Furman IT-REF 20I Users Manual
IT-REFERENCE 20i
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
D
ISCRETE
S
YMMETRICAL
P
OWER
IT-R
EFERENCE
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ENGLISH
IT-REFERENCE 20i
DI SC RET E SYMM ET RI CAL P OWE R CO NDI TI ONE R
CONDITIONNEUR D'ALIMENTATION SYMÉTRIQUE DISCRET
ACONDICIONADOR DE POTENCIA SIMETRICA Y DISCRETA
D
ISCRETE
S
YMMETRICAL
P
OWER
IT-R
EFERENCE
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IT-RefeRence 20I OwneR’s Manual
IT-RefeRence 20I GuIde de l’uTIlIsaTeuR
FRANÇAIS
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PaRa esPañOl, vIsITa www.fuRMansOund.cOM
ESPAÑOL
www.FurmanSound.com
All content ©2006 Furman Sound, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in China.
IT-RefeRence 20i OwneR’s Manual
IT-Reference 20i 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
• Three high denition ready bidirectional coaxial surge suppression modules
• Detachable telco surge suppression module
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 20i’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 20i.
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 20i’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 four 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 20i 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 20i, 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 20i 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 20i 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 20i 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 20i 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 20i.
FRANÇAIS ENGLISH
The IT-Reference 20i 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 20i has been exposed to rain or other moisture.
• The IT-Reference 20i does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance.
• The IT-Reference 20i has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Power Source
The power source to which the IT-Reference 20i is connected should be adequate for use at 20 Amps. Though the system
may function with a 15 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 20 Amps is essential for optimum performance. If other electrical loads are used on this same AC line, and the
continuous load from your equipment is in excess of 10 Amps, we recommend a 30 Amp circuit breaker wired with #10 gauge
wire. For installations which must comply with NEC codes, a dedicated 20 Amp circuit is the minimum requirement. If in
doubt, consult your local electrician. In rare instances, two or more IT-Reference 20i’s may be required for the most ambitious
5.1 and 7.1 home theater systems with continuous current draw well in excess of 20 Amps (consult your sales professional, or
Furman Sound technical assistance).
Placement
The IT-Reference 20i is manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet, shelf, or oor capable of
supporting its 83 pound weight. These feet may be easily removed with a standard Philips screwdriver when rack mounting
adjacent to other components. Because of the IT-Reference 20i’s internal shielding, placement or proximity to other
components is not critical, and the IT-Reference 20i does not produce any appreciable heat under standard use. The ITReference 20i may also be rack mounted in a standard 19” rack by attaching the IT-Reference 20i rack ears. These rack ears
(contained within the plastic rack kit package) mount ush with the back edge of the IT-Reference 20i’s front panel. They 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 20i rack mounting kit. Due to the weight of the ITReference 20i (83 lbs.), it is recommended that placement be at or near the bottom of your rack when mounting this way.
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IT-RefeRence 20i OwneR’s Manual
For rack mounting that will be transported, rear rack mounting is recommended due to the high mass of the IT-Reference 20i.
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.
Connection
AC Cable Routing
Once the IT-Reference 20i 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 Edison 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 20i’s “High Current - Amplier Power” AC ltered outputs. All other
components plugged into “Discrete Symmetrical Power” outlets (A) through (D) 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 20i’s “Symmetrical Power Outlets” should be employed for all components other than receivers with power
amplication, power ampliers, powered subwoofers, or powered loudspeakers. Each “Discrete” bank (A) through (D) contains
two parallel outputs that are symmetrically balanced, ltered, and totally isolated from adjacent output banks or the (4) “High
Current - Amplier Power” 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 (four 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 20i’s four “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
Many audiophile and premium home theater systems will have combined continuous current demands far below 20 Amps. It is
rare, in fact, for large power ampliers to draw more than 4 Amps continuously.
For superior performance, it is vital that an AC lter possess extraordinarily low impedance, and have the capability to pass peak
current demands far in excess of the RMS (continuous) current rating. The IT-Reference 20i was designed to more than meet this
demand. Additionally, our Power Factor Technology circuitry eectively creates a current reserve in excess of 80 amps peak upcharge 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 20i was designed for steady 20 Amp operation, and peak current demands
many times that, the maximum total continuous current draw may be limited to a range between 1500 - 2100 Watts per ITReference 20i 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 20i 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
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connector. Watt ratings are simply added to determine the total system RMS current draw. It should also be noted that the
IT-Reference 20i’s Power Factor Technology circuitry has no actual eect on the power drawn from your utilities’ power meter.
The IT-Reference 20i draws a mere 8.5 Watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times.
Suggested AC Connection
Telco Protectors (x2)
Powered
Subwoofer
Plasma/LCD
Monitor/Projector
Turntable
FRANÇAIS ENGLISH
AC Cord
Cable / Satellite
Protectors (x3)
2 - 7
Channel
Amplier
Mono
Block
Amplier
VCR
or DVR
DVD/
HD-DVD/
Blu-Ray Player
Audio
Pre-Amplier /
Processor
Satellite
Receiver /
Cable Box
Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time
When power is rst applied to the IT-Reference 20i, (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
20i’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
20i 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 20i. 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 20i’s “Discrete Symmetrical Filtered AC outlets” incorporate symmetrical AC power output, whereby both the
neutral and positive leads of the AC cable run at 60 Volts AC in opposing polarity, referenced to ground (0 Volts AC). This is
but one of the IT-Reference 20i’s advantages over other AC-lter/protection designs.
Though virtually all domestically produced 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 20i, both neutral and positive legs contain 60 VAC relative to their Ground tab. This is not a problem or safety
hazard, unless there is a defect in either the IT-Reference 20i’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 20i. Then, add each piece of equipment until the GFCI trips.
Contact the manufacturer of the suspect unit for possible solutions.
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IT-RefeRence 20i OwneR’s Manual
Testing the IT-Reference 20i’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.
AC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression
The IT-Reference 20i 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 20i’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 20i’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.
Telco – Satellite – Cable Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors
The IT-Reference 20i features transient voltage surge suppression for both standard telephone lines, as well as 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 Telco, Cable and
Satellite connectors.
Note: It is not possible to make an in-line telco protector “virtually maintenance-free” (non-sacricial) as we have accomplished with
the 120 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 telephone will
no longer pass through our protector, please contact your local service representative, installer or Furman for servicing. Since these
circuits are modular, replacement may be accomplished in seconds with a new telco TVSS module. To test this, simply disconnect the
incoming and out going cable from the IT-Reference 20i. Connect the incoming connector to the component that formerly received the
out going connector, thus by-passing the in-line protection. If the signal is present (but not when used with the IT-Reference 20i) then
the protection circuit is damaged (assuming it worked properly before a storm or catastrophic event).
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