ATC CA-2, SCA 2, SIA-2-150, SPA-2-150, SPA-2200-P Owners manual
Amplifiers
User Manual: CA2 Preamplifier
SCA2 Preamplifier
SIA2-150 Integrated Amplifier
SPA2-150 Power Amplifier
SPA2-200P Power Amplifier
MULTICHANNEL
ACOUSTICENGINEERS
®
Electronics
1. Read instructions – all the safety and operating instructions should be read
before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain these instructions – the safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3. Heed warnings – all warnings on the appliance and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow instructions – all operating and other instructions should be
followed.
5. Water and moisture – the appliance should not be used near water, for
example near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement or near a swimming pool etc..
6. Ventilation – the appliance should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that
may block the ventilation openings. Similarly, the appliance should not be
built into an installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede
the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
7. Heat – the appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as
radiators, stoves or other appliances that produce heat.
8. Power sources – the appliance should be connected to a power supply only
of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the
appliance.
9. Power cord protection – power supply cords should be routed so that they
are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit the appliance.
10. Cleaning – the appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
11. Unattended periods – the power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
12. Object and liquid entry – care should be taken so that objects and liquids
do not fall into the appliance.
13. Damage requiring service – the appliance should be serviced by qualified
service personnel when:
i. the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged
ii. objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the appliance
iii. the appliance has been exposed to rain or other serious liquid exposure
iv. the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
v. the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet damaged
14. Servicing – the user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond
those measures described in the operating instructions.All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
15. Grounding or polarisation – precautions should be taken so that grounding
or polarisation means for the appliance are not defeated.
1
Safety Warnings
Electronics
Welcome. In selecting ATC you have chosen an example of the finest audio
engineering available. ATC was founded on a principle of engineering
excellence, and that principle still defines our products today. Given the right
opportunities, ATC products will deliver exceptional audio performance, but
the opportunities will only arise from careful and thoughtful installation and
use. Please read the following manual fully. It will help you understand the
product and to realise its full potential.We are happy to answer questions and
offer advice on any issues that arise through installation or use of ATC
products. Contact details can be found at the back of this manual.
ATC was founded in London in 1974 by Australian emigre Bill Woodman, who still
heads the company today. An enthusiastic pianist and engineer he was naturally
drawn to loudspeaker design and after a period working at Goodmans,where many
of the names that went on to found British loudspeaker companies began their
careers, he struck out on his own.The premise on which ATC began is a simple one,
and one that in many respects is still true today: hi-fi loudspeakers tend to be
detailed and accurate but of limited dynamic range, while professional monitor
speakers tend to express the opposite character. ATC products were designed from
the outset to offer the best of both. It’s an easy concept to describe, but surprisingly
difficult to engineer.
The difficulty inherent in designing such loudspeakers is one of scale. Hi-fi levels of
accuracy and detail call for lightweight moving parts and delicate engineering.
Professional monitor levels of performance however demand far more robust
components engineered to survive the rigours of high level use for extended
periods.The only way to combine the two is through precision engineering of a class
and scale more often associated with aerospace or motorsport. But the results are
worth the effort and the cost. ATC loudspeakers, with their unique in-house
designed drivers, combine the best of hi-fi and professional to devastating effect.
ATC has become synonymous with active systems. Choosing to offer active
loudspeakers (where the passive crossover network is replaced by active filters and
multiple power amplifiers) is simply a result of the uncompromising attitude to
loudspeaker design.While passive systems still have their place,and ATC engineering
skills can still bring remarkable results from them,“active” is a fundamentally better
solution to the problems posed by accurate, high level music reproduction.The ATC
instinct is always for the better solution. Not cheaper, not quicker, but better.
It was the development of active loudspeakers that first brought ATC into
electronics design and engineering. Active speakers demand multiple power
amplifiers so ATC from the mid 1980s became not just a loudspeaker manufacturing
company but an electronics manufacturer too.The further step from electronics for
active speakers to a range of stand-alone amplifier products was natural and now
means that ATC engineering is available from the recording desk or CD player
output to the ears.
From modest beginnings ATC has grown to become one of the very few
manufacturers successful across both domestic and professional audio. By selecting
ATC you join a group of music lovers, professional audio engineers, studios and
musicians across the World that understand and value the engineering that goes into
an ATC product - and the sound that comes out.
Introduction
2
Contents
Page 2 Introduction
Page 3 CA2 Preamplifier
Section 1.1 Description
Section 1.2 Installation
Section 1.3 Mains Connection
Page 4 Section 1.4 Inputs
Page 5 Section 1.5 Outputs
Section 1.6 Operation
Page 6 Section 1.7 Remote Handset
Section 1.8 Care and Maintenance
Section 1.9 Warranty and Contact
Specifications
Page 7 SCA2 Preamplifier
Section 2.1 Description
Section 2.2 Installation
Section 2.3 Mains Connection
Page 8 Section 2.4 Inputs
Page 9 Section 2.5 Outputs
Section 2.6 Operation
Page 10 Section 2.7 Remote Handset
Page 11 Section 2.8 Care and Maintenance
Section 2.9 Warranty and Contact
Specifications
Page 12 SIA2-150 Integrated Amplifier
Section 3.1 Description
Section 3.2 Installation
Section 3.3 Mains Connection
Section 3.4 Inputs
Page 13 Section 3.5 Outputs
Section 3.6 Operation
Section 3.7 Remote Handset
Page 14 Section 3.8 Care and Maintenance
Section 3.9 Warranty and Contact
Specifications
Page 15 SPA2-150 & SPA2-200P
Power Amplifiers
Section 4.1 Description
Section 4.2 Installation
Section 4.3 Mains Connection
Section 4.4 Inputs
Page 16 Section 4.5 Signal Cable Options
Section 4.6 Outputs
Section 4.7 Operation
Page 17 Section 4.8 Remote Operation
Page 18 Section 4.9 Care and Maintenance
Section 4.10 Warranty and Contact
Specifications
CA2
1.1 Description
The CA2 preamplifier is designed to partner ATC active, and with an appropriate
power amplifier, passive loudspeaker systems. It incorporates six line-level stereo
inputs and one stereo record output on RCA phono sockets, and a main stereo
output on XLR sockets.
The AUX 2 line-level input may be converted to function as a high-sensitivity phono
input through the addition of a factory fitted optional RIAA Phono Board.The RIAA
board carries an array of slide switches that enable optimal matching with phono
cartridges of various output voltages and loading requirements.
Selection of CA2 inputs is achieved via a five-position rotary control using gold plated
relays for silent switching. Output volume adjustment is achieved through a precision
motorised potentiometer.A tape monitor function can be selected from a front panel
push button.The tape output is a duplicate of the signal selected by the input selector.
Mute and standby functions are also accessible from front panel push buttons. Mains
power is applied from a rear panel mounted switch. A rear panel mounted 1/4 inch
stereo headphone socket can be used with or without the main speakers in use.
All CA2 functions are duplicated on the ATC SCAR-B remote control handset.
1.2 Installation
The CA2 is designed to be free standing either within an equipment stand or simply
on a convenient item of furniture. There are no special ventilation requirements,
however it is recommended that at least 100 mm (4 inches) clearance is left behind
the unit for plugs and cables.
The CA2 is designed to remained powered-up in Standby mode unless it is to be
unused for a long period of time. The power dissipation of the CA2, in either
standby or operational mode, will make it warm to the touch. Temperature stability
will be reached after approximately three hours from mains switch-on. Full audio
performance is however available immediately.
The CA2 should be located so as to minimise the cable length from the source
components.The preamplifier output can effectively drive up to 50m of good quality
cable so it is practical therefore to locate the CA2 a distance away from the
monitors or power amplifier(s).
3
Preamplifier
1.3 Mains Connection
The CA2 can be used with mains voltages from
100V to 240V, 50/60Hz. Ensure that the local
mains voltage matches that uppermost on the rear
panel voltage selector plate before applying mains
power to the CA2.The mains voltage selection can
be adjusted by lifting the selector plate marked
with the four legends (100, 120, 220, 230) with a
small screwdriver and re-inserting the plate with
the correct voltage uppermost.
The mains cable is specifically supplied to comply
with local statutory safety approvals and
alternatives should not be substituted. If you
intend to use your CA2 in an alternative territory
please contact ATC for advice. If an alternative
mains plug is required it must be connected with
the BROWN cable to LIVE, BLUE cable to
NEUTRAL and GREEN/YELLOW cable to
EARTH. On no account should the CA2 mains
cable be connected without an effective mains
earth.
A power supply fuse is fitted within the CA2 but
it is not intended to be user replaceable. If you
suspect that the power supply fuse has failed the
CA2 should be returned to ATC or the local
representative for service. For 230/240V
operation a 3A fuse should be fitted to the mains
plug.
The CA2 preamplifier has been designed to partner ATC active, and with an
appropriate power amplifier, passive loudspeaker systems. It incorporates six line-
level stereo inputs and one stereo record output on RCA phono sockets, a main
stereo output on RCA phono sockets,a main stereo output on XLR sockets, a mono
sub output on RCA phono sockets,and a headphone output on a _” jack socket.
The Aux 2 line-level input may be converted to function as a high-sensitivity phono
input through the addition of a factory fitted optional RIAA Phono Board.The RIAA
board carries an array of slide switches that enable optimal matching with phono
cartridges of various output voltages and loading requirements.
Selection of CA2 inputs is achieved via a five-position rotary control using gold plated
relays for silent switching. Output volume adjustment is achieved through a precision
motorized potentiometer. A tape monitor function can be selected from a front
panel push button; the tape output is a duplicate of the signal selected by the input
selector. Standby is also accessible from a front panel push button. Mains power is
applied from a rear panel mounted switch.
All CA2 functions are duplicated on the ATC SCAR-B remote handset.
1.4 Inputs
The CA2 accepts unbalanced RCA Phono style
inputs sockets.The signal is present on the centre
conductor of an unbalanced input and the signal
return is made via the screened outer. If there is
any hum present on the inputs this must be traced
to its source and not suppressed by the removal of
screens or earths. Removal of the screen on an
unbalanced input is likely to result in uncontrollably
loud hum. The input sockets are illustrated in
Diagram 1.
All inputs are line-level sensitivity via RCA phono
connectors on the rear panel. Inputs are labelled
for CD,TUNER,AV, AUX1 or AUX2 however they
are electrically identical and a line level signal from
any source equipment type may be connected to
any input.
The right-hand (viewed from the rear) pair of AUX
2 input sockets will function as a high-sensitivity
phono input if the optional RIAA Vinyl Board is
installed. The RIAA circuitry can be configured to
accommodate a wide selection of phono cartridge
types by setting combinations of the board
mounted jumpers (links). Access to the board is
gained by removing the top panel of the
preamplifier. Diagram 2 illustrates the position of
the jumpers on the board while Table A details the
cartridge matching options available.
Links are moved by pulling them gently away from
the board with a small pair of pliers and are
replaced in the appropriate positions as shown in
the diagrams. Unused links can be “parked” on the
board by setting them at right angles on unused
pins.
Jumpers J3 and J4 set the input load for each channel of the cartridge. With the
jumpers in place the load is 100 ohms.With the jumpers removed the load is 47
kilohms.
Jumpers J1, J2, J5 and J6 set the gain (sensitivity) of the RIAA input. J1 and J2 have
two positions A and B. In position A the gain of the RIAA circuit is reduced, in
position B the gain is increased. J5 and J6 can have the jumper fitted or removed.
When fitted the gain of the circuit is increased. By setting combinations of these 4
jumpers a range of sensitivities can be accommodated.
For example: for a cartridge with a low sensitivity, J1 and J2 would be set in position
B while J5 and J6 would both have their jumper fitted.Table A illustrates the input
sensitivity and load characteristics available.The manufacturer of the cartridge in use
should be able to recommend the appropriate settings.
The left-hand AUX 2 input sockets must not be used when the Phono Board is
installed.
Installation
4
CA2
Diagram 2 - RIAA Phono Board and Jumpers
Table A - RIAA Jumper Settings
J5 J3 J1
Pos A
Pos B
J6 J4 J2
Jumper settings for 1 Volt Output
Sensitivity J1 and J2 J3 and J4 J5 and J6
10.0mV Position A Fitted (100Ω) Removed
6.7mV Position A Removed (47kΩ) Removed
5.1mV Position B Fitted (100Ω) Removed
3.4mV Position B Removed (47kΩ) Removed
2.2mV Position A Fitted (100Ω) Fitted
1.4mV Position A Removed (47kΩ) Fitted
1.1mV Position B Fitted (100Ω) Fitted
0.7mV Position B Removed (47kΩ) Fitted
Pos A
Pos B
Diagram 1 - CA2 rear panel and connection sockets
5
1.5 Outputs
The CA2 rear panel, illustrated in Diagram 1, carries sockets
for main left and right output, tape left and right output and
stereo headphones. Use of the headphone jack leaves the main
outputs unaffected.The front panel mute function, which does
not affect the headphone output, may be used to suppress the
main outputs when headphones are in use.
Connections to the main output XLR sockets follow the
convention of pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to signal “hot” and pin 3
to signal return (signal ground). When connecting to
equipment with XLR (balanced) inputs the connectors should
be wired pin for pin (ie. 1 to 1, 2 to 2 and 3 to 3). For RCA
(phono) unbalanced connection the “hot” and signal return
(pins 1 and 3) should be joined at the RCA plug. Diagram 3
illustrates the XLR output pin arrangement. Diagram 4
illustrates the cable arrangement for connection to balanced
inputs. Diagram 5 illustrates the cable arrangement for
connection to unbalanced inputs.
Cables up to 50 metres in length may be connected to the
main balanced outputs.
1.6 Operation
Once connected to mains power and powered-up from the
rear panel mains switch, the front panel Standby button (or
remote handset Standby button) will switch the CA2 between
standby and active modes. In Standby mode the Standby
indicator glows RED. Operating the Standby function from
either the front panel or remote handset will switch the CA2
into active mode. The RED indicator will extinguish and be replaced by the Input
Select indicator showing the current selection in GREEN. Operating the Standby
function again will return the CA2 to Standby mode.
Inputs are selected by rotating the input select control in either direction. The
control has continuous movement. When it is moved to the last input, further
rotation will select the first input.
Diagram 6 - CA2 front panel and controls
CA2
Preamplifier
Diagram 3 - output socket pins
Pin 1, ScreenPin 2, Signal (hot)
Pin 3, Signal (return)
Diagram 4 - balanced cable
Diagram 5 - unbalanced cable
Two Core Screened Cable
3 Pin Male XLR
Connector
3 Pin Female XLR
Connector
To Preamp Output
Hot
Return
Screen
To Power Amp or
Monitor Input
1
2
3
1
2
3
Two Core Screened Cable
3 Pin Male XLR
Connector
Phono (RCA)
Connector
To Preamp Output
Hot
Return
Screen
To Power Amp or
Monitor Input
1
2
3
The CA2 rear panel, illustrated in Diagram 1, carries sockets
for main left and right output; tape left and right output, left and
right summed mono output and an output for stereo
headphones. Use of the headphone jack will mute the output
from the main stereo output and also the sub output.
Connections to the main output may be from RCA phono
sockets or XLR sockets. Connections to the XLR output
sockets follow the convention of pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to signal
“hot” and pin 3 to signal return (signal ground). When
connecting to equipment with XLR (balanced) inputs the
connectors should be wired pin for pin (i.e. 1 to 1, 2 to 2 and
3 to 3). Diagram 3 illustrates the XLR output pin arrangement.
Diagram 4 illustrates the cable arrangement for connection to
balanced inputs.
Cables up to 50 metres in length may be connected to the main
stereo or sub outputs.
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