User manual RANE SSA 6

[. . . ] POWER switch: Obediently turns the SSA 6 on and off every time you poke it with your finger (or other suitable object). All six Channels have delayed turn-on/instant turn-off relays to eliminate any switching transients. THERMAL overload indicator: This red LED lights up if the SSA 6 becomes too hot, indicating that power has been removed from all six Channels. Be sure to check the fan filter and actual speaker impedances if this lights up. [. . . ] When the BRIDGE switch is inactive, the internal connection is defeated and both Channels operate independently. Inputs should be connected to Odd Amplifier Channels only (1, 3, 5), and speakers connected to the "+" terminals of each Channel pair as shown on the SSA 6 chassis silk-screen. OUTPUTS: Connect the speaker(s) to each of the six Channels by means of the Euroblock connectors with 18 to 12 AWG wire (See #2 for Bridged operation). AC line cord: Plug this into a grounded AC outlet of l20VAC (or 240VAC if the SSA 6 is internally wired for 240V operation). NOTE: If you use an adapter to plug the SSA 6 into a non-grounded outlet (three-to-two prong adapter), be sure to screw the ground adapter to the outlet by means of the cover plate screw. Line fuse: Use only a 15 amp 250 volt Fast-blow (or Normal blow--not Slow blow) fuse, 1. 25" long, such as Buss ABC-15 (120 volt) or equivalent. Fan filter: This washable filter may easily be removed for periodic cleaning by gently pulling on the black plastic housing and then lifting it away­perform this feat with the fan off, of course. Once the filter is removed, rinse it under hot tap water; and use dish soap to cut through particularly stubborn pollution deposits. IMPORTANT: Keep this filter clean to ensure proper cooling and reliability of the SSA 6. The SSA 6 draws a tremendous amount of air to ensure proper cooling and resultant long term reliability. Check and clean the filter as often as necessary, especially if the thermal overload indicator ever comes on. Manual-3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Voltage Controlled Attenuators The voltage controlled attenuators (VCAs) in the SSA 6 allow a significant increase in usable volume levels without excessive clipping or interference from conventional distortion causing muting circuits. The VCAs do not affect dynamic response, distortion or noise levels of any material within the rated output specifications of the amplifier. They simply monitor the difference between Input and Output signals, and the power dissipated in the output devices. In the event of clipping or excessive dissipation in the output devices, the VCAs "jump in" (out of hiding, as it were) and turn down the Input level to correct the overdrive condition. This means that whenever a PEAK LIMIT LED flashes, a musical peak has been quickly turned down to avoid excessive clipping. This allows you to run the amplifier at a higher continuous level, typically about 4dB SPL higher than without VCAs. And that 4dB of increased SPL is the equivalent of a 250 watt amplifier without VCAs. If a LOAD LIMIT LED flashes, the Input level has been quickly turned down to prevent over-dissipation in the output devices due to excess phase shift or abnormally low impedances which may occur at some frequencies. This protection occurs without distorting or interrupting the musical program. Occasional flashing of the LIMIT LEDs means you are getting the most SPL out of the amplifier. [. . . ] To avoid electric shock do not perform installation unless qualified to do so. Wait ten minutes before removing the side panels for the power supply caps to safely discharge. The SSA 6 will easily deliver over 900 watts of audio power, which requires as much as 15 amps of current from the AC outlet. 15 amps is not an uncommon value for household and some institutional circuitbreakers, though 20-amp versions are becoming more common. [. . . ]