Rotel RB-1091 Speaker Selection, Speaker Wire Selection, Polarity and Phasing, Speaker Connection

Speaker Connection

See Figure 2

The RB-1091 has two sets of dual binding post speaker connection terminals. In addition there is a four-contact Speakon® connector. Some speakers also have Speakon® connectors which make it easy to connect the speakers by simply plugging in wires that are terminated with Speakon® plugs. Even if your speakers do not have Speakon® connectors you can still use speaker wires that have Speakon® plugs on one end.

Speaker Selection

The nominal impedance of the loudspeaker(s) connected to the RB-1091 should be no lower than 4 ohms.

Speaker Wire Selection

Use insulated two-conductor stranded wire to connect the RB-1091 to the speakers. The size and quality of the wire can have an audible ef- fect 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 dif- ferent color conductors (copper and silver). There may be polarity indications printed on the insulation. Identify the positive and nega- tive conductors and be consistent with every speaker and amplifier connection.

If you are using Speakon® plugs be sure the wires are connected to the proper terminals on the plug.

7

Conventional Speaker Wire Connections 5

The RB-1091 has two sets of color coded terminals. Having two sets of terminals makes it easy to biwire a speaker. The speaker terminals accept bare wire, connector lugs, or “banana” type connectors (except in the European Community countries where their use is not permitted).

Route the wire(s) from the RB-1091 to the speakers. Give yourself enough slack so you can move the components to allow access to the speaker connectors.

If you are using banana plugs, connect them to the wires and then plug into the backs of the speaker connectors. When using banana plugs, the collars of the binding post terminals 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 speaker connectors, 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 counterclockwise) the binding post collar. Place the connector lug around the shaft, or insert the bundled wire into the hole in the shaft. Turn the collars 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.

Speakon® Speaker

Connection 6

The RB-1091 has a four-contact Speakon® speaker connector. The four contact connectors make it easy to make biwire speaker connec- tions. The connector on the RB-1091 also ac- cepts two contact Speakon® connectors if you do not plan to biwire the speakers.

Pre-wired Speakon® connector cables are available. You may also wire your own cables using wire you choose.

English

Wiring Speakon® Connectors

This information describes how to wire the NL4FC four-contact Speakon® connector. The NL2FC two-contact connector is connected in a similar way. See the instruction sheet that comes with the connector for more in- formation, or go the manufacturer’s web site, www.neutrik.com.

Place the bushing and chuck on the cable as

shown before attaching �������

the wires to the terminals on the insert.

Remove the outer jacket	�����
of the wire and strip the
insulation from the wires
as shown. Twist the wire
strands together and insert
it into the terminal. Tighten	������
the terminal screw with a
screw driver or a 1/16”
allen wrench to clamp the
cable wire in place.
The insert terminals are	�������
labeled 1+, 1–, 2+ and
2–. Connect the wires to
the terminals of the con-
nector insert for the other
end of the cable before you
assemble the connectors so
you can be sure that each
wire is connected to the
corresponding terminal on
each insert.

Push the insert all the way into the housing. Slide the chuck down the wire into place behind the insert. Thread the bushing onto the housing and tighten it so the chuck clamps the cable in place.