INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE
™
Systems Integration Amplifier
™
®
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for purchasing the Niles SI-245, one of the most flexible and convenient amplifiers ever offered. Like all Niles products, the SI-245 is built to the
highest standards of quality control and reliability. With proper installation and
operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.
Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation components and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write:
Niles, Catalog Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 2
FEATURES AND BENEFITS 3
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 5
FRONT AND REAR PANELDETAILS 9
INSTALLATION 11
OPERATION 15
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 16
SPECIFICATIONS 18
INTRODUCTION
The SI-245 is a member of the award-winning Niles Systems Integration Amplifier
family. It is designed for use in home theaters and whole house audio systems,
and is especially suited for use as a “zone” amplifier. Niles specifically designs
Systems Integration Amplifiers to solve the problems installers face when integrating different brands and models of equipment into various acoustic environments in home theater, stereo, and background music applications. The SI-245
brings extremely high-current power to a custom installed A/V System in a
remarkably convenient way.
INTRODUCTION
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SI-245
Systems Integration Amplifier
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Real World Power
The SI-245 delivers 45 watts per channel at 8 Ohms and 70 watts per channel at
4 Ohms. You’ll get tremendous bass and dynamics from every pair of speakers
powered by an SI-245.
Transparent Sound
The audio circuitry of the SI-245 is constructed using the finest parts available;
including 1% metal film resistors, high quality capacitors, and oversized heat sinks.
All this attention to technical detail creates a sound that is clear and uncolored with
phenomenal imaging.
Freedom From Crosstalk
Each channel of the SI-245 is powered via its own independent power supply. This
increases the isolation between the two channels, and minimizes cross talk guaranteeing you absolute silence as the backdrop to your music.
Current For Reactive Loads
The high current design of the SI-245 assures that even unusual and reactive loads are
handled with aplomb (a massive toroidal transformer with two separate windings, one
for each of the independent power supplies, provides more than ample current
to your system).
Freedom from Fan Noise
The oversized heat sinks inside the SI-245 allow the amplifier to stay cool even when
operating into low impedance loads—without the noise of fan-cooled amplifiers.
Independent Level Controls
Each channel has its own independent level control enabling you to precisely
match the SI-245 to the rest of your system. The level controls also enable you to
limit the volume, preventing abuse of the system.
Lifetime Connections
The SI-245 features stereo inputs, cascade stereo outputs, and five-way binding
posts which are all gold plated to ensure perfect connections without corrosion for
years to come.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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Turn-On Modes
The SI-245 features three turn-on modes: 1. Music Sense 2. External Voltage Trigger
3. Manual Turn-On via the front panel switch. You can configure the SI-245 to interface with any kind of system and have the unit automatically turn on.
Automatic Protection
The SI-245 is equipped with sophisticated protection circuits. In the unlikely event
that a problem occurs, the amplifier shuts itself off. When conditions return to normal, regular operation resumes.
Status Display for Troubleshooting
LED's on the front panel indicate Power, Active Status, and a Protection W arning. With
a glance at the front panel, a troubleshooter is quickly provided with key information!
Control Output
A 12 volt DC output is provided whenever the amplifier is on, allowing you to
operate voltage-triggered devices like motorized screens and curtains.
Designed and Engineered in the USA
Limited two year parts and labor Warranty.
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FEATURES AND BENEFITS
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
Placement
Place the SI-245 on a flat level surface like a table or shelf. It should be placed
upright so that its weight rests on the four attached feet. Placing the weight of the
amplifier on the rear or front panel for even an instant may result in damage to
the amplifier's connectors and controls.
The SI-245, like any hi-fi component, will last much longer if it is given adequate
ventilation for proper cooling. When installing the SI-245 in a cabinet, be sure
that the rear of the cabinet is open to fresh air to provide proper cooling (see
Figure 1). If the cabinet’s design will not accommodate an open rear, install two
small “boxer fans” to provide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet (see
Figure 2). Place the SI-245 so that there is at least 5" of free air space above the
chassis. If the amplifier is located on a carpeted surface, place a board under the
amplifier's feet. Do not block the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the
SI-245.
The SI-245 is equipped with an internal transformer, which generates a powerful
magnetic field which could induce hum in a turntable (particularly a turntable
equipped with a moving coil cartridge). Do not place a turntable directly above
or directly adjacent to the SI-245.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
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If the cabinet rear is not open to
fresh air, install two small “boxer
fans” to provide continuous air
flow into and out of the cabinet.
Make sure that there is a minimum
of 5” of free air space above the
amplifier for proper ventilation.
Allow a minimum of 2” of
depth behind unit to accommodate cables and connectors.
Figure 1
Figure 2