Installation and Connections

AC Power Considerations

Ensure that the unit is plugged into an outlet capable of supplying the correct voltage and current specified for your model. Remember to account for the electrical power that other components will require if they share a common wall socket or electrical circuit. The majority of household electrical sockets in places other than the kitchen and garage are 15 amperes maximum. Most CD players and other source components are fairly low current items. When both channels are driven, the Emotiva RPA-1 requires a minimum of 10 amperes @ 120 volts or 5 amperes @ 230 volts when driven into 8 ohms. It should be sufficient to allow the other devices such as preamplifiers and A/V source units to share a wall socket, but power amplifiers such as the RPA-1 and a video display (big screen TV or video projector) should be provided a SEPARATE electrical connection on a SEPARATE circuit. As the RPA-1 has a minimum requirement that can consume nearly one entire circuit, please use a second (separate) electrical connection for other devices. DO NOT plug the RPA-1 into a power strip or extension cord unless the device is specifically designed and rated for high current use.

Refer to your preamplifier, A/V source component(s), and video display owner’s manuals to learn the power requirements so you can safely plan your electrical power requirements for your home entertainment system.

Upon powering up the RPA-1 with the front panel switch or via trigger input (switch on the rear panel must be set to “ON”), you will notice the front panel center LED status light illuminates blue. This indicates the amplifier is on, functioning normally, and ready for operation. If you experience a red LED light while the amplifier is on during high output operation, this indicates a “peak” condition (also called “clipping”). If the status LED in the center is solid red and the amplifier has shut down, this indicates a fault condition. For more information on diagnosing the fault, please refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual.

Physical Placement

Place the RPA-1 on a flat, level surface. Please distribute the weight equally on the four feet. Please give this unit adequate ventilation for proper cooling when placing. If this unit is placed in a cabinet, please make sure that the cabinet’s rear is open to fresh air and there are at least 6 inches of free air space above the amplifier and 1 inch on each side. If the amplifier is located on a carpeted surface, place a board under the amplifier’s feet. If the cabinet’s design will not accommodate an open rear, install two small brushless DC fans (such as those used in computer cases) to provide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet.

Do NOT block the ventilation holes on the RPA-1. The RPA-1 is equipped with massive toroidal power transformers. These transformers generate a magnetic field that could induce a hum in a turntable (particularly a turntable equipped with a moving coil cartridge). Do NOT place a turntable directly above or directly adjacent to the RPA-1.

Before placing the RPA-1 on a shelf, verify that the weight bearing capacity of the shelf is 45 lbs

or greater. The amplifier is heavy and should be placed toward the bottom of an audio rack to minimize the rack being unnecessarily top heavy.

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Emotiva RPA-1 manual Installation and Connections, AC Power Considerations, Physical Placement
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RPA-1 specifications

The Emotiva RPA-1 is a high-performance power amplifier designed for audio enthusiasts who demand exceptional sound quality and reliability. This amplifier is a part of Emotiva’s RPA series, known for their outstanding engineering and sonic performance. The RPA-1 delivers impressive power output, with the ability to drive demanding speakers effortlessly, making it ideal for both music and home theater applications.

One of the main features of the RPA-1 is its robust power output. It provides 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and an even more powerful 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms, ensuring that it can handle dynamic music passages and movie soundtracks with ease. This amplifier employs Class AB amplification technology, which combines the benefits of both Class A and Class B amplifiers, resulting in low distortion, high efficiency, and a very clean sound.

The RPA-1 is equipped with a high-quality, custom-designed power supply, which features a large toroidal transformer and multiple large filter capacitors. This design ensures that there is ample power for transient peaks in the audio signal, leading to improved dynamics and headroom. The amplifier also includes a sophisticated protection circuit to prevent damage from short circuits or overheating, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Another characteristic of the Emotiva RPA-1 is its exceptional build quality. The chassis is constructed from heavy-duty steel, providing a solid and stable foundation that minimizes resonances. The sleek, modern design features a brushed aluminum front panel with easy-to-read indicators, creating an aesthetically pleasing addition to any audio setup.

In terms of connectivity, the RPA-1 features multiple RCA inputs for connecting to various audio sources, as well as binding post outputs for speaker connections. This versatility allows users to integrate the amplifier into a wide range of systems, from stereo setups to multi-channel home theaters.

Overall, the Emotiva RPA-1 is a powerful, reliable, and versatile amplifier that delivers exceptional audio performance. Its combination of high power output, robust build quality, and advanced technologies makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Whether you are listening to music or watching movies, the RPA-1 is sure to provide an immersive and satisfying audio experience.
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