Congratulations on purchasing a Gemini Power Amplifier. This state
of the art power arnplifier includes the latest features and is backed
by a three year limited warranty. Prior to use, we suggest that you
carefully read all the instructions.
FEATURES
• State of the art bi-polar output stage technology for the finest sound
quality and reliability
• High output power to drive professional loudspeakers without clipping
• Comprehensive protection circuity (Short Circuit, DC, Thermal Cut-off,
Sub/Ultrasonic Frequency Filters, Turn-on Delay, Main Fuse,
Secondary DC Fuses)
• Three modes of operation - stereo, parallel mono and mono bridge
• Active 1/4" Jack balanced/unbalanced inputs
• Ground lift switch for flexibility in installations
• Signal LEDs and Clip LEDs for better control on X1, X2, X3 amplifers
• Large VU-meters and Clip LEDs for better control on X4 amplifier
• Efficient dual aluminum extrusion heatsink design with directly
mounted output transistors for no-fault operation
• Efficient air guide with front-to-rear airflow for thermal stability and
reliability
• Compact 2U well balanced enclosure (3U for X4 model)
• Steel reinforced chassis construction for durability and longevity
WORDS TO THE WISE
1. Read all operating instructions before using this equipment.
2. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the unit. There
are NO USER REPLACEABLE PARTS INSIDE. Please contact the
Gemini Service Department or your authorized dealer to speak to a
qualified Gemini Sound Products technician.
3. Be sure to allow adequate front and rear ventilation to avoid
possible heat damage to your equipment.
4. Be sure that AC power is OFF and all level controls are set to
MINIMUM before making connections. This will eliminate any chance
of unexpected, loud audio transients that could damage your
speaker systems.
In the USA: If you experience problems with this unit,
please call 1 (732) 738-9003 for Gemini Customer Service.
Do not attempt to return this equipment to your dealer.
5. Be sure that AC power is OFF when changing modes of operation
and when changing the position of the ground lift switch.
6. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. Operators of
electronic equipment should in no way be in contact with water.
7. When connecting to AC power line be sure you haven’t lost the
ground connection by using an adapter or extension cord without a
3 prong plug.
8. DO NOT USE ANY SPRAY CLEANER OR LUBRICANT ON ANY
CONTROLS OR SWITCHES.
CONNECTION, CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS
Rear panel
Input Section:
1/4" Phone lnput Jacks (1, 2): accept a balanced as well as an
unbalanced line level signal. The unbalanced line uses a
standard tip-sleeve connection. The tip is positive and the sleeve
is negative or ground. The balanced line uses a tip-ring-sleeve
connection. Tip is hot or positive (+), ring is cold or negative (-),
and sleeve is shield or ground.
Operation Mode Switch (3): switch is used to set the unit for Stereo
mode, Parallel Mono mode or Mono Bridge mode.
AC Power Section:
Fuse (8): replace fuse with those of proper type and rating.
Ground Lift Switch (4) is used to lift the ground from the chassis, see
the Ground Lift Switch Instructions for more detail.
AC Inlet (16) is used to attach the power cord to the unit.
AC line voltage switch (17) allows reconfiguring amplifier for either
110-120V or 220-240V AC lines.
Output Section:
Disconnect unit from the AC power source before making any
connections. Pay close attention to polarity (shown on the back of the
unit) when connecting your speakers. Connecting your speaker
systems using the wrong polarity will not damage your speakers, but
will impact the quality of the sound (lack of bass and incorrect stereo
image).
Speaker Outputs (5,6,7): the speaker output connectors are 3-way
binding posts that will accept a standard banana plug, spade lugs,
or bare wire. Make sure that all the connections are clean when
using bare wire connections. If any strands of wire from one
connector touch the adjacent connector, the sound will distort, and
your amplifier will overheat and go into protection mode.
NOTE: Total speaker impedance must not be lower than
4 Ohm per channel for Stereo and Parallel Mono modes,
and 8 Ohm for Mono Bridge mode.
Front Panel
Power Switch (9) : turns the unit on and off.
Power LED (10): the power LED lights when the power is on. If the
power LED does not light, refer to the troubleshooting guide.
Signal LED (13): the signal LEDs for each channel show when a signal
is present. In Mono Bridge mode, both the channel 1 LED and the
channel 2 LED will light in unison.
Clip LED (14): the amplifier has true clip LEDs to help you properly
control the amplifier’s output and achieve undistorted sound. The
clip LEDs for each channel light when your signal level is so strong
that the distortion occurs. The clip LED should not remain
constantly on or flash repeatedly during operation. For clean sound
reproduction, the clip LED should only light occasionally for an
instant. If the LED remains on or flashes repeatedly, you will hear
distorted sound that can be damaging to your speaker systems. If
this occurs, reduce the signal level by lowering the input level
control for the channel that is clipping or reduce the level at the
source. If the clip LED lights when no signal is present, it may
indicate an RF signal on the output which may cause damage to
speakers (the RF signal will not be audible). Please note that when
you are using the amplifier in the Mono Bridge mode, both clip LEDs
of the bridged channels will operate simultaneously.
Protect LED (11): when you first turn on the amplifier, the protect LEDs
light briefly during a turn-on delay which indicates that the outputs
are disconnected internally. There will be an audible click when the
outputs reconnect and the protect LED will turn off. Otherwise, the
protect LED indicates that there is a problem either in the amplifier’s
external connections, load or temperature conditions or its internal
Page 3
functions. If one of these situations occurs, the amplifier senses
the problem and automatically switches into protection mode. The
LED will light to warn you of the trouble and the amplifier will stop
working. If this occurs, switch off the amplifier and refer to the
Troubleshooting Guide. If the protect LED remains lit when resuming
amplifier operation, do not use the amplifier and contact an
authorized service technician.
Level Controls (12,15): establish the input levels required for each
channel. Only the Channel 1 Level Control (15) works in Mono
Bridge mode.
OPERATION
THE AMPLIFIER’S POWER MUST BE TURNED OFF WHEN CHANGING
MODES OF OPERATION.
Stereo Operation
The unit has two channels for stereo operation. Each channel
provides a separate and discrete signal at the speaker outputs
according to the signal received at the inputs. The following instructions
are for applications with 4 Ohm or 8 Ohm speakers of matched power
ratings.
1. With the power off, set the OPERA TION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
STEREO position.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to the channel 1 and 2
inputs using the 1/4" INPUT JACKS (1, 2) of each channel.
3. Connect the loudspeakers to the channel 1 and channel 2 SPEAKER
OUTPUTS (5,7). THE TOT AL SPEAKER LOAD MUST BE A T LEAST 4
OHMS PER CHANNEL. If you try to operate at a lower impedance, the
amplifier will go into protection mode and stop operation until you
correct the load conditions.
4. With the LEVEL CONTROLS (12,15) of both channels set to zero
(fully counterclockwise), turn the POWER SWITCH (9) on. Apply a
signal to the input of the amplifier. The level of the input signal should
be as high as you will ever need it to be. This way, it will be as high
above the amplifier’s noise floor as possible, ensuring an excellent
performance and signal to noise ratio. Adjust the LEVEL CONTROLS
for each channel to achieve the desired maximum listening level.
Note, when the clip LEDs light, there is distortion present in the
amplifier’s output section. If a clip LED remains on or flashes
repeatedly, reduce the signal level by lowering the input level control
for the channel that is clipping or reduce the level at the source.
Parallel Mono Operation
Follow these instructions for Parallel Mono Operation using a single
input cable, and you will have the same monophonic signal on both the
channel 1 and the channel 2 outputs. Each channel’s output is
controlled independently by that channel’s level control.
1. With the power off, set the OPERA TION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
PARALLEL Mono position.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to the channel 1 input
only using the 1/ 4" INPUT JACK (1) of channel 1.
3. Connect the loudspeakers to the channel 1 and channel 2 SPEAKER
OUTPUTS (5, 7). THE TOTAL SPEAKER LOAD MUST BE AT LEAST 4
OHMS PER CHANNEL. If you try to operate at less than 4 Ohms per
channel, the amplifier will go into the protection mode and stop
operation until you correct the load conditions.
4. With the LEVEL CONTROLS (12,15) set to zero (fully
counterclockwise), switch the power on. Apply a signal to the input.
The level of the input signal should be as high as you will ever need
it to be. This way, it will be as high above the amplifier’s noise floor
as possible, ensuring an excellent performance and signal to noise
ratio. Adjust the LEVEL CONTROLS for each channel to achieve the
desired maximum listening level. Note, when the clip LEDs light, there
is distortion present in the amplifier’s output section. If a clip LED
remains on or flashes repeatedly, reduce the signal level by lowering
the input level control for the channel that is clipping or reduce the
level at the source.
Mono Bridge Operation
Follow these instructions to bridge the unit’s output. Bridging the
amplifier converts the unit to a monophonic or single channel amplifier.
The amplifier can be used with 8 Ohm or higher loads only in Mono
Bridge mode. This mode is used to provide a higher voltage with
greater headroom to your speaker. Before setting your amplifier for
Mono Bridge operation, make sure that your speaker can handle the
high power level provided by the amplifier in Mono Bridge mode.
CAUTION: VOLT AGE OVER 100 VOLTS MA Y BE PRODUCED A T THE
BRIDGE OUTPUT TERMINALS IN THIS MODE.
1. With the power off, set the OPERA TION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
BRIDGE position.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to channel 1 input only
using the 1/4" INPUT JACK (1) of channel 1.
3. Connect the loudspeaker to the BRIDGE SPEAKER OUTPUT (6) only.
Be sure the polarity of your connection is correct. The total speaker
load must be at least 8 Ohms or above. If you try to operate at less
than 8 Ohms in the Mono Bridge mode, the amplifier will go into the
protection mode and stop operation until you correct the load
conditions.
4. With the CHANNEL 1 LEVEL CONTROL (15) set to zero (fully
counterclockwise), switch the power on. Apply a signal to the input.
The level of the input signal should be as high as you will ever need
it to be. This way, it will be as high above the amplifier’s noise floor
as possible, ensuring an excellent performance and signal to noise
ratio. Adjust the LEVEL CONTROL (15) for channel 1 to achieve the
desired maximum listening level. Note, when the clip LEDs light, there
is distortion present in the amplifier’s output section. If a clip LED
remains on or flashes repeatedly, reduce the signal level by lowering
the input level control for channel 1 or reduce the level at the source.
During Mono Bridge operation, the channel 2 level is inactive,
however, both channels LEDs will flash simultaneously and show
output conditions.
Using the Ground Lift Switch
Depending on your system configuration, sometimes applying the
ground will create a quieter signal path. Sometimes lifting the ground
can eliminate ground loops and hum to create a quieter signal path.
1. With the power amp on, listen to the system in idle mode (no signal
present) with the ground applied (the GROUND LIFT SWITCH (4) in
the left position).
2. Turn the power off before moving the GROUND LIFT SWITCH (4). Lift
the ground by moving the GROUND LIFT SWITCH to the right, turn the
power back on and listen to determine which position will provide a
signal free of background noise and hum. Keep the GROUND LIFT
SWITCH in the ground position if the noise level remains the same in
either position.
CAUTION: DO NOT TERMINATE THE AC GROUND ON THE POWER
AMPLIFIER IN ANY WA Y. TERMINATION OF THE AC GROUND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS.
Page 4
SPECIFICA TIONS
X1X2X3X4
Output Power EIA:
1kHz @ 1% THD, Wrms
Both Channels Driven 8Ω85140200200
Both Channels Driven 4Ω110200300300
Mono Bridge 8Ω220400600600
Dynamic Headroom, dB:
At8Ω1.41.51.61.6
At4Ω1.92.02.22.2
Frequency Response ....................................................... 30 Hz - 50 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion ......... Iess than 0.05%, typical 0.02% at 1 kHz
Signal to Noise ratio .......................... 100 dB below rated power @ 8 Ω
Damping factor.................................................... greater than 200 @ 8Ω
X1, X2, X3 ........................19"W x 10.75"D x 3.5"H (483 x 273 x 89 mm)
X4 .................................19"W x 10.75"D x 5.25"H (483 x 273 x 133 mm)
Weight16.3 Ibs 17.8 Ibs 20.2 Ibs 21.6 Ibs
7.4 kg8.1 kg9.2 kg9.8 kg
*Specifications and design are subject to change without notice for
purpose of improvement
Page 5
TROUBLESHOOTING
SYMPTOM
UNIT DOES NOT PRODUCE SOUND. POWER
LED DOES NOT LIGHT.
POWER LED LIGHTS, BUT NO SOUND IS PRODUCED
BY AMPLIFIER.
SOUND IS PRESENT BUT VOLUME IS TOO LOW
EVEN THOUGH SOURCE DEVICE IS SET TO A HIGH
LEVEL.
LOUD 50/60 HZ OR 100/120 HZ HUM IS HEARD AT
ALL TIMES THROUGH THE SPEAKER SYSTEMS.
SOUND IS DISTORTED.
PROTECT LED REMAINS LIT OR GOES ON AND OFF
INTERMITTENTLY AFTER USING AMPLIFIER FOR A
SHORT TIME.
FUSE BLOWS INTERMITTENTLY.
PROTECT LED STAYS ON WITH NO
SPEAKERS CONNECTED AND WITH THE
AMPLIFIER COOLED DOWN.
CAUSE
• POWER SWITCH NOT IN ON POSITION.
• POWER CABLE NOT CONNECTED TO AMPLIFIER
OR TO OUTLET.
• AC OUTLET NOT ACTIVE.
• MAIN AMPLIFIER FUSE DEFECTIVE
• NO INPUT SOURCE SIGNAL.
• INPUT SOURCE NOT CONNECTED.
• INPUT CONNECTING CABLE DEFECTIVE.
• SPEAKER(S) NOT CONNECTED.
• SPEAKER CABLE DEFECTIVE.
• SPEAKER SYSTEM(S) INOPERATIVE.
• AMPLIFIER’S LEVEL CONTROLS ARE SET TO ZERO
• AMPLIFIER INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS ARE SET TOO LOW.
• WRONG PIN CONNECTIONS IN CABLES.
• IMPROPER OR DEFECTIVE GROUND CONNECTION AT
INPUTS. IMPROPER OR DEFECTIVE GROUND AT INPUT
SOURCE DEVICE(S).
• IMPROPER OR DEFECTIVE GROUND CONNECTION
ON AC OUTLET.
• GROUND LOOP THROUGH AC LINE CONNECTION/ RACK
MOUNTING.
• DISTORTION OCCURRING IN SOURCE DEVICE.
• INPUT LEVEL IS SET TOO HIGH.
• UNIT IS OPERATING AT EXCESSIVELY HIGH
TEMPERATURE.
• EXTREMELY LOW SPEAKER IMPEDANCE.
• SHORT IN SPEAKER CONNECTORS, SPEAKER
CABLE OR SPEAKER SYSTEM.
• SPEAKER LOAD IMPEDANCE IS TOO LOW.
• TYPE OR RATING OF THE FUSE IS NOT CORRECT.
• FAILED AMPLIFIER.
SOLUTION
• MOVE POWER SWITCH TO ON POSITION.
• CONNECT POWER CABLE TO AC SUPPLY.
• CHECK CONDITION OF OUTLET.
• REPLACE AMPLIFIER MAIN POWER FUSE ON REAR
PANEL WITH CORRECT TYPE AND RATING.
• CHECK FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF INPUT
SOURCE DEVICE.
• CHECK INPUT CABLES AND CONNECTIONS.
REPLACE QUESTIONABLE CABLES WITH KNOWN
GOOD CABLES.
• CHECK SPEAKER CABLES AND CONNECTIONS.
REPLACE QUESTIONABLE CABLES WITH KNOWN
GOOD CABLES.
• CHECK OPERATING CONDITION AND STATUS OF
SPEAKER SYSTEM (S). BE SURE THE LEVEL
CONTROLS ARE PROPERLY SET.
• ADJUST LEVEL CONTROLS AS PER INSTRUCTIONS.
• USE CORRECT CABLES (AS SHOWN ON BACK OF
UNIT).
• CHECK FOR PROPER AC LINE GROUND ON POWER
AMP AND ALL INPUT DEVICES.
• CHECK INPUT CABLES FOR ALL SOURCE DEVICES
AND SIGNAL PROCESSING AS WELL AS INPUT
CABLES TO POWER AMPLIFIER. CHECK POSITION
OF GROUND LIFT SWITCH AS PER INSTRUCTIONS
FOR LIFTING THE GROUND.
• NEVER LIFT THE AC LINE GROUND ON THE POWER
AMPLIFIER. IF YOU ARE NOT TOTALLY FAMILIAR
WITH GROUND LIFTING OR UNIFICATION PROCEDURES,
DO NOT ATTEMPT THEM WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING
YOUR DEALER OR A QUALIFIED SOUND TECHNICIAN
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROUNDING.
IMPROPERLY DONE, SUCH PROCEDURES CAN POSE A
SAFETY AND / OR FIRE HAZARD.
• CHECK CLIP INDICATORS ON INPUT SOURCE
DEVICES AND RESET LEVELS IF NECESSARY TO
ELIMINATE DISTORTION.
• ADJUST LEVEL CONTROLS AS PER INSTRUCTIONS.
• CHECK THAT AMPLIFIER IS ADEQUATELY VENTILATED
ON THE FRONT AND REAR PANELS WHERE THE
AIR VENTS AND FANS ARE LOCATED. IF
OVERHEATED, LET THE AMPLIFIER COOL DOWN BEFORE
APPLYING AN INPUT SIGNAL.
• CHECK THE POSITION OF OPERATION MODE SWITCH.
BE SURE THAT THE SPEAKER CONNECTIONS ARE
MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SWITCH SETTING.
• VERIFY SPEAKER SYSTEM IMPEDANCES. BE SURE
THE TOTAL SPEAKER SYSTEM IMPEDANCE IS AT
LEAST 4 OHMS PER CHANNEL WHEN THE
OPERATION MODE SWITCH IS IN THE STEREO
POSITION OR PARALLEL MONO POSITION. IF THE
SWITCH IS IN THE BRIDGE MODE, THE IMPEDANCE
MUST BE AT LEAST 8 OHMS. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE
OF YOUR TOTAL SPEAKER IMPEDANCE LOAD,
CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
• CHECK CONDITION OF SPEAKER CABLES.
• IF USING BARE WIRE CONNECTIONS ON THE OUTPUTS OF
THE AMPLIFIER, BE SURE THAT NO STRANDS FROM ONE
CONNECTOR ARE TOUCHING ANY OTHER CONNECTOR.
• CHECK FOR SHORTS ON THE OUTPUTS.
• CHECK YOUR SPEAKER IMPEDANCE (INFO FROM
DEALER).
• CHECK THAT THE FUSE TYPE AND RATING IS
CORRECT.
• CONTACT THE GEMINI SERVICE DEPARTMENT OR
YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SPEAK TO A
QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN. IN THE U.S.A.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-476-8633
Page 6
PARTS LIST
PART#QUANTITYNAME
X-1
1012-0291PANEL CONTROL
2021-4631MAIN CHASSIS
3031-0481TOP COVER
4022-8612MOUNTING BRACKET
5041-4462HEA T SINK
6041-4491HEA T SINK (D)
7151-1311AIR GUIDE
8
9003-11 12KNOB ROT ARY (SMALL)
10003-6122SNAP RIVET
1 1003-7486LED HOUSING
12047-4963PCB SUPPORT
13049-2064PAD FOOT
14
15153-2171POLYFORM
16196-1273SERIAL NO:LABEL
17255-2001GIFT BOX
18157-9961OWNER’S MANUAL
19156-0891WARRANTY CARD
20
21
22099-2322LABEL-GREEN
23099-2332LABEL-RED
24099-2342LABEL-YELLOW
25099-2382UK LABEL
26095-0573VDE LABEL
27099-1671A LABEL
28099-1691V LABEL
29099-0141LABEL-MADE IN T AIWAN
30099-2141LABEL-MADE IN CHINA
31
32190-0621SILICON GEL
33160-0441PE BAG 160×250mm
34160-0521PE BAG 650×650mm
35160-0091PE BAG 23×30cm