SpeakerCraft Eazy6 Owner's Manual

SpeakerCraft

OWNER’S MANUAL

Eazy6

6-Zone Preamplifier

®

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Eazy6 Owner’s Manual Page 3

INSTALLATION

The Eazy6 is designed to be mounted at the rear of an equipment cabinet, behind the audio source components. Mounting brackets have
been provided for ease of installation. Although the Eazy6 will remain relatively cool during normal operation, some allowance should be
made for ventilation. Once mounted and set up, there should be no need to directly access the Eazy6. However, it may be necessary to
access the Eazy6 for servicing or future system upgrades.

Audio Connections

The six Audio Inputs (left and right) are located on the top left-hand side of the unit (See Diagram 2). A stereo RCA lead should be used to
connect the line output of each source component to one of these inputs.

In the center of the Eazy6 are the six Zone Outputs

(See Diagram 3). Each of these should be connected to the corresponding zone amplifier.

Each zone amplifier would in turn be connected to the speakers in that zone.

It is possible for a zone to contain more than one pair of speakers. In which case, it may be necessary to use a SpeakerCraft Volume Control
for each pair of speakers in that zone.

Infrared Connections

Each zone will require at least one SpeakerCraft SmartPath™IR receiver to operate
the Eazy6. Depending on the model chosen, the IR receiver should be located
where it is easily activated by the remote control handset. For further details, refer
to the owner’s manual that came with your IR receiver.

Four-conductor IR data cable should be used to connect the IR receivers to the
Eazy6. Each zone of the Eazy6 has a four-way screw terminal to which the IR cable
is connected

(See Diagram 4).

A maximum of ten IR receivers can be used on each zone.

IR Router

The Eazy6 features a built-in IR router that allows the use of numerous source components of the same
type, i.e. two CD players of the same brand.

Each Audio Input has a corresponding IR emitter

output socket

(See Diagram 5). Whenever an audio source is selected in a zone, the Eazy6

will direct all IR control data from that zone only to that source emitter output.

To control source components, an IR emitter is placed over the front of the IR window on the
component’s faceplate and plugged into the corresponding IR output. The source component will
now only be controlled from the zone(s) currently using the component

(See Diagram 6 on Page 4).

Note that this is not a lock-out function. Every zone accessing the source component will be able to
control it. The IR router function simply means that if two identical source components are used in the
system, i.e. CD player 1 and CD player 2, the person listening to CD 1 in Zone 3 will not affect the
operation of CD 2 being played in Zone 1.

DIAGRAM 2: Audio Inputs DIAGRAM 3: Zone Outputs

DIAGRAM 4: Infrared Receiver Inputs

DIAGRAM 5: Infrared Outputs

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NOTE: The SpeakerCraft EazyR Programmable Remote Control, sold separately, is required to operate the Eazy6. Purchase up to 6 EazyR

units for optimum control over your multi-zone configuration.

INTRODUCTION

The SpeakerCraft Eazy6 is a six-zone, six-input audio preamplifier featuring:

• Separate infrared control of input select and volume for each zone

• Maximum volume and balance adjustment for each zone

• Input level adjustment for each source

• Infrared routing to allow use of multiple identical source components, i.e. two CD players of the same brand

• Expansion output for additional zones or source sharing with other amplifiers or receivers

• Individual zone “Status” output

• Common “Status” output

• 12-volt DC output to power infrared devices or other accessories

• “All Off” function

Please review

Diagram 1 below to familiarize yourself with the components of the Eazy6.

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Power InZone IR

Confirmation LED

Infrared Out Infrared Receiver

Inputs

Input Level Trim Pots

(Located Under Coverplate)

Zone

Outputs

Zone Max Volume

Trim Pots

Audio
Inputs

Expansion

Output

Data Link

Power Status

LED

Mounting

Bracket

DIAGRAM 1: Eazy6 Components

Power Out

Zone Maximum Volume

Each zone has two trim pots used to limit the maximum volume for that zone (See Diagram 8). With a source running turn down both trim
pots completely counter-clockwise. Turn the volume in the zone full up by holding the button on the remote control for about thirty seconds.
The trim pots can be turned up to a suitable maximum volume. If required, one of the two trim pots can be set to a slightly different level to
act as a “balance” control for the zone.

EXPANSION

If more than six zones are required, then two or more Eazy6 units can be linked together to achieve the number of zones required. Each link
will require six pairs of RCA audio interconnects and one Cat-5 patchcord terminated with RJ-45 connectors.

The first Eazy6 should be connected and setup as previously detailed. On the right-hand side of the Eazy6 are the six pairs of audio Expansion
Outputs. These should be connected to the next Eazy6 unit using the six audio interconnect leads

(See Diagram 9).

NOTE: When using multiple Eazy6 units, the source level adjustments should only be set on the first unit. Subsequent Eazy6 units should be

left set to the factory default. Maximum volume should still be set for each zone separately.

All control data between the multiple units is conveyed by the Cat-5 patchcord, including IR signals for the source components. Connect the
Cat-5 patchcord from either Data socket of the first Eazy6 to either Data socket of the next Eazy6, etc.

The IR emitters and the “Status” output should always be connected to the first Eazy6 only.

Eazy6 Owner’s Manual Page 5

Zone Max Volume

Trim Pots

DIAGRAM 8: Zone Max Volume Adjustments

DIAGRAM 9: Expanding the Eazy6

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Power Management

The “Status” output of the Eazy6 is simply connected to the “Trigger” input of the SpeakerCraft Big Bang or other amplifier. Whenever any zone
in the system is active, the amplifier will turn on. When all zones are turned off, the amplifier will turn off.

If required, individual zone power amplifiers can be powered up and down with the zone by connecting the “Trigger” input to the “Status”
output on the IR connector for the relevant zone.

SETUP

The Eazy6 has two sets of adjustments: input level for each audio source and maximum volume for each zone. Both adjustments are made via
trim pots accessible through the faceplate of the Eazy6. The Eazy6 is shipped with these adjustments set to a nominal position.

Once all the connections are made to the Eazy6, the system should be turned on and tested to ensure all audio sources are playing in each
zone. The source level adjustments should be made first, followed by the maximum volume settings for each zone.

Input Level Adjustments

The input level trim pots are located under a cover on the top left-hand side of
the Eazy6

(See Diagram 7). Before making any adjustments, listen to each

source, taking note of their relative volumes. Try to identify the source that has
the lowest volume. Once this is done, each of the other sources should be
adjusted down to match the quietest source using the input level trim pots.
Both the left and right input trim pots should be set to the same level.

A quick check should now show that each source is of a similar volume
when selected.

DIAGRAM 6: IR Router

DIAGRAM 7: Input Level Adjustments

Input Level Trim Pots

(Located Under Coverplate)

EAZYR PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL

The EazyR comes pre-programmed with the IR commands for the
Eazy6

(See Diagram 11). To select an audio source, simply press the

relevant Source button, followed by the “Select” button. Selecting an
audio source will turn the relevant zone on. Volume up, Volume
down, Off and All Off will then function as described in the
“Operation” section below.

All other keys on the EazyR can be programmed with the IR
commands for the audio source components. For details, please refer
to the EazyR Owner’s Manual.

NOTE: The Eazy6 features a non-volatile memory. This will prevent the
loss of learned codes should the remote control’s batteries run out.

Input Numbers

The following inputs on the Eazy6 relate to the following Source
buttons on the EazyR remote control:

Eazy6 EazyR

Input 1 Tuner
Input 2 CD
Input 3 Sat
Input 4 VCR
Input 5 DVD
Input 6 TV

OPERATION

Selecting any source input turns on the Eazy6, and will activate its “Status” output. Once the source has been selected, IR commands will only
be sent to that source. To turn any zone off, simply select the “Off” button on the EazyR. When the last zone has been turned off, the “Status”
output will be deactivated.

Volume commands will only operate when the zone is on. This will help prevent accidentally turning the volume fully up with no source playing.

The “All Off” button on the EazyR will turn every zone and the “Status”output off.

Eazy6 Owner’s Manual Page 7

DIAGRAM 11: EazyR Remote Control

Learn Button

Function Buttons

Reserved for Future

Eazy6 Functions

Source Buttons

Home Theater

The Expansion Outputs of the Eazy6 can also be used to share source components with a home theater amplifier. Simply connect the expansion
outputs of the last Eazy6 to the corresponding inputs of the home theater amplifier

(See Diagram 10). Video and Digital outputs of the source

components should be directly connected to the home theater amplifier, bypassing the Eazy6 altogether.

The SmartPath

™

IR connecting block CB6 has terminations for the IR receiver and a dedicated IR emitter for the home theater amplifier. Power
for the IR connecting block is provided by the 12-volt accessory output of the Eazy6. A Cat-5 patchcord is used to send IR data to the common
source components via either Data port of the Eazy6.

NOTE: IR data from the SmartPath™IR connecting blocks will bypass the IR router in the Eazy6. To prevent operating two units simultaneously,
it is recommended that only one of any multiple sources be allocated for use in the home theater.

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DIAGRAM 10: Home Theater

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs

Type : Six stereo inputs
Max Input Voltage: 2-volts adjustable
Input Impedance: 10 K Ω
Power Supply: 12-volt AC, 2 amp

Outputs

Type : Six zone outputs and six source expansion ports
Zone Output Level: Equal to input line level with attenuation (0 to -78dB)
Expansion Port Level: Equal to input line level (unity gain)
Status: 12-volts
Status (Max Current): 100 mAmps
12-Volt (Max Current): 200 mAmps
Max # of IR Receivers: Ten per zone

Terminations

Audio: RCA phono connectors
Infrared In: Four-way removable screw terminals
Infrared Out: 3.5mm mini-phono connectors
Power In: Two-way removable screw terminals
Power Out: Three-way removable screw terminals
Data In/Out: RJ-45 (Cat 5 patchcord recommended)

Dimensions (H x W x D) 715⁄16" x 139⁄16" x 25⁄8"

In our attempt to constantly improve our products, features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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SpeakerCraft

1650 Seventh Street, Riverside CA 92507-4492
[phone] Fax [phone]
www.speakercraft.com

09/01(rev1)

LIMITED 2-YEAR WARRANTY

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 cannot 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.

Should you have any questions regarding this, or any other SpeakerCraft product, please call our toll-free service hotline at
1-800-448-0976. We are available to assist you every weekday, except holidays, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PST.

SpeakerCraft offers a variety of accessories to make your installation of this and other SpeakerCraft products easy, economical, and
professional. Contact your authorized SpeakerCraft Dealer for more information.

®