Jeff rowland MODEL 9 User Manual

JEFF ROWLAND

DESIGN GROUP

Model 9T/Ti

Mono Power Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Introduction

W

elcome to the Jeff Rowland Design Group “family” and congratulations on your purchase of what is unquestionably

one of the world’s finest audio power amplifiers.

þ With its combination of features such as numerous function control

and interconnection possibilities, precision electronic circuitry and accurately machined chassis components throughout,

your Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers will offer you many years of musically satisfying enjoyment.

þ Please take a few moments to

read the remainder of this Owner’s Manual. A thorough understanding of the operational features will allow you to gain

the maximum performance and ease of use for which this Amplifier was designed.

þ Please note that your Model 9T/Ti

Monaural Amplifiers have different serial numbers on all chassis. The Amplifier serial numbers begin with the letter A; the

Power Supply serial numbers begin with the letter P. These numbers are recorded below and are also located on the rear

panel of each chassis. Please include these numbers with any correspondence regarding your Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers.

þ It

has been my joy to create an audio component of enduring value which will reflect a higher ideal of musical and artistic

expression. It is my hope that these qualities will enrich your experience of ownership.

Enjoy the music!

Jeff Rowland

President

þ Jeff Rowland Design Group, Inc.

2911 North Prospect Street

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Product Features

þ Two parallel connected XLR Balanced Input jacks for balanced

(Differential Mode™) system configurations

þ Two parallel connected RCA Input jacks for unbalanced (single-ended)

system configurations

þ Two parallel connected speaker output connectors

þ User-selectable overall gain of 26 or 32 dB

þ User-selectable input impedance of 36k or 600 ohms for both balanced

and unbalanced inputs.

þ User-selectable absolute phase on balanced input

þ User-selectable input muting

þ User-selectable switching between balanced and unbalanced inputs

þ Front panel standby/power button illumination can be turned off

during listening

þ Optional remote (wired or wireless) power ON/OFF switching

þ Automatic temperature stabilizing circuitry maintains constant

operating temperature

þ Standby power condition reduces warm-up time

þ Fail-safe operation provided by user-resetable AC and DC magnetic

circuit breakers located on rear panel

þ Quiet, transient-free operation during power and function

mode switching

þ Automatic input muting under anomalous input or output operating

conditions

þ Balanced Differential Mode™ circuit topology implemented from input

to output

þ Plug-in modules, containing critical electronic circuitry, enhance

thermal stability, mechanical integrity and serviceability

þ Low-resonance, structurally integrated chassis of precision machined

aluminum alloy components

Introduction / Product Features

1

2

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5

6

Contents

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Initial Inspection

I

nspect the shipping container for damage. If the shipping container,
packing material, amplifier or accessories are damaged or missing, notify
your dealer and the shipper (if a claim is to be made). Note: Many shippers
require notification and an inspection within twenty-four (24) hours of
delivery to ascertain the nature of damages incurred.

Your Model 9T/Ti Amplifier has undergone extensive performance
evaluations, listening tests, quality control inspections and a minimum
seventy-two (72) hour burn-in period prior to shipment and should be in a
perfect operational condition upon receipt. If the Amplifier does not operate
correctly, please notify your dealer immediately.

We strongly suggest that you save all packing materials. If the Amplifier is
returned to your dealer or Jeff Rowland Design Group, the original packing
materials must be used for shipment. Neither Jeff Rowland Design Group
nor the shipper can be held responsible for damages incurred during transit
if the original factory packing is not used. All factory returns require that a
Return Authorization number be issued by Jeff Rowland Design Group prior
to shipment.

Contents

E

nsure that all of the auxiliary components listed below are enclosed
within the four accessory boxes. Please note that an accessory box has been
provided for each Amplifier chassis and companion Power Supply chassis
for a total of four accessory boxes. Refer to the diagrams illustrated above
and verify the components included.

1 Sixteen (16) compliant isolation interface supports

2 Two (2) AC power cables

3 One (1) speaker terminal hand wrench (7/16 inch)

4 Two (2) DC power cables

5 Sixteen (16) spiked coupling interface supports

6 One (1) warranty card (in some countries warranties are provided

by the respective importer)

Initial Inspection / Contents

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6

4

5

2

3

A

Front & Rear Panel Function Controls

Front & Rear Panel Function Controls

Before attempting any system interconnection, please familiarize yourself

with the front and rear panel controls of the Model 9T/Ti Amplifier. The
descriptions below refer to the numbers and letters associated with the
features in the diagram above.

Front Panel

A

FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button: Press to operate
Amplifier. Press again to place Amplifier in standby mode. This button
will illuminate when the Amplifier is operational. When the button is
not illuminated, all Amplifier inputs are muted and internal circuitry is
reverted to power-saving (standby) mode. Note: All ON/OFF power
switching should be initiated ONLY with this button. Anomalous
operating conditions will automatically switch the Amplifier off (no
illumination) and will prevent the Amplifier from being switched back
on again until such a condition is eliminated.

Rear Panel

(Note: All of the switches described below can be switched, if desired, while
the Amplifier is operational and playing music.)

1 INPUT SELECT switch: This switch selects either the RCA single-ended

inputs or the XLR balanced inputs. Note: When the RCA position is
selected, pin 2 of the XLR input is shorted to pin 1.

2 XLR INPUT PHASE switch: This switch selects between two XLR

connector standards in use worldwide. The XLR standard of associated
equipment should be noted and matched with the Model 9T/Ti to
achieve correct absolute phase. The Amplifier is non-inverting with
respect to XLR Pin 3 when the switch is in the upper position.
Furthermore, the Amplifier is non-inverting with respect to XLR Pin 2
when the switch is in the lower position. Regardless of the standard
selected, this switch can be used to conveniently reverse the absolute
phase of the entire audio system when XLR balanced inputs are used.
Note: The XLR standard used worldwide assigns Pin 1 to ground or input
interconnect shield potential.

3 OVERALL GAIN switch: This switch selects between a high (32 dB) or

normal (26 dB) overall gain structure of the Amplifier.

4 INPUT IMPEDANCE switch: This switch selects between a high

(36k) or low (600 ohms) input impedance when using either the XLR or
unbalanced RCA input jacks.

5 INPUT MUTE switch: This switch removes the internal input signal

connection from the Amplifier input circuitry thus permitting input
interconnect cables to be removed or inserted safely without switching
the Amplifier off.

6 FRONT PANEL LAMP switch: When placed in the OFF position, this

switch will cease front panel illumination during listening. Front panel
indication of operational status is restored when the switch is returned
to the ON position.

Front & Rear Panel Function Controls

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2

1

5

6

1

4

Rear Panel Power Connections

Installation

L

ocate the Amplifier as close as possible to its final installation point. Allow

access to the rear panel for making connections.

The Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers and power supplies are convection cooled,
eliminating the need for fan or forced air cooling. When operating, all chassis
should have at least two (2) inches of air space around the heatsink areas.
The chassis can be stacked vertically thus facilitating an upward flow of
warm air currents throughout the vertical heatsink fin areas. This upward
flow must not be impeded or recirculated around the chassis if proper
cooling is to be maintained.

Supplied with your Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers are two different support systems.
An assessment of the supporting structure should be made to determine the
proper system for the Amplifiers. Both spiked and compliant interface
supports can be easily installed within the indentations on each of the four
chassis pods located underneath the corners of each Amplifier and Power
Supply chassis. These system options permit the coupling or decoupling of
the Amplifier and Power Supply chassis to the supporting structure.

As a general rule, most installations allow the Amplifier chassis to be rigidly
coupled to the supporting structure via the spiked coupling interface
supports. In carpeted installations, these supports provide excellent coupling
from the Amplifier chassis to the rigid supporting structure below. In
installations where the integrity of the supporting structure is poor, the
Amplifier chassis can be loosely coupled to the supporting structure via the
compliant isolation interface supports. This will help attenuate the transfer
of spurious energy from the supporting structure into the Amplifier chassis.

Another installation option permits the Power Supply chassis to provide
additional structural integrity and support for the Amplifier chassis. In this
configuration, the Power Supply chassis is rigidly coupled to the supporting
structure via the spiked coupling interface supports and the Amplifier is
placed directly above the Power Supply and isolated via the compliant
isolation interface supports. This installation procedure should be repeated
with the other channel.

If desired, a coin may be placed directly under the point of the spiked cou­pling support to prevent damage to various surfaces (i.e. hardwood floors).

Rear Panel Power Connections

Important: Please strictly follow the steps as outlined below, in order,

before operating your Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers. Failure to correctly follow
these procedures may result in damage to DC power connectors and/or
improper operation. Damage to DC power connectors is not covered
under warranty.

1 Verify that the POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER and the AMPLIFIER

CIRCUIT BREAKER are in the OFF position (green color not visible).

2 Locate and install the DC power cable between the Amplifier POWER

SUPPLY INPUT connector and the Power Supply POWER SUPPLY
OUTPUT connector. Note that this DC power cable must be connected
before the AC power cable is connected.

3 Wait thirty (30) seconds for any residual Amplifier capacitor charge to be

dissipated.

4 Switch POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER to the ON position

(green color visible).

5 Switch AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT BREAKER to the ON position

(green color visible).

6 Verify that the VOLTS AC INPUT identified on the Power Supply rear

panel corresponds to the AC mains voltage of your service area.

7 Install the AC power cable between the Power Supply and an active AC

mains outlet.

8 Repeat steps 1-7 for the other channel.

Note: If the Amplifier is moved to another location, first remove the AC
power cable from the AC mains wall outlet, then return both Amplifier and
Power Supply circuit breakers to their OFF positions and repeat the above
procedure when reconnecting. It is not recommended to use the POWER
SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER to remove or connect AC mains power. Simply
disconnect the AC power cable from the AC mains outlet.

Installation / Rear Panel Power Connections

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1

3

5

2

Signal Connections

Signal Connections

T

he Model 9T/Ti Amplifier offers unprecedented compatibility with
associated audio components. When connecting or disconnecting speaker
or interconnect cables, it is only necessary that the INPUT MUTE switch be
in the ON position if the Amplifier is already in operational mode.

1 Position INPUT SELECT switch to XLR if you are using XLR balanced

interconnects or to RCA if you are using RCA unbalanced interconnects
from your preamplifier or other source component.

2 Select one input — either BALANCED XLR INPUTS 1 or 2 or

UNBALANCED RCA INPUTS 1 or 2 — to match your interconnect cable
used. (Inputs 1 and 2 of either respective inputs are electrically
identical.)

3 A slight click may be heard when the XLR interconnect plugs are

installed correctly and latched. The latch (located on the input
connector and labeled PUSH) must be pressed to remove the XLR
interconnect cable.

4 Unscrew one set of the PARALLEL OUTPUTS connectors and install the

positive and negative loudspeaker cable spade terminals to the
respective Amplifier PARALLEL OUTPUTS. Red is normally positive;
black is normally negative. Since both PARALLEL OUTPUTS 1 and 2 are
electrically identical, the extra set can be used in loudspeaker bi-wire
configurations. ALWAYS USE THE SUPPLIED SPEAKER TERMINAL
HAND WRENCH WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING
LOUDSPEAKER CABLES. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THESE TERMINALS.

WARNING: Both positive and negative PARALLEL OUTPUTS are

electrically active with respect to chassis and/or system ground potential. It is
important that both of these outputs are electrically isolated from system
ground potential. This precludes the use of this Amplifier in certain loud­speaker switching configurations (sometimes used in retail demonstrations)
and testing or servicing situations where either positive or negative outputs
can be connected to ground potentials. Failure to observe these precautions
may result in damage to the Amplifier and may void your warranty. Consult
the factory first if the Amplifier is to be used under these conditions.

Remote

5

A REMOTE connector (DIN 5-pin) is provided on the rear panel for
remotely switching the Amplifier between operational and standby
modes. The pin connections on this connector parallel the electrical
contacts of the FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button and lamp. An
optional wired remote switch or infrared wireless remote sensor can be
plugged into the REMOTE connector to facilitate this function. Contact
your dealer or Jeff Rowland Design Group for further information and
availability of this feature.

Signal Connections

!

Operation

A

fter following the procedures outlined in the Installation/Rear Panel
Power Connections and Signal Connections sections, the Amplifier can be
turned on by pressing the FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button. Allow
approximately twenty (20) minutes for the amplifier to reach operating
temperature and maximum performance potential. A short warm-up time is
dependent upon the amplifier being plugged in to an active AC mains
power source for at least two hours prior to activating the FRONT PANEL
STANDBY/POWER button. Therefore, it is recommended that the Amplifier
be continuously connected to an active AC mains power source.

If you desire to disconnect the AC mains for an extended period of time and
the DC power cable remains connected, simply disconnect the AC power
cable from the wall outlet and reconnect upon your return. It is not required
that the steps 1-8 outlined in the Installation/Rear Panel Power Connections
section be observed if the DC power cable remains connected. Slight
transients may be heard in the loudspeakers during the AC mains
connect/disconnect transitions.

Your new Model 9T/Ti Amplifiers will require an initial break-in period of at
least eighty (80) hours before maximum performance can be expected.
Efficient break-in procedures require the Amplifier to be fully operational
(playing music). Continuous and noticeable performance improvements will
occur during subsequent months of operation.

The Model 9T/Ti is provided with a user-selectable input impedance switch.
Under normal operating conditions, the high input impedance option should
be used. Always use the high input impedance option when tube type
preamplifiers, high impedance, or capacitor coupled signal sources are
connected to the Model 9T/Ti input jacks.

The low impedance input jacks may be used when the signal source is direct
coupled and capable of driving a low (600 ohm) impedance. There may be
noticeable sonic benefits when a low impedance configuration is used due to
the electrical termination of the interconnect cable. The results will vary due
to variables in interconnect cable characteristics such as impedance,
geometry, construction materials, etc. However, the final judgement of
musicality must be empirically determined when using this feature within the
conditions defined above.

Due to different sensitivities of associated equipment used with the Model
9T/Ti, the OVERALL GAIN switch can be used to optimize the total gain
structure of the entire system. This allows the volume control of your
preamp to be used in an ideal mid-range position.

Model 9T/Ti Performance Specifications

Output Power Continuous RMS watts

@ 8 ohms 350 watts
@ 4 ohms 700 watts

Power Bandwidth 0.1 Hz to 160 kHz, -3 dB

Slew Rate 80 volts per microsecond

THD and Noise Within audio bandwidth

Less than 0.06% at rated power

Damping Factor Greater than 300, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 ohms

Output Current 70 amps continuous

140 amps peak

Overall Gain
& Sensitivity

User selectable on rear panel

(1 watt, 8 ohms) 26 dB or 32 dB; 141 mV or 71 mV

Input Impedance User selectable on rear panel

Unbalanced 36k or 600 ohms
Balanced 36k or 600 ohms

Common Mode Greater than 60 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Rejection Ratio

Absolute Phase

User selectable on rear panel
Unbalanced input Normal
Balanced input Normal or Phase-inverted

Input Mute User selectable on rear panel

Power Consumption 100 watts standby; 300 watts operating, idle;

(per channel) 1200 watts maximum

Inputs User selectable on rear panel

Unbalanced 2 RCA connector
Balanced 2 XLR connector

Outputs 2 pair binding posts

Dimensions

Power Supply (per channel) 17.5 in. (W) x 22 in. (D) x 11.4 in. (H)

44.5 cm (W) x 56 cm (D) x 28.5 cm (H)

Power Amplifier (per channel) 17.5 in. (W) x 22 in. (D) x 11.4 in. (H)

44.5 cm (W) x 56 cm (D) x 28.5 cm (H)

Shipping Dimensions

Power Supply (per channel) 18.0 in. (W) x 24.0 in. (D) x 28.0 in. (H)

45.7 cm (W) x 61 cm (D) x 71.1 cm (H)

Power Amplifier (per channel) 18.0 in. (W) x 24.0 in. (D) x 28.0 in. (H)

45.7 cm (W) x 61 cm (D) x 71.1 cm (H)

Weight

Power Supply (per channel) 128 lbs. (58 kg)
Power Amplifier (per channel) 92 lbs. (42 kg)

Shipping Weight

Power Supply (per channel) 168 lbs. (76 kg)
Power Amplifier (per channel) 132 lbs. (60 kg)

Because Jeff Rowland Design Group is constantly analyzing new
design improvements, we reserve the right to change or modify product
specifications without notice or obligation.

Operation / Specifications

Basic Troubleshooting

A

summary of fault conditions, their causes and remedies, are listed below.

The Model 9T/Ti Amplifier can produce high power levels which, without well designed protection circuitry, could damage loudspeakers. Therefore, most fault
conditions which may occur during use will be indicated by the Model 9T/Ti reverting to a standby condition.

JRDG = Jeff Rowland Design Group, Inc.

Condition

FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button lamp
does not illuminate after pressing, although the
Amplifier operates normally.

FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button lamp
does not illuminate after pressing, and Amplifier
does not operate normally.

FRONT PANEL STANDBY/POWER button reverts
to standby condition during listening but can be
returned to operational condition.

Cause

Light bulb defective.

FRONT PANEL LAMP switch (rear panel) in OFF
position.

Incorrect power connections or circuit breaker
positions on Amplifier and/or Power Supply rear
panels.

Abnormal operation of Model 9T/Ti Amplifier
internal circuitry.

Excessive sub-sonic signals produced by source
components.

Severe clipping of Amplifier circuitry under
intermittent overload conditions.

Remedy

Remove STANDBY/POWER button from front
panel and replace bulb located under button. Use
replacement bulb kit and instructions supplied by
JRDG.

Change switch position.

Review Installation/Rear Panel Power Connections
section.

Consult dealer or JRDG.

Repair or replace source component
(preamplifier). Identify and correct abnormal
conditions such as low frequency rumble and/or
acoustic feedback caused by phono playback
components (if applicable).

Reduce volume slightly or use higher efficiency
loudspeakers.

Condition

AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT BREAKER (rear panel)
switches off occasionally during listening.

AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT BREAKER (rear panel) cannot
be switched on (when loudspeakers are not
connected).

POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER (rear panel)
switches off or will not remain on.

50/60 Hz hum noise in loudspeakers.

50/60 Hz buzz noise in loudspeakers.

High frequency, random or scratching noise in
loudspeakers.

Cause

Excessive load currents drawn by loudspeaker(s)
and/or excessive low-frequency program material.

Intermittent short-circuit on Amplifier PARALLEL
OUTPUTS.

Abnormal operation of Model 9T/Ti Amplifier
internal circuitry.

AC mains service voltage too high for Power
Supply.

Abnormal operation of Power Supply internal
circuitry.

Sensitive source component(s) located too close to
Power Supply.

Ground loop condition created between
components in system.

Unstable conditions created by excessive
capacitance in loudspeaker cables.

Remedy

Reduce volume slightly or use higher efficiency
loudspeakers.

Add subwoofer loudspeaker system to relieve load
on main system.

Check loudspeaker cable and associated
connections.

Consult dealer or JRDG.

Reconfigure Power Supply to proper AC mains
voltage operation. Consult dealer or JRDG.

Consult dealer or JRDG.

Reorient or increase distance between source
component and Power Supply.

Break ground loop by lifting (electrically
disconnecting) ground connection from AC mains
power cord. (For safety purposes, chassis ground
is still maintained through input interconnect
shield when Amplifier INPUTS are connected.)

Use balanced input system configuration (if
applicable).

Insert compensation network on Amplifier
PARALLEL OUTPUTS connector(s) (available from
JRDG).

If you have any additional questions regarding installation or operation,

please contact your authorized Jeff Rowland Design Group Dealer.

JEFF ROWLAND

DESIGN GROUP