Viola Systems FORTE MONO Owner's Manual
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FORTE MONO POWER
AMPLIFIER
OWNER’S MANUAL
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© Viola Audio Laboratories 2004, 2005
The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The
most current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at
www.Violalabs.com.
P/N: 91-fortemanual Revision: 02
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Safety Instructions 3
• Introduction 4
• Unpacking 4
• Voltage Setting 4
• Location 5
• XLR Connector Pin Assignment 5
• Speaker Cable Connection 6
o Single Speaker Cable Connection 6
o Bi-wiring Speaker Connection 7
o Bridge Connection 7
• Multi-amplification 9
• AC Power Cable Connection 9
• Switching on for the First Time 9
• Breaking In 10
• Care and Cleaning 10
• Mains Fuse 11
• Troubleshooting 12
• Warranty 13
• Service 13
• Contacting VIOLA 14
• Specifications 15
Viola Forte Manual Rev 2 Page 2 of 15 7th September 2005
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all of the following instructions before operating your power amplifier.
1. This product contains no user serviceable parts. NEVER attempt to
repair the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to a VIOLA approved
technician.
2. This product must be connected to the mains supply with a threeconductor AC mains power cord that includes a ground connection.
To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be
used. NEVER defeat the ground connection.
3. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before
connecting or disconnecting any cables, or before cleaning any
component.
4. NEVER operate this unit with any covers removed. Dangerous
voltages may exist within the unit even when it is disconnected from
the mains supply.
5. We do not recommend the use of AC extension cords with this
product. If it is necessary to use an extension cord, please ensure
that it meets the safety standards in your country and has sufficient
current capacity. For 100V to 120V operation, use a cable with at
least a 5A rating. For 220V to 240V operation, use a cable with at
least a 3A rating.
6. NEVER use flammable chemicals for cleaning this product.
7. NEVER wet the inside of this product with any liquid, or operate the
unit in a wet environment.
8. NEVER block air flow through the ventilation slots on either the top
or the bottom of the unit.
9. NEVER bypass any fuses.
10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those
specified. Suitable replacements are available from your local VIOLA
dealer, national distributor or directly from VIOLA.
11. NEVER expose this product to temperatures outside the range 0°C
to 55°C, non-condensing.
12. ALWAYS disconnect the unit from the mains supply during lightning
storms, or if the unit will not be used for a prolonged period.
Viola Forte Manual Rev 2 Page 3 of 15 7th September 2005
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the VIOLA Forte Amplifier. Great care has gone into the
design and manufacture of the Forte and if properly used, it will give a lifetime of
musical enjoyment. We strongly recommend that you read these instructions before
you attempt to use the unit, so that you can be sure it is set up to give optimum
performance.
UNPACKING
Please keep all of the packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit.
Should you need to return the unit to the factory , you must use the original shipping
carton. The use of any other packing ma y result in the product sustaining damage in
transit. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. Replacement shipping cartons
may be obtained via your VIOLA dealer, national distributor or directly from the
factory.
After unpacking the unit , please confirm that the following items are present:
2 VIOLA Forte power a mplifiers (When purchased as a pair)
1 user manual
1 three-conductor mains cord for each amplifier
2 spare mains fuses.
T5A for units set to 100V or 120V operation
T3A for units set to 220V or 240V operation
If any of the above items are missing, or if the amplifiers show any signs of damage,
please contact your VIOLA dealer immediately .
VOLTAGE SETTING
Before going any further please, confirm that the unit is set to operate on the mains
voltage you plan to use. The setting is indicated on the fuse cover. This is on the
mains input receptacle located on the unit’s rear panel. Please see the section on
the MAINS FUSE for more details. If the setting on your unit is not correct, contact
your VIOLA dealer. Only a VIOLA approved technician should change the voltage
setting. Do not attempt to do this yourself. Should you set the unit to the wrong
voltage, you risk personal injury and you may also cause serious damage to the unit
which will void the warranty.
Viola Forte Manual Rev 2 Page 4 of 15 7th September 2005
LOCATION
We recommend that you place the Forte as close to the loudspeaker as possible , as
this reduces the length of speaker cable required. Whilst this may make it necessary
to use longer interconnect cables, long interconnects cause less sonic degradation
than long speaker cables.
The unit may be placed on a stand or shelf, provided it is strong enough.
Alternatively, it may be placed directly on the floor. In this case, please ensure that
that the ventilation slots on the base of the unit are not obstructed by carpeting or
other floor covering.
Do not stack Forte units on top of each other or place them on top of another power
amplifier, or other source of heat.
Always allow a clearance of at least 3.5” (5c m) above the unit. You must also allow
a clearance of at least 6” (15 cm) behind the unit , to enable the cables to be routed
without being subject undue strain.
Regardless of where you locate your amplifier, we advise positioning it well away
from sensitive low signal level components such as pre-amplifiers and turntables.
The Forte power amplifier dissipates approximately 80 watts as heat when idling (i.e.
no input signal). It is no rmal and perfectly safe for it to run somewhat warm to the
touch.
XLR CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENT
The Forte is fitted with 2 XLR type balanced inputs. The pin assignments of the
Forte’s XLR input conforms to the AES 14 standard, which is now commonly used
throughout the audio industry. These assignments are shown below:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal - (inverting)
Connector shell: Chassis ground
Some equipment may have the polarity of the signals on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR
connectors swapped over. Please refer to the user manuals of the other equipment
in your signal chain to conf irm whether this is the case.
If this is the case, it will not cause any damage, but it may reduce the quality of the
stereo image, as well as the perceived attack of the bass. This situation is easily
remedied by swapping the connections of pins 2 and 3 at either end of one of one set
of balanced cables in the signal chain. Alternatively you can swap over the polarity
of the speaker leads on both channels. Your dealer should be able to advise you on
the best course of action.
If two items in the signal path have the connections to pins 2 and 3 of the XLR
connector reversed with respect to the AES standard, this cancels out the problem
and you need take no further action.
Viola Forte Manual Rev 2 Page 5 of 15 7th September 2005
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