Parasound 2125 V.2 R Right and L Left Level Knobs, Front Panel Speaker Selector Lockout Switch

R (Right) and L (Left) Level Knobs

To increase the listening level for each channel, turn its Level knob clockwise. To decrease the listening level turn it counter-clockwise. The 2125 has a total gain of 28 dB so that its volume levels are compatible with other channels in your theater if they are driven by a THX-certified amplifier, up to the point where the THX-certified amplifier might play a bit louder because of its higher power output.

Note: You may wish to experiment with different gain settings on your preamp or surround controller and on the Model 2125 v.2 to find a combination of gain settings where your system’s background noise is lowest. Sound professionals call these adjustments ―gain staging.‖

Note: Only the R channel Level knob is used for bridged mono operation.

Front Panel Speaker Selector Lockout Switch

When this switch is set to Normal, the front panel A and B buttons determine whether speaker output terminals A and B are live. When this switch is set to Lockout, the front panel A and B buttons are disabled and speakers A and B will always be on. This can be particularly useful for a professional audio installer who never intends for the client to use the front panel buttons.

Bridged Mono Switch

Bridged operation configures the Left and Right channels to function as a single higher powered amplifier channel to drive a single speaker. This is how two Model 2125 v.2 amps are used as monoblocks to power a pair of speakers. It’s also effective for powering a single passive subwoofer. Please note that in bridged mono operation the minimum speaker impedance is 8 Ohms (if the load switch is set to 4-8Ω). With the Speaker Load switch set to the 2-3Ω position it is possible to drive two 8Ω speakers or a single 4Ω speaker. For more information please see the section on Bridged Mono Operation in this manual.

Note: The Model 2125 v.2 power should always be turned off before moving this switch.

Note: If two speakers are attached for normal stereo operation the sound will be faint and very distorted if you accidentally leave the Bridged Mono switch in its Mono position.

High Pass Filter Switch

The High Pass Filter can improve the sound in many installations. It’s called a ―high pass‖ filter because depending on the switch position it permits signals higher than 20 Hz or 40 Hz to pass, while preventing signals below these frequencies from passing.

•The Flat setting of this switch disconnects the filter and the 2125 v.2’s frequency response is full range (flat).

•The 20 Hz setting filters out frequencies below 20 Hz at 18 dB per octave. Your speakers have greater dynamic range and far less distortion when they don’t receive frequencies which are lower than they are capable of reproducing. The 2125 v.2 operates more efficiently when it’s not called upon to amplify very low frequencies so you’ll have more power in the range the speaker is capable of reproducing. Because the 20 Hz filter also has a steep 18 dB per octave slope, it is essentially a sub-sonic filter, and you probably won’t notice any loss of low bass unless you’re using very large speakers.

•The 40 Hz switch position filters bass below 40 Hz at 18 dB per octave. This is ideal when the 2125 v.2 is driving in-wall or in-ceiling speakers because most of them have little useful bass output below 40 Hz. You’ll enjoy much cleaner sound and higher undistorted volume levels. Not having to amplify bass that’s inaudible with your speakers is another way the 2125 v.2 will run cooler.

Note: Most wall mounted speaker volume controls use stepped autoformers whose highly reactive loads occasionally cause amplifier distress and malfunction. The 20 Hz or 40 Hz filter settings enable the 2125 v.2 to drive them with ease.

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