Furman Sound Elite-16 PF E User Manual

Elite-16 PF E Manual

Features

Power Factor correction provides surplus current for power-starved ampliers

◊

Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT) for unequaled audio / video clarity

◊

Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus (SMP+) for virtually maintenance-free AC surge

◊

suppression

Zero ground contamination circuitry protects critical digital components

◊

Ultrasonic ltering isolates digital and video circuits from analog components

◊

Four pairs of TiVO friendly - High Denition ready cable/satellite loop through protectors

◊

- 2 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

IntroductIon

For over 30 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 Elite-16 Power Factor’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 sound, 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 the Elite-16 PF E.

Today’s power lines are plagued with RF and EMI
noise. When connecting sensitive equipment
to your home’s power outlet, AC noise couples
into your system’s critical components. This

AC noise masks low level signals and cripples

performance. This low level content is critical

because it relays the crucial harmonics and
ambience in audio, as well as the depth and

clarity in video. With Furman’s exclusive Ultra-

wide bandwidth Linear Filtering Technology,
televisions, projectors, DVD players, ampliers,
and processors are fed linearly-ltered AC

power. This dramatically reduces noise,

ensuring consistent peak operation regardless
of load conditions or the time of day. For the rst

time, you will see and hear your theater or audio

system as it should be – not compromised.

Another critical feature is our exclusive
Series Multi-stage Protection. This virtually
maintenance-free surge suppression assures

the highest level of AC protection possible,
without sacricing itself when the offending
surge is severe – no damaged equipment, no

service calls, no down time.

At the center of the Elite-16 PF E is our unique
Power Factor Correction Circuit. For the

rst time, low-level analog, digital, and video

components are not modulated or distorted

via the power amplier’s extreme AC current
demands. Further, the power amplier sees a
highly ltered, extremely low-impedance supply

of AC power. The Elite-16 PF, in fact, has in
excess of 3 Amps of continuous current reserve

(over 45 amps peak charge) for the most extreme
peak power demands. This technology enables
power ampliers and powered subwoofers to
operate at peak efciency, reaching levels of
performance previously unattainable.

No longer will your amplier’s performance be

at the mercy of your home’s incoming AC power

or inferior AC protection/ltering devices. The
net effect is as if your power amplier virtually
doubled in power and improved immeasurably

in quality.

When employing the Elite-16 PF E, 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 denition, 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.

- 3 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

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 Elite-16 PF E unit,
detachable AC cord, rack mount kit, owner’s

manual, and warranty registration card. If
anything is missing, please contact your local
authorized Furman Customer Service Center.
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 Elite-16 PF E

is operated. Retain these instructions for future
reference.

The Elite-16 PF E should be serviced

◊

by qualied service personnel when:

The power supply cord or plug has been

◊

frayed or cut.

Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled

◊

into the unit.

The Elite-16 PF E has been exposed to

◊

rain or other moisture.

The Elite-16 PF E does not appear to

◊

operate normally, or exhibits a marked

change in performance.

The Elite-16 PF E has been dropped, or

◊

the enclosure damaged.

The Elite-16 PF E requires that a safety ground

be present for proper operation. Any attempt

to operate the Elite-16 PF E without a safety
ground is considered improper operation and
may invalidate the warranty (this does not apply
to countries without a grounded mains outlet).

poWer source

The power source to which the Elite-16 PF E

is connected should be adequate for use at 16

Amps. The Elite-16 PF E will operate with a10
Amp service outlet; however, nuisance tripping

at the circuit breaker panel may result if the

systems continuous current draw exceeds 10
Amps.

placement

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

- 4 -

The Elite-16 PF E is manufactured with four

rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet,
shelf, or oor. These rubber feet may be

easily removed with a standard Philips screw

driver when rack mounting adjacent to other

components. Placement or proximity to other
components is not critical, and the Elite-16 PF

Elite-16 PF E Manual

E does not produce any appreciable heat under
standard use. The Elite-16 PF E may also be
rack mounted in a standard 19” (48.26 cm) rack
by attaching the Elite-16 PF E rack ears. These
rack ears (contained within the plastic rack kit
package) mount ush with the back portion

of the Elite-16 PF E’s front panel. They are

attached to the chassis by installing each rack

ear with (3) pan-head Philips screws contained

within the Elite-16 PF E rack mounting kit. The
third screw used for each rack ear is for the

center hole, located towards the rear and aids

in stabilizing the unit when rack mounted.

connectIon

ac cable routIng

Once the Elite-16 PF E 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).

connectIng components to the lInearly
FIltered VIdeo component ac outlet banks

The Elite-16 PF E’s four “Linearly Filtered Video

AC Outlets” should be employed for critical

video and or digital components such as DVD
players, projectors, plasma, or LCD screens.
When employing the Elite-16 PF E for a 2­channel audio system, an SACD player would

be ideally suited for one of these outlets.

connectIng components to the lInear FIltered
audIo component ac outlet banks

The Elite-16 PF E’s four “Linear Filtered Audio AC

Outlets” should be employed for any component

not connected to the “Linearly Filtered Video

AC Outlets,” with the exception of receivers,

power ampliers and powered sub-woofers.

These outlets possess the same exceptional AC

noise ltering and isolation to maximize system

performance.

connectIng components to the hIgh current
poWer amplIFIer banks

All power ampliers, receivers and powered
sub-woofers should be connected to these four

outlets.

Many Audiophile and premium Home Theater

systems will have combined continuous current
demands well below 16 Amps. It is rare, in fact,
for large power ampliers to draw more than 3

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 Elite-16 PF E was designed to more than
meet this demand. Additionally, our Power
Correction Circuitry effectively creates a current

reserve in excess of 45 amps peak charge that
is cleaner and far more efcient when supplying
needed current to your power amplier than a

dedicated line from your local power station.
This feature eliminates any concern towards
the current compression that can result from

typical power conditioners, and the peak
power reservoir benets any power ampliers

performance dramatically.

note about poWer Factor correctIon and
current consumptIon

When power correction technology is employed

with even the most sophisticated circuit breakers,

it effectively adds to the perceived current load.
Though the Elite-16 PF E was designed for

steady 16 Amp operation, and peak current

demands many times that, the maximum total

- 5 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

continuous current draw may be limited to a
range between 2900 - 3500 Watts per Elite-16

PF E employed.

The RMS current available before the circuit
breaker trips varies due to what is referred

to as a vector load. Simply put, the type of
power supplies or electronic circuits connected
to the Elite-16 PF E will have an effect on its

circuit breakers perceived current load, and
therefore, when it will trip. Though the benets

of power factor correction 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 Elite-16 PF E’s power correction
circuitry has no actual effect on the power drawn
from your utilities’ power meter. The Elite-16 PF

E draws a mere 8 Watts independent of other
components, so it may be left on at all times.

soFt start - contInuous
use and break-In tIme

When power is rst applied to the Elite-16 PF
E, (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 Elite-16 PF E is rst turned on or
off. This sound is produced by the Soft Start

circuit’s 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging.
There is virtually nothing in the Elite-16 PF E’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 and relay
circuits. For this reason the Elite-16 PF E may

be left with its power engaged permanently. This
is an added benet, as many audio/videophiles
nd performance improves signicantly when

leaving low-powered components permanently
charged (turned on). In fact, this is true of the

Elite-16 PF E. 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.”

Front panel leds

extreme Voltage shutdoWn IndIcator:

This LED is normally off. 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.
The Series Multi-stage Protection (SMP) circuit
senses voltages that are so high that operation

would be impossible and 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 cutoff, 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 off power to the outlet and
the Extreme Voltage LED will light.

protectIon ok IndIcator:

Although the Furman SMP circuit assures
virtually maintenance free protection from

transient voltage spikes and surges, nature has

a way of occasionally creating electrical forces

that are beyond the capabilities of any Transient
Voltage Surge Suppression device to absorb

without some degree of damage. In the rare

instance that this occurs, the blue LED located

in the center of the front panel will dim, even
though AC power is present at the unit’s outputs.

- 6 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

If this happens, some level of protection from

voltage surges will remain, but the Furman’s
clamping voltage rating will be compromised.
The unit must be returned to Furman Sound, or

an authorized Furman Service center for repair.

dImmIng the protectIon ok Front panel
IndIcator

Some installations will require placement of
this power conditioner within sight of your video
screen. When the rooms lights are fully dimmed

for video viewing this can be an annoyance, so

we have included a dim switch on the rear of the

unit. This will not disable the indicator; it simply
reduces its brightness.

NOTE: If the mains power is above the high
cutoff voltage and has caused the unit to remove
power from its outlets, it cannot restore power
without the operator manually turning the unit
off, then on again. Avoid turning the unit back on,

without rst checking the source of the problem,

and perhaps changing the AC source.

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” 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

sacrice itself after a catastrophic event. If the

cable or satellite connector becomes deformed
in any way due to an extreme lightening strike,
please contact your local service representative,
installer or Furman Authorized service center.

satellIte – cable
transIent Voltage
surge suppressors

The Elite-16 PF E features transient voltage

surge suppression for both cable and 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 of our 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 friendly as well
as HD-Digital Television ready. Both DC carrier

- 7 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

Warranty

Furman Sound, LLC. warrants to the original
purchaser of this product, the Furman Elite-16

PF E, that the product will be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of

three 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 specied), 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 WARRANTY:

Furman Sound’s Connected Equipment
Warranty covers equipment that is damaged

by transient voltage (an “Occurrence”) while

properly connected through the Furman Elite­16 PF E 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 [phone] 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 effect for a period of three years
unless the Purchaser does not complete the

warranty 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 and

must not be “daisy-chained” together in serial

fashion with other power strips, UPS’s, other
surge protectors, three-to-two-prong adapters,

- 8 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

or extension cords. Any such installation voids
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 low­voltage disturbances (i.e. brownouts or sags),

non-authorized program, or system equipment

modication 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
MERCHANTABILITY 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 warranty shall be cancelable by Furman
at its sole discretion if the product is modied

in any way without written authorization from
Furman. This warranty also does not apply to

products upon which repairs have been affected
or attempted by persons other than pursuant to
written authorization by Furman.

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 part 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 effect.

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.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and

- 9 -

Elite-16 PF E Manual

elIte-16 pF e specIFIcatIons

ac current capacIty:

Input - 16 Amp capacity required

Output - 13-16 Amps RMS (maximum, all outlets combined - continuous)

lInear noIse attenuatIon:

Transverse (Differential) Mode:
>40 dB from 5Khz. - 100 kHz. >80 dB from 100 Khz. – 1GHz.
(Linear attenuation curve from 0.05 – 100 ohms line impedance)

transIent Voltage surge suppressIon:

230 VAC - Series Multi-Stage Protection - Non-Sacricial with Zero Ground Contamination.
(376 V peak clamping @ 6000V - 3000A input)

Extreme Voltage Shutdown (>270 VAC)

Cable / Satellite (less than .1dB insertion loss)

poWer consumptIon:

8 Watts for display and control circuits independent of actual load.

outlets:

4 (ultra-wide bandwidth linearly ltered outlets – audio components)
4 (ultra-wide bandwidth linearly ltered outlets – video components)
4 (power factor corrected amplier outlets – 3.5 amps RMS reserve - resistive load - over
45 amps peak charge)

dImensIons:

102mm H x 432mm W x 375mm D (Standard 2 RU height without feet)

WeIght: 8 kgs. (17.64 lbs.)
saFety agency lIstIng: CE

- 10 -

0512.21-B

Furman Sound, LLC.

1690 Corporate Circle

Petaluma, California 94954-6919 USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Web: www.furmansound.com

E-mail: [e-mail]