RB-1050Stereo Power Amplifier

Input Signal Connections

See Figure 2

The RB-1050 has conventional RCA type input connectors, the type found on nearly all audio equipment.

NOTE: To prevent loud potentially damaging noises, make sure the amplifier is turned off when you make any changes to the input signal configuration.

Select high quality audio interconnect cables. Connect each of the outputs from the pream- plifier or signal processor to the corresponding input of the RB-1050. Typically the left channel signal is connected to Channel 1 and the right channel signal is connected to Channel 2.

Front Panel Level Controls

The Level controls on the front panel let you control the output volume of the RB-1050. In most systems these controls should be turned up all the way (full clockwise position). In some situations, such as when the amplifier is part of a multi-room or bi-amplified speaker sys- tem, it may be necessary to reduce the output level. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to turn the controls down (counterclockwise) as needed.

Turning down the level does not reduce the maximum output of the amplifier. It simply increases the input signal required to achieve maximum output power.

“Signal Output Link” Connectors

The input signal that is goes into the normal Inputs also goes to the Signal Output Link connectors. This is typically used when the amplifier is part of a multi-room system. The signal from the Signal Output Link is then used to provide a signal to the other amplifiers in the system.

6

Speaker Connection

Speaker Selection

We recommend using loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms or higher with the RB-1050. You should exercise some caution in driving multiple pairs of speakers in parallel configuration, because the effective impedance the amplifier sees is cut in half. For example, when driving two pair of 8 ohm speakers, the amplifier sees a 4 ohm load. When driving multiple speakers in parallel, it is recommended that you select speakers with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms or higher. Speaker impedance ratings are less than precise. In practice, very few loudspeakers will present any problems for the RB-1050. See your authorized Rotel dealer if you have any questions.

Speaker Wire Selection

Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the RB-1050 to the speakers. The size and quality of the wire can have an audible effect on the performance of the system. Standard 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 special high-quality speaker cables. Your authorized Rotel dealer can help in the selection of appropriate cables for your system.

Polarity and Phasing

The polarity — the positive/negative orientation of the connections — for every speaker and amplifier connection must be consistent so all the speakers will be in phase. If the polarity of one connection is mistakenly reversed, bass output will be very weak and stereo imaging degraded. All wire is marked so you can identify the two conductors. There may be ribs or a stripe on the insulation of one conductor. The wire may have clear insulation with different 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

The RB-1050 has two pairs of color coded binding posts on the back panel. These connectors accept bare wire, connector lugs, or dual banana type connectors (except in the European Community countries where their use is not permitted).

Route the wire from the RB-1050 to the speak- ers. Give yourself enough slack so you can move the components enough to allow access to the speaker connectors.

If you are using dual banana plugs, connect them to the wires and then plug into the backs of the binding posts. The hexagonal thumbscrews of the binding posts should be screwed in all the way (clockwise).

If you are using terminal lugs, connect them to the wires. If you are attaching bare wires directly to the binding posts, separate the wire conductors and strip back the insulation from the end of each conductor. Be careful not to cut into the wire strands. Unscrew (turn coun- terclockwise) the binding post hexagonal thumbscrews. Place the connector lug or wire around the binding post shaft. Turn the hexagonal thumbscrews clockwise to clamp the connector lug or wire firmly in place.

NOTE: Be sure there are no loose wire strands that could touch adjacent wires or connectors.