General Information, The Model PA435X Amplifier

Model PA435X

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GENERAL INFORMATION

To enhance the ease of installation and obtain optimum performance from the PA435X, we recommend that you first become familiar with all its features and special capabilities by studying the descriptions and instructions in this manual.

The PA435X was designed to meet the audio power amplifier needs of custom installed multi-zoned systems with high sonic quality. It is a 4 Channel amplifier that is primarily intended to interface with the MRC88 Whole-house Audio Video Entertainment System for Zones 7 and 8 Preamp outputs or for Sub-Zone amplification of zones 1-6. It may also be used as a standalone single or 2-zone amplifier. Specific features and technology are as follows:

Figure 1: The Model PA435X Amplifier

Cost/Size Efficiency. The PA435X features four 35-watt power amplifiers. This permits each PA435X to drive 2- zones in a multi-zone system -- each with a 35-watt stereo amplifier per zone.

4-3-2 Output Flexibility. Either pair of amplifiers can be bridged to allow several channel and power output capabilities. It can be configured into three power packages as follows:

•Four 35-watt amplifiers. (4 Mono speaker outputs or 2 Stereo Zone outputs)

•One 70 and two 35-watt amplifiers. (1 Mono 70 Watt and 1 Stereo 35-watt output)

•Two 70-watt amplifiers (single Zone Stereo 70-watt output)

Remote ON/OFF Control Jacks (C1 & C2). These 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jacks allow the PA435X to be powered on and off and muted by a positive DC voltage ranging between 4 and 30 volts (11mA @ 12 V). Specifically, when interfaced with the Control Out jacks of zones 7 & 8 on the MRC88 (labeled CO1 and CO2), it permits the MRC88 to power the PA435X ON and OFF automatically with zone ON/OFF commands.

Input Level Flexibility. The input levels are individually adjustable (per stereo pair) from a low of 0.2 volts up to 3 volts. This gives the installer the ability to adjust the overall gain of the system or zone. For instance, there may be a need to adjust the amplifier to deliver a controlled, maximum sound level into a zone when the volume control on the preamp is set to maximum. This would act as a volume limiter for any particular zone (i.e. to prevent the kids from over-driving wall speakers, etc.). When set to the 1:30 position, this will match the sensitivity level of the standard Amplifier output setting of the MRC88.

Low Impedance Capability. Each amplifier is 4-Ohm safe under music conditions in stereo mode and 8-Ohm safe when bridged. This means, for instance, that you can drive two pairs of 8-Ohm speakers in stereo mode in each zone with ease.