Rotel RA-972 owner manual Preamp Outputs, Speaker Outputs Speaker Selector Switch

Auxiliary Power Outputs (U.S.A. version)

The RA-972 has a switched outlet on the back panel. Power is available from this outlet when the RA-972 is turned on. The outlet can pro- vide up to 400 watts. It is appropriate for sup- plying power to a signal source, such as a CD player, tuner, or tape deck. It should not be used for power amplifiers. Connecting a component that will draw more than 400 watts from this output could damage the Power Standby switch in the RA-972.

12 Volt Trigger Outlet

Some audio components can be turned on automatically when they receive a 12V turn on “signal”. The 12V Trigger Output of RA-972 provides the required signal. Connect the com- patible components to the RA-972 with a conventional 1/8” miniplug cable.

Input Signal Connections

[See Figure 2 for input connection il- lustration.]

The RA-972 has conventional RCA type in- put connectors, the type found on nearly all audio equipment.

Note: To prevent loud noises that neither you nor your speakers will appreciate, make sure the system is turned off when you make any signal connections.

All the inputs of the RA-972 are “line level’ inputs. These are appropriate for connecting components such as CD players, Hi Fi or NICAM Stereo video cassette recorders, tuners for audio or video, Laser Disc players or the analog output from a CD ROM drive. If you want to use a phonograph with the RA-972, an external phono equalizer, such as the Rotel RQ-970BX must be used.

The Left and Right channels are clearly labeled and should be connected to the correspond- ing channels of the source component. The Left RCA connectors are white, the Right con- nectors are red. Use high quality RCA cables for connecting input source components to the RA-972 . Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about cables.

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Recorder Connections

[See Figure 2 for recorder connection illustration.]

The Tape 1 and Tape 2 inputs and outputs can be connected to any record/playback device that accepts standard line level analog input and output signals. Typically that will be a con- ventional tape recorder.

When connecting a recorder to the RA-972 remember that the outputs of the recorder must be connected to the tape inputs of the RA-972. Similarly the tape outputs of the RA-972 must be connected to the inputs of the recorder. As with other sources be sure to connect the Left and Right channels of each device to the proper channels on the associated components. Use high quality connecting cables to prevent loss of sound quality.

Preamp Outputs

The RA-972 has a set of preamp outputs. The signal from the source selected with the Lis- tening Selector is always available from these outputs. Typically these outputs are used to provide a signal to another integrated am- plifier or power amplifier, which is used to drive remote speakers

Speaker Outputs Speaker Selector Switch

[See Figure 2 for speaker connec- tion illustration.]

The RA-972 has two sets of speaker outputs, labeled “A” and “B” . The speaker out- puts are controlled by the switch on the front panel.

English

Speaker Selection

If only one set of speakers will be used at any given time, the speakers may have an imped- ance as low as 4 ohms. If there are times when both the A and B speakers will be used, all the speakers should have an impedance of 8 ohms or more. Speaker impedance ratings are less than precise. In practice, very few loud- speakers will present any problems for the RA-972. See your authorized Rotel dealer if you have any questions.

Speaker Wire Selection

Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the RA-972 to the speakers. The size and quality of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance of the system. Stan- dard speaker wire will work, but can result in lower output or diminished bass response, particularly over longer distances. In general, heavier wire will improve the sound. For best performance, you may want to consider spe- cial high-quality speaker cables. Your autho- rized Rotel dealer can help in the selection of cables for your system.

Polarity and Phasing

The polarity – the positive/negative orienta- tion of the connections – for every speaker and amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will be in phase. If the po- larity of one connection is reversed, bass output will be very weak and stereo imaging de- graded. All wire is marked so you can iden- tify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation of one conductor. The wire may have clear insulation with dif- ferent color conductors (copper and silver). There may be polarity indications printed on the insulation. Identify the positive and negative conductors and be consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.

Speaker Connection

Turn off all the components in the system be- fore connecting the speakers. The RA-972 has color-coded binding post type speaker connec- tors on the back panel (except in European Com- munity countries where their use is not permit- ted). These connectors accept bare wire, con- nector lugs, or dual banana type connectors.