B&K REFERENCE 50 2 User Manual

4.3 (3)

B&K Components, Ltd.

REFERENCE 50 SERIES 2

User Manual

Seven Channel Surround

A/V Preamplifier Processor

13790 1104

ii

ACCESSORIES AND WARRANTY

 

 

USER MANUAL - Reference 50 Series 2

© 2004 B&K Components Ltd. All rights reserved.

The information in this manual is copyright protected. No part of this manual may be copied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from B&K Components, Ltd.

B&K Components Ltd. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS/OMISSIONS MADE IN THIS MANUAL. The information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice.

Accessories Included

B&K

1

- SR10.1 Remote Control

1

- Warranty Card

1

- AM Antenna

1

- User Manual

1 - FM Dipole Antenna

1

- Serial to RJ-45 Adapter

 

1

- Power Cord

1

- BKcSuite CD-ROM

S I M P LY B E T T E R !

 

 

 

 

SIMPLY BETTER! is a registered trademark of B&K Components, Ltd. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Surround EX", “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Manufactured under license from Digital Theater Systems, Inc. US Pat. No.5,451,942, 5,956,674, 5,974,380, 5,978,762, 6,487,535 and other U.S and worldwide patents issued and pending. “DTS”, "DTS-ES" and "Neo:6" trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright 1996, 2003 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Motorola® , * DigitalDNA™, "Powered by Motorola™, Motorola name and logo are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Limited Warranty

B&K Components Ltd., referred to herein as B&K, warrants your B&K equipment against all defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and only to equipment in normal residential use and service. Defective equipment must be returned to B&K, prepaid, accompanied by proof of purchase and sufficient payment to cover the cost of return shipping and handling, and will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of B&K whose decision as to the method of reparation will be final.

This warranty shall not apply to any equipment which is found to have been improperly installed, incorrectly fused, misused, abused, or subjected to harmful elements, used in any way not in accordance with instructions supplied with the unit, or to have been modified, repaired or altered in any way without the expressed, written consent of B&K. This warranty does not apply to the cabinet or appearance items such as the faceplate or control buttons, nor does it cover any expenses incurred in shipping the unit to and from the manufacturer's service department.

This warranty on B&K Components, Ltd. products is NOT VALID if the products have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer or an E-tailer or if the original factory serial number has been removed, defaced or replaced in any way. B&K Components, Ltd. sells its products through authorized dealers in order to ensure that consumers obtain proper dealer service and support. Buying from an authorized B&K Components, Ltd. dealer insures that you have a FACTORY WARRANTY on your B&K Components, Ltd. product. If you have any questions concerning your Factory Warranty call B&K Components, Ltd. at 716-656-0026.

Upgradeability : B&K is one of the first manufacturers in the audio/video industry to consistently offer software and hardware upgrades to its processing of audio signals. Through upgrades B&K delivers exceptional value to its customers. But what is "upgradeability"? Upgradeability is not a guarantee; we define it as a philosophy of designing and manufacturing products so that as audio technology evolves, B&K can provide enhancements and improvements to its products that are economically viable.

THE EXPRESS FACTORY WARRANTY HEREIN CONTAINED IS IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, UPGRADEABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. B&K COMPONENTS, LTD. SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE, USE OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY B&K PRODUCT.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from State to State. Some States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages and the foregoing exclusions may not apply to you.

No agent, representative, dealer or employee of B&K has the authority to increase or alter the obligations or terms of this warranty.

Returning Equipment

No equipment may be returned to B&K Components Ltd. without a RETURN AUTHORIZATION (RA). Should you find it necessary to return equipment to B&K, for any reason, a RETURN AUTHORIZATION (RA) number must be issued by B&K in respect to the equipment being returned. You may request an RA number by calling B&K at the numbers below. We will need the following information to issue your RA number. Please have it ready before you call.

1. Your name, address, and phone number.

2. The model and serial number of the equipment being returned. 3. A description of the problem being experienced.

4. Your sales receipt.

Your call will be referred to a Technical Service Representative who will work with you to resolve the problem. If it is determined that the unit must be returned for repair, an RA number will be issued.

2100 Old Union Road Buffalo, NY 14227 1-800-543-5252

In NY: 716-656-0026 fax: 716-656-1291

e-mail: info@bkcomp.com Web Site:

www.bkcomp.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1

ACCESSORIES AND LIMITED WARRANTY

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

 

FEATURES

4

 

AUDIO OVERVIEW

5

 

AUDIO AND SURROUND FORMATS

6

 

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

10

 

BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION

11

 

QUICK START CONSIDERATIONS

12

 

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

13

 

SOURCE CONNECTIONS

13

 

Source Connection Diagram

13

 

SACD or DVD-Audio Connection

13

 

VIDEO MONITOR CONNECTION

14

 

Component Video Monitor Connection

14

 

S-Video Monitor Connection

14

 

Composite Video Monitor Connection

14

 

SURROUND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

15

 

7.1 Balanced Output Connection

15

 

6.1 / 5.1 Balanced Output Connection

16

 

RCA Surround Outputs / Subwoofer Connection

17

 

PASS THROUGH / RECORD LOOP CONNECTIONS

18

 

CONTROL OUTPUT CONNECTION

18

 

IR Emitter Connection

18

 

+12VDC Control Connection

19

 

ZONE B CONNECTIONS

19

 

Zone B Audio Amplification

19

 

Zone B Video Connection

19

 

REFERENCE 50 Series2 ZONE B CONNECTION DIAGRAM

20

 

KEYPAD CONNECTION

21

 

ZONE A & ZONE B IR CONNECTIONS

21

 

AM / FM ANTENNA CONNECTION

21

 

SETTING UP THE SYSTEM

22

 

THE MENU SYSTEM

22

 

MAIN MENU SELECTIONS

23

 

SYSTEM SETUP

24

 

SETUP SPEAKERS

25

 

1.Speaker Size25

2.Setup Speaker Location26

3.Setup Speaker Levels26

4.Setup Crossover + LFE26

5.Setup Room Equalization27

6.Room Resonance (Notch Filters)27 SETUP INPUTS29 SETUP PRESETS30 SETUP DISPLAYS31 SETUP MUSIC MODES31 MEMORY BACKUP/RESTORE31 UNIT INFORMATION32 ADVANCED MENU32

Zone ‘1’ Home Theater33 Power on Titles34 Control Outputs34

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

DSP Usage35

Security Options35

RS-232 Control Port36

Plug and Play Timing Setup37

Zone 2 ‘B’ Second Zone38

FACTORY RESET38

SR10.1 REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION39

UNIT OPERATION40

Master Power On / Off40

On / Standby40

Adjusting Volume40

Center, Rear and Subwoofer Volume40

Source Selection40

Z1 Operation - Theater41

Sleep Timer41

Z2 Operation - Second Zone41

Zone Operation Button41

AM / FM Tuner Operation42

Headphone Operation42

FRONT PANEL DISPLAY OPERATION43

Processor Status43

AUDIO MODES & SPEAKER SELECTIONS45

Audio Mode Usages45

Speaker Selections47

EQUALIZATION SETTINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS48

PRESETS49

Saving a Preset49

Recalling a Preset51

Favorite Presets51

SR10.1 REMOTE EDITOR SOFTWARE51

Learning IR Codes53

BKcSuite SETUP SOFTWARE54

Troubleshooting Guide For BKcSuite55

TROUBLESHOOTING56

BACK PANEL PICTURE57

ON SCREEN MENU FLOW CHART58

SPECIFICATIONSBack

Product Information

Date of Purchase:

Preamplifier Model #: Reference 50 Series 2

Preamplifier Serial #:

Purchased From:

Address:

Phone #:

SAFETY

3

 

 

C A U T I O N

R I S K O F E L E C T R I C S H O C K

D O N O T O P E N

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: to prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Care should be taken to prevent objects or liquid from entering the enclosure. Never handle the power cord with wet hands.

The lightning flash with arrowhead within a triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may constitute a risk of electric shock to you.

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the unit.

Caution: To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

If an outdoor antenna is installed, be sure it is grounded to provide some protection against voltage surges and built up static charges. Keep outdoor antennas away from power lines.

Unplug the preamplifier from the AC outlet when plugging in or unplugging cables, when left unused for an extended period of time, when moving the preamplifier, or when you suspect lightning in your area.

Prevent damage to the power cord. Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged in any way. Always grasp the plug on the power cord when plugging or unplugging the preamplifier from the AC outlet.

Your system may produce sound levels capable of causing permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for extended periods of time at high volume levels.

Protect the preamplifier from impact and place the preamplifier on a level surface.

The preamplifier is equipped with raised feet to provide ventilation, reduce acoustic feedback, and protect against scratching the surface the unit is resting on. B&K advises against removing the feet.

Do not stack anything on top of the preamplifier (processor, source, etc.) Leave a minimum of 3" clearance from the top of the preamplifier to the next shelf (or component).

The preamplifier should be located away from sources sensitive to heat.

Do not perform any internal modifications to the preamplifier.

Always connect the preamplifier's power cord to a dedicated AC outlet for normal operation.

If young children are present, adult supervision should be provided until the children are capable of following all rules for safe operation.

Mistaking CONTROL OUTPUT or IR INPUT connectors for audio/video inputs or outputs may damage your preamplifier or other components.

•System impedance SHOULD NOT fall below the nominal impedance of the amplifier stage, i.e two 8Ω speakers in parallel = 4Ω (system impedance). Minimum stability refers to the periodic audio passages that demand large amounts of current at which time the output impedance drops.

The preamplifier should be serviced by qualified personnel when:

A.The preamplifier is not functioning properly.

B.Objects have entered the chassis.

C.The preamplifier was exposed to rain or any other type of moisture.

D.The preamplifier was dropped, or the chassis is damaged.

4

FEATURES

 

 

FEATURES

The Reference 50 Series2 preamplifier is a versatile Audio/Video control center. This preamplifier is designed to sound sensational and be an attractive, easy-to-use addition to your Audio/Video system.

Video Transcoding - Allows composite and S-Video inputs to source the composite, S-Video and component video outputs. Composite video will transcode to S-Video and S-Video will transcode to composite. Video transcoding allows a single set of component video cables to be used with a video monitor.

Balanced Outputs - 7.1 balanced surround outputs are provided for superior transmission of audio material to the power amplification stage.

Balanced Inputs - Two Balanced source inputs are provided for superior transmission of audio material for up to two source components.

Room Equalization (Notch Filters) - Three sweepable notch filters and variable equalization are available in the digital domain for use in achieving the best possible room response.

Motorola 371 Processor - The latest in Motorola technology provides outstanding processing power.

Two-zone operation - One main digital & analog A/V zone, (Theater Zone) plus a separate independent analog A/V zone for use with a second listening/viewing area (2nd zone).

CK1.2 Keypad Compatible - B&K’s CK1.2 Keypad easily integrates with the B&K processor/preamplifier for control of the main theater zone or the second A/V Zone B.

Sleep Timer - 30 minutes to 4 hours in 30 minute increments.

5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty - For all B&K products sold through authorized dealers.

Gold Plated Connectors - Improved sound with minimum signal loss and degradation.

Internal Digitally Synthesized AM/FM Stereo tuner - Store up to 40 AM or FM stations in A/V presets.

Digital inputs/outputs - Six coaxial and five optical inputs. Two coaxial outputs (Theater zone & Second zone) and one optical output for the Theater zone.

Analog inputs/outputs - Seven A/V inputs each with stereo audio, composite video and S-video inputs. One assignable SACD or DVD-Audio input. One set of 7.1 line-level outputs. Three analog (record) loop outputs.

Control Outputs - Four 12 VDC @ 50 mA outputs for turning on (triggering) B&K amplifiers and controlling external systems such as a projection screen. Up to three control outputs can be configured for IR outputs to allow integration with a keypad or IR repeater control system.

IR inputs - Two IR inputs for keypads or external IR repeater control systems.

A/V presets - 40 preset memories allow instant recall of user settings and system configuration.

Customized Input and Preset Names - Assign custom names to presets, inputs, and the power on message.

RS-232 Control - Easy control and interface of your B&K product with other system controllers.

96/24 bit A/D and 192/24 bit capable D/A Conversion - Ultra high reproduction resolution of musical details.

96/24 Bit Processing - 96/24 bit digital data and analog source material use 96 kHz, 24 bit DSP processing during all stereo listening modes.

Selectable Bass Management Crossover Frequency and Slope - Allows system versatility for bass adjustments and management to assure superior performance from your speaker system. Shelving equalization adjustments can be made to either end of the response frequency spectrum to further enhance the listening room for optimal playback.

Upgradeable - Modular design allows for future A/D, D/A, DSP, and Digital Preamplifier upgrades. State of the art today, state of the art tomorrow.

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

5

 

 

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

Definitions

Sources - A source is considered to be any device that can be connected to the audio/video receiver or processor and transmit a signal that can be seen or heard. Typical sources include DVD players, satellite boxes, CD players, etc. Your preamplifier can provide audio from its built-in AM/FM tuner. Your preamplifier is designed to accommodate a wide range of audio and video signals.

Zone - A zone is usually a room or section of the house that has speakers and/or video installed in it. Your preamplifier includes a full preamp/processor for Zone A , the main theater zone, plus an additional analog audio and video preamp for Zone B - the second zone. Two zones allow for watching a Dolby Digital movie in the main theater while simultaneously using the built-in AM/FM tuner in the second zone.

Amplifier - An amplifier takes the output of a pre-amplifier/processor and increases its levels necessary to drive a speaker. In a receiver the amplifier is combined into the same box with the processor. B&K employs high current amplifiers in their receivers. These amplifiers are also available as separate components.

Speakers - A surround sound system typically uses 5 speakers located left front, center front, right front, right surround, and left surround plus a subwoofer located anywhere in the room. With the new developments in surround technology from companies such as Dolby Laboratories and DTS, it is now possible to improve spatial expressions with an additional channel of information for use with a 6th or 7th surround back speaker(s). Although best results are achieved using seven large speakers plus a subwoofer, this is not always practical. Excellent results can be achieved using small and/or fewer speakers, as long as you go through the setup procedures described later in the manual. Your processor includes the capability of reproducing up to 7.1 channels of surround information.

A/V Preamplifier - An A/V preamplifier has the capability to select from a number of A/V sources, adjust volume levels and route the audio to an amplifier and video to a video monitor. An A/V preamplifier requires the use of an external power amplifier.

Surround Processor - A processor typically includes the capability to decode one or more surround formats, and convert between digital and analog as required. Your A/V preamplifier includes a high quality MotorolaTM processor capable of decoding the various audio surround formats.

Composite video vs. S-video vs. Component video - Composite video is the oldest standard for color video. It combines the luminance (brightness or black-and-white) and chrominance (color) information onto a single conductor. At the monitor, this composite video signal must be separated again for it’s display which results in some degradation of the original video quality. S-video is a standard that uses separate conductors for the luminance (Y) and chrominance (C) information resulting in better video quality. Component video is a form of video which first became popular with the introduction of the DVD player. Most component video signals are a variation of the red, green and blue signals that make up a television image. The simplest type, RGB, consists of the three discrete R, G & B signals sent over three video cables. Another type consists of R- Y, B-Y and Y (also known as YUV), sent over three video cables. Y is the luminance channel, R-Y is the red component minus the luminance information, and B-Y is the blue component minus the luminance information. Your preamplifier is capable of switching composite, S-video and component video signals, and converting between signal types. Your A/V preamplifier is capable of transcoding composite video and S- video to component YUV video signals.

Transcoding - Video transcoding is the process of converting one video format to another. Video transcoding is a new technology brought about by the need to integrate these many different video formats. Video transcoding does not change the resolution of the original video signal and allows different video formats to be viewed on one video monitor. Video transcoding research is being driven by the need to integrate video technologies pertaining to computer networks, cell phone, PDAs, television and satellite. Your A/V preamplifier is capable of transcoding composite video and S-video to component YUV signals.

6

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

 

 

Analog vs. Digital Audio - This refers to the method used to place audio information on the source material and how they are delivered to your preamplifier from the source. Analog signals exactly represent the sound you will hear through a continuously varying voltage. Audio cassettes are analog recordings and are normally delivered to your preamplifier over a pair of coaxial audio cables.

Digital signals closely approximate the original audio signals with a set of numbers referred to as a bitstream. CDs and DVDs are sources of digital audio and are normally connected to your preamplifier through a single coaxial or optical digital cable. There are several different bitstream formats available. The simplest format is called Pulse Code Modulation (PCM). In PCM, the bitstream directly represents the original 2-channel audio. In Dolby Digital and DTS (see "Audio and Surround Formats" below) bitstreams are modified using a process called compression to squeeze more information into limited space. DTS squeezes 5.1 channels into the space normally required for two uncompressed channels, while Dolby Digital squeezes 5.1 channels into about ¼ the space required for two channels. Your preamplifier automatically detects the bitstream currently being provided from the source and performs the required decompression and surround processing. If no digital signal is present your preamplifier will automatically switch to analog processing. All sounds that you hear from your speakers are analog. Digital signals are automatically converted to analog by your preamplifier before being output to the speakers.

If analog signals exactly represent the audio, while digital signals only approximate it, why would I want to use digital?

All analog sources add some amount of noise and distortion to the audio signal. Additional noise can be picked up through the cables from the source to your preamplifier. It is impossible for the preamplifier to tell the difference between the desired signal and the added noise and distortion, so it reproduces both of them. The result is increased background noise and decreased dynamic range and fidelity. Digital signals are virtually immune to noise and distortion. The preamplifier can, therefore, reproduce the signal with the greatest possible fidelity. We recommend you use digital signals whenever possible. Also Dolby Digital and DTS (see "Audio and Surround Formats" below) work only with digital signals.

AUDIO AND SURROUND FORMATS

Your source material will be played back on your B&K processor in one of the following possible formats described below. Each format can be used for various listening conditions.

Monaural (Mono) - Mono is the oldest format available. It contains a single, full range audio channel. Modern recordings are seldom made in this format, however older movies and music may only be available in this format. You may get mono from any source - digital or analog. Your preamplifier can produce mono in one to seven channels depending on speaker and audio setup. Since all modern sources are stereo, the mono information is usually replicated on both the left and right channels.

Stereo - Stereo contains two discrete, full-range front left and right audio channels. This is the most common format for music and is also used on many movies. You may get stereo from any source - digital or analog. Sound will normally come from the seven speaker channels, but your preamplifier can produce stereo in two to seven channels, depending on speaker and audio setup.

Dolby Digital 5.1 - Dolby Digital 5.1 is a method of transmitting and storing 5.1-channel soundtracks via digital media such as DVDs, digital cable, digital broadcast TV (DTV), and satellite transmissions. Dolby Digital 5.1 is transmitted over the optical digital or coax digital connections. Unlike the Dolby Surround encode/decode Pro Logic process, which sacrifices channel separation to get surround onto any stereo soundtrack, Dolby Digital 5.1 is a discrete system that keeps the multiple channels fully separated throughout the encoding and decoding processes. In addition to having full-range front left, center, right, left surround, and right surround channels, Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks carry a sixth (“.1”) channel recorded with lowfrequency effects. For more information on Dolby Laboratories, please visit www.dolby.com.

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

7

 

 

Dolby Digital Surround EX - Dolby® Digital Surround EX™ provides a third surround channel on Dolby Digital movie soundtracks. The third surround channel can be decoded at the cinema's or home viewer's option for playback over surround speakers located behind the seating area. The left and right surround channels are reproduced by surround speakers to the sides. To maintain compatibility, the back surround channel is matrix-encoded onto the left and right surround channels of an otherwise conventional 5.1 mix, so no information is lost when the film is played in conventional 5.1.

A 5.1-channel soundtrack can be played on a 5.1-speaker system. But it is not always understood that it can also be played on a 6.1- or a 7.1-speaker system. To do this, the two surround signals on the 5.1 soundtrack are spread across the three or four surround speakers. This distribution can be accomplished by a Dolby Digital EX decoder, or other proprietary methods provided in home theater equipment by various manufacturers.

Dolby Pro Logic II - Pro Logic II brings exciting features and advanced performance for decoding the many thousands of existing Dolby Surround programs, making them sound more like a discrete Dolby Digital 5.1- channel version than ever before. Pro Logic II is able to decode the thousands of existing Dolby Surround movies and TV shows already on the shelf, compatibly, and with enhanced image stability. The improvements in decoding techniques mean that the discreteness of the sound field elements are better preserved in the decoding process than was possible with the standard Pro Logic technology. Pro Logic II offers a music mode to expand stereo non-matrix recordings into a five-channel layout in a way that does not diminish the subtlety and integrity of the original stereo recordings.

Dolby Pro Logic IIx - Dolby Pro Logic IIx is a new extension of Dolby Pro Logic II technology. This highly sophisticated algorithm processes native stereo audio signals and 5.1-channel multi-channel content to produce 6.1 or 7.1 output channels. Dolby Pro Logic IIx expands the choice in playback system configuration (allowing 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 playback channels) and, when incorporated into an A/V receiver or processor such as B&K, it allows a convenient upgrade path from a traditional 5.1-channel sound system to 7.1 output channels. The surround back channels are decoded into stereo

Center width - The Center Width control allows the user to modify the amount of steering that is applied to Center signals. As steering is reduced, the Center signal originates increasingly from the Left and Right speakers, and is concurrently reduced in the Center speaker. The purpose of the Center Width control is to reduce the “hard Center channel” phenomenon that sometimes results from Center signal steering of stereo encoded soundtracks.

Panorama - The function of the Panorama mode is to create a more enveloping front surround field. It is equally useful when applied to Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing.

Movie or Music - Surround programs are primarily movie based. Even TV dramas are essentially mixed like movies. When programs are mixed in surround, they are monitored through the surround decoder that will be used for playback in the cinema or home. Movie mode is the reference decoder mode for any such surround-encoded program.

Music, on the other hand, is commonly mixed for stereo playback, and no surround monitoring is done by the mixer. When played back through a surround decoder, the results may not always be optimal. This is because a movie-type decoder is expecting a signal that has been deliberately surround encoded. Music mode brings the benefits of a highly natural and balanced multichannel surround sound field to content that was not specifically encoded for surround playback.

8

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

 

 

DTS 5.1 (Digital Theater Systems) - DTS is a multi-channel digital audio compression format transmitted over optical digital or coaxial digital connections. DTS is dedicated to delivering the “Ultimate Entertainment Experience.” DTS has created a media-delivery format that makes audio tracks sound more dynamic, more realistic and more closely matching the original than other digitally encoded soundtracks and consumer media. Coupled with the multi-dimensional playback benefit of surround sound technology, DTS audio quality dramatically improves and enhances content. DTS 5.1 is an ultra realistic home theater environment, it delivers discrete channel precision plus the all-enveloping realism for which DTS is renown. For more information on the various DTS formats, visit www.DTSonline.com.

DTS NEO:6 - An advanced matrix decoder. It will take any two-channel source and expand it into five or six channels, depending on the user's speaker layout. Two-channel sources include VHS tapes, broadcast television, stereo CDs and DVDs. DTS Neo:6 provides separate, optimized modes for stereo music materials and matrix surround motion picture soundtracks. DTS Neo:6 also decodes a center-surround channel from Extended Surround matrix soundtracks. Music and movie filters can be applied to the NEO:6 decoder. The differences between these two filters apply primarily to the differences in the type of soundtrack being played back.

DTS-ES 6.1 (Extended Surround) - The Extended Surround (ES) adds a discrete back center-surround channel to the existing 5.1-channel array. DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 is the only home format that can deliver 6.1 discrete channels. DTS-ES is fully compatible with all types of multi-channel systems. All sounds will be heard even when played back on a system with less than 6.1 speakers

DTS Neo:6 Movie - Movie steers decoded material toward the center channel while preserving the integrity of the stereo mix. When listening to movies using the DTS Neo:6 movie decoder with stereo TV shows or other surround-encoded programs, there is further enhancement to soundfield directionally, which is close to the quality of discrete 6.1-channel sound. Conventional narrow band monaural surround channel is played as stereo with a more realistic feel and movement.

DTS Neo:6 Music - Music steers the effects into the soundfield by utilizing the surround channels for a more spacious, 3-dimensional feeling. When listening to music using the DTS Neo:6 music decoder, stereo music recordings are able to provide a wide and deep soundfield. DTS Neo:6 music decoder allows you to tailor the Center Image to your own preference. The Center Image control allows the sound of the center channel to be placed between its own speaker and the left and right front speakers.

Bass Management - Dolby Digital and DTS-ES formats may contain up to 6 full range channels plus an LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel. Only a system with six full-range (large) speakers plus a subwoofer can directly reproduce these formats. However, almost all commercially available center channel speakers and bookshelf speakers are considered small and incapable of reproducing the lowest bass frequencies without distortion or even damage to the speaker. Many people use small speakers in the rear of their system, while others use small speakers for all channels. Some people may choose not to use a center channel or surround speakers at all. Use of a subwoofer is mandatory when using small speakers to reproduce low frequencies. In order to handle any possible combination of large, small, or missing speakers, a home theater system must contain good bass management. Your B&K preamplifier contains a complete bass management system. You can use as few as two large (full range) front left and right speakers or two small front left and right speakers. Wherever a small speaker is used, the bass management system filters low frequency information from going to that speaker ("high pass"). This bass information is re-routed to a speaker that can handle it, usually a subwoofer. If no subwoofer is present, it can send the low frequency and LFE to large front or surround speakers. The bass management crossover point can be adjusted by the user according to the types of speakers being used.

Notch Filters (Parametric Equalization)- Notch filters are used to enhance the frequency response of a given room. The full range frequency spectrum in an ideal scenario is completely flat. This means that there is no variation in the decibel level between any of the frequencies as you sweep up or down the frequency range. This type of response is almost impossible to achieve. Due to the physical geometry of any given room, the sound waves will bounce off walls, doors or windows within the room. This reflection of sound

AUDIO / VIDEO OVERVIEW

9

 

 

waves is a desirable effect to a point. Different locations in the room will have waves that collide with one another. This collision can cause a superposition (addition or subtraction) of the audible wavelength. In either case, these locations are referred to as nodes. If a positive node occurs in the primary listening position, that frequency drowns out all other frequencies at that location, resulting in limited frequency response for that location in the room. A node can occur at any frequency, however nodes are much more prevalent in the lower frequency ranges (below 130Hz). In these lower frequencies, the wavelengths are physically long enough that a superposition can have a more dramatic effect than frequencies at a higher (shorter) wavelength. A notch filter provides a means by which the preamplifier can effectively ‘notch’ out resonant frequencies to achieve a balanced frequency response for a given room. Once the frequency response has been returned to its reference level, a fuller, more dynamic audio reproduction can be heard. B&K supports three separate notch filters for the frequency range of 20 Hz to 300Hz.

DVD-Audio (also referred to as MLP) - DVD-Audio (also referred to as MLPTM) - MeridianR Lossless Packing. MLPTM is a lossless compression system for high-quality linear PCM audio. For DVD-Audio MLPTM performs lossless compression of 1 to 6 channels of 14 to 24-bit material sampled at rates between 32kHz and 192kHz. With lossless compression, the decompressed signal is bit-for-bit identical to the master, just 'packed' into a lower data rate which ultimately results in a reduced size to be stored on the disc. Currently, DVD-Audio can only be delivered to your preamplifier via the analog 5.1 inputs. Sound will normally come from your front left, front right, center, left surround, and right surround speakers, as well as your subwoofer, but your processor can produce sound in one (mono) to seven channels. Dolby Pro Logic IIx is used to matrix the surround back left and surround back right channels if a seven channel configuration is used.

SACD (Super Audio CD) - Is a new audio recording format aimed at providing higher fidelity audio reproduction than the compact disc. It was developed by Sony and Philips . The sound of SACD comes directly from Direct Stream Digital (DSD) recording technology. SACD disks generally contain a 2-channel stereo mix. Many also contain a 5.1 surround sound mix. DSD's simplified mechanism for recording and playback results in a frequency response over 100kHz and a dynamic range over 120dB across the audible frequency range. DSD increases the resolution of music by more closely following the original wave form of the music, which results in music reproduction that is remarkably pure and faithful to the original. For additional information concerning the technology behind SACD, visit Sony Electronics SACD.

Cinema Processing - Cinema is an exclusive set of standards and technologies that can be applied to any B&K surround mode. In a typical movie theater the front left, right, and center speakers are located behind the screen. The screen tends to block high frequency information. Therefore, movie soundtracks often have boosted high frequency content to compensate for the effects of the screen. This boost can cause some soundtracks to sound overly bright in a home theater where speakers are typically not behind a screen. B&K cinema mode adjusts the front left, right, and center frequency response to compensate for the boost applied for the movie theater.

High Current Amplifiers - A high-current amplifier is capable of delivering power into low impedance speakers without going into protection and/or shutting down. Ideally, an amplifier's output power would double every time the load presented at its output is halved. In a typical amplifier-speaker circuit, voltage and current are delivered to a very complex load consisting of speaker drivers, resistors, inductors, and capacitors. Voltage may be thought of as the potential to do work, and current as what actually flows to do the work. Although basic power may be calculated by the simple multiplication of voltage and current, it is the delivery of the power from the amplifier to the complex speaker load that accounts for why two amplifiers may have the same power rating into identical impedances (speaker loads), but deliver a significantly different sound quality. Some of these sound quality differences may include perceived loudness, depth, and clarity. High quality speakers can have nominal impedances from 8 - 2 Ohms. During very loud and dynamic audio passages, the speaker load may dip below 2 Ohms. These low impedance drops may cause a high voltage power amplifier with limited power storage capacity to sound harsh and distorted. A high-current amplifier operates with much less effort and typically does not have any problem with low impedance speakers. B&K amplifiers and receivers are High Current Power amplifiers.

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.Headphone Jack - Headphones having a standard ¼” (6.3mm) stereo plug can be connected to the headphone output.

2.Source Selector - Turning the selector clockwise or counterclockwise will cycle through the available inputs. Available inputs are V1, V2, TV, DVD, CD, SAT, TAPE, FM and AM.

3.Front panel buttons -

 

 

ON/STANDBY

Toggles the preamplifier in and out of standby mode, (ON or OFF).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESET

Cycles through audio presets for instant preset recall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTER

Confirm Selection. Presets, menu options, unit status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWN & UP

Steps through audio options or menu selections when in the menu system.

 

 

 

 

Allows AM/FM tune - (down) or tune + (up).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MODE

Steps through audio modes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MENU

Enters into and out of the menu system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.Display - The preamplifier display contains a 16 character display. It will display current status of the preamplifier and any changes being performed.

5.Main power switch - Removes all power to the preamplifier. Normal operation of the preamplifier requires the power switch to remain on. Use the ON/STANDBY button for daily on and off of the preamplifier. ON/STANDBY places the unit in standby mode that allows turning back on with the remote control. Only turn the preamplifier off with the main power switch when not using the preamplifier for an extended period of time.

6.Volume control - Turning the volume control clockwise increases the volume level, counterclockwise decreases the volume level. The volume knob is also used to change other preamplifier settings.

B&K REFERENCE 50 2 User Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACK PANEL DESCRIPTION

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.AC fuse holder - Holds the AC Line fuse. Replace only with same type and value - .5 amp Fast Blow. Note: The voltage rating label is located on the AC fuse holder cover plate.

2.AC input receptacle - For attaching the supplied AC power cord to the preamplifier.

3.Four 10-12VDC @ 50mA Control Outputs - 1/8" (3.5mm) mono mini plug. Trigger outputs for controlling external devices, such as amplifiers, projection screens, IR emitter, etc. Page 18.

4.ZA & ZB IR Data Input - Accepts IR from an external IR source. Internally summed.

5.Main RJ-45 jack - RS-232 input/output for computer interface and RS-232 controller applications. A B&K CK1.2 keypad can also be connected to the RJ-45 jack. Page 36.

6.DVD-Audio 5.1 inputs - Connections for a DVD-Audio or other 5.1 analog source device. Page 13.

7.RCA Surround outputs - 7.1 Outputs for driving external power amplifiers or powered speakers. Page 17.

8.Zone B Output - Line outputs for supplying the second zone. Configurable fixed or variable. Page 19.

9.Balanced Surround (XLR) outputs - Connections for 7.1 speakers in the main theater zone. Page 15.

10.Balanced Source (XLR) Inputs - The CD and/or DVD inputs can accommodate a balanced input signal.

11.Antenna inputs - Connections for the AM and FM antennas. Page 21.

12.Component Video output - Component video pass through. Transcoded component video output. Page 14.

13.Component Video inputs - Three assignable component video inputs. Page 14.

14.A/V Source inputs - Seven sources can be connected using analog audio, composite video or S-Video.

15.A/V Source record outputs - Tape loop outputs will provide analog audio / video source signals for zone A or Zone B recording. Page 18.

16.Optical SPDIF Digital - Optical digital connections for connecting optical digital audio signals from the source to the preamplifier. 5 optical digital inputs, 1 digital output. Page 13.

17.Coax SPDIF Digital - Coax digital inputs are used to connect coax digital audio signals from the source to the preamplifier. 6 coax digital inputs, 2 digital outputs. Page 13.

12

QUICK START

 

 

QUICK START CONSIDERATIONS

Your B&K preamplifier is pre-programmed for ease of operation right out of the box. In general, there is minimal setup required to start using your new A/V preamplifier. To quickly setup and begin operating your preamplifier, follow these quick steps:

1 Start with all AC power cords unplugged from their designated AC outlet.

2From each source device, connect the A/V cables to the appropriate A/V SOURCE INPUTS on the preamplifier’s back panel.

3 Connect the audio cables from the preamplifier’s OUTPUTS to the power amplifier INPUTS.

4Connect the appropriate video cables from the preamplifier’s video OUTPUTS to the video monitor’s input(s).

5 Plug each AC power cord into its designated AC outlet.

6Turn on the main power switch on the front of each unit. On the preamplifier, press the ON/STANDBY button on the front panel, or the ON button of the remote. Turn on all A/V sources.

7 Select a source with the SR10.1 remote control or front panel source control of the preamplifier.

8For use with a component video monitor, please see Setup Inputs page 30, Component Video Assignment.

The rest of this manual will describe in detail the many aspects of your new preamplifier. Some additional installation considerations should be noted as follows:

• It is important that your electronic equipment has proper ventilation. Failure to ventilate your preamplifier could result in erratic operation and possible failure caused by overheating. A minimum of 3” clearance should be maintained above the preamplifier. Do not place items directly on top of the preamplifier. Do not place flammable items on, around or near the A/V equipment (Curtains, paper, etc.).

B&K supports various software programs that are able to aide in the setup process of the receiver/ preamplifier, SR10.1 remote and CK1.2 Keypad. This software is available online at B&K’s website at www.bkcomp.com or by request from B&K’s customer service. The setup software is easy to use and is intended to simplify the setup process of your new B&K products.

Configure a system diagram of all components that are to be connected into the system. The preamplifier has seven sets of inputs. Even though the back panel is labeled for specific sources, in most cases it is possible to connect any source to any input. For example, if you have a satellite receiver you can connect it to the V2 input and it will work the same way as connecting it to the SAT input. Select V2 instead of SAT. The source name that will appear on the preamplifier’s front panel and on the remote or keypad can be relabeled to match the source equipment that is being used.

Determine the type of cable that is needed. Keep in mind that the quality of the cabling that is used can make a difference in the overall audio and video quality. Try to keep interconnecting cable runs as short as possible. When routing cables between equipment, be sure to keep AC cables separate from audio cables. It is a good idea to bundle like cables together to keep interference (noise) to a minimum.

Decide on what types of audio and video signals are going to be used in the system. Determine the length of the cable for each component's connection and how it should be routed. It is a good idea to label each cable with a name or number at both ends when allocating each cable. Have all the cables you need before you begin the installation because it is inconvenient to run to the store when you are excited to hear what the system will sound like.

Plan enough cable length and space to allow future access to the back panel.

For best tuner reception, make sure the antenna is several feet away from the preamplifier and any other equipment that may produce high frequency interference such as personal computers, CD players, halogen lamps, etc.

For best performance it is recommended that a dedicated AC power line or supply be used for the best audio reproduction. If the equipment is installed in a rack, be sure to insulate the equipment from the rack itself.

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

13

 

 

SOURCE CONNECTIONS

Your preamplifier supports several A/V input and output formats. In most cases only one audio and one video connection is needed for each source device. Shown below are the available options:

Analog audio (Stereo): left and right.

Composite video: coaxial (Yellow RCA).

Digital audio: either coaxial or optical.

Super-Video: S-Video.

DVD-Audio & Super Audio CD (SACD): Analog 5.1

Component video: Red, Green & Blue.

Connect an audio / video source to the surround preamplifier. Use the diagrams that follow as a guide for each of the seven source inputs. For analog audio connections, use the left and right (white and red) RCA connections. For composite video, use the yellow RCA connections. For S-video use the S-video connections. For digital audio, use EITHER the coaxial digital connection (orange RCA) or the optical digital connection per each source. The order of audio signal precedence per each input is: Optical Digital > Coax Digital > Analog left and right. For component video, use the red, green and blue RCA component connections. See Video Monitor Connection page 14 for details on connecting a video monitor.

If the second zone of the surround preamplifier or the record loop outputs are going to be used, the analog audio and composite video and/or S-video signals must be connected to the surround preamplifier. The preamplifier will neither process nor convert digital audio or component video for use in the the second zone.

Source Connection Diagram

Coaxial Digital Connection

Optical Digital Connection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR

SACD or DVD-Audio Connection

DVD-Audio or SACD is a discrete 5.1 channel analog audio mode. If the source gear contains connections for DVD-Audio or SACD, use the DVD-Audio input connections on the back panel of the surround preamplifier. The DVD-Audio input can be assigned to any source input except Tape (see Setup Inputs page 29). Be sure to maintain the discrete channel connec-

tions. Each channel is labeled appropriately according to the speaker location in the

room.

Many times, DVD-Audio players have multiple configuration options. The preamplifier does not supply bass or delay management for the DVD-Audio/SACD input. You should adjust your player's bass and delay management to match that of the preamplifier.

14

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

 

 

VIDEO MONITOR CONNECTION

There are many types of video monitors that can be used with your B&K system. Some popular video monitors are televisions, plasma screens, LCD screens and projectors. The B&K A/V processor has video and audio switching capability. The system source devices should be connected to the B&K processor for both audio and video. One set of video cables may be connected from the B&K preamplifier's component video OUT to the video monitor. The B&K video processor features video transcoding. Video transcoding allows multiple video formats to be combined onto one. Transcoding will not change the resolution of the image. Specifically composite video is transcoded to S-video (S) and component video. S-video is transcoded to composite video and component video. Component video is not transcoded. The On Screen Setup Menu is available in all three video formats. B&K recommends using the component video inputs for High Definition source signals.

Component Video Monitor Connection

The B&K surround preamplifier provides three

sets of component video inputs and one component video output. Since there are seven

A/V inputs and only three component inputs, the preamplifier must be configured for which

component input to use with the selected A/V source. For example, component Input 1 is assigned to DVD, whenever DVD is selected, the component output will come from component Input 1. Composite to S or S to composite transcoding will continue to function for the DVD input. Component video is not transcoded

to composite or S. If no component assignment is made to a particular input, the component output will be transcoded from the appropriate composite or S-video input. The preamplifier automatically detects the presence of composite or S-Video. No user assignment is necessary.

IMPORTANT: By factory default, all component video inputs are unassigned. For use with component video sources, HDTV receivers or progressive scan DVD players, each COMPONENT VIDEO must be assigned for use with an A/V SOURCE INPUT (page 29) to operate correctly.

S-Video Monitor Connection

Each of the seven A/V inputs are provided with an S-video input. There is an S-video output for each zone of the surround preamplifier.

Zone A output will pass through S-Video or

transcode from composite video. Zone B S- video output will provide output only from S- video inputs - there is no transcoding for Zone B. The Line Output section provides S-video outputs for recording devices in Zone A or Zone B. S-Video record outputs provide output only

from S-video inputs - there is no video transcoding for the record outputs.

Composite Video Monitor Connection

Each of the seven A/V inputs are provided with a composite RCA video input (yellow). There is a composite RCA video output for each of the zones of the surround preamplifier. Zone A video output will pass composite video through or transcode from S-video. Zone B composite video output will provide output only from composite video inputs - there is no transcoding of video in Zone B. The Line Output section provides composite outputs for recording devices used in Zone A or Zone B. The composite video record outputs provide output only from composite video inputs - there is no video transcoding with the record outputs.

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

15

 

 

SURROUND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Your B&K preamplifier has two types of surround outputs: balanced (XLR) outputs and coaxial (RCA) outputs. Both types of outputs connect from the preamplifier directly to the amplifier in the system. Either type of connection can be used when connecting to the external amplifier. When connecting audio cables to the amplifier, be sure to match the labeled output channel to the position of the speaker in the room.

7.1 balanced surround outputs are provided. Each balanced connector will click when locked in place. To release, push in on the silver tab and unplug the balanced connector. Be sure to pull on the plug and not the wire. Eight coaxial (RCA) surround outputs are provided. The RCA output section on the back panel is labeled Surround Outputs. See page 17 for a connection diagram using the coaxial connections.

For best acoustic results, be sure to set up the speakers using the speaker setup menu. To Setup System Speakers see page 25.

7.1 Balanced Output Connections

To connect a 7.1 or 7.0 audio system using balanced cabling, see the connection diagram below. All seven surround outputs should be connected to the amplifier. The point one (.1) indicates whether or not the system will use a subwoofer. If a subwoofer is used, the Reference 50 Series2 has two subwoofer outputs, one balanced (XLR) Subwoofer out and one coaxial (RCA) Subwoofer out, either can be used for connecting a subwoofer into the audio system. If a subwoofer is going to be used, connect the subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output to the subwoofer. The diagram below illustrates using a balanced cable to connect a powered subwoofer.

16

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

 

 

6.1 / 5.1 Balanced Output Connections

For use in a 6.1 or 6.0 audio setup, refer to the diagram below. We recommend the 6th speaker be connected to the surround back left channel of the surround preamplifier. However, either the back left or back right output will operate correctly when the system is configured for use with one back speaker. The point one (.1) indicates whether or not the system will use a subwoofer. If a subwoofer is used, The Reference 50 Series2 has two subwoofer outputs, one balanced (XLR) Subwoofer out and one coaxial (RCA) Subwoofer out, either output may be used. Connect the subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output to the subwoofer. The diagram below illustrates a connection using a balanced cable to connect to the subwoofer.

A 5.1 or 5.0 speaker setup will not use the 6th or 7th surround back channel(s). To use the Reference 50 Series2 in a 5.1 or 5.0 audio setup, only connect five channels using the surround speaker channels. Do not use the surround back left or surround back right for a 5.1 setup. The speaker setup menu will then used to configure the internal software for proper audio selection and operation (see page 25).

Reference 50 Series 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A C L I N E

COAX S/PDIF DIGITAL

 

 

OPTICAL S/PDIF DIGITAL

 

OUTPUTS

A/V SOURCE OUTPUTS

 

 

A/V SOURCE INPUTS

 

 

 

COMPONENT VIDEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUTPUT

ZA OUT

TV

V2

V1

OUT

SAT

CD

DVD

V2

V1

ZONE A

ZONE B

ZB/V2

V1

TAPE

TAPE

SAT

CD

DVD

TV

 

V2

V1

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

 

 

 

 

B&K

S U B

C E N T E R

SUB

CENTER

 

 

 

 

 

A u d i o / V i d e o

S y s t e m s

H a n d - M a d e

i n

t h e U . S . A .

 

 

 

 

 

ZB OUT

SAT

CD

DVD

S I M P LY B E T T E R !

 

DVDINPUTAUDIO

 

 

SURROUNDOUTPUTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTROL OUT

IR INPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

2

ZONE A

RS-232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E X PA N S I O N

3

4

IR INPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM

 

FM

 

 

 

ZONE B

 

 

S U R R N D

F R O N T

SURRND

FRONT

S BACK

ZONE B

 

 

 

 

 

www.bkcomp.com

 

 

 

 

 

ANTENNA

 

 

S U R R O U N D B A C K S U R R O U N D

F R O N T

C E N T E R

F R O N T

S U R R O U N D S U R R O U N D B A C K

S U B W O O F E R

R I G H T

C D

L E F T

R I G H T

D V D

L E F T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C A U T I O N

R I G H T

R I G H T

R I G H T

 

L E F T

L E F T

L E F T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F U S E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X L R

 

 

X L R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( B A L A N C E D )

 

 

( B A L A N C E D )

Reference 200.7 Series 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E R I A L #

 

 

 

B A L A N C E D S U R R O U N D O U T P U T S

 

 

 

 

R C A

B A L A N C E D L I N E I N P U T S

R C A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

 

( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C O N T R O L I / O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTROL IN ALLOWS AMPLIFIER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATION WHEN A 5-24V SIGNAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IS APPLIED WITH A 3.5mm MINI JACK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPWWER

NELABLE

C H A N N E L 1 I N P U T

C H A N N E L 2 I N P U T

C H A N N E L 3 I N P U T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I N

DN

X L R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C T R L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C T R L

GROU

12V LO

2V CTR

( B A L A N C E D )

 

 

X L R ( B A L A N C E D )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 2 V D C

EELVE

ING+

IP+1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O U T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 0 0 m A

S

R

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R C A

 

 

R C A ( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F U S E

 

 

 

F

US

F

US

F

US

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C A U T I O N : F O R C O N T I N U E D

EF

EF

EF

Balanced cables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P R O T E C T I O N A G A I N S T R I S K

E

 

E

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C H A N N E L 1 O U T P U T

C H A N N E L 2 O U T P U T

C H A N N E L 3 O U T P U T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O F F I R E R E P L A C E O N LY W I T H

S

U

S

U

S

U

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S A M E T Y P E A N D R AT I N G .

 

UFE S

UFE S

UFE S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P O S I T I V E

N E G AT I V E

P O S I T I V E

N E G AT I V E

P O S I T I V E

N E G AT I V E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A C

L I N E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C A U T I O N

 

 

S E R I A L #

C H A N N E L 4 I N P U T

C H A N N E L 5 I N P U T

 

 

X L R ( B A L A N C E D )

 

 

 

 

R C A ( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

 

F

US

F

US

 

EF

 

EF

SE

 

U

SE

 

U

UF

ES

UF ES

C H A N N E L 4 O U T P U T

C H A N N E L

5 O U T P U T

P O S I T I V E

 

N E G AT I V E

P O S I T I V E

 

N E G AT I V E

B&K

www.bkcomp.com

S I M P LY B E T T E R !

C H A N N E L 6 I N P U T

C H A N N E L 7 I N P U T

 

X L R ( B A L A N C E D )

 

 

R C A ( U N B A L A N C E D )

 

F

US

F

US

EF

EF

SE

U

SE

U

UF ES

UF ES

C H A N N E L 6 O U T P U T

C H A N N E L 7 O U T P U T

P O S I T I V E

N E G AT I V E

P O S I T I V E

N E G AT I V E

 

 

H i g h Pe r f o r m a n c e

 

 

A u d i o / V i d e o S y s t e m s

 

 

H a n d - M a d e i n t h e U. S . A .

POS (+)

NEG (-)

POS (+)

NEG (-)

NEG (-)

 

POS (+)

Center

Front Left

Front Right

X

Listening Area

POS (+)

NEG (-)

POS (+)

NEG (-)

O N

POS (+)

NEG (-)

S U B W O O F E R I / O

 

I N

I

O U T I N

Surround Right

O

 

Surround Left

O F F

O U T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subwoofer

 

Surround

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back L

Connect this channel if 6.1 or 6.0 is desired

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

17

 

 

RCA Surround Output / Subwoofer Connection

The Reference 50 Series2 supplies 7.1 RCA coaxial surround outputs. These surround outputs can be used to connect an external amplifier or the subwoofer to the preamplifier. To connect seven audio channels, connect seven coaxial audio cables between the surround outputs and the amplifier inputs. Be sure to match the appropriate preamp output to the speakers location in the room, i.e. connect the center channel output to the center speaker amplifier channel. If a 5 channel audio system is desired, do not connect the surround back audio channels. If a 6 channel audio system is desired, connect the 6th channel to the surround back left channel. See page 25 for speakers setup.

If a subwoofer is used, The Reference 50 Series2 has two subwoofer outputs, one balanced (XLR) Subwoofer out and one coaxial (RCA) Subwoofer out, either output can be used. Connect the subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output to the subwoofer. The diagram below illustrates seven channels plus the subwoofer connected using the coaxial RCA outputs.

18

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

 

 

PASS THROUGH / RECORD LOOP CONNECTIONS

The B&K preamplifier has a few options for record/pass through outputs. There is a Zone A optical digital output, a Zone A coaxial digital output and a Zone B coaxial digital output. The B&K preamplifier provides three analog audio, composite & S-video outputs. These outputs are labeled TAPE, V1 and Z2/V2 in the Line Outputs section of the back panel.

Optical Digital Output - The optical digital output will output the digital signal of the source selected in the main theater zone (Zone A). Coaxial digital inputs are converted to optical. You need only connect one or the other. Analog inputs are not converted to digital output. If you wish to record both analog and digital sources you must connect both analog and digital inputs to your recorder.

Zone A and Zone B Coaxial Digital Outputs - The Zone A and Zone B coaxial digital outputs will output the digital signal of the source selected in the corresponding zone. Optical digital inputs are converted to coaxial. You need only connect one or the other. Analog inputs are not converted to coaxial digital output. If you wish to record both analog and digital sources you must connect both analog and digital to your recorder.

Tape Out - The analog Tape output is a pass through / record loop output for the source that is selected in the main theater zone. To prevent possible speaker damaging feedback, tape out will not output the TAPE source input. Digital audio is not converted to analog audio on the Tape output. You must connect analog audio to the A/V inputs if you want to make analog recordings from the input device. Only LtRt mode will downmix a digital bitstream into left and right analog. Video is not transcoded on the Tape output. If you have a composite recorder you must connect composite from each A/V source you wish to record. If you have a S- video recorder you must connect S-video from each A/V source you wish to record.

V1 Out - The V1 output can be configured as an output for a second recording device in Zone A or as a Zone A line output to connect a second video monitor and/or audio amplifier. As a record output, V1 will output the analog audio and video from the selected input in Zone A except when V1 is selected. This prevents feedback through the recording device which could damage your speakers. As a line output V1 will output the analog audio and video from whatever input is selected in Zone A. LtRt mode will downmix a digital bitstream to left and right. Record/Line settings also apply to the Zone A optical and coaxial digital outputs. Similar to the Tape output, digital audio is not converted to analog on the V1 output. Video is also not transcoded on the V1 output. To configure the V1 output see page 33.

ZB / V2 Out - The V2 output can be configured as an output for a second recording device in Zone B or as a Zone B line output to connect a second video monitor and/or audio amplifier. As a record output, V2 will output the analog audio and video from the selected input in Zone B except when V2 is selected. This prevents feedback through the recording device which could damage your speakers. As a line output V2 will output the analog audio and video from whatever input is selected in Zone B. Record/Line settings also apply to the Zone B optical and coaxial digital outputs. As with the Tape output, digital audio is not converted to analog on the V2 output. Nor is video transcoded on the V2 output. To configure the V2 output, see page 38.

CONTROL OUTPUT CONNECTION

The B&K surround preamplifier is supplied with four control outputs. These control outputs can be used for a variety of applications that require a 12 volt control or an IR output (pass through). The control outputs use a 1/8” (3.5mm) mono mini plug. Each output is 10-12VDC @ 50 mA. Control output 1 is strictly a +12VDC control trigger. Control outputs 2-4 can be set up as either +12VDC controls or as an IR pass through. To configure the control outputs, see the control setup section on page 34.

IR Emitter Connection

To connect an IR emitter to the control output, one end should be terminated into a 3.5mm mono mini plug, tip (+), sleeve (-). The IR output will pass through IR signals received by the surround preamplifier. Only industry standard 38kHz IR may be used with the IR outputs. Additional resistance may be required in series with the IR emitter, check the current rating of the emitter you are using.

COAX S/PDIF DIGITAL

 

 

OPTICAL S/PDIF DIGITAL

 

OUTPUTS

A/V SOURCE OUTPUTS

 

 

A/V SOURCE INPUTS

 

 

 

COMPONENT VIDEO

 

ZA OUT

TV

V2

V1

OUT

SAT

CD

DVD

V2

V1

ZONE A

ZONE B

ZB/V2

V1

TAPE

TAPE

SAT

CD

DVD

TV

 

V2

V1

IN 1

IN 2

IN 3

OUTPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

S U B

C E N T E R

SUB

CENTER

 

 

 

 

 

A u d i o / V i d e o

S y s t e m s

H a n d - M a d e

i n

t h e

U . S . A .

 

 

 

 

ZB OUT

SAT

CD

DVD

 

 

 

DVDINPUTAUDIO

 

 

OUTPUTSSURROUND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTROL OUT

IR INPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

12VDC

2

ZONE A

RS-232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 mA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1394

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

4

IR INPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM

 

FM

 

 

 

ZONE B

 

 

S U R R N D

F R O N T

SURRND

FRONT

S BACK

ZONE B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANTENNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLAY 8:33

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