Simaudio AURORA Connecting the Aurora, XLR connector without and with jumper accessory

MOON Aurora Multi-Channel Power Amplifier

Connecting the Aurora

1.Connect the input cables, whether balanced or single-ended to the XLR or RCA inputs respectively of each channel you want to use. Needless to say, the signal on the input labeled “1” will be amplified and available to the output labeled “SPEAKER 1”, the signal on the input labeled “2” will be amplified and available to the output labeled “SPEAKER 2” and so on. All channels in the MOON Aurora Multi-Channel power amplifier are identical.

In the event that you’re using the balanced XLR inputs, you must first remove the factory installed “dummy” XLR jumpers (see figure 2 below) from the back panel XLR connectors and store them in a safe place. These jumpers are required ONLY when using the single-ended RCA inputs. In the event that you decide to switch to single-ended input mode, you must reinstall the XLR jumpers (between pins 1 and 3) exactly as show below:

Figure 2: XLR connector without and with jumper accessory

Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables; Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system. It is recommended, though not mandatory, to use balanced interconnects between your preamplifier/processor and the Aurora Multi-Channel power amplifier, especially when using long cable runs (i.e. more than 3 meters in length). Here’s a brief explanation describing the advantages of balanced cable runs:

When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an AC power cord) will be reproduced by the amplifier and heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate conductors; one for the ground and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with the other. For example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +5 Volts, the other will be carrying a signal of –5 Volts. When these two inverted signals on a balanced line are input into a differential power amplifier such as the MOON Aurora Multi-Channel power amplifier, any noise picked up by the interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two signals: Noise on a balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore not be processed.

The gain in each channel is the same among all balanced inputs and among all unbalanced inputs, but NOT the same among balanced and unbalanced inputs. Keep this in mind when level matching, if you are using a combination of both types of inputs.

2.Connect your speakers, with the cables of your choice, to the Aurora’s speaker binding posts. Take care to respect the polarity (+ , - ) of the output. Once again, don’t hesitate to use high quality speaker cables. Poor quality speaker cables can degrade the overall sonic performance of your system.

3.Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle. Alternatively, if you wish, you may use a dedicated high performance AC cable designed for high current applications. Ensure that the AC wall outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your Aurora directly into a dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord. If you have the time and willingness, consider installing a superior quality AC wall outlet such as a hospital grade Hubbell.

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Connecting the Aurora 6