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INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE
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Systems Integration Amplifier
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B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE
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CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for purchasing the Niles SI-245, one of the most flexible and conve- nient amplifiers ever offered. Like all Niles products, the SI-245 is built to the highest standards of quality control and reliability. With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use. Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation compo- nents and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full line catalog write: Niles, Catalog Reque
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INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The SI-245 is a member of the award-winning Niles Systems Integration Amplifier family. It is designed for use in home theaters and whole house audio systems, and is especially suited for use as a “zone” amplifier. Niles specifically designs Systems Integration Amplifiers to solve the problems installers face when inte- grating different brands and models of equipment into various acoustic environ- ments in home theater, stereo, and background music applications. The SI
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FEATURES AND BENEFITS FEATURES AND BENEFITS Real World Power The SI-245 delivers 45 watts per channel at 8 Ohms and 70 watts per channel at 4 Ohms. You’ll get tremendous bass and dynamics from every pair of speakers powered by an SI-245. Transparent Sound The audio circuitry of the SI-245 is constructed using the finest parts available; including 1% metal film resistors, high quality capacitors, and oversized heat sinks. All this attention to technical detail creates a sound that is clear and
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FEATURES AND BENEFITS Turn-On Modes The SI-245 features three turn-on modes: 1. Music Sense 2. External Voltage Trigger 3. Manual Turn-On via the front panel switch. You can configure the SI-245 to inter- face with any kind of system and have the unit automatically turn on. Automatic Protection The SI-245 is equipped with sophisticated protection circuits. In the unlikely event that a problem occurs, the amplifier shuts itself off. When conditions return to nor- mal, regular operation resumes.
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Placement Place the SI-245 on a flat level surface like a table or shelf. It should be placed upright so that its weight rests on the four attached feet. Placing the weight of the amplifier on the rear or front panel for even an instant may result in damage to the amplifier's connectors and controls. The SI-245, like any hi-fi component, will last much longer if it is given adequate ventilation for proper cooling. When installing the SI-2
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Turn-On Modes The SI-245 draws more current than a preamplifier’s switched AC outlet can safe- ly supply. Also, your preamplifier may "thump" at dangerous volumes if the amplifier is already on when the preamp turns on. It is usually best to turn the amplifier on only when it is needed. The Turn-On Mode selector switch gives you three options for turning the SI-245 on and off. Constant - The auto turn-on circuitry is off. The front panel master power switch operates
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Multiple Speaker Loads The SI-245 is stable into very low impedance loads. This means you can safely operate three pairs of 8 ohm speakers (a 2.67 ohm load) directly connected to the SI-245. Note that the SI-245 does not have on/off speaker switching built in. When the amplifier is on, so are all of the speakers. Niles makes a number of different speaker selection and impedance matching systems. Speaker selection systems allow each pair of speakers to be turned on and
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INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS Cable and Wire It will be easier to reconfigure or troubleshoot your system in the future if you label the cables and wires for their destination or source, rather than which ter- minal of the SI-245 they are connected to. The SI-245 connects to your preamp source via shielded line level audio cables with RCA phono plugs. Use high quality cables with your Niles amplifier for the lowest possible noise and best overall performance. Your Niles dealer can rec- ommend the
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FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS Red “Power” LED confirms the amplifier is Green “Active” LED lights when the connected to a live AC power outlet. (and amplifier circuitry has been turned on by that the master power switch is on). the Turn-On circuits. Front panel “Master Power” switch turns The red “Protect” LED indicates the amp has shut off the entire amplifier, including the down because there is a fault in a speaker, the wiring, or with the SI-245 itself. Turn-On circuitry. Main Inputs enable y
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FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS Level Adjustment screws enable you to preset the maximum system volume (or match levels with another amplifier). Binding posts for speaker IEC receptacle for AC connections. power cord. 10
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INSTALLATION INSTALLATION 9 Setting The Turn-On Mode Switch 13 Cascade Audio Outputs 9 Control Output 14 AC Power plug 10 Speaker Wire Connections 17 Rail Fuse Holders 13 Line Level Audio Inputs Setting the Turn-On Mode Switch The SI-245 has three turn-on modes. Select the mode you wish to use by sliding the mode switch. See Installation Considerations on page 6 for more information about each of the turn-on modes. Slide the switch with your fingernail or a 1/8” slotted screwdriver
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INSTALLATION Speaker Wire Connections CAUTION! All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier Off. Bare Wire Banana Plugs Unscrew the red or There are many types black plastic knob, of banana plugs, some insert the bare wire crimp, some solder. end into the opening, The Niles gold banana and then tighten the plug has a quick-con- knob until the wire is nect binding post for securely clamped. the bare wire on the body of the plug. A banana plug is simply inserted into the jack at
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INSTALLATION Line Level Audio Input CAUTION! THE AMPLIFIER MUST BE OFF WHENEVER YOU MAKE CHANGES TO THE INPUT CONNECTIONS. STEP DESCRIPTION 1. Label all of the interconnecting Use audio patch cables with RCA phono cables for the sources they connect to. plugs attached to the ends. 2. Connect the sources by inserting the Connect outputs from your sources to RCA plugs into the amplifier’s jacks. inputs on the amplifier. Never connect a source or preamplifier’s input (e.g., record inputs) to the
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INSTALLATION AC Power Plug STEP DESCRIPTION Plug the female IEC socket of the sup- Just like a computer or printer, the SI-245 plied AC cord into the IEC receptacle has an AC cord which unplugs either at the on the rear of the amplifier. amp or at the wall for your convenience. If you use a grounded power strip, surge Plug the 2 prong plug into a correctly suppressor or extension cord, verify that grounded 120V 60 Hz wall outlet. proper ground is maintained. The SI-245 draws a maximum of approx
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OPERATION OPERATION Power Switch The front panel switch is a master or "vacation" power switch. No matter which turn-on mode you have selected, the master power switch will turn off all cir- cuitry—including the sensing circuitry. If you will not be using the amplifier for an extended period of time, turn the master power switch "Off" (push button switch out). When you would like to return to normal operation, turn the switch "On" (push button switch in). Power LED The power LED indicates that
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE When there is a problem consult this guide first. If the problem persists, or you have additional questions, call your local Niles dealer or Niles Technical Support at 1-800-289-4434. The most common problems relate to hook up. Call from your telephone extension nearest the system. POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE SYMPTOM No sound on one channel Short circuit or loose wire at the speaker or amplifi- er terminals. Check that the connections are secu
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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (continued) POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE SYMPTOM Check for faulty cables, faulty source material, an Hum from the speakers ungrounded phono system or a defective component. Amp will not turn on AC power cord must be plugged into a working outlet. Master power switch must be on. Bass sound is weak and The loudspeakers are wired out of phase. Reverse the stereo image is the connections at the back of one speaker. "phasey" or "blurry" sounding in on
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SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS Design Principle Linear voltage/current amplification. Continuous Average Power Output 45 watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms. 70 watts per channel RMS at 4 ohms. Input Impedance 22K ohms Input Sensitivity .77V for 8Ω rated output Overall Voltage Gain 28 dB Frequency Response Bandwidth Limited from 10 Hz to 100 kHz Total Harmonic Distortion 8 Ohms .05% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ full rated power 4 Ohms .06% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz @ full rated power Overall Dimensions
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Niles Audio Corporation www.nilesaudio.com 12331 S.W. 130 Street Miami, Florida 33186 ©1998 Niles Audio Corporation. Because Niles strives to continuously improve its Tel: (305) 238-4373 products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice. Fax: (305) 238-0185 Niles and the Niles logo are registered trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Systems Integration Amplifier and BusMatrix are trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Printed in the USA 12/98 DS00241A
