Sonance 275 SE, 275X3 SE User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: Read all of these instructions before you operate and save
instructions for later use.

1. Read Instructions — All these safety and operating instructions should be

read before the amplifier is operated.

2. Retain Instructions — These safety and operating instructions should be

retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings — All warnings on the amplifier and in the operating

instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should be

followed.

5. Water and Moisture — The amplifier should not be used near water — for

example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.

6. Carts and Stands — The amplifier should be used only with a cart or stand

that is recommended by the manufacturer.

• An amplifier and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the amplifier and
cart combination to overturn.

7. Caution: To prevent electric shock, do not use the amplifier’s polarized
plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlets unless the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.

8. Ventilation — The amplifier should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
amplifier should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that
may block the ventilation openings; or be placed in a built-in installation,
such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air through the
ventilation openings.

9. Heat — The amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including other
amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Power Sources — The amplifier should be connected to a power supply

only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on
the amplifier.

11. Grounding or Polarization — Precautions should be taken so that the

grounding or polarization means of the amplifier is not defeated.

12. Power-Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed so that

they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the amplifier.

13. Cleaning — The amplifier should be cleaned only as recommended by the

manufacturer.

14. Non-Use Periods — The power cord of the amplifier should be unplugged

from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

15. Object and Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall

and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

16. Damage Requiring Service — The amplifier should be serviced by

qualified service personnel when:
a. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the amplifier; or
c. The amplifier has been exposed to rain; or
d. The amplifier does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked

change in performance; or

e. The amplifier has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

17. Servicing — The user should not attempt to service the amplifier beyond

that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be

referred to qualified service personnel.

1

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONAMP®275 SE / 275X3 SE
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Sonamp® 275 SE/275X3 SE. These amps
incorporate Sonance’s exclusive SAT™ (Smart Amp Technology) module that
allows you to customize the amplifier to the installation by simply removing
two screws on the back panel and inserting the desired module.
The 275 SE/275X3 SE (Sound Enhancement) amplifiers include a factory­installed BBE® Sound Enhancement SAT module. The BBE process improves
presence and detail of speakers, especially at lower listening volumes. This
makes it particularly effective at improving the sound quality of distributed
audio systems playing background music. BBE restores clarity and definition
(or focus) to spoken voices,making paging systems easier to understand with­out having to run them at high volumes. The BBE process is so effective that
it can even compensate for inferior sound from poor-quality source material
or compressed sources like MP3, etc. In addition to manual control, the BBE
effect can also be triggered on/off and the effect amount changed
(+6dB or +9dB) by an external control voltage.

The 275 SE/275X3 SE also includes these important features:

• Recessed power switch that prevents accidental turn-off

• Tamper-resistant, recessed input level and auto-on sensitivity controls

• Auto-on dip switch for turn-on delay (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 seconds)

• Defeatable high-pass filter to protect in-wall volume controls

• Bridge/mono switch (not available on 275X3 SE)

• Ground lift switch

• High-current amplifier topology that can operate at 2.66 ohms

• Defeatable auto-on signal sensing

• Active current limit, short-circuit and speaker protection

• Signal preset LEDs

• Protect/Clipping LEDs for easy level setup

• Auto-resetting thermal protection shutoff

• Inrush current-limiting circuit

This manual applies to the 275 SE, 273X3 SE and their rack-mount versions.
Except where noted, the installation, connection and use instructions are
identical for all models.

BOX CONTENTS

Your Sonamp 275 SE/275X3 SE box should contain the following items:
(1) Sonamp 275 SE or 275X3 SE amplifier
(1) IEC Power cord (Note: A power cord is not included with 230V models)
(1) Rack-mount hardware package (RMF versions only)
(1) Speaker zone label sheet (275X3 SE only)

UNPACKING

Save the carton and the styrofoam inserts for future safe transport in case you
move or the amplifier ever requires shipping for repair. Note, it is best if you
place it into an additional outer "overcarton" before shipment to minimize a
chance of theft in shipment.

Before you proceed, find the serial number which is located on the rear panel
of the amplifier and note it here for future reference:

S/N __________________________________________

PLACING THE AMPLIFIER

• Keep the amplifier out of direct sunlight and away from windows that could
let in rain.

• The amplifier should be placed away from heat sources such as hot air ducts
or radiators.

• Do not place the amplifier directly on carpet that could interfere with airflow
into its bottom vent openings.

• If you place your amplifier on the floor near your speakers, elevate it up off
the carpet.

• If you stack your components, it is better to place the amplifier above or
alongside your other components. When driven hard, the amplifier creates
significant heat and can affect components stacked on top of it.

• If you place the amplifier inside a cabinet, allow ample ventilation and at
least 2" clearance on top and both sides.

• Very sensitive low-level sources might pick up some hum radiated from the
amplifier’s power supply.

POWERING THE AMPLIFIER

AC Line Cord

The Sonamp 275 SE/275X3 SE feature a removable IEC power cord to allow
for easy installation. Plug the female end of the power cord into the connector
on the rear panel (Figure 1, #23) and plug the male end into a grounded wall
socket. DO NOT plug the power cord into an AC outlet on your preamplifier/

receiver.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT DEFEAT THE
THIRD PRONG OF THE POWER CORD PLUG.

ATTENTION: AFIN D’EVITER TOUT RISQUE D’ELECTROCUTION,
NEPAS ENLEVER LA 3EME FICHE DE LA PRISEELECTRIQUE.

Use only a heavy-duty extension cord, if required, to avoid starving the
amplifier of all the current necessary for full-power operation.

A.C. On

LED (

Figure 1

, #3)

This LED indicates that the AC power line cord is plugged into a live AC out­let. If the main AC line fuse ever opens,this LED will go out. To use the Auto­On feature, this LED must remain on at all times. The Power switch has no
effect on this LED.

AC Fuse (

Figure 1

, #22)

This will blow to protect the unit from possible internal parts failure.
NEVER replace the fuse with any size other than that indicated on the rear
panel to avoid more serious damage. Substitution of a larger fuse may create
serious damage to internal parts and will void your Sonance warranty.

CAUTION: For continued protection against fire, replace the fuse with
only the same type and rating.

Ground Lift Switch (

Figure 1

, #20)

The Sonamp 275 SE/275X3 SE feature a ground lift switch to eliminate hum
caused by ground loops. This is often set up by the chassis making contact
in a rack system. This eliminates the need to insulate the rack mount
faceplates with nylon washers.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Before making any signal or speaker connections, make sure the amplifier’s
power is turned OFF and its power cord is unplugged.

When making connections, make sure there is no strain or tension on input
leads or speaker wires that could cause them to pull loose later on.

2

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONAMP®275 SE / 275X3 SE
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

3

275X3 SE F

RONT

275 SE F

RONT

275 SE R

EAR

275X3 SE R

EAR

10 11

9

787

5566

12

16 17 18 20 221312 1514

19 21 23

3

10 11

787

5566

12

4

16 17 18 20 221312 1514

19 21 23

3

1. POWER SWITCH

2.

ACTIVE

L.E.D.

3.

AC ON

L.E.D.

4. SPEAKER SELECTORS
(275 X3 SE ONLY)

5.

SIGNAL

L.E.D.s

6.

CLIPPING

L.E.D.s

7. INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS

8. AUTO-ON SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT

9. AMPLIFIER BRIDGE SWITCH
(275 SE ONLY)

10. RCA INPUT/OUTPUT JACKS

11. BBE STATUS LEDs

12. BBE ON/OFF SWITCH

13. BBE ON/OFF EXTERNAL
CONTROL CONNECTION

14. BBE EFFECT LEVEL SWITCH

15. BBE EFFECT LEVEL EXTERNAL
CONTROL CONNECTION

16. SPEAKER CONNECTORS

17. AUTO-ON TIMING DELAY
DIP SWITCHES

18. AUTO-ON SWITCH

19. AUTO-ON CONTROL VOLTAGE
INPUT CONNECTION

20. GROUND LIFT SWITCH

21. CONTROL VOLTAGE OUTPUT
CONNECTION

22. FUSE

23. POWER CORD CONNECTION

Figure 1:
Front and
Rear Panels

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONAMP®275 SE / 275X3 SE
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

4

Input Connections (

Figure 1

, #10)

Input signal is connected via the R and L RCA Input jacks. Make sure these are
consistent with the R and L outputs from your preamplifier or source device.

Output Connections (

Figure 1

, #10)

The BBE SAT module included with the 275 SE/ 275X3 SE includes buffered
R and L RCA output jacks. These can link additional power amplifiers to a
single source component without using messy Y-cord adaptors.

Note: The buffered output signal is not BBE-processed.

Speaker Connectors (

Figure 1

, #16)

The speaker connectors on the Sonamp 275 SE/275X3 SE are hex style
“5-way” binding posts. They can accept wire terminated in spade lugs, pins,
single and double banana connectors as well as bare wire.

Caution: Do not over-tighten when using a hex nut-driver or socket.

Making Speaker Connections: Stereo Operation (

Figure 2

)

All four connections are required for stereo operation — negative signal paths
can NOT be combined. Minimum total impedance is 2.66 ohms (three pairs
of 8-ohm speakers).

It is important to observe correct speaker polarity when using this amplifier
in the stereo mode. One side of the speaker lead will have some sort of mark,
either printing, a raised ridge on the insulation, or different color of conduc­tor. This permits you to know which wire you had connected to the + and
which to the – speaker terminal so you can do exactly the same at the power
amplifier terminals. If polarity of one speaker is reversed, the speakers will be
out of phase from each other, which will severely degrade sound quality.
Sonance recommends that red = “R+”, black = “R-“, white = “L+” and green
= “L-”. Most importantly, adopt a color protocol and stick with it.

Making Speaker Connections: Bridged Operation — 275 SE only

(

Figure 2

)

The 275 SE can operate in single-channel bridged mode, which increases the
amplifier’s power to 250 watts RMS (twice its 4-ohm stereo rating).

Note When operating the amplifier in the bridged mode be sure the speakers are
rated to handle the increased output power.

For bridged operation, use only the two positive (red) speaker connectors and
the right channel input connector. Make sure that the Amplifier Bridge Switch
(Figure 1, #9) is set to the correct position.

IMPORTANT: Minimum impedance for bridged operation is 6 ohms.

Connecting Multiple Speakers

The 275 SE and 275X3 SE are both capable of handling a minimum total
impedance of 2.66 ohms without strain or distortion. This means you can
safely connect up to three pairs of high-quality 8-ohm speakers (we recom­mend Sonance speakers, of course!). You can connect the three sets of speak­ers to the same set of speaker connection posts on the 275 SE or connect one
set to each of the three sets of speaker connection posts on the 275X3 SE.

Caution: If any of your speakers have a rated impedance of less than
8 ohms, be sure that the total speaker impedance is not less than 2.66 ohms
per channel. If you are in doubt, consult your Sonance dealer, custom
installer, or Sonance Technical Service. To calculate impedance, use the
following equation:

OPERATING THE 275 SE/275X3 SE

Operating Tip

The Sonamp 275 SE and 275X3 SE have an ingenious and very sophisticated
auto turn on/off circuit. Please read these instructions completely so you do
not get frustrated trying to operate them for the first time.

Power Switch (

Figure 1

, #1)

Press once to the “in”position to turn the amplifier on. Press again to the “out”
position to turn the amp off. Leave the Power Switch in the “in” position when
using either of the the Auto On Modes (see below).

Auto-On Modes

The Auto-On switch located on the rear panel (Figure 1, #18) selects between
"On" (audio trigger mode), "External Volt" (control voltage activation mode),
and "Bypass" (activated only by the Power Switch).

Audio Trigger Mode (Auto-On Switch “ON” Position)

When the Auto On switch is set to the ON (left-hand) position, any audio
signal arriving at the amplifier’s input connectors will trigger the automatic
turn-on circuitry to activate the amplifier for operation. The Active LED on
the front panel (Figure 1, #2) illuminates when the amplifier is operational.
The sensitivity of the Auto-On circuit can be increased or decreased by
adjusting the level control on the front panel (Figure 1, #8).

The amplifier will remain on for approximately 3½ minutes after the audio
signal has ceased. This provides ample time to prevent erratic operation from
pauses between musical passages or while changing sources. The Audio
Trigger feature frees you from having to place the amplifier in a rack with the
other components. Here are a few installation possibilities:

• Local-room system coupled with a multi-CD changer.

• Surround sound rear or side channels.

• Multi-room, multi-source control systems.

• Use the Audio Trigger Mode with the delay settings to control a 16-zone

system with 4 amplifiers. (See

Figure 11,

on page 10.)

• Or even an amplifier-controlled lava lamp! (See

Figure 12,

on page 11).

NORMAL STEREO

LEFT SPEAKER RIGHT SPEAKER

BRIDGED

(275 SE ONLY)

MONO SPEAKER

Figure 2:
Proper
Speaker
Connections

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SONAMP®275 SE / 275X3 SE
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER