Furman RI1220, RI1210 User Manual

Isolated Symmetrical AC Power Conditioners

MODELS: RI-1210 (10 AMP)
RI-1220 (20 AMP)

Instruction Sheet

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Furman Sound Reference Series Isolated Symmetrical AC Power Condi­tioner, and congratulations on your choice. The RI-1210 and RI-1220 are no-compromise, no-expense­spared designs, with painstaking attention paid to the ultimate sonic and visual impact of every compo­nent within each unit. The Reference Series is the flagship AC power regulating and conditioning line of
Furman Sound, a company that has been creating AC power products for the most demanding profes­sional audio and video professionals for more than 25 years.

Features

• Isolated Symmetrical AC Power technology dramatically reduces common mode and transverse
AC line noise, typically up to 24dB per total system. All Symmetrical (balanced) AC receptacles
are individually ground fault (GFCI) protected to ensure safe operation.

• Includes four sets of positive contact “Super Spec” AC receptacles with additional filtering for
digital components.

• Handles 20 Amps (RI-1220) or 10 Amps (RI-1210) continuous power.

• The specially constructed toroidal transformer is the finest available, yielding extremely low mag-

netic field leakage, and D.C. tolerant, noise-free operation regardless of load or AC source con­tamination.

• A precision, high-inrush magnetic circuit breaker/power switch provides maximum protection
without false tripping while maintaining noise-free, low-contact-resistance operation.

• Precision digital AC voltmeter monitors incoming AC line voltage.

• Static discharge AC ground circuit for high-elevation installations.

Description

In the home theater/audiophile domain, the need for clean, noise-free AC power is nothing new. But
the RI-1210 and RI-1220’s uni que technology and implementation are.

Many competing designs that claim to reduce AC line noise rely on multiple-pole RFI filters; cheap, in­adequate AC outlets; high-resistance thermal circuit breakers; or unrealistic performance from ferrite
beads. Unfortunately, these designs can and frequently do add ground noise, create AC line distortions
such as ringing and gross phase shifts, and raise the AC line impedance to an unacceptable level.

Others use more sophisticated means of electronically turning AC power to DC, then synthesizing a
clean AC signal from there. Though this method has its merits for low-current demands, it is highly inef­ficient, can contain non-linear distortions, and at minimum does nothing to reduce AC ground contamina­tion from the incoming power line.

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The RI-1210 and RI-1220’s isolated symmetrical power ensures no ground contamination from your
incoming line will affect your filtered AC power, as it is totally isolated. This total isolation of both ground
and incoming AC power means your critical components will not suffer ground current noise, RF, or EMI
contamination from shared AC ground lines. These distortions are commonplace when AC power is
shared throughout a building or home. They can cause audible hum and loss of clarity in visual images,
and rob your system of resolving power by significantly increasing the noise floor.

With Symmetrical Balanced Power, the incoming AC signal is transformed into two legs of half voltage,
each with opposite polarity (i.e. 120 VAC Line and 0 VAC Neutral is transformed into 60 VAC Line, 60
VAC Neutral). With these “Balanced” lines in opposing polarity and equal potential, virtually all
common-mode noise is cancelled.

With the Reference Series exclusive Isolated Symmetrical Power, video monitors, pre-amplifiers, com­pact disc transports, power amplifiers, multi-channel processors, digital audio converters and stereo sys­tem turntables are fed ultra-low-noise isolated Symmetrical Balanced Power. This ensures a supply of
virtually noise-free AC power while preventing noise and magnetic fields from either penetrating or radi­ating from the AC cords that feed your systems critical components. Additionally, the RI-1210 and RI­1220’s GFCI (ground fault) circuit, in tandem with our isolated symmetrical power technology, assures
electrical safety.

When using Furman’s Reference Series Isolated Symmetrical Power conditioning, you will immediately
notice far clearer, stunningly focused sound and visual images from your system. Video presentation will
be crisp and colors true. Sonic transients become startlingly fast with bass fundamentals that shake
foundations with their weight and visceral impact. Mid and high frequencies will bloom with a precise,
non-glaring ease, all the while remaining true to your system’s inherent virtues.

Installation

Before unpacking your unit, inspect the box and packing materials for any obvious severe damage. 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 unpacking mate­rials. You may need them if you ever return the unit to our factory for service.

The box should contain the RI-1210 or RI-1220 unit, detachable AC power cord, 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 if your original ownership document is lost, and
can assist us in informing you about upgrades or other vital information.

The power source to which a RI-1220 is connected must be adequate for use at 20 Amps continuous op­eration. Though the unit will function with a 15 Amp panel circuit breaker, it is not recommended, as
vastly inferior performance and substandard protection (depending on your systems total current de­mands) could result. If your system includes power amplifiers or projectors with more than modest power
demands, a panel circuit breaker with at least a rating of 20 Amps is essential for optimum performance.
If other electrical loads are used on the same branch circuit, and your systems continuous current load is
in well in excess of 10 Amps, we recommend a 30 Amp panel breaker wired with #10 gauge wire. For
installations, which must comply with NEC codes, a 20 Amp panel circuit breaker with a dedicated line
(branch circuit) is the minimum requirement. The RI-1210 will function well with standard household 15
Amp panel breakers and a 15 Amp branch circuit. If other electrical loads are used on the same branch
circuit, they should be relatively modest, (well below 5 Amps total). If this is not the case, you will need
to use a 20 Amp panel breaker and branch circuit. If in doubt consult your dealer or local electrician.

The RI-1210 and RI-1220 are manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet,
shelf, or floor capable of supporting their weight. Because of the Reference Series’ low-flux density
transformer design, placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and the RI-1210 and
RI-1220 do not produce any appreciable heat.