Furman IT-REF 16 E I Users Manual
IT-REFERENCE 16E i
DISC RET E SY M MET RICAL P OW ER CO NDI TIO NER
CONDITIONNEUR D'ALIMENTATION SYMÉTRIQUE DISCRET
ACONDICIONADOR DE POTENCIA SIMETRICA Y DISCRETA
OWN ER’S M A N U AL
GUI DE D E L’ U TIL IS ATEU R
MAN UAL DE L PR OPI ETAR IO
ENGLISH
D
ISCRETE
S
YMMETRICAL
P
OWER
IT-R
EFERENCE
16E
i
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IT-RefeRence 16e i OwneR’s ManuaL
FRANÇAIS
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ESPAÑOL
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IT-RefeRence 16E i GuIde de L’uTILIsaTeuR
IT-RefeRence 16e i ManuaL deL PROPIeTaRIO
All content ©2007 Furman Sound, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in China.
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IT-RefeRence 16E i OwneR’s ManuaL
IT-Reference 16E i Features
• Discrete Symmetrical Power cancels hum inducing noise from audio and video
• Four discrete dual screen power banks eliminate inter-component interference and noise
• Power Factor Technology provides current on demand for power-starved ampliers
• Linear AC ltering for unequaled audio / video clarity
• Virtually maintenance-free AC surge suppression
• Extreme Voltage Shutown protects against dangerous wiring faults
• Three HD-ready bidirectional coaxial surge suppression modules
Introduction
For over 33 years, Furman has pioneered the development of AC power products for the most demanding audio, video, and
broadcast professionals. Though the need for pristine AC power is nothing new, the IT-Reference 16E i’s technology and its
unique implementation are revolutionary and without peer.
The extreme AC demands encountered in the professional audio/video arena have required technological developments far in
excess of typical home theater/audiophile power products. In studios, live audio/video, and broadcast facilities, breakdown is
unacceptable. Equipment failure or poor performance is costly. The same is true of today’s home theater. Our solution-based
technology, extensive engineering expertise, and robust build quality have answered the challenge of today’s corrupted power
lines, and led to the creation of our agship power conditioner, the IT-Reference 16E i.
Today’s AC lines are plagued with ever increasing noise. When AC noise couples into your system’s critical components, it masks
low level signals and cripples performance. This low level content is critical because it relays the crucial harmonics and ambience
in audio, and depth and clarity in video reproduction. With the IT-Reference 16E i’s exclusive Discrete Symmetrical Power, video
screens, projectors, CD or DVD players, pre-ampliers, and scalers are fed linearly-ltered ultra-low-noise symmetrical power.
This dramatically reduces AC noise, ensuring peak operation of your critical components. For the rst time, you will see and hear
your theater or audio system as it should be...uncompromised.
Further, our Discrete Symmetrical Power features total isolation between three discrete AC outlet banks. This positively
breaks noise-inducing ground loops, hum bars, and power supply backwash between interconnected equipment, all without
compromising electrical safety. This enables a plasma screen to function without AC ground contamination from a compact disc
player, or a preamplier-processor to function free of performance-degrading digital noise from a satellite receiver.
The IT-Reference 16E i also employs our unique Power Factor Technology circuit. This means low-level analog, digital, and video
components are not modulated or distorted via the power amplier’s extreme AC current demands. Further, the power amplier
sees a highly ltered, extremely low-impedance supply of AC power. The IT-Reference 16E i, in fact, has in excess of 9 Amps
of continuous current reserve (over 80 amps pk. charge) for the most extreme peak power demands. This technology enables
power ampliers and powered subwoofers to work at peak eciency and reach levels of performance previously unattainable.
No longer will your amplier’s performance be at the mercy of your home’s incoming AC power or inferior AC protection/
ltering devices. The net eect is as if your power amplier doubled in power and improved immeasurably in quality.
When employing the IT-Reference 16E i you will immediately notice far clearer, stunningly focused sound and visual images from
your system. Video presentation will be crisp and colors true with greater gray and black scale denition, as well as noticeably
improved depth and clarity. Sonic transients will be startlingly fast with bass fundamentals that shake foundations with
their weight and visceral impact. Mid and high frequencies will bloom with sweet, non-glaring ease while imaging improves
dramatically, all the while remaining true to your system’s inherent virtues.
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Installation
Unpacking
Before unpacking your unit, inspect the carton for any obvious severe damage to the box and internal protective materials.
If internal damage is likely, contact the carrier who delivered the unit before proceeding with unpacking. If, after unpacking,
shipping damage is evident, contact the carrier. Save all shipping and packing materials. You may need them if you should
ever have to return the unit to the factory for servicing.
The box should contain the IT-Reference 16E i unit, detachable AC cord, rack mount kit, owner’s manual, and warranty
registration card. If anything is missing, please contact Furman Customer Service. Fill out and return your warranty
registration card. Registration is recommended because it can be used to establish whether the unit is within the warranty
period should your original ownership documents be lost, and it assists us in informing you about upgrades or other vital
information.
Safety Information - Warnings
Please read and observe all of the safety and operating instructions before the IT-Reference 16E i is operated. Retain these
instructions for future reference.
• Do not disassemble or modify in any way. No user-serviceable parts inside .
• Keep away from moisture and avoid excessive humidity.
• Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the unit.
• Household lighting equipment may not be connected to the IT-Reference 16E i because their sockets are not designed
for use with symmetrical power and may present a shock hazard. We recommend that only audio, video and computer
processing equipment be connected to the IT-Reference 16E i.
The IT-Reference 16E i should be serviced by qualied service personnel when:
• The power supply cord or plug has been frayed or cut.
• Objects have fallen onto or liquid has spilled into the unit.
• The IT-Reference 16E i has been exposed to rain or other moisture.
• The IT-Reference 16E i does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance.
• The IT-Reference 16E i has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Power Source
The power source to which the IT-Reference 16E i is connected should be adequate for use at 16 Amps. Though the system
may function with a 10 Amp panel circuit breaker, nuisance circuit breaker tripping could result at your service panel. If your
system includes multi-channel audio power ampliers that require more than modest power demands, a circuit breaker with
a rating of at least 16 Amps is essential for optimum performance.
Placement
The IT-Reference 16E i is manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet, shelf, or oor capable of
supporting its 40 kg. weight. These feet may be easily removed with a standard Philips screwdriver when rack mounting
adjacent to other components. Because of the IT-Reference 16E i’s internal shielding, placement or proximity to other
components is not critical, and the IT-Reference 16E i does not produce any appreciable heat under standard use. The IT-
Reference 16E i may also be rack mounted in a standard 19” rack by attaching the IT-Reference 16E i rack ears. These rack
ears (contained within the plastic rack kit package) are attached to the chassis by removing the (3) countersunk screws on
each forward-side of the chassis top cover. Each rack ear is installed with pan-head Philips screws contained within the IT-
Reference 16E i rack mounting kit. Due to the weight of the IT-Reference 16E i (40 kg.), it is recommended that placement be
at or near the bottom of your rack when mounting this way. For rack mounting that will be transported, rear rack mounting
is recommended due to the high mass of the IT-Reference 16E i. These rear rack kits are not necessary for a stationary
installation. They are available from your Furman dealer as an optional accessory. The rear rack mount kit model number is:
RRM-3 REF.
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IT-RefeRence 16E i OwneR’s ManuaL
Connection
AC Cable Routing
Once the IT-Reference 16E i is placed, its AC cord’s female end must be plugged into the male IEC connector located on the lower
left hand side of the rear panel (when facing the rear panel). Next the male plug must be connected to an appropriate socket
(see current rating recommendation above). This AC cord will carry substantial unbalanced AC current, so it should be dressed
away from critical signal-carrying cables, or at the very least, cross them at a 90 degree angle. The same is true of the power
amplier AC cords when plugged into the IT-Reference 16E i’s “Power Ampliers” AC ltered outputs. All other components
plugged into “Analog - Digital - Video Component” outlets (A) through (C) have symmetrical AC current and will radiate virtually
no eld; as a result of this technology, their placement is not critical.
Connecting Components to the Symmetrical Power Banks
The IT-Reference 16E i’s “Analog - Digital - Video Component Banks” should be employed for all components other than receivers
with power amplication, power ampliers, powered subwoofers, or powered loudspeakers. Each discrete bank (A) through (C)
contains two or four outputs that are symmetrically balanced, ltered, and totally isolated from adjacent output banks or the (4)
“Power Ampliers” outlets. It should be noted that as each AC bank’s outlets are in parallel, component power supply noise could
potentially “back-wash” between these units.
For this reason it is recommended that systems with minimal components (three units or less, excluding the power ampliers)
utilize one discrete bank per component. This will maximize performance by eliminating inter-component AC noise
contamination entirely! For systems utilizing more componentry, high performance will still be achieved with careful routing of
component AC cords to the IT-Reference 16E i’s three discrete power banks. We recommend separating digital processors, DVD’s,
and CD players from pre-ampliers, tuners, and tape machines. Further, video monitors and scalers should ideally be separated
from audio components.
Connecting Components to the High Current Power Amplier Banks
Receivers with power amplication, power ampliers, powered subwoofers, or powered loudspeakers should be connected to
one of the four “Power Ampliers” outlets to utilize their Power Factor Technology. The “Power Ampliers” bank features (3)
typical IEC female outlets and one 16 amp IEC outlet for those ampliers with extreme current demands (rare).
Furman’s Power Factor Technology circuitry eectively creates a current reserve in excess of 80 amps peak up-charge that
is cleaner and more ecient than a dedicated line from your local power station. This feature eliminates any concern with
the current compression that can result from typical power conditioners. In fact, Furman’s Power Factor Technology circuitry
provides lower AC impedance with current on demand which benets any power amplier’s performance dramatically.
Note about Power Factor Technology and Current Consumption
When Power Factor Technology is employed (transient or RMS), even the most sophisticated circuit breakers will perceive an
increased current load. Though the IT-Reference 16E i was designed for steady 16 Amp operation, and peak current demands
many times that, the maximum total continuous current draw may be limited to a range between 2400 - 3600 Watts per
IT-Reference 16E i employed.
The RMS current available before the circuit breaker trips varies greatly due to what is referred to as a vector load. Simply put,
the type of power supplies or electronic circuits connected to the IT-Reference 16E i will have an eect on its circuit breakers
perceived current load, and therefore, when it will trip. Though the benets of Power Factor Technology far outweigh the small
reduction in continuous current draw, this must be accounted for when constructing a large system with high current demands.
The total continuous current draw of most electronic components is typically listed in Watts by their AC input cord or AC
connector. Watt ratings are simply added to determine the total system RMS current draw. It should also be noted that the
IT-Reference 16E i’s Power Factor Technology circuitry has no actual eect on the power drawn from your utilities’ power meter.
The IT-Reference 16E i draws a mere 8.5 Watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times.
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Rear Panel / Suggested AC Connection
Cable/Satellite Protectors
(x4 pairs)
10 Amp
Breaker
Powered
Subwoofer
Plasma/LCD
Monitor/Projector
VCR
or DVR
Turntable
AC Cord
7 Amp
Breaker
Mono
Block
Amplier
2 - 7
Channel
Amplier
DVD/
HD-DVD/
Blu-Ray Player
Satellite
Receiver /
Cable Box
Audio
Pre-Amplier /
Processor
CD
Player
Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time
When power is rst applied to the IT-Reference 16E i, (the front panel breaker-power toggle must be switched to the “on”
position) the Soft Start feature is activated. There is an audible “clack” when the IT-Reference is rst turned on or o. This
sound is produced by the Soft Start circuit’s 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging. There is nothing in the IT-Reference
16E i’s construction, design, or componentry to wear over the life time of the product, and there is no power draw from your
electric service meter aside from the LED power indicator, relay, and GFCI protection circuit. For this reason the IT-Reference
16E i may be left with its power engaged permanently at a cost of pennies per month. This is an added benet, as many audio/
videophiles nd performance improves signicantly when leaving low-powered components permanently charged (turned
on). This is true of the IT-Reference 16E i. Though it will function awlessly right from its shipping carton, the performance of
its circuit parts will improve after approximately two weeks of continuous use or “break-in.”
Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI)
The IT-Reference 16E i’s “Discrete Symmetrical Filtered AC outlets” incorporate symmetrical AC power output, whereby both
the neutral and positive leads of the AC cable run at 110 Volts AC in opposing polarity, referenced to ground (0 Volts AC). This
is but one of the IT-Reference 16E i’s advantages over other AC-lter/protection designs.
Though virtually all electronic equipment is designed to detect electrical shorts and other potentially dangerous equipment
problems in the Line lead referenced to its Neutral, this is inadequate when power is symmetrical. With the IT-Reference 16E
i, both neutral and positive legs contain 110 VAC relative to their Ground tab. This is not a problem or safety hazard, unless
there is a defect in either the IT-Reference 16E i’s transformer, or the power supply of a connected component. In this instance,
we need to assure that safety is always maintained. The solution is our GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter).
The Furman GFCI detects any imbalance in the current owing in the two hot legs. The missing current is presumed to be
owing through the ground conductor (the round pin on an AC outlet). Ground current often indicates a dangerous partial
or full short circuit. If an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will trip the main circuit breaker/power switch. To restore operation,
correct the fault and turn the unit on again. 5 mA of current is enough to cause the GFCI to trip; to troubleshoot this type
of problem, start with nothing connected to the IT-Reference 16E i. Then, add each piece of equipment until the GFCI trips.
Contact the manufacturer of the suspect unit for possible solutions.
Testing the IT-Reference 16E i’s GFCI once a year is recommended. Simply press the button marked “GFI TEST”. If the GFCI is
functioning properly, this will cause the main circuit breaker/power switch to trip and cut o power. After verifying the GFCI’s
proper operation, simply restore power by switching the Circuit Breaker/Power Switch to the ON position.
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IT-RefeRence 16E i OwneR’s ManuaL
AC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression
The IT-Reference 16E i is capable of suppressing virtually any instantaneous voltage surge from lightning or commercial power
companies. This is due in part to the mammoth reactive elements in the IT-Reference 16E i’s AC Power Factor Technology
circuitry. Further, the circuit is not easily damaged by huge instantaneous peaks of voltage, so there are no parts to x or replace
after a transient voltage surge incident. It should be noted, however, that there is no continuous over-under voltage circuitry
or regulation within the design. For the IT-Reference 16E i’s intended user, these features are typically not necessary. If your
specic application requires AC regulation, over-under voltage power shut-down, or sequenced power distribution, there is a
full line of Furman products to meet these requirements.
Extreme Voltage Shutdown Indicator
This LED is normally o. It monitors AC wiring faults – for example, accidental connection to an open neutral (in some countries)
could put well over 300 VAC RMS onto the mains outlet. When the Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) circuit senses voltages that
are so high that operation would be impossible, it shuts the power down before damage can occur. Upon initially applying
power to these units, the Extreme Voltage indicator LED will light if the input voltage is above the extreme voltage cuto, and
power will not be applied to the unit’s outlets. If the unit has been operating with an acceptable input voltage and subsequently
that voltage exceeds 270 VAC, it will shut o power to the outlet and the Extreme Voltage LED will light.
Note: If the mains power is above the high cuto voltage and has caused the unit to remove power from its outlets, it cannot restore
power without the operator manually turning the unit o, then on again. Avoid turning the unit back on without rst checking the
source of the problem, and perhaps changing the AC source.
Satellite – Cable Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors
The IT-Reference 16E i features transient voltage surge suppression for cable or satellite lines utilizing standard coaxial
connectors. As these surge suppressors are in-line, they will require an additional cable to connect from their output to the
control device requiring protection.
All in-line surge suppressors feature our exclusive ground contamination free technology. This aids in eliminating audio buzzing,
and the video hum-bars that can result from typical in-line suppressors. Further, our cable and satellite suppressors are
TiVO®/DVR friendly as well as HD digital television ready. Both DC carrier signals as well as high bandwidth signals can pass
through our circuit. In fact the bandwidth is less than 0.1dB loss at 1GHz!
To connect your cabling to these in-line protectors, simply follow the in and out indications marked next to the Cable and
Satellite Connectors.
Note: It is not possible to make an in-line cable or satellite protector “maintenance-free” (non-sacricial) as we have accomplished
with the 230 VAC line. This would necessitate limited signal bandwidth that would not allow the signal to pass. Under extreme
conditions, it is possible that the surge suppression in one of these devices could sacrice itself after a catastrophic event. If the cable or
satellite connector becomes deformed in any way due to an extreme lightning strike, please contact your local service representative,
installer or Furman Authorized service center.
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Warranty
Furman Sound, LLC warrants to the original purchaser of this product, the Furman IT-Reference 16E i, that the product will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of ve years from the date of purchase. The purchaser of the product is allowed fteen days from the date of purchase to complete
warranty registration by mail or on-line at the Furman website. If the purchaser fails to complete the aforementioned registration, the warranty period will be
reduced to one year from the date of purchase.
If the product does not conform to this Limited Warranty during the warranty period (as herein above specied), purchaser shall notify Furman in writing of the
claimed defects. If the defects are of such type and nature as to be covered by this warranty, Furman shall authorize the purchaser to return the product to the
Furman factory or to an authorized Furman repair location. Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the
purchase date; this is not necessary if the Warranty Registration was completed either by mailing in the completed warranty card or by registering on-line at the
Furman website. Shipping charges to the Furman factory or to an authorized repair location must be prepaid by the purchaser of the product. Furman shall, at its
own expense, furnish a replacement product or, at Furman’s option, repair the defective product. Return shipping charges back to purchaser will be paid by Furman.
CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANT Y: Furman Sound’s Connected Equipment Warranty covers equipment that is damaged by transient voltage (an “Occurrence”)
while properly connected through the Furman IT-Reference 16E i to a properly wired AC power line with a protective ground in an indoor location. Furman’s
Connected Equipment Warranty is limited to the amount of the deductible on the Purchaser’s personal property insurance policy up to $500.00. In order to make
a claim for this Connected Equipment Warranty, the Purchaser must forward a copy of his/her personal property insurance claim for the damaged equipment to
Furman and complete the Furman Connected Equipment Warranty claim form (call Furman at (877) 486-4738 to obtain the form). Furman reserves the right to
review the damaged Furman product, the damaged connected equipment, and the site where the damage occurred. All cost of shipping damaged equipment to
Furman for inspection shall be borne solely by the Purchaser. Damaged equipment must remain available for inspection until the claim is nalized. The Connected
Equipment Warranty is also in eect for a period of ve years unless the Purchaser does not complete the warrant y registration within fteen days from date of
purchase, at which time, the Connected Equipment Warranty period is also reduced to one year from the date of purchase.
All warranties contained herein are null and void if: the Furman Surge Protector in use during the occurrence is not provided to Furman for inspection upon Furman’s
request at the sole expense of the Purchaser, Furman determines that the Furman Surge Protector has been opened, improperly installed, altered in any way or
tampered with, Furman determines that the damage did not result from the Occurrence or that no Occurrence in fact took place or Furman determines that the
connected equipment was not used under normal operating conditions or in accordance with Manufacturer’s instructions for the connected equipment. All Furman
Surge Protectors must be plugged directly into a properly wired AC power line with a protective ground. Three-to-two-prong adapters / AC cords void this warranty.
The Furman warranty only protects against damage to properly connected equipment where Furman has determined, at its sole discretion, that the damage resulted
from an Occurrence and does not protect against acts of God (other than lightning) such as ood, earthquake, war, terrorism, vandalism, theft, normal-use wear
and tear, erosion, depletion, obsolescence, abuse, damage due to low-voltage disturbances (i.e. brownouts or sags), non-authorized program, or system equipment
modication or alteration. Do not use this product in anyway with a generator, heater, sump pump, water-related device, life support device, medical device,
automobile, motorcycle, or golf-cart battery charger. To be used indoors only and in dry areas. All warranties contained herein are null and void if used in anyway
with any of the aforementioned devices.
THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILIT Y AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Furman does not warrant against damages or defects arising out of improper or abnormal
use or handling of the product; against defects or damages arising from improper installation, against defects in products or components not manufactured by
Furman, or against damages resulting from such non-Furman made products or components. This warrant y shall be cancelable by Furman at its sole discretion if the
product is modied in any way without written authorization from Furman. This warranty also does not apply to products upon which repairs have been aected or
attempted by persons other than pursuant to written authorization by Furman.
THIS WARRANT Y IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of Furman shall be to repair or replace the defective product in the manner and for the period
provided above. Furman shall not have any other obligation with respect to this product or any part thereof, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or
otherwise. Under no circumstances, whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise, shall Furman be liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages.
Furman’s employees or representatives’ ORAL OR OTHER WRITTEN STATEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied upon by purchaser, and are
not a par t of the contract for sale or this limited warranty. This Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of Furman with respect to the product. If any part of this
Limited Warranty is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full force and eect.
Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the date of purchase (if a Warranty Registration Card was mailed in at
the time of purchase or if the product was registered on-line, this is not necessary). Before returning any equipment for repair, please be sure it is adequately packed
and cushioned against damage in shipment, and that it is insured.
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