Parasound A 21 manual Speaker Terminals, Correct Speaker Polarity is Important

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CONNECTING SPEAKERS TO YOUR A 21

Speaker Terminals

The five-way binding post speaker terminals on the A 21 accept most speaker wire terminations including single or dual banana plugs, 1/4” spade lugs, or bare wire. Refer to Bare Wire Speaker Termination in the Technically Speaking section for information about bare wire termination.

What You’ll Need:

•Two lengths of speaker wire AWG 16 or thicker with banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire

•Loudspeakers or a speaker selector box

Common Speaker Connectors

The GND notch

Red usually

signifies ground

designates right

or speaker left

 

Dual

Single

Spade Lug

Stripped

Banana Plug

Banana Plug

 

AWG wire

Before Connecting

Remove power to all the components in your audio system.

To Connect

1Insert one wire with the ridge or other marking into the red Right + (positive) speaker

terminal on the A 21. Insert the wire without the ridge or other marking into the black Right - (negative) speaker terminal on the A 21.

2Insert the other end of the wire with the ridge or other marking into the red right + (positive) terminal on the speaker. Insert the wire without the ridge or other marking into the black right - (negative) terminal on the speaker.

3&4 Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the left channel.

1 3

Speakers

YOU SHOULD KNOW

24

Correct Speaker Polarity is Important

Polarity refers to + and – connections. Speaker wires are coded with printing or a ridge on the insulation on one of the leads so you know which lead was connected to the + and – terminals at the other end. This coding will help you keep the + and - polarity consistent for both channels.

Speaker Wire Length and Gauge (thickness)

When selecting speaker wire, follow these guidelines:

•Keep the length of your speaker wire as short as possible

•Use the thickest wire practical. For lengths greater than 50 feet, use speaker wire with an AWG (gauge) of 14 or lower. The smaller the AWG, the thicker the wire.

•Do not use speaker wire that is thinner than 16 AWG.

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Contents Amplifier Keeping Records for Future Reference Congratulations and Thank You for Choosing ParasoundParasound Staff Unpacking Your a Amplifier Placement Guidelines for Your a Rack Mounting Your Parasound aBefore Connecting Balanced XLR Jacks and Their Pin ConfigurationLeft and Right Balanced Input Jacks What You’ll NeedLeft and Right Unbalanced Inputs Interconnect Cables and Their Color CodesLoop Out Connector Correct Speaker Polarity is Important Speaker Wire Length and Gauge thicknessSpeaker Terminals Configuring the a 21 for Bridged Mono Operation IMPORTANT! Before Trying Bridged MonoManual On-Off from the Front Panel Connecting an Active Audio Source for Automatic On-OffTurn Off Delay in the Audio Mode Mm sub-mini plug Connecting the a 21 to Trigger Another Component On, Off and Fault/Protection Status Indicators Left and Right Channel Status IndicatorsHigh-Temp Indicator Ground SwitchAC Power Connections 120 V or 220 V 240 V OperationMain Power Fuse Maintaining Your aTroubleshooting Guide Trouble Probable Cause RemedyProcedure for Returning Your a 21 to Parasound for Service Servicing Your aIf All Else Fails -Call Us for Help Important Notice Shipping the aAudio Trigger Sensitivity Adjustment Bare Speaker Wire EndsTechnically Speaking Balanced and Unbalanced LinesChoosing Interconnect Cables and Speaker Wire Ground Loops Eliminating Hum and BuzzLoop Out Jacks Gain ControlsParasound a 21 Design Overview Driver Stage Output StageClass A-A/B Operation Total Protection DC ServosParasound a 21 Specifications Parasound Products, Inc Battery Street, San Francisco, CA

A 21 specifications

The Parasound A 21 is a high-performance power amplifier renowned for its exceptional audio quality and build integrity. It is designed to meet the demands of audiophiles and music enthusiasts, aiming to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. This amplifier stands out with a robust power output, delivering 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 400 watts into 4 ohms, providing ample power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.

One of the key features of the Parasound A 21 is its ultra-linear Class AB amplification. This technology allows the amplifier to achieve high power without compromising on sound quality. The Class AB design is known for its low distortion and high efficiency, making it capable of reproducing dynamic music with clarity and precision. The A 21 also incorporates a toroidal transformer, which helps in producing clean power and minimizes electrical interference, ensuring that the sound remains unaffected by fluctuating power conditions.

The build quality of the A 21 is exceptional, with a sturdy chassis designed to minimize vibrations and enhance performance. The amplifier is housed in a sleek, attractive enclosure that not only looks elegant but also provides adequate heat dissipation. This is a crucial aspect, as it ensures the amplifier operates efficiently without overheating during extended listening sessions.

In terms of connectivity, the Parasound A 21 features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly into various audio systems. The amplifier also has a 12V trigger input, enabling remote operation which can be a significant convenience for users with complex audio setups.

The A 21 is built with high-quality components, including high-current power supply capacitors and output transistors, further enhancing its reliability and performance. Its sound signature is characterized by an expansive soundstage, detailed mids, and deep, controlled bass, making it suitable for a diverse range of music genres.

For those seeking an amplifier that combines power, precision, and aesthetic appeal, the Parasound A 21 is a standout choice. It delivers an impressive blend of technological advancements and user-friendly features, ensuring that audiophiles can enjoy their favorite music as it was meant to be heard. Overall, the A 21 exemplifies Parasound’s commitment to excellence and remains a trusted option in high-fidelity audio systems.
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