Rotel RA-04 Audio Controls, Troubleshooting, Protection Indicator, Volume Control, No Sound

RA-04Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Audio Controls

Volume Control 0

Turn the controls clockwise to increase the volume, or counterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Balance Control -

The Balance Control adjusts the left-to-right balance of the sound output. Normally the control should be left in the center position. In some situations, typically when the main listening position is not ideally centered be- tween the speakers, it may be necessary to adjust the control to achieve proper left-to-right balance. Turning the control counter-clockwise shifts the sound balance to the left. Turning the control clockwise shifts the sound balance to the right.

Tone On/Off Switch 9

When the Tone Switch is in the Off position the Bass and Treble Control (Tone Control) circuits are bypassed to ensure the purest possible sound. Leave the Tone Switch in the Off posi- tion unless you want to use the Tone Controls. Turn the Tone Switch to the On position if you want to adjust the Tone Controls.

Bass and Treble Controls 78

When the Tone Switch is in the On position, turning the Bass and Treble Controls adjusts the tone balance of the sound. Turn the Controls clockwise to increase the bass or treble output. Turn the Controls counterclockwise to decrease the bass or treble output.

Aproperly set up high-performance audio system produces the most natural sound with little or no adjustment of the tone controls. Use these controls sparingly. Be particularly careful when turning the controls up (clockwise). This increases the power output in the bass or treble range, increasing the load on the amplifi er and speakers.

Function Control q

The Function control selects the input signal source. The signal selected by the Function control is the one you hear, as long as the Monitor control is set to the Source postion. (See the following section.) The signal selected by the Function control also goes to Preamp Outputs and the Tape Outputs. Turn the front panel Listening Selector to the source you want to listen to.

8

Monitor Control =

When the Monitor Control is set to the Source position, the signal you hear, and which goes to the Preamp Outputs, is selected by the Function Control. To listen to the signal from a recorder connected to the Tape Inputs, set the Monitor Control to the Tape position. When the Monitor Control is in the Tape position, the signal from the Tape Input also goes to the Preamp Outputs.

The signal that goes to the Tape Output is always selected by the Function Control. When you are recording with a unit that has monitoring capabilities, you can listen to the sound just recorded by setting the Monitor Control to the Tape position.

Protection Indicator 3

The RA-04 has both thermal and over-current protection circuitry that protects the amplifier against damage in the event of extreme or faulty operating conditions. The protection circuits are independent of the audio signal and have no impact on sonic performance. Instead, the protection circuits monitor the temperature of the output devices and shut down the amplifier if temperatures exceed safe limits.

Most likely, you will never see this protection circuitry in action. However, should a faulty condition arise, the amplifier will stop play- ing and the LED indicator on the front panel will light up.

If this happens, turn the amplifi er off. Let it cool down for several minutes, and attempt to identify and correct the problem that caused the protection circuitry to engage. When you turn the amplifier back on, the protection circuit will automatically reset and the indicator LED should go out.

In most cases, the protection circuitry activates because of a fault condition such as shorted speaker wires, or inadequate ventilation lead- ing to an overheating condition. In very rare cases, highly reactive or extremely low imped- ance speaker loads could cause the protection circuit to engage.

If the protection circuitry triggers repeatedly and you are unable to isolate and correct the faulty condition, contact your authorized Rotel dealer for assistance in troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting

Most difficulties in audio systems are the result of incorrect connections, or improper control settings. If you encounter problems, isolate the area of the difficulty, check the control settings, determine the cause of the fault and make the necessary changes. If you are unable to get sound from the RA-04 refer to the suggestions for the following conditions:

Power Indicator Is Not Lit

The Power Indicator should be lit whenever the RA-04 is plugged into the wall power outlet and the Power Switch is pushed in. If it does not light, test the power outlet with another electrical device, such as a lamp. Be sure the power outlet being used is not controlled by a switch that has been turned off.

Fuse Replacement

If another electrical device works when plugged into the power outlet, but the Power Indicator of the RA-04 does not light when plugged into the same outlet and the Power Switch is pushed in, it indicates that the internal power fuse may have blown. If you believe this has happened, contact your authorized Rotel dealer to get the fuse replaced.

No Sound

Check the signal source to see if it is function- ing properly. Make sure the cables from the signal source to the RA-04 inputs are connected properly. Be sure the Listening Selector is set to the proper input. Check the wiring between the RA-04 and the speakers.