Harman-Kardon Signature User Manual

2.1 Multichannel Amplifier
Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE

BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION:

POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INRODUIRE LA

LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE

LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU'AU FOND.

The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is

intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to

alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

Signature 2.1 Multichannel Amplifier

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Unpacking and Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Front and Rear Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation and Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

80 Crossways Park West
Woodbury, NY 11797

www.harmankardon.com

©1997 Harman Kardon, Incorporated

Signature 2.1

On/Off

2.1

Congratulations! As the owner of a Harman Kardon
Signature Series 2.1 Power Amplifier, you have at your
command a unique product. The 2.1 has been carefully
designed to deliver the best possible sonic performance,
along with outstanding industrial design that matches
other Harman Kardon Signature Series products and
complements any interior design.

In order to fully enjoy the performance of your amplifier,
please take a few minutes to read this owner’s manual. It
contains important information that will help you to
make certain that the amplifier is properly connected to
the rest of the equipment in your system.

If you have any questions about this product or its
installation and operation, please contact your retailer or
custom installer. They are your best sources of product
information.

You may also contact Harman Kardon via the World
Wide Web at www.harmankardon.com

Description and Features

The Signature Series 2.1 is a flexible, state-of-the-art
audio power amplifier designed to deliver high perfor­mance for use in home theater or music reproduction
applications. The following are among its many features:

Introduction

■ Designed and made in the United States

■ High-current output capability

■ Ultrawide bandwidth design

■ Low negative feedback

■ Low harmonic and intermodulation distortion

■ Massive heat sinks for quiet convection cooling

■ High-current power supply

■ Remote turn-on/turn-off circuitry with select Signature

Series and Harman Kardon products or through
optional accessories

Welcome to the Harman Kardon family. We wish you
many years of listening pleasure!

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Signature 2.1

Important Safety Information

Verify Line Voltage Before Use

Your new Signature Series 2.1 amplifier has been factory­configured for use with 120-volt AC line current.
Connecting the amplifier to a line voltage other than
that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire
hazard, and may damage the amplifier.

If you have any questions about the voltage require­ments for your specific model, or about the line voltage
in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging

Safety Information

the unit into a wall outlet.

Verify AC Circuit Capacity Before Use

High-power output of your amplifier may require heavy
current draw under full-load conditions. To ensure proper
performance and avoid potential safety hazards, we
recommend that it be connected to a circuit with 20-amp
capacity. Connecting multiple amplifiers to the same
circuit, or connecting the amplifier to a circuit used by
other heavy-power devices, such as high-wattage lights,
may cause circuit breakers to trip. It is always a good
idea to avoid using any audio equipment on the same
AC circuit as equipment with motors, such as air con­ditioners or refrigerators. This will lessen the possibility
of power variation and electrical start-up noise affecting
your sound system.

Do Not Open the Cabinet

There are no user-serviceable components inside this
product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock
hazard, and any modification to the product will void
your guarantee. If water enters the unit, or any metal
object such as a paper clip, wire or staple accidentally
falls inside the cabinet, disconnect the unit from the AC
power source immediately and consult an authorized
warranty station.

Installation Location

■ To ensure proper operation and to avoid the potential

for safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level
surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain
that the shelf and any mounting hardware can support
the amplifier’s weight.

■ Make certain that proper space is provided both above

and below the unit for ventilation. If the amplifier will
be installed in a cabinet or other enclosed area, make
certain that there is sufficient air movement within
the cabinet. Consult with your dealer or installer for
more information.

■ Do not place the unit directly on a carpeted surface.

■ Avoid installation in extremely hot or cold locations,

in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight or near
heating equipment.

Do Not Use Extension Cords

To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord
supplied with your unit. If a replacement cord is used,
make certain that it is of a similar gauge. We do not
recommend using extension cords with this product. As
with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under
rugs or carpets or place heavy objects on power cords.
Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately
with cords meeting factory specifications.

Handle the AC Power Cord Gently

When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet,
always pull the plug, never pull the cord. If you do not
intend to use the amplifier for a considerable length of
time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet.

■ Avoid moist or humid locations.

■ Do not obstruct the ventilation slots on the top of the

unit or place objects directly over them. Remember,
power amplifiers generate heat, and the heat sink fins
and ventilation slots that form part of the cabinet are
specially designed to remove this heat. Placing other
electronic equipment near these heat-dissipation
systems may possibly affect the long-term reliability
of both your amplifier and the objects placed above it.

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