the operation of any of these controls.
a Transmitter Window: An infrared beam is transmitted from this window when you press any button on the remote. For the remote to function properly always point this window toward the remote sensor on the PT2500 and do not obstruct this window.
f Input Select Buttons: Press one of these buttons to choose an input source. Note: Automatic Power On: When you press any Input Select Button while the unit is in the Standby Mode, the system will automatically be turned on. g Delay Time Adjust: Press this button to adjust the amount of delay between the sounds heard from the front and surround speakers. This function is only available in the Dolby ProLogic, Theater and Stadium modes. h Surround Mode Selectors: Press one of these buttons to choose a surround processing mode. Press the OFF button to cancel the surround processing for conventional stereo reproduction. i Center Level Up/Down Buttons: These buttons adjust the center channel volume relative to that of the other speakers. They operate only in the Dolby ProLogic and Dolby 3 Stereo modes.
m Mute Button: Press this button to momentarily silence the speakers. Note that the Mute/Volume Indicator & will flash to remind you that the Mute function is engaged. Press the button again to return to the previously selected listening level. n Master Volume Control: Press this button to raise or lower the overall system volume to all speakers. o Center Mode Select: Press this button to select the center channel mode. Each press of the button changes the mode in the following sequence: Normal Wide Phantom p Test Mode Select: Press this button to have a test signal noise appear in sequence through the left, center, right and surround speakers so that relative volume may be adjusted. q Cassette Deck Controls: These buttons control the functions of compatible Harman Kardon cassette decks. r Preset Scan Button: Press this button to scan the stations entered in the units memory. When the desired station is reached, press the button again to stop the scan. s Battery Compartment: Install two AA batteries as shown to power the remote control.

Remote Control Operation Range
b Power Button: Press this button to turn the PT2500 on or off. NOTE: In order for this button to work, the PT2500 must first be placed in the standby mode by pressing the front panel Power switch 1 until it is engaged and the ring surrounding the switch turns amber. c Up/Down Tuning Buttons: Press these buttons to manually tune higher or lower frequency stations. d Numeric Buttons: Press these buttons to select one of the stations stored in the units memory. e CD Function Controls: These buttons will control the functions of a compatible Harman Kardon CD player or multi disc changer.
j Rear Level Up/Down Buttons: These buttons adjust the volume of the rear (Surround) channels relative to that of the other speakers. They operate only in the Dolby ProLogic, Theater and Stadium modes. k Display Dim: Press this button to dim the brightness of the front panel display. A second press turns that display off completely and a third press returns the displays to their normal brightness level. l Sleep Timer Button: Press this button to activate the sleep timer. Each press increases the amount of time before the unit will turn off, in the following sequence:
10 min 20 min 30 min 60 min 90 min OFF
Slide the cover on the battery compartment as shown to remove. Insert the batteries being certain to observe proper polarity.

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Installation & Configuration
Your new Harman Kardon receiver is designed to provide the best reproduction from both movies and musical programs. To assure that the unit operates to its fullest capability, it is important that you spend a few minutes to properly install and configure all of the elements in your new system. Some, or all of the following steps will apply to your system, depending on the equipment in use. If you have any questions concerning the installation of this product consult your local dealer, or contact the Harman Kardon web site at http://www.harmankardon.com.
If the phono input is used, connect the small ground wire connection furnished on most turntables to the System Ground Terminal on the rear panel. This will greatly reduce system noise and hum. Assemble the supplied AM loop antenna as shown below and connect it to the AM ANTENNA Terminals e.

AM LOOP ANTENNA SETTING

The rear panel accessory outlets on the PT2500 may be used to power low current devices such as CD payers or tape decks. The SWITCHED Accessory AC Power Outlets are activated only when the PT2500 is turned on. The

UNSWITCHED Accessory AC Power Outlets may be used with
VCRs, as the power to these outlets is live as long as the PT2500 remains connected to an AC power source. CAUTION: The total power load for all products connected to the accessory outlets must not exceed 100 watts. Do not use them for high current devices such as power amplifiers. If the PT2500s front panel remote sensor is blocked by cabinet doors you may still operate the unit via remote control with the use of an optional external remote sensor. Connect the output of the sensor to the rear panel REMOTE CONTROL Extension Input. This jack may also be used as the IR input from compatible multiroom control systems. The sensor may be looped to other components by connecting the
REMOTE CONTROL Extension Output to the IR remote input jack
System Component Connections
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Many products feature automatic turn on circuitry which may accidentally be activated when making connections. For your safety and to prevent damage to speakers, amplifiers and other components we strongly recommend that all equipment power be turned off, or that AC power cords be unplugged when any system connections are made or changed. Using high quality interconnect cables, connect all source components to the appropriate input jacks on the rear panel. When connecting audio recorders and VCRs it is important to make certain that the PLAY/OUT jacks on the recorders are connected to the PLAY jacks on the PT2500, and that the RECORD/IN jacks of the recorders are connected to the REC jacks on the PT2500.
LEG Stand and place it on a shelf, or hang it on a wall.
It may be necessary to rotate the antenna or change its position to achieve the best AM reception. Connect an FM antenna to the FM Antenna Terminals. A 300 ohm to 75 ohm adapter may be required for some antennae. If a PA5800 or other compatible amplifier will be used, connect the supplied accessory cable to the Remote Amplifier Trigger Jack on the PT2500. Connect the other end to the appropriate jack on your amplifier. Consult the amplifier manual for further instructions. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not connect amplifier trigger cables to the IR Remote Control jacks on this or any other equipment. If you are using the PT2500 to switch video inputs, connect either MONITOR output to a video input on your TV or projector.
of other compatible components.

Amplifier Connections

Since the PT2500 is a tuner/preamplifier, it does not include any on board power amplifiers. The final step in the installation process is to connect the unit to the amplifiers for each channel. Using high quality audio interconnect cables, connect the FRONT, CENTER and

SURROUND Channel Outputs

cba to the appropriate input jacks of a power amplifier.

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Although there are two outputs for the center channel, only one connection is typically required. As the two outputs are identical, either one may be used and the other left open. Subwoofer connections are made using the SUBWOOFER Outputs d. When using a powered subwoofer, connect BOTH the left and right output subwoofer outputs to the respective left and right line level inputs on your subwoofer. As the PT2500 subwoofer outputs are full range, it will be necessary to adjust the crossover frequency to your requirements on the subwoofers control panel. Consult the subwoofer instructions or consult your dealer for additional information. When using a single subwoofer and a separate mono power amplifier the PT2500 subwoofer outputs must be combined using an optional Y adapter. If there is no crossover in the subwoofer an optional, external low pass filter or crossover system must also be used. When using the PT2500 with an external 5.1 digital audio decoder such as the Harman Kardon ADP303, connect all Channel Outputs abc to the decoders inputs. Use an optional Y adapter to combine the subwoofer outputs and connect the Y adapter to the decoders subwoofer input. The outputs of the digital audio decoder should then be connected to your power amplifiers. Speaker Selection and Placement Depending on the type of center channel speaker in use and your viewing device, place the center speaker directly above or below your TV.
Once the center channel speaker is installed, position the left and right front speakers so that they are as far away from one another as the center channel speaker is from the preferred listening position. Ideally, the front channel speakers should be placed so that their tweeters are no more than 24 off center from the tweeter in the center channel speaker. Depending on the specifics of your room acoustics and the type of speakers in use, imaging may be improved by moving the front left and right speakers slightly forward of the center channel speaker. If possible, adjust all front loudspeakers so that they are aimed at ear height when you are seated in the listening position. Using these guidelines, you may find that it takes some experimentation to find the correct location for the front speakers in your particular installation. Dont be afraid to move things around until the system sounds correct. Optimize speaker locations so that pans across the front of the room sound smooth, and that sounds from all speakers appear to arrive at the listening position at the same time without delay from the center speaker as opposed to the left and right speakers. Surround speakers should be placed on the side walls of the room, at or slightly behind the listening position. The center of the speaker should face into the room with the speaker drivers pointing towards the front and rear of the room. The speakers should be located so that the bottom of the cabinet is at least 24 higher than the listeners ears when in the desired area.

Center Front Speaker

No more than 24"

Left Front Speaker

Right Front Speaker
A) Front Channel Speaker Installation with Direct View TV Sets or Rear Screen Projectors

TV or Projection Screen

No more than 6 feet when rear-mounted speakers are used
Optional Rear Wall Mounting
The distance between the left and right speakers should be equal to the distance from the seating position to the viewing screen. You may also experiment with placing the left and right speakers slightly forward of the center speaker.
At least 6 inches from ceiling

At least 2 feet

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If side wall mounting is not practical, the speakers may be placed on a rear wall, behind the listening position. Again, they should be located so that the bottom of the cabinet is at least 24 higher than the listeners ears. The speakers should be no more than 6 feet behind the rear of the seating area. Subwoofers produce non-directional sound, so they may be placed almost anywhere in a room. Subwoofer placement is highly influenced by room size and shape, and the type of subwoofer used. Follow the instructions of the subwoofers manufacturer, or experiment with the best location for a subwoofer in your listening room. Output Level Calibration For proper operation in the surround modes it is important that the level from all channels be as close to one another as possible. A small amount of time spent to properly calibrate the PT2500s output levels will enable the unit to deliver all the performance it is capable of within the specific environment of your listening room. IMPORTANT NOTE: People are often confused about the operation of the surround channels. While some assume that sound should always be coming from each speaker, most of the time there will be little or no sound in the rear channels. This is because they are only used when a movie director or sound mixer specifically places sound there to create an effect or pull you into the action. When the output levels have been properly set it is normal for the rear speakers to operate only occasionally. Artificially increasing the volume to the rear speakers will destroy the illusion of an enveloping surround field that duplicates the way you hear sound in a movie theater or concert hall.
To calibrate your system, follow these steps: 1. Turn on the PT2500 and the companion power amplifier. 2. Select the Dolby ProLogic mode using the Surround Mode 6 button on the front panel. 3. Place the front panel Balance # control at its midpoint position, so that the indicator is pointing straight up in the 12 oclock position. If the Balance control is normally in another position to compensate for speaker placement relative to your preferred listening position, leave it in that spot. 4. Sit in the location that you will normally occupy when using your PT2500. 5. Press the Test Tone p8 button on the remote or front panel and note that a test noise signal will circulate between the channels. While the test noise circulates among the channels the word TEST and the channel name will appear in the front panel information display window. As the names change you should first listen to the location of the tone and verify that it matches the name displayed in the display. If the display indicates a different location than the speaker the test noise is coming from you should turn off the unit and verify that the connections to the amplifier speakers are made to the correct terminals on the rear panel. 6. As the test signal circulates among the channels, use the Center Level Up/Down o and Rear Level Up/Down j buttons on the remote to adjust the level so that the volume from all channels sounds equal.

7. Press the Test Tone 8 button again to turn the test signal off. Your system is now properly calibrated and further volume adjustment should be made using the Master Volume n buttons on the remote or the front panel Volume Control. ^ Once the system is calibrated no other adjustments are necessary. Delay Setting Delay time adjustment enables you to adjust the timing between signals at the front and surround channels. The factory setting is appropriate for most rooms, but in some instances the use of an abundance of hard (reflective) room surfaces such as windows and wood floors, or soft (absorbent) surfaces such as thick carpeting, acoustical tiles and some furnishings may create an unpleasant effect. These surfaces, in conjunction with the size of the room, the height of the ceiling and other design aspects may cause the arrival of surround channel sounds to become disconnected from rear channel sounds. To adjust delay time it is necessary to select the ProLogic, Theater or Stadium modes using the Surround Mode Selector buttons on the front panel or remote h6. Press the Delay Adjust button 4 on the front panel to adjust the delay time as observed in the Information Display according to personal preference or the following formula: 1. Measure the distance from the listening/viewing position to the front speakers. 2. Measure the distance from the listening/viewing position to the surround speakers.

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3. Subtract the distance to the rear/surround speakers from the distance to the front speakers and add 15. The resulting number is the ideal delay time for your room. For example, if the front speakers are 10 feet away and the surround speakers are 5 feet away, the formula will be 10-5+15=20. Thus, the correct delay time in this room would be 20 ms. Note that the delay time for the Dolby ProLogic Mode is adjusted in 2 ms increments from 16 ms. to 30 ms. The delay setting for the Theater and Stadium modes is adjusted in 8 ms increments from 8ms to 96 ms. Center Channel Mode The PT2500 permits you to tailor the center channel output to match the type of speakers used in your home theater. Press the Center Mode button o7 on the front panel or remote to select one of the following. The center channel mode is shown by indicators in the front panel display window.
CENTER FRONT(left) FRONT(right)

CENTER

FRONT(left)

FRONT(right)

REAR(left)

REAR(right)

Wide Mode: Select this mode if your center channel speaker is a traditional full range loudspeaker.

FRONT(left) FRONT(right)

Phantom Mode: Select this mode if a center channel speaker is not used. The PT2500 will create a phantom center channel using the outputs of the left and right speakers. Note that the Phantom mode is not available when Dolby 3 Stereo is selected as a surround mode.
Normal Mode: Select this mode if your center channel is small and has limited bass response. Most specialized center channel speakers fall into this category.

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Operation

OPERATION

1. Press the Power button 1 on the front panel to turn the unit on. To use the remote for power on/off it is necessary to turn the unit on from the front panel switch and to leave the switch in the on position. The PT2500 may then be turned off using the Power button b on the remote. When the remote is used to turn the unit off it is actually placing the system in a standby mode, as indicated by the amber color of the power switch ring. If you will be away from home for an extended period of time it is always a good idea to completely turn the unit off using the front panel Power button 1. 2. Select the desired program source using the Input Selector Switches 9)f on the front panel or remote. To use a camcorder or video game which is connected to the front panel VCR2 input, press the VCR2 Sel button 2. When the selected input is VCR1, VCR2 or VDP the video signal for that input will be routed to the MONITOR output jacks and will be viewable on a TV monitor connected to the PT2500. Make certain that your TV set is set to the proper VIDEO input to view the signal. 3. Choose a surround mode using the
Surround Mode Selector 6h
4. Adjust the Center Channel Mode 7o and/or Delay Time 4g if a change is required from the setting established during installation. 5. Adjust the volume to a comfortable level using the front panel Volume Control or remote Volume Up/Down buttons ^n. To temporarily silence the system press the Mute button m on the remote. 6. Adjust the Bass and Treble controls
!@ to suit your listening taste.
names described above, select the ProLogic mode using the front panel or remote Surround Mode Selectors 6h. If a center channel speaker is used along with front left/right speakers, but no surround speakers are used, choose the Dolby 3 Stereo mode6h. This combines the surround signal into the front left and right channels to create a greater feeling of presence and a more expansive sound field than with conventional stereo signals. Center channel dialog information will continue to be heard through its proper place at center screen. When listening to conventional stereo recordings or programs, those with separate left and right channels but no intentionally recorded surround information, you may wish to experiment with the surround modes to see which produces the effect you prefer. Stereo recordings often contain sufficient natural phase differences so that the ProLogic or Dolby 3 Stereo Modes are enjoyable, despite the lack of true surround information. Stereo recordings may also sound more expansive in either the Theater or Stadium modes. Selecting these modes 6h uses the front left and right speakers for normal stereo, while the surround speakers are fed a reverberated sound. In order to provide for a wider variety of sound field effects, the surround channel delay available in the Theater and Stadium modes is substantially greater than that in Dolby ProLogic. NOTE: The center channel speaker is not operational in the Theater or Stadium modes.

To remove the tone controls from the circuit, press the Direct button 3. At lower volume levels you may wish to engage the Loudness button % to boost low and high frequency sounds to compensate for response of the human ear at low listing levels (known as the Fletcher-Munson hearing curve). Surround Mode Options Surround sound processing enables four separate audio signals to be transmitted within the left and right channels of a videocassette, radio or TV broadcast, or video disc. Through a process known as matrix encoding a separate center channel signal for dialog and a surround channel for effects are encoded into the stereo signal. When you see the Dolby Surround, Dolby Stereo, DTS Stereo or other similar logos on a movie or broadcast this indicates that the program has surround information. When the program you are listening to has encoded surround information, as shown by one of the logos or brand
buttons on the front panel or remote. To listen to traditional two channel stereo press the Surround Off button 5h.

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Tuner Operation The PT2500s built in tuner is capable of tuning AM, FM or FM Stereo broadcast stations. Stations may be tuned manually, automatically or via presets. Manual Tuning 1. Press the Tuner button )f to select the tuner as an input. 2. Select the AM or FM band using the front panel AM/FM selector (. 3. Press the Tuning c button to until the desired station is tuned. Holding the button down will cause a rapid advance through the frequency band, tapping it lightly will advance through bands one increment at a time. The TUNED indicator will illuminate when a station is received with sufficient strength for quality reception. 4. Press the FM Mode button to switch between mono and stereo reception. When a stations signal is weak, press the button until the FMST indicator in the information display goes out. This will switch the tuner to mono, but it may enable clearer reception. Auto Tuning 1. Press the Tuner button )f to select the tuner as an input. 2. Select the AM or FM band using the front panel AM/FM selector (. 3. Press the Auto/Man * button. 4. Press the Tuning c button once and tuning will start in the direction indicated. The tuner will stop at the first station with sufficient signal strength.
Preset Tuning Up to 30 stations may be stored in the receivers memory for easy recall using the front panel controls or the remote. To enter a station to the memory, first tune to the station using the steps outlined above in the Manual Tuning section. Then: 1. Press the Memory button on the front panel. Note that the MEM indicator in the Information Display window will illuminate and flash. 2. Within five seconds, press the

Numeric Buttons d

the PScan button again to stop the scan at your desired station. Sleep Timer The PT2500 may be placed in a Sleep Mode mode by pressing the Sleep Timer l button on the remote. Each press of the button increases the time until the unit shuts off in the following increments:
corresponding to the memory location where you wish to store this stations frequency. To enter a station to memory location 30 press only the 0 button. 3. Repeat the process after tuning to any additional stations to be preset. Recalling Preset Stations To select a station previously entered into the preset memory press the Numeric Buttons d on the front panel or the remote corresponding to the desired stations location. To select the station in location 30, press the 0 button only. When you select a station using this method the unit will automatically switch to the tuner as its input. Preset Station Scan To automatically scan through the stations entered in the preset memory, press the PScan r button on the remote. The tuner will automatically begin to search through the list of stations, stopping for four seconds at each one. Press
The sleep time will be displayed at the right side of the Information Display while the timer is being programmed. Once the amount of time entered has elapsed, the PT2500 will automatically go into the Standby mode, shutting off all functions as well as the remote amp trigger and the switched outlets. Tape Recording In normal operation, the audio or video source selected for listening through the PT2500 is sent to the record outputs. This means means that any program you are watching or listening to may be recorded simply by placing machines connected to the outputs for TAPE 1 or VCR1 in the record mode. To dub an audio tape place the blank tape in the machine connected to Tape 2 and put it in the record mode. Place the program tape in the machine connected to Tape 1 and put it in the play mode. Select Tape 2 Mon as the input source 9f to monitor the playback of the dub if the recorder has a three head system.

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Troubleshooting
This unit is designed for trouble-free operation. Most problems users encounter are due to operating errors. So, if you have a problem, first check this list for a possible solution. If the problem persists, consult your authorized Harman Kardon Service Center. If the problem is. No lights illuminate when POWER button is pressed No sound is heard Make sure that the. Unit is plugged into a live outlet Unit has been muted Correct input function selector button has been pressed Volume is turned up Connections are properly made to the amplifier Correct surround mode is selected Rear and Center levels are turned up You are using a surround encoded source Video cables are connected properly Monitor output is connected to the video input on TV Video sources are properly connected to receiver Video/Antenna Switch on TV is set to Video Cables are not defective: Check/replace interconnect cables The program source is operating and providing proper signal output to the PA5800 Dolby surround or movie mode is turned on Phantom mode is not active Unit is in the ProLogic or Dolby 3 Stereo mode Center channel level is properly adjusted The antenna is properly connected The antenna is properly located The antenna is set in the proper direction The antenna is adequate to receive the desired station The unit is away from fluorescent lights, TVs, motors and other electrical appliances After pressing the MEMORY button, the PRESET button is pressed while the memory indicator blinks

Dolby Surround does not work on center and rear channels
Selecting video component produces sound but no picture
The TV picture does not match the sound
No output from one or more channels

No center channel output

Tuner sound has a large amount of interference, or The Stereo display is not illuminated, or Tuner sound distorts and/or volume level is too low
Tuner is intermittent or continuously buzzing or hissing Stations cannot be preset

Page 15

Specifications
Preamplifier Section Signal-to-Noise Ratio (ref. 1 Volt, A-Wtd) Phono (MM): Video, CD: Input Sensitivity/Impedance Phono (MM) 125pF Video, CD, Tape Phono Overload: RIAA EQ Accuracy (20Hz-20KHz): Tone Control Range Bass @100Hz: Treble @10KHz: Loudness Contour @40dB, 100Hz/10kHz:
74dB 92dB 2.5mV/47k, 150mV.22k 1.0dB 10dB 10dB +6dB/+3dB
Tuner Section: FM Usable Sensitivity, Mono (dBf): 50dB Quieting Sensitivity, Stereo (dBf): Signal-to-Noise Ratio @65dBf, mono/stereo Capture Ratio: Selectivity, Adjacent/Alternate Channel: IF Rejection: Am Rejection @45dBf: Stereo Separation @1KHz, 65dBf: THD @1KHz, 65dBf, mono/stereo (%) Tuner Section: AM Sensitivity, External Antenna: Alternate Channel Selectivity: Image Rejection: IF Rejection: Dimensions (WxHxD) inches: mm: Weight (lbs/kgs):
11.2 37.2 74dB/70dB 1.5dB 5dB/65dB 100dB 55dB 45dB 0.2/0.3
25V 55dB 35dB 60dB 17-3/8 x 6-1/8 x 16-1/x 155 x 420 17.1/7.8
Depth measurement includes knobs, buttons and antennas. Height measurement includes feet. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Additionally licensed under one or more of the following patents: U.S. number 3,959,590, Canadian numbers 1,004,603 and 1,037,877. Dolby, ProLogic and TimeLink are registered trademarks of Dolby Loboratories Licensing Corporation.

Printed in Korea

Part #1111-PT2500 9007017884