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O D E O N
P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
I N S T R U C T I O N M A N U A L
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Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................2
Design Philosophy ...............................................................................................3
Unpacking ....................................................................................................................4
Placement & Ventilation ....................................................................................4
Care & Maintenance............................................................................................5
Precautions ................................................................................................................6
Front Panel Functions ........................................................................................7
Rear Panel Functions .........................................................................................8
Installation & Operation ....................................................................................10
Product Features ..................................................................................................13
Loudspeaker Selection .....................................................................................15
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................16
Specifications ..........................................................................................................17
Index ................................................................................................................................18
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.
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Introduction
Congratulations on your decision to become the proud owner of this
Plinius Odeon Power 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 Odeon Power 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
2 PLINIUS O D E O N
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Design Philosophy
From a distance you can see that the design of the Plinius products is more than
an applied styling exercise to the front panel. We have started from the ground up
to produce a casing for our electronics that is unrivalled in its physical strength and
visual simplicity.
Wherever possible we have reduced the number of parts needed and then invested
massively in refining and producing the remaining parts to the highest quality
achievable with state of the art computer controlled machines allied with expert
craftsman. Examples of this approach include the hydraulically formed corners on
the amplifiers giving much greater strength and the one piece housing for the remote
control that looks, feels and genuinely is robust.
As with music that you are not familiar with, truly innovative new designs can take time
to understand and enjoy. How of ten have you heard music that you were first unsure
of, that over repeated listening, has become a firm favourite?
Our designs are fundamentally different to many other companies, and we hope that
you will take the time to explore their unique character and qualities because we have
not made them different simply to be different. We genuinely believe that their visual
and tactile qualities do improve the experience of listening to music and that is our
design goal!
Ross Stevens
DESIGN DIRECTOR
3MULT I C H A N N E L A M P L I F I E R
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Unpacking
Open the box from the top and remove the accessories and polystyrene sheets.
Once you have removed all polystyrene sheets you may now proceed to lift the unit
from the box, You will require help with this, as this unit is very heavy. Retain the
packaging for future transportation of this unit.
Placement & Ventilation
Your Odeon Power Amplifier may operate at a moderately high temperature, especially
during extended listening sessions. 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 also be kept unimpeded.
Please ensure that the heat vents (slots in the base and lid) are not covered or
restricted in any way.
The Odeon Power Amplifier design 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.
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Care & Maintenance
With simple care and maintenance your Plinius product can be kept looking and
operating like new for many years to come.
MA INTAIN ING THE CONNE CTORS
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.
MA INTAIN ING THE SWITC HES
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.
SU RFAC E CLE ANING
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 sof t 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 sur face but wipe clean only. Excessive rubbing may dull powder
coat or wear the screen printed text.
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Precautions
PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTION S
BEFORE OPE RATING YOUR NEW AMPLIFI ER.
The Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier can deliver in excess of 200 watts into 8 ohms.
This amplifier is also capable of a very large peak current delivery.
The Plinius Odeon Power 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.
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Front Panel Functions
The front of the Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier incorporates all the facilities you will
require on a daily basis.
1
2
1. DISP LAY LED
An LED on the front panel indicates the mode of operation. When first switched on
the unit will go into standby and the LED will vary in brightness. When the unit is taken
out of standby the LED will flash for a short time as part of the initialisation sequence,
then remain lit. LEDs in the lid of the Odeon will also light to show how many modules
are fitted and operating correctly.
2. STAND BY BUTTO N
Pressing this button toggles between operate and standby modes. On exiting standby
the power LED will flash for a short time as part of the initialisation sequence, then
remain lit and the incoming signal will be amplified. In standby mode the power LED
will vary in brightness.
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Rear Panel Functions
This panel incorporates the terminals for connecting input signals from the source, as
well as outputs to the loudspeakers, power switch, and mains supply. Please remember
that your Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier is a high quality electronic instrument capable
of an exceptional level of performance. Be sure that you understand your system’s
requirements fully before you make any connection to this amplifier.
6
7
8
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2
3333 3 3
5
4
2
1. INPU T TER MIN ALS
The input terminals for your Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier are easily accessible at the
top of the channel module panels. Depending on the configuration of your amplifier
when it was purchased, there will be up to six modules fitted, each with it’s own input
connection/s. The Dual Amp modules have two RCA input connectors, one for each
of the two amplifier channels on the module itself.
RCA INPUT: This standard RCA terminal is for use with unbalanced signals from
most signal sources such as home theatre processors and stereo preamplifiers.
XLR BALANCED INPUT: XLR connectors fitted to this amplifier are for use with
balanced line signals from audio preamplifiers. Balanced signals are carried via a
three way cable that connects all three pins at each end of the interconnect cable.
NOTE: Because of the way our XLR and balanced inputs are configured it is not
possible to connect both XLR and RCA at the same time.
2. RCA/ XLR S ELE CTOR SWITC H ( MONO MODUL E O NLY)
Each fitted module incorporates a switch that selects the input terminal to be used. It
is possible to use different input types for each channel. Note that there should never
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be an RCA input and XLR input connected to one module at the same time, and the
selector switch should correspond with the input that is in use.
3. OUTP UT TE RMI NALS
Connections for the loudspeakers are provided on each module panel. A pair of five
way binding posts are fitted – these provide ease of use with cables requiring a large
contact area. The Dual Amp modules have two pairs of binding posts, one for each of
the two amplifier channels on the module itself.
4. MAIN S POW ER CORD IEC S OCK ET
This connector is where the mains supply cable from your wall connects to the
amplifier. You will notice that a fuse holder is mounted within this connection, and it
holds a mains fuse to provide surge and overload protection for your amplifier.
5. MAIN S SWI TCH
This heavy-duty rocker switch in the centre of the panel turns the Mains/Line Power
to the amplifier ON or OFF. An LED in the centre of the front panel indicates that the
power is on. When first switched on the unit will go into standby and the LED will
vary in brightness. The amplifier draws a moderately high current when switched on.
Despite the “Soft Start Circuit” within the amplifier reducing current demand on the
mains as the amplifier is switched on, it is not good practice to rapidly turn the Mains
switch on and off repeatedly.
6. REMO TE TR IGG ER TE RMINA LS
In order to integrate more effectively into a home theatre system, the Plinius Odeon
has remote trigger terminals fitted to the rear panel. By connecting a processor
with a remote trigger signal to these terminals, the Odeon can be put in and out of
standby by the processor to which it is connected. When in standby the amplifier
draws less current and will operate at minimum temperature. The output relays are
also open, disconnecting the loudspeakers. This may be of advantage in a multiamplifier and/or remote installations. Polarity of the connections to the remote trigger
is not important.
7. LED BRIGH TNE SS AD JUST
This small variable resistor can be adjusted from the rear panel, which will alter the
brightness of all external blue LEDs at the same time.
8. GROU ND LI FT SWITC H
This switch is located to the top right of the rear panel, and allows the signal ground
to be disconnected from the chassis. In some installations a hum loop may exist due
to duplicate ground paths from different equipment. Use this switch to remove the
connection from 0V to ground thus allowing some flexibility in your particular set-up.
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Installation & Operation
WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
This amplifier operates at hazardous voltage levels. We recommend that any work
requiring removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and experienced service
technician. DO NOT place this amplifier in any position where liquids or any foreign
material may accidentally enter it.
PLEASE READ & UND ERSTAN D THE PREC AUTIONS WITHIN THIS MANUAL
FOR PL ACEM ENT & OPERATION OF THIS P RODUCT.
CO NNECT IONS
Connections to your Odeon Power Amplifier should be made in the same order as
they are listed in this section. DO NOT attempt to connect your Odeon Power Amplifier
until you have read and fully understood these instructions.
Although these instructions refer to the connection of a Processor, the Odeon can also
be safely installed into multimedia systems by following the same installation guidelines.
Should you require any further assistance, please contact your Plinius dealer.
DO NOT P OWER UP YOUR AM PLIFIER UN TIL YOU HAVE CONNECTED
YOUR INPUT/OUTPUTS CORRECTLY FOR YOUR SYST EM.
Note: Module 3 and Module 4 have the shortest ground return paths and will give the
best audio performance. It is recommended that these be used for front left and
right. Any fitted stereo modules should be used as rear channels.
PR EAMPL IFER/ PRO CESSO R INP UTS
Connect your preamplifi er or processor to the input of the Plinius Odeon using suitable
single-ended RCA or Balanced XLR interconnect cables only. If using single-ended RCA
inputs, connect your Preamplifi er to the RCA inputs on the back of the Plinius Odeon.
Make sure the RCA connectors are a snug fi t and are inserted all the way in. For XLR
input connection, make sure the connectors are inserted all the way and latch into place.
NOTE: DO NOT connect XLR and RCA at the same time, use only one or the other.
PLINI US PREA MP LIFIE R ODEON I NPUTS
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LO UDSPE AKER OUT PUTS
The connection of your loudspeakers to the output posts of the Plinius Odeon must
be made by an ‘instructed person’ or by ready made loudspeaker cables only.
Connect the loudspeakers to the output terminals, making note of which input is
connected to the module. For example the module with left front input signal should
have the left front speaker connected. Repeat so each module has the appropriate
speaker connected in relation to the input signal, ensuring that the red positive (+)
terminal is connected to the red terminal on your loudspeaker. Do the same with the
black or negative (-) terminals.
OUTPU TSCHANN EL SPEA KE R CHANN EL SPEA KE R
TE RMINAT ION Q UAL ITY
Quality of the connections must be examined to ensure that high performance
trouble free operation is enjoyed. Check that the connections are tight but do not
over tighten. If bare wires are used make sure that no loose strands of wire short
cross the other terminals or the amplifier chassis. When using plugs such as
bananas, be sure to use good quality plugs with a firm fit.
PH ASING (OR POL ARITY )
It is important to achieve good stereo imaging in your listening room. By observing
the wiring instructions above, each Power Amplifier/loudspeaker combination should
be in phase. If you experience poor stereo image and/or a lack of bass, check that
the loudspeaker wiring has been connected correctly. We recommend that you use
one of the easily obtainable ‘test discs’ to help you ensure both phasing and channel
orientation are correct. If in doubt, consult your Plinius dealer for advice.
To achieve a sound performance that is correctly aligned to your room, make sure all
of the leads carrying signals for the right channel loudspeaker are connected to the
right input to the amplifier from your preamplifier or cd player etc. Signals for the left
channel should be wired in a similar fashion.
CO NNECT ING T HE MAINS SUPP LY
Firstly, check that the mains supply voltage printed on the rear of this amplifi er is similar
to the mains supply voltage in your area. If in doubt, please consult your Plinius dealer.
Mains supply power connection is via the plug-in lead supplied with your Plinius Odeon.
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Where possible, check the wall outlet is switched OFF, then connect the local mains
plug end of the lead to the wall outlet. Check the Odeon is switched OFF, and
connect the IEC end of the cable to the IEC socket at the back of the Odeon. With the
cord fully connected, switch the wall outlet ON.
Now that your Plinius Odeon is configured correctly, switch the power switch on the rear
panel to ON. The display LED will cycle in brightness to indicate the unit is in Standby
mode. Use the STANDBY switch on the front panel to take the unit out of standby and
you can now enjoy your new Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier.
NOTE: This unit must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective ear thing
connection. The wall outlet socket or Odeon mains switch must be accessible at all
times in case of emergency.
WAR M-UP PERIO D
You will find that the Plinius Odeon will become noticeably ‘purer’ in sound after being
on for a period of time. We usually recommend waiting at least 24 hours before
expecting the best quality of sound reproduction from your amplifier. We suggest
leaving the unit turned on so that it will always be at it’s sonic best.
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Product Features
ER ROR D ETECT ION
The Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier has in-built error detection. This will function under
the following conditions:
When the amplifier is overdriven/clipped
If any internal fuse is damaged.
Should either of these circumstances arise the amplifier will disconnect the output of
the channel/s that have an error condition. This condition will remain until the input
signal level is reduced or the damaged fuse replaced. Whenever error detection is
triggered, the power LED and the lid LED of the module that is going into error will
flash on and off.
FU SE PR OTECT ION
When any rail fuse is damaged one or more fuse warning LEDs will light. These LEDs
can be seen through the lid and are located next to the fuse that has blown. Should
any of the internal fuses need to be replaced, ensure that the amplifier is switched
OFF and disconnected from the mains supply. The lid of the amplifier will then need
to be removed and the fuses located. Replace them with the same type only.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WI TH A HIGHE R RATING.
NOTE: Fuse failure may indicate a severe problem. Check all speakers and speaker
cables for damage etc. Should the amplifier continue to exhibit rail fuse failure
contact your Plinius dealer.
LE D BRI GHTNE SS CONTR OL
Your Plinius Odeon has an LED brightness control that will adjust all lid and front
panel LEDs. A small flat bladed screwdriver can be used to adjust the brightness.
The LED brightness control is a small multi turn potentiometer and is located on the
rear panel of the amplifier next to the remote trigger terminals.
TE MPERAT URE M ONI TORIN G
The Plinius Odeon Amplifier has temperature-monitoring circuitry. When the amplifier
reaches a predetermined internal temperature of 45°C (113°F) due to inadequate
ventilation, the amplifier will be shut down until the temperature returns to normal.
When the temperature has exceeded the set point, the power LED will flash four times
in quick succession, pause then repeat. If over-temperature shutdown is occurring
frequently, check whether ventilation around the amplifier is adequate.
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MA INS/L INE F USE
A Mains/Line fuse is fitted within the IEC Mains/Line socket on the rear of the amplifier.
A small drawer at the bottom of this socket may be removed (after the IEC plug is
removed) by levering it out with a flat blade screwdriver. The fuse fitted should be
rated as specified on the rear panel. In the unusual event that this fuse should blow,
you must first establish the cause of this failure (such as power surges, damaged
mains cable etc.) before replacing the fuse with one of the same rating and type.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WI TH A HIGHE R RATING.
NOTE: Fuse failure may indicate a severe problem. Should the amplifier continue to
exhibit mains fuse failure contact your Plinius dealer.
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Loudspeaker Selection
Your Plinius Odeon Power Amplifier is designed for use with high fidelity loudspeakers.
It should not be used to operate with any other type of appliance or equipment.
Be certain that your loudspeakers can handle most of the rated output power of this
amplifier. You may find loudspeaker specifications confusing or misleading, so you
should discuss this with your audio dealer prior to purchase. As a general rule, the
use of high power (200 Watt RMS or greater) loudspeakers is recommended and
desirable. However, our experience indicates that medium to low power loudspeakers
(100 to 200 Watt RMS) are quite often suitable for use on this amplifier, provided the
volume is maintained at a level where no distortion is audible.
Impedance of the loudspeaker load is important to ensure the rated performance of
this amplifier. Any combination of loudspeakers may be used, but the total average
impedance load for each channel should be within a range of 4 to 8 ohms. Again,
if you have doubts about the impedance of your loudspeaker configuration, we
recommend you speak to your Plinius dealer.
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Troubleshooting
NO SOUN D FRO M T HE UN IT
If the unit is not reproducing audio take the following steps:
Check the preamplifier/processor is correctly connected to an appropriate input
on the unit. Refer to the Installation & Operation section on page 10.
Check the source is playing, and not paused or muted. If it has adjustable
volume, check this is at the usual output level.
Check the preamplifier/processor is set to select the correct source input. Adjust
the source selector for the correct source component.
Check the volume. Turn the unit volume up to a point just below the normal
listening level. DO NOT turn the volume up to maximum in case the sound begins
to come through the speakers.
Check the unit is not in Standby. If the Display LED is varying in brightness, this
indicates the unit is in Standby mode. The Display LED should be full brightness
for operational mode.
SO UND I S QUI ET OR DI STORT ED
If the sound is quiet or distorted a rail fuse may have failed. While the unit is ON
check the fuses in the rear panel. A Red LED being on will indicate a fuse failure. If the
fuse has failed, see Fuse Protection in the Product Features section of this manual.
NOTE: If the unit immediately or repeatedly suffers rail fuse failure, there may be a
major problem and you should contact your Plinius dealer.
PO WER FAILU RE
The unit may have suffered mains fuse failure or be in thermal overload protection mode.
Mains Fuse Failure: Check the mains fuse and replace if needed.
Thermal Overload Protection: Assess the temperature of the unit. If the unit seems
excessively hot, the Over Temperature Protection may have activated.
Refer to the Product Features section on page 13 for further information.
NOTE: If the unit immediately or repeatedly suffers mains fuse failure or thermal overload
protection, there may be a major problem and you should contact your Plinius dealer.
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Specifications
POWER
200 watts RMS per module into 8 ohms.
300 watts RMS per module into 4 ohms.
Each module driven from 20Hz to 20kHz at
less than 0.2% total harmonic distortion.
(6 modules fitted and driven.)
FREQU EN CY RE SP ONSE
20Hz to 20kHz +/–0.2dB
–0.3dB at 5Hz and –0.3dB at 70kHz
DISTO RTION
Typically >0.05% THD at rated power. 0.2%
THD and IM worst case prior to clipping
CURRE NT OUTP UT
40A short duration per module
Fuse protected
RISE TI ME
Typically 4µ s
SLEW RATE
50V/µ s
HUM & N OISE
90dB below rated output 20Hz to 20kHz
unweighted
GAIN
RCA inputs: 32dB
Balanced inputs: 38dB
INPUT I MPEDA NC E
47k ohms
POWER /C URREN T CONSU MPTION
2400VA
1.3A (300W) Class AB Idle
0.2A (46W) Standby
DIMEN SI ONS
Height: 260mm (10.25”)
Width: 460mm (18”)
Depth: 585mm (23”)
Weight: 54kg (120lbs)
COLOU R
Available in silver or black
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Index
Display LED.................................................................................................7
Error Detection ........................................................................................13
Front Panel Layout ...............................................................................7
Fuse Protection .......................................................................................13
Ground Lift Switch ................................................................................9
IEC Power Connector ........................................................................9, 11
Input Terminals ........................................................................................8
LED Brightness .......................................................................................9
Loudspeaker Impedance ..............................................................15
Loudspeaker Power ............................................................................15
Mains/Line Fuse .....................................................................................14
Mains Supply Connection .............................................................11
Mains Switch .............................................................................................9
Operating Temperature....................................................................4, 13
Output Terminals ...................................................................................1 1
Over Temperature Protection ......................................................13
Phasing ..........................................................................................................11
Placement ...................................................................................................4
Rail Fuses ....................................................................................................13
Rear Panel Layout.................................................................................8
Remote Trigger .......................................................................................9
Safety Precautions ...............................................................................6
Serial Number ..........................................................................................2
Terminations ..............................................................................................11
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................16
Ventilation .....................................................................................................4
Warm-Up Period .....................................................................................12
18 PLINIUS O D E O N
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