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SpeakerCraft
Big Bang
Power Amplifiers
BB50
Owner’s Manual
®
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1
Thank you for purchasing the SpeakerCraft BB50 power
amplifier. Before proceeding with your installation,
please review Diagrams 1 & 2 on pages 2-3 to familiarize
yourself with the components of the BB50.
Front and Back Panel Diagrams 2-3
Installation Considerations 4
• Power Mode Selection 4
• Input Selection 5
• Operating Multiple Speakers 5
Installation 6-8
Operation 8
Troubleshooting 9
Specifications 10
Warranty 11
Table Of Contents Page
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Explanation of Graphical Symbols
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the appliance
is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance
and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and other
instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance 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, etc.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be
used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
PORTABLE CART
WARNING
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance
should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so
that its location or position does not interfere with
its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance
should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or
similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings; or 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 appliance should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or
other appliances that produce heat.
10. Power Source - The appliance should be
connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the appliance.
11. 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 appliance.
12. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned
only as recommended by the manufacturer.
13. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the
appliance should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
14. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be
taken so that objects do not fall into and liquids
not spilled into the inside of the appliance.
15. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance
should be serviced by qualified service personnel
when:
a. The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen onto, or liquid has been
spilled into the appliance; or
c. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
d. The appliance does not appear to operate
normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
e. The appliance has been dropped, or the
cabinet damaged.
16. Servicing - The user should not attempt to
service the appliance beyond those means
described in the operating instructions. All other
servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
17. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions
that should be taken so that the grounding or
polarization means of an appliance is not
defeated.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
you to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
APPLICABLE FOR USA, CANADA OR WHERE
APPROVED FOR USAGE
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH
WIDE BLADE PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, INSERT FULLY.
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE
LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE
LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU AU FOND.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover (or back). No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.
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DIAGRAM 2: Rear Panel Detail
Power Mode
Selection Switch
120V AC OutletFuse for 120V AC Outlet
Line Level RCA
Input / Output
Input Selection Switch Speaker Level
Input / Output
Direct Connectors
3-Prong Removable
Power Plug with Fuse
2
DIAGRAM 1: Front Panel Detail
Power switch turns the
BB50’s power on and off
Active LED indicates that the
amplifier is working
Level Adjustment Screws are used
to adjust the level of the amplifier
output so that you can match the
output levels of other amplifiers
in your system
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Diagram 4:
Input Selection Switch
Multiple pairs of speakers can be connected directly to the amplifier's outputs
(see Diagram 2) as long as the total impedance presented to the amplifier
does not drop below 4Ω. If excessive demands are placed on the amplifier,
the protection circuitry may be engaged, temporarily shutting down the
amplifier.
When speakers are connected directly to the amplifier, they will all play at the
same time. If you wish to control speaker pairs independently of each other,
we recommend that you use one of SpeakerCraft's multi-room speaker selectors. Depending on the model, up to eight pairs of speakers can be turned
on or off independently of each other, while providing protection to your
amplifier at the same time. Your SpeakerCraft dealer can provide you with
details on the selectors available.
OPERATING MULTIPLE SPEAKERS
Always use Line Level Input when a pre-amp level (RCA) source is available.
(See Diagram 4) If one isn’t available, Speaker Level Input (speaker wire) may
be connected to the Direct Connector labeled “Speaker Level Input”. Line Level
Input and Speaker Level input cannot be used simultaneously. Be sure to
evaluate your application’s needs before making your selection.
INPUT SELECTION
4
DO:
• Place the BB50 with the feet resting on a solid flat level surface.
• Place the BB50 in a well-vented area to provide proper cooling. Allow at
least 4" of space above the amplifier. In areas that lack proper ventilation,
such as tight cabinets or racks, it may be necessary to install small fans to
create air movement.
DON'T:
• Obstruct the ventilation holes on the top or bottom of the BB50. Never
place it on carpeting or similar material.
• Place the BB50 in any other position other than horizontal with the feet
down. Never place on its side or resting on the back where the terminals
are located.
• Place the BB50 near heat sources, or in an area that it would be exposed to
moisture.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• The power supply is very large and therefore may cause a hum to be heard
in some components if they are placed very close to the BB50.
There are two ways to turn the BB50 on and off. (See Diagram 3) Use the
following list to decide which mode will work best for your application:
Auto On: Use this selection when you want the BB50 to turn on when its
main input receives an audio signal. At the moment that either the left or
right input jacks receive a signal, the amplifier is turned on. Once the signal
stops, the amplifier waits 3 minutes and then turns off.
Constant: Use this selection when you wish to manually turn the BB50 on
and off by using the front mounted power button.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
POWER MODE SELECTION
Diagram 3:
Power Mode
Selection Switch
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SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT AND OUTPUT
CAUTION: Please make sure your amplifier or receiver is turned off before
proceeding.
For best results, use speaker wire that is at least 18 gauge. For runs longer
than 75 feet, 14 gauge wire is recommended.
Wire larger than 14 gauge is not recommended because it may not fit into
the connector. For best results, strip all wire insulation no more than
3
⁄8" from
the end before inserting into the connector.
1. Removing the Direct Connect terminals from their location on the back of
the cabinet will make it easier to connect the wires. (See Figure 2)
2. Connect the wires from the speakers to the appropriate Direct Connector
and insert it back into its original location under "SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT".
Please observe proper polarity (+ to + and - to -) of the connections. (See
Figure 5)
3. Connect the amplifier's or receiver's speaker outputs to the appropriate
Direct Connector and insert it back into its original location under "SPEAKER
LEVEL INPUT". Please observe proper polarity (+ to + and - to -) of the
connections. (See Figure 5)
CAUTION: If the "SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT" and "SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT"
connections are reversed, a short could result across the amplifier or
receiver output terminals, which may seriously damage your amplifier or
receiver. Please double-check all connections before turning on your
amplifier or receiver.
STEP A.
STRIP SPEAKER WIRES' INSULATION
3/8" FROM THE END. INSERT
WIRE INTO THE PROPER SLOTS
ON THE CONNECTOR.
STEP D.
CONNECT AMP AND RECEIVER
WIRES TO THE "SPEAKER LEVEL
INPUT" CONNECTOR IN THE
SAME MANNER
STEP B.
TIGHTEN WIRE CLAMP SCREW
WITH SCREWDRIVER
SPEAKER WIRES
STEP C.
PLUG CONNECTOR INTO
ITS LOCATION UNDER
"SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT"
Diagram 5
Direct Connector
6
POWER MODE SELECTION
Refer to the “Power Mode Selection” section under “Installation
Considerations” to determine which setting should be used to turn the ampli-
fier on. Once you have determined which mode you will be using, set the
switches as outlined in the following chart.
LINE LEVEL INPUT
Connect a source component's (ie. CD player, VCR, etc.) audio output jacks to
the corresponding Line Level Input jacks on the back of the amplifier. If your
receiver or amplifier has a built-in preamplifier, the left and right pre-outputs
can be connected to these Line Level Inputs. (See Diagram 2)
LINE LEVEL OUTPUT
Sources connected to the left and right Line Level Inputs can be forwarded to
other components or amplifiers by connecting to the corresponding output
sections to the left of each input section. If your receiver or amplifier has a
built-in preamplifier, the left and right pre-inputs can be connected to these
Line Level Outputs. Up to 5 SpeakerCraft amplifiers can be daisy-chained
together. (See Diagram 2)
CAUTION: Only make connections when the BB50 is turned off.
Constant Will light up when
the amplifier is
turned on and will
go off when the
amplifier is turned
off.
Switch Settings Active LED
Power Mode Selection = “Constant”
Master Power Button = Push button
once to turn amplifier on. Push
button again to turn it off.
Selection
Mode
Will light up only
when the amplifier
receives an audio
signal from the main
inputs, indicating that
the amplifier is on.
Will turn off three
minutes after the
signal has stopped.
Auto On
Power Mode Selection = “Auto On”
Master Power Button = Leave in
the “on” position (Button pushed
once).
INSTALLATION
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No sound heard
No sound heard from one side
The speaker wires or audio cables
are not wired correctly or are bad.
The front mounted level adjustment on one side is turned all the
way down.
A speaker is not working. Make
sure by connecting the channel
to a speaker that you know to be
working.
Hum or buzzing sound is heard
The sound may be caused by a
ground loop in the system. Try to
eliminate this by reversing the AC
plugs of other components in the
system.
Other causes may include faulty
cables.
Amplifier will not turn on
The amplifier must be plugged
into a live outlet. The power
switch on the front panel must be
on.
Audio cable to the source component is not connected properly or
the cable is bad. Try another cable
that you know is good.
The Problem Possible Causes and Solutions
The BB50 is designed to function trouble-free. Most problems occur because
of operating errors. If you have a problem, please check the troubleshooting
list first. If the problem persists, contact your authorized SpeakerCraft dealer or
SpeakerCraft Customer Service at 800-448-0976.
TROUBLESHOOTING
8
Refer to Diagram 1 for the locations of the following:
POWER SWITCH
The switch marked "Power" on the front panel of the amplifier will turn off all
amplifier circuitry no matter which turn on mode is selected. Refer to the
"Power Mode Selection" section for further information.
ACTIVE LED
When lit, the Active LED indicates that the amplifier is operating. Refer to the
"Power Mode Selection" section of this manual for further information.
LEVEL ADJUSTMENT SCREWS
Level Adjustment Screws are used to adjust the level of the amplifier output
so that you can match the output levels of other amplifiers in your system.
Use them also to set a maximum level in multi-rooms, so that speaker volume
controls and wall speakers in the remote rooms cannot be overdriven and
damaged.
Use a small slotted screwdriver to adjust the screws. If you do not use them
for these purposes, it is best to leave the adjustments at their factory default
position (turned fully clockwise).
OPERATION
3 PRONG REMOVABLE POWER PLUG
Plug the female end of the AC cord supplied with the BB50 into the receptacle
on the rear panel of the amplifier. (See Diagram 2) Insert the plug directly into
a 120V 60Hz wall outlet. CAUTION: Do not plug the amplifier into the pre-
amplifier’s or receiver’s switched or unswitched outlet. If you wish to have
the amplifier turn on once the preamplifier or receiver is activated, use the
“Auto On” power mode selection.
120V AC OUTLET
Use this outlet to power other system components.
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SpeakerCraft Inc. warrants to the original retail purchaser
only
that this SpeakerCraft product
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years, provided
the product was purchased from a SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer.
Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the
SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer from whom they were purchased, or to the SpeakerCraft
factory at the address listed on this installation instruction manual. Freight collect shipments
will be refused. It is preferable to ship this product in the original shipping container to lessen
the chance of transit damage. In any case, the risk or loss or damage in transit is to be borne
by the purchaser. If, upon examination at the Factory or SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer, it is
determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this
warranty period, SpeakerCraft or the SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair
or replace this product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no
longer available and can not be repaired effectively, SpeakerCraft, at its sole option may
replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value. In some cases where a new
model is substituted, a modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting
surface modification is required, SpeakerCraft assumes no responsibility or liability for such
modification. All replaced parts and product become the property of SpeakerCraft Inc.
Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to the original retail
purchaser, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster,
misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use,
voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service, repair or modification
of the product which has not been authorized or approved by SpeakerCraft. This warranty
also excludes normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions. This
warranty will be void if the Serial number on the product has been removed, tampered with
or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the product is defective in materials
or workmanship as warranted above, the purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will SpeakerCraft be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if SpeakerCraft
Inc. or a SpeakerCraft Inc. Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply.
All implied warranties on the product are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty.
Some states do not allow limitation on the length of an implied Warranty. If the original retail
purchaser resides in such a state, this limitation does not apply.
LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
10
Power Output:
35 Watts per channel RMS at 8Ω
50 Watts per channel RMS at 4Ω
Input Sensitivity:
0.77V for 8Ω rated output
Input Impedance:
33K Ω
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.08% 20Hz to 20kHz @ 8Ω
0.1% 20Hz to 20kHz @ 4Ω
Power Consumption:
230 Watts @ 120V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions:
Width = 17", Height = 4", Depth = 81⁄2" (including rear panel connectors)
Weight
12 lbs
BB50 SPECIFICATIONS
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