Emotiva RPA-1 User Manual
USER’S GUIDE
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions 4
NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards 6
A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer 6
Antenna Grounding Outside the House 6
Thank You for your RPA-1 Purchase 7
Unpacking the RPA-1 8
Inventory 8
Recording the Serial Number 8
RPA-1 Front Panel Layout 9
Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier 9
Audiophile 2 Channel Amplier Features 9
RPA-1 Rear Panel Layout 10
Installation and Connections 11
AC Power Considerations 11
Physical Placement 11
Input Connection Considerations 12
Output Connection Considerations 12
Connection Tips for Superior Sound 12
Connection Diagrams 13
Connecting a Preamp 13
Connection of a Preamp Level Device using XLR Inputs 13
Connection of a Preamp Level Device using RCA Inputs 13
Connecting Speakers 14
Connection of a Stereo Speakers 14
Biamped Connections (Low Pass and High Pass) 15
12V Trigger Connections 16
Speaker Output Connections 16
Series and Parallel Speaker Connections 17
Series 17
Parallel 17
Technical Note about Multiple Speaker Connections 18
Speaker Placement Tips 19
Tips Before Beginning 19
The Front Speakers 20
Subwoofer Location (for 2.1 Systems) 20
Troubleshooting Guide 22
No Sound (from one or more speakers connected to the RPA-1) 22
The amplifier shuts down often or the line circuit breaker trips often 22
Poor Bass Performance From Full Range Speakers connected to the RPA-1 22
Turn-on and turn-off thumps 23
“Hum” Noises in the Speakers 23
Other Probable Causes of Noise 24
RED light on the front panel blinks from blue to red 24
RED light on the front panel is illuminated solid red 24
Problems with the whole Audio System 24
RPA-1 Technical Specications 25
Trademark Disclosure 26
Emotiva Disclosure 26
Limited Warranty 27
Service Assistance for the RPA-1 27
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Safety Precautions
Read this User’s Guide thoroughly before attempting to install and congure the Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier.
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before any operation of the component(s) begin.
After successful installation and conguration of the Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier, be sure to
retain this manual in a safe place for any future reference needs.
All warnings on the Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier and in these operating instructions should
be followed. Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free installation. The vast majority
of the subsequent safety precautions involve simple common sense. If you are not comfortable with the
installation of audio/video entertainment equipment, it will be to your benet to seek the services of a
qualied installation professional.
• The Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier should NEVER be used near water such as a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
• The Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier should be situated so that its location or installation position does not interfere with
proper ventilation.
• The Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block any
ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase, cabinet, or closed equipment rack
that may impede the ow of air through ventilation openings. If installed in a closed equipment rack for custom
installations, be sure to add forced air ventilation so that it has adequate air circulation.
• The Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, or any other devices
which produce heat.
• The Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in this User’s
Guide and what is labeled on the RPA-1 component. Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not in
high foot trac areas or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
the wall plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they connect into the RPA-1 Amplier. The power
cord of the RPA-1 Amplier should be unplugged from the outlet when unused for a long period of time.
When it’s time for cleaning the Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier, it should be cleaned only as recommended in this
User’s Guide. Never spray liquids directly into the component’s vent openings. Care should be taken so that
small objects do not fall into the inside of the RPA-1 Amplier.
The following situations require your Emotiva RPA-1 Amplier is serviced only by qualied service personnel:
1. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
2. Objects have fallen, or liquid has spilled into the component; or
3. The RPA-1 has been exposed to rain; or
4. The RPA-1 does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
5. The RPA-1 has been dropped, or its enclosure or chassis is damaged.
The user should not attempt to service the RPA-1 Amplier beyond the means described in this User’s Guide.
All other servicing should be referred to qualied service personnel.
Page 4
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet
unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
Pour preevenir les chocs electriques ne pas utiliser cette che polarises avec un prolongateur, un prise de courant
ou une autre sortie de courant, sauf si les lames peuvent titre inserees a fond sans laisser aucune parIIIe a
decouvert.
Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of
the component is not defeated.
This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
ATTENTION — Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant las limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicts par les ministere des communications du Canada.
For questions regarding service, please contact:
Emotiva
106 Mission Court, Suite 101
Franklin, TN 37067
Tel - (615) 771-1224 (877) EMO-TECH
Fax - (615) 771-1128 www.emotiva.com
WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG
TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA
LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE
DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.
Page 5
Page 7
NEC (National Electrical Code) Standards
A Note for the Cable Television (CATV) Installer
This reminder is to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides
guidelines for proper grounding and in particular, species that the cable ground shall be connected to the
grounding system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
Antenna Grounding Outside the House
If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide
some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
See diagram below.
Page 6
Always observe proper antenna or satellite dish grounding techniques. When lightning strikes
there is always the possibility that your antenna or dish (mounted high on the roof) can
become a conduit for lightning and electrically damage any equipment to which it’s connected.
Additionally, proper grounding offers safety to the people using the audio/video system in the
event of an electrical problem.
Thank You for your RPA-1 Purchase
Dear Home Entertainment Enthusiast,
Thank you for purchasing the Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier. We sincerely believe that it oers
you outstanding performance and value. Emotiva products are engineered and produced with the highest
quality materials and incorporate the latest technology. We think you will nd the Emotiva RPA-1 meets or
exceeds your expectations.
The Emotiva RPA-1 is unlike any two channel home audio amplier on the market. It has been designed with
the user in mind. By employing technology that makes sense yet with a clear focus on the priority of superb
sound reproduction, the Emotiva RPA-1 allows you to spend more time enjoying your music. What’s more,
the Emotiva RPA-1 does it all with exceptionally rened cosmetics and a build quality that will satisfy even
the most discriminating tastes.
The Emotiva RPA-1 features an array of leading edge technologies and all the features necessary to perform
the functions expected of a high end stereo amplier. At Emotiva, we remember that creating home
entertainment products means that they should be easy to use while delivering unparalleled performance.
Page 7
Page 9
Unpacking the RPA-1
The Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier should reach you in awless condition. If you notice
any shipping damage or other issues upon unpacking the unit, please contact your Emotiva Retailer
immediately.
Inventory
Gently lift out the unit and remove all the packing material and accessories. It is important to save all the
packing materials and the box in case your Emotiva RPA-1 ever needs to be moved or shipped back to the
factory for service.
Make sure that you keep your sales receipt. It is the only way for Emotiva to establish the duration of your
Limited Warranty and it may come in useful for insurance purposes.
Please take a moment to ll out and mail the Emotiva Customer Response card.
Recording the Serial Number
Please read the serial number located on the rear panel and record it below. Also record the place where you
purchased this product and the date of purchase.
Page 8
Model Number
Serial Number
Place of Purchase
Date of Purchase
RPA-1
Emotiva RPA-1 Reference Power Amplier
Audiophile 2 Channel Amplifier Features
• Dual mono block design
• Extremely low residual noise oor
• Dual high current toroidal power transformers
• Enhanced Emotiva EPM power module topology
• 200 watts RMS per channel into eight ohms
• 300 watts RMS per channel into four ohms
• 1Hz – 80kHz bandwidth
• THD+N - .015%
• Convection cooling
• Analog VU meters
• 12VDC trigger input
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced inputs
• Tiany style RCA inputs
• High-quality, high current binding posts
• Panel dimmer
• Milled multi-element oating wing faceplate with indirect cobalt blue illumination.
• IEC power inlet, 120/230 VAC user congurable
RPA-1 Front Panel Layout
Front Panel Power Switch
This switch provides the ON/OFF control of the RPA-1
from the front panel. When the unit is o and in standby
mode, the switch illuminates yellow. Automatic switching
is accomplished with the two terminal trigger input on the
back panel using a 5-12VDC control signal.
2
1
Front Panel Display
3
The front panel display contains VU meters to indicate dynamic output levels as well as an
informative LED status light in the center to indicate the condition of the RPA-1.
BLUE LED = Normal Operation, Signal Levels are Normal
FLASHING RED LED = Signal Levels are Peaking
SOLID RED LED = Amplier Fault (Short, Thermal, or DC)
See “Troubleshooting” section for details on the fault conditions and how to diagnose/x them.
Panel Dim Switch
21
This switch dims the blue front panel illumination.
Press to dim and scroll through the various
brightness levels until you nd a level you like.
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