Use good wire
For best results you should never use speaker wire thinner than 16 gauge - it will constrict the sound and deteriorate bass response. You may also wish to experiment with audiophile-grade speaker wire and inter- connects. Each will have a different characteristic sound and some may be more compatible with the sonic signature of your various components. Your HCA-2200II is unconditionally stable with any reputable brand of wire.
Bi-Wiring
If your speakers are equipped for bi-wiring, you can easily make the multiple connections to the two pairs of speaker terminals on the HCA-2200II. Each set of terminals carries the same signal. You may also bi-wire a mono speaker by using upper and lower + jacks for Left and Right channels.
AC Line cord
Before you attach the AC cord, make sure the HCA-2200II power switch is in its off position.
The HCA-2200II includes an audiophile grade detachable AC cord. We recommend that you use only this cord and try to make direct connection to the AC wall outlet. Connection to a flimsy extension cord will seriously impair the sound reproduction of the HCA-2200II. We do not recommend you connect the ampli- fier to the accessory AC outlet on your preamplifier. The current draw exceeds the ratings of most preamplifier's power switches and power cords and could cause premature failure of the switch, not to mention degrada- tion of the sound.
If you use an external AC line conditioner/surge suppressor, make sure it can handle the full power required by the amplifier. If you want the very best sound possible, you might consider having a licensed electrician run a dedicated AC power line for your HCA-2200II.This will isolate it from most of the power line interfer- ence caused by older wiring and household appliances.
While 3 pin grounded AC cords are standard on most high end components, sometimes it becomes neces- sary to reverse the polarity of the AC plug to reduce hum. In this case, you may use a 3 pin -to- 2 pin AC plug adaptor, or "cheater plug," which is readily available at low cost from any hardware store.
If you believe your system has a hum problem, the first step is to reverse the AC plugs of your other compo- nents, one by one, starting with the preamplifier. In many cases, this will eliminate the problem.
If this fails, it may be necessary to reverse the direction of the HCA-2200II's AC plug. Please do not cut off its 3rd ground pin; you may need it again if you change components. The preferable way is to purchase the "cheater" with only two pins which can insert in either way in the wall outlet. This will not compromise the sound quality of your system.