Rotel RB-976 owner manual Input Configuration and Connection, Speaker Connection

English

Input Configuration and Connection

The six chanels of the RB-976 are grouped into 3 channel pairs la- beled A, B and C for easy identification and control.

Note: To prevent loud noises that neither you nor your speakers will appreciate, make sure the amplifier is turned off when you make any signal connections or change the setting of the Input Selector Switches.

Input Selector Switches 7

When an Input Selector Switch is in the “Stereo”position the two channels of the channel pair operate independently. When the In- put Selector Switch for one or more of the channel pairs is in the “Bridged” position the two channels are combined into one high power (150 watt) channel. See the “Bridged Mono Operation” section of this manual for more information.

The “Link” position of the Input Selector Switch connects the in- puts of the channel pairs togther. In this configuration the inputs connected to the A channels can also drive the B and/or C chan- nels. This is sometimes called a “daisy chain” configuration. It is typically used in custom installations where one set of stereo in- puts is used to drive mutiple pairs of speakers, which are often lo- cated in different rooms.

To use the input link function move the Input Selector Switch for the channel pair(s) you want to link to the “Link” position. Note that the inputs of the B channels may be linked, while the C chan- nels operate independently, or the inputs of the C channels may be linked, while the B channels operate independently.

Note: When the input linking function is used the linked channel pairs cannot be bridged.

Input Signal Connection 6

[See Figure 2 for normal wiring illustration.]

The RB-976 has conventional RCA type input connectors, the type found on nearly all audio equipment.

Use high quality audio interconnect cables to connect the outputs of the preamplifier or signal processor to the inputs of the RB-976. Be sure to connect the left and right channels properly and that you use the correct channel pair of the RB-976.

Speaker Connection

Speaker Selection

We recommend using loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of

4ohms or higher with the RB-976. You should exercise some cau- tion in driving multiple pairs of speakers in parallel configuration, because the effective impedance the amplifier sees is cut in half. For example, when driving two pair of 8 ohm speakers, the ampli- fier sees a 4 ohm load. When driving multiple speakers in parallel, it is recommended that you select speakers with a nominal imped- ance of 8 ohms or higher. Speaker impedance ratings are less than precise. In practice, very few loudspeakers will present any problems for the RB-976. See your authorized Rotel dealer if you have any questions.

Speaker Wire Selection

Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the RB-976 to the speakers. The size and quality of the wire can have an au- dible effect on the performance of the system. Standard speaker wire will work, but can result in lower output or diminished bass response, particularly over longer distances. In general, heavier wire will improve the sound. For best performance, you may want to consider special high-quality speaker cables. Your authorized Rotel dealer can help in the selection of appropriate cables for your system.

Polarity and Phasing

The polarity — the positive/negative orientation of the connec- tions — for every speaker and amplifier connection must be con- sistent so all the speakers will be in phase. If the polarity of one connection is mistakenly reversed, bass output will be very weak and stereo imaging degraded. All wire is marked so you can iden- tify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insu- lation of one conductor. The wire may have clear insulation with different color conductors (copper and silver). There may be po- larity indications printed on the insulation. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.

Stereo Speaker Connection 8

The RB-976 has six pairs of color coded binding posts on the back panel. These connectors accept bare wire, connector lugs, or dual banana type connectors (except in the European Community countries where their use is not permitted).

Route the wire from the RB-976 to the speakers. Give yourself enough slack so you can move the components enough to allow access to the speaker connectors.

If you are using dual banana plugs, connect them to the wires and then plug into the backs of the binding posts. The hexagonal thumbscrews of the binding posts should be screwed in all the way (clockwise).

3