Samson S2000, S1500 owner manual Bridged and Parallel Modes

Bridged and Parallel Modes

The S1500 / S2000 provides a rear-panel switch that allows it to be used in either a Bridged or Parallel mode. When this switch is placed in the “STEREO” (center) position, the S1500 / S2000 functions as a true stereo amplifier, where both of the two independent amplifier channels (Channel 1 and Channel 2) can receive different input signals and produce independent output signals. However, when the switch is placed in the “BRIDGED” (left) position, the Channel 1 inputs signal is routed to both power amplifiers bridged together, producing a single output signal with a true 1500 watt output into a single 8 ohm channel (in the case of the S1500) or a true 2000 watt output into a single 8 ohm channel (in the case of the S2000).

WARNING: Bridged mode is to be used only when the S1500 / S2000 is connected to an 8 ohm speaker load. Use of Bridged mode with speaker loads of 4 ohms or less can result in severe damage to the unit due to excessive heat and current limiting and will void your warranty!

BRIDGED PARALLEL

STEREO

Bridged Mode

The illustration on the right shows how this works. In Bridged mode, the polarity (phase) of the Channel 2 output signal is reversed relative to that of the Channel 1 output signal. Both channels then process the same input signal, with the speaker load connected so that power is derived from both channels. The effective voltage swing seen by the load is thus doubled, so that the power output is doubled.

When using the S1500 / S2000 in Bridged mode, be sure to connect your loudspeaker as shown in the illustrations on page 9 (and as silkscreened on the rear panel), with the red (+) terminal of the Channel 2 output connected to the negative input of the speaker and the red (+) terminal of the Channel 1 output connected to the positive input of the speaker. Do not use the black ground (-) output terminal of either channel (the speaker load must “float” away from the amplifier chassis).

When the rear panel switch is placed in the right “PARALLEL” position, the S1500 / S2000 operates in a unique Parallel mode. In this mode, only the signal present at the Channel 1 input is used (and only the Channel 1 input control is functional). This signal is then routed to both the Channel 1 and Channel 2 power amplifiers, thus producing a dual mono output, with 750 watts per channel into 4 ohms (in the case of the S1500) or 1000 watts per channel into 4 ohms (in the case of the S2000).

See pages 8 - 9 in this manual for interconnection diagrams when using the S1500 / S2000 in Bridged or Parallel modes

INPUT

CHANNEL 1(+) OUTPUT

CHANNEL 2(+) OUTPUT

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