Speco P500A User Manual

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

P500A

500W High Efficiency Power Amplifier

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

PRECAUTIONS

1. Unpacking

After removing the amplifier from the carton, inspect for any
exterior damage to the unit. If damage is noted, notify the carrier at
once so that a claim can be justified. Save all packing material. This
is important when the claim is processed.

2. Ventilation

To offset heat generated by the unit, it is necessary to provide ample
ventilation around the unit. Avoid blocking or impeding the
ventilation holes on the unit. To prevent unnecessary problems,
install the unit in a place free from any vibrations, direct sunlight,
humidity or dust circulation.

3. Prevent liquids or other materials to enter cabinet

If the unit gets wet or any foreign material enters the amplifier
cabinet, immediately disconnect the AC power cord and consult your
dealer or qualified technician.

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200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions completely.

2. Keep these instructions for future reference.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with instructions.

8. Do not install on or near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized

plug has two blades with one wider that the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade and the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles and where connected to the apparatus.

11. Only use the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table

specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when

unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is

required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects

filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16. WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this

apparatus to rain or moisture.

17. CAUTION – Use of any controls or adjustments or performance of

procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

Thank You!

We at Speco Technologies thank you for your purchase of our P500A power amplifier. The P500A is the
first in Speco Technologies next generation of digital, class D, high-efficiency power amplifiers.

With 500W of power, the P500A is an economical way to provide power to large numbers or high­wattage speakers. Class D technology allows an amplifier to generate high levels of speaker power while
generating minimal heat and weighing a fraction of traditional amplifiers. The P500A has been optimized
for seamless performance with Speco Technologies’ new PBM-A series of amplifiers.

Please review this checklist of components to make sure you received all items with your amplifier:

Inside the box (P500A)

· One amplifier

· One product manual

· One audio input screw connector

· One audio output screw connector

· AC Power Cord

Please make sure you have all accessories and your box and unit did not suffer any noticeable damage
during transit prior to connecting your amplifier.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3 Safety Instructions
Page 5 Features and Specifications
Page 5 Front Panel
Page 6 Rear Panel
Page 7 Reference Information

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

SECTION 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

· 500W RMS/1000W Max Power

· AC 110V-120V, 50/60Hz

· Power Consumption: <720W

· Frequency Response: 70Hz~18kHz

· Input sensitivity: 1.2V

· Input impedance: 20K Ohm

· Signal to noise ration: >90dB

· Non-linear distortion: <0.1% (1kHz, 1/3 nominal output power)

· Operating conditions: 95% RH, 0-104°F (with no condensation)

· Storage temperature: 14°F~130°F

· Auxiliary inputs: 1 XLR and 1 Screw Terminal (only one can be used)

· Line Outputs: 1 XLR

· Auto-detecting 70V or 8 Ohm speaker output

· Master volume control

SECTION 2: Controls and Connections

FRONT PANEL

1) Power indicator light: Light is green when power is on and the P500A is functioning normally

2) Power switch: Press to turn unit power on and off

3) Protection indicator light: In the rare event the P500A overheats, experiences over-current,

over-voltage or under-voltage, the unit will enter protection mode. If this happens, this
indicator will turn yellow. Disconnect power and determine the cause of the fault prior to re-

powering.

4) Peak clipping indicator light: if the input signal exceeds the rated peak value, this indicator will

turn red. Operating the amplifier at sustained peak clipping can damage your unit and voids

the warranty.

5) Signal indicator light: This indicator illuminates green and fluctuates depending on the

intensity of the signal. If the light is off, there is no input signal.

6) Master volume control knob: Turn left to decrease volume, and turn right to increase volume.

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200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

Section 2: Controls and Connections

REAR PANEL

1)

For factory diagnostics only, no user functions.

2)

Cooling fan: It’s very important to never block, cover or impede these vents

3)

Inputs:

a. LINE INPUT: XLR Balanced Input
b. AUX INPUT: Screw terminal balanced input

i. Fault: If a fault occurs, the amp will enter protection mode and ports A &

B experience a short circuit

ii. CH:

1. + is a balanced positive input

2. – is a balanced negative input

3. G is for grounding. Connect to the “-“ port if the input is

unbalanced.

4)

Audio output ports:

a. AUX OUTPUT: XLR balanced output
b. SPEAKER OUTPUT: Auto-detecting 70V or 8 Ohm speaker output

i. + is for the positive speaker connection

ii. – is for the negative/common speaker connection

5)

Cooling fan: It’s very important to never block, cover or impede these vents

6)

Main power supply inlet: Supplies electricity to the main power supply

7)

Fuse: T10AL250V fuse

8)

Grounding terminal: To connect a grounding wire

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

SECTION 3: REFERENCE INFORMATION

GENERAL

This amplifier is designed only for use with a amplified or preamplified mixer unit as a way to
significantly boost speaker power in any given installation. This amplifier is not designed to be used by
itself and has no source or microphone inputs or controls.

SPEAKER CONNECTION

The rear panel of the amplifier contains a phoenix terminal connector to connect your speakers. The
amplifier is designed to handle either 70V or 8 Ohm speakers without separate outputs or toggles. It is

important to use only one kind of speaker at any given time. Mixing 70V and 8 Ohm speakers can
damage the amplifier and will affect the sound quality of the installation. The impedance or the

voltage must be properly maintained during installation. Consult a qualified technician if there is any
uncertainty how to do so.

INDICATORS

OVERHEATING PROTECTION

If the internal temperature of the P500A reached 113°F/45°C, the cooling fan turns on. When the
temperature falls below 104°F/40°C, the fan will shut off.

If the temperature exceeds 167°F/75°C, the power supply will shut down to prevent overheating, and a
fault will be signaled. When the temperature returns to safe levels (under 158°F/70°C), the P500A will
resume functioning.

OVERLOAD, SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION AND FAULT DETECTION

To protect the unit from short circuits and circuit overloads, the main power supply of the P500A can
detect power failures and overheating. If the P500A power supply detects a circuit overload, or if a short
circuit occurs, the unit will automatically shut down. The unit will remain in protection and will signal a
fault until the problem is fixed. If a fault is detected, the PROTECT indicator on the front panel will
illuminate.

INSTALLATION

Please read and follow the following safety suggestions when installing the amplifier:

1) The use of a high-grade, high-transmission capacity speaker cable is strongly recommended.

The longer the cable, the thicker it should be to retain transmitted audio quality. Select the
appropriate audio cable for your installation situation and environment.

2) When connecting the grounding, main/backup power, audio input and audio output cables,

make sure the power is turned off.

3) Plug cables into the correct ports, and if applicable, tighten the cable terminal screws.

4) Power and data wires must be separated and not be wrapped in the same cable’s insulation.

5) Keeping the power and data cables separate helps to avoid signal interference.

6) Do not connect the grounding input cable with the grounding output cable as this action causes

a short circuit to occur.

7) Make sure all cables are connected properly before turning the unit on. Pay particular attention

that you are only using one of the audio inputs, and configure the output signal level
appropriately as this can save electricity.

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com

Speco Technologies is constantly developing and improving products.
We reserve the right to modify product design and specifications without notice and without incurring any obligation. Rev. 8/1/12

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com