Plinius INSPIRE 880, INSPIRE 980 Instruction Manual

The heart of music

www.pliniusaudio.com

INSPIRE

880/980 Integrated Amplifier
Instruction Manual

Contents

Introduction ...............................................................................................................2

Unpacking ....................................................................................................................3

Placement & Ventilation ....................................................................................3

Care & Maintenance............................................................................................4

Precautions ................................................................................................................5

Front Panel Functions ........................................................................................6

Rear Panel Functions .........................................................................................7

Remote Control Functions .............................................................................10

Installation & Operation ....................................................................................12

Product Features ..................................................................................................16

Loudspeaker Selection .....................................................................................17

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................18

Specifications ..........................................................................................................19

Index ................................................................................................................................20

All operational, technical and descriptive material in this publication
is subject to change at any time without notice. For further product
information or queries, please contact your Plinius dealer.

Plinius products are designed and manufactured by
Plinius Audio Limited, New Zealand.

2

PLINIUS INSPIRE

Introduction

Congratulations on your decision to become the proud owner of this
Plinius Inspire Integrated Amplifier.

This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of your amplifier,
and to provide information about its design and the variety of ways it may be used.

We have designed and manufactured this amplifier to reproduce your favourite music
faithfully and accurately. With a little care and a full understanding of the operating
recommendations in this manual, your Plinius Inspire Integrated Amplifier will provide
years of high-quality, trouble-free performance.

Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly before using your amplifier.

SERIAL NUMBER

FINAL TEST CERTIFIED BY

3

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Unpacking

Open the box from the top and remove the accessories and the top foam. You
may now proceed to lift the unit from the box. Retain the packaging for future
transportation of this unit.

Placement & Ventilation

This Plinius product may operate at a moderately high temperature, especially during
extended listening sessions. With this in mind, we recommend the following guidelines
for placement and ventilation:

• The ideal location is upon a rigid stand, away from direct contact with any
temperature sensitive materials, furniture or deep pile carpets.

• Ventilation through and around the amplifier should be kept unimpeded.

• Ensure heat vents (slots in the base and lid) are not covered or restricted in any way.

• Equipment racks should be of an open type with no closed side panels and no
closed front or rear panels. Ensure a minimum of 100mm clearance on all sides of
your Plinius unit to other equipment and the shelf above.

• If the unit is in an enclosed cabinet, the clearance should be greater than 400mm
on all sides. Ensure the space between the chassis and shelf below the unit is
unobstructed at all times.

• When stacking separate audio components, ensure a minimum of 400mm
clearance above the top unit is maintained for suitable airflow.

• NOTE: This unit has been designed for use in moderate climates only, not for tropical
conditions.

The design of this Plinius product incorporates a very high level of mechanical
decoupling of the input and output. It can however still be influenced by acoustical
feedback in the operating environment. The use of acoustic cones or a suitably
spiked amplifier stand or table may further enhance the performance of this amplifier.
Consult your Plinius dealer for further advice if required.

4

PLINIUS INSPIRE

Care & Maintenance

With simple care and maintenance your Plinius product can be kept looking and
operating like new for many years to come.

MAINTAINING THE CONNECTORS

Exposed connectors such as the RCA connectors will be subject to environmental
factors, and over time the surface may degrade. This can be greatly reduced by fitting
readily available ‘RCA caps’ to reduce the effects of environmental elements on the RCA
connectors. These RCA caps or RCA shorting caps can also provide sonic benefits.
Connector cleaning products are also available to clean the RCA and cable connectors
and frequent checks and cleaning will help maintain a good signal connection.

NOTE: DO NOT use RCA shorting caps on output connectors or power amplifier input
connectors. Use RCA shorting caps on unused preamplifier stage input connectors only.
Standard RCA shielding caps can be used on any unused input or output connectors.

MAINTAINING THE SWITCHES

Switches should be maintained by using each various switch setting periodically.
Even if a switch or a switch setting is not used, it is a good idea to toggle small
switches and turn rotary switches though the full range of the switch several times in
succession to keep the contacts active. Performing this simple action will promote
longevity of the switch contacts.

SURFACE CLEANING

From time to time you may wish to clean the surface of your Plinius equipment to
remove dust, or any material build up from the atmosphere or on commonly used
controls. Your Plinius product is made up of parts that have a hard anodised or a
powder coat finish and will clean easily without being damaged.

Cleaning should be carried out using a soft cleaning cloth, dry or with either a small
amount of water or a very mild surface cleaner, while observing the following guidelines:

• As a safety precaution, always switch the equipment off prior to cleaning

• Always use a cloth that is soft and clean

• Never use abrasives or polishing compounds anywhere on the unit

• Never apply liquid directly to the surface of the unit

• Use the cloth dry or with mild surface cleaners of either liquid or foaming type

• Apply only small amounts of cleaner to the cloth

• DO NOT rub the surface but wipe clean only. Excessive rubbing may dull powder
coat or wear the screen printed text.

5

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Precautions

PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR NEW AMPLIFIER.

• The Plinius Inspire Integrated Amplifier can deliver in excess of 80 watts into 8
ohms. This amplifier is also capable of a very large peak current delivery.

• The Plinius Inspire Integrated Amplifier operates in Class AB. It is capable of
generating heat that could have an adverse effect on other electronic equipment,
furniture, etc.

• DO NOT leave flammable material on the amplifier whilst running, as this could
pose a serious fire risk.

• This amplifier operates at hazardous voltage levels. There are some alterations
that may be made by you, the owner. However, we recommend that any work
requiring removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and experienced
service technician.

• DO NOT attempt to connect any input of this amplifier to its own outputs.

• DO NOT earth any output terminal or connect any of these terminals together
without following the instructions in this manual or seeking qualified assistance.

• DO NOT place this amplifier in any position where liquids, or any foreign material
may accidentally enter it.

• DO NOT connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance
(other than suitable high fidelity loudspeakers) to the amplifier output terminals.

• DO NOT expose the unit to dripping or splashing.

• DO NOT place objects filled with liquids on the unit, e.g. vases.

• DO NOT place sources of naked flame on the unit, e.g. candles.