Pioneer Stereo Amplifier SI 245 User Manual

I N S T A L L A T I O N  
&
O P E R A T I O N G U I D E  
®
Systems Integration Amplifier  
230 VOLT 50Hz Export Version  
®
B L E N D I N G H I G H F I D E L I T Y A N D A R C H I T E C T U R E ®  
 
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 Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
INTRODUCTION  
2
3
FEATURES AND BENEFITS  
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS  
FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS  
INSTALLATION  
5
9
11  
15  
16  
18  
OPERATION  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
SPECIFICATIONS  
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an  
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the  
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the  
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude  
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.  
CAUTION  
CAUTION: TO REDUCE  
THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL  
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE  
COVER. NO USER-SERVICE-  
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER  
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED  
SERVICE PERSONNEL.  
The exclamation point within an equivalent triangle is  
intended to alert the user to the presence of important  
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the  
literature accompanying the appliance.  
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT  
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE  
DANS LA BOURNE CORRESONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND  
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR  
MOISTURE  
 
1
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 uncolored with  
phenomenal imaging.  
Freedom From Crosstalk  
Each channel of the SI-245 is powered via its own independent power supply. This  
increases the isolation between the two channels, and minimizes cross talk guaran-  
teeing you absolute silence as the backdrop to your music.  
Current For Reactive Loads  
The high current design of the SI-245 assures that even unusual and reactive loads are  
handled with aplomb (a massive toroidal transformer with two separate windings, one  
for each of the independent power supplies, provides more than ample current  
to your system).  
Freedom from Fan Noise  
The oversized heat sinks inside the SI-245 allow the amplifier to stay cool even when  
operating into low impedance loads—without the noise of fan-cooled amplifiers.  
Independent Level Controls  
Each channel has its own independent level control enabling you to precisely  
match the SI-245 to the rest of your system. The level controls also enable you to  
limit the volume, preventing abuse of the system.  
Lifetime Connections  
The SI-245 features stereo inputs, cascade stereo outputs, and five-way binding  
posts which are all gold plated to ensure perfect connections without corrosion for  
years to come.  
 
3
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.  
Status Display for Troubleshooting  
LED's on the front panel indicate Power, Active Status, and a Protection Warning.  
With a glance at the front panel, a troubleshooter is quickly provided with key infor-  
mation!  
Control Output  
A 12 volt DC output is provided whenever the amplifier is on, allowing you to  
operate voltage-triggered devices like motorized screens and curtains.  
Designed and Engineered in the USA  
Limited two year parts and labor Warranty.  
 
4
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-245 in a cabinet, be sure  
that the rear of the cabinet is open to fresh air to provide proper cooling (see  
Figure 1). If the cabinet’s design will not accommodate an open rear, install two  
small “boxer fans” to provide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet (see  
Figure 2). Place the SI-245 so that there is at least 5" of free air space above the  
chassis. If the amplifier is located on a carpeted surface, place a board under the  
amplifier's feet. Do not block the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the  
SI-245.  
The SI-245 is equipped with an internal transformer, which generates a powerful  
magnetic field which could induce hum in a turntable (particularly a turntable  
equipped with a moving coil cartridge). Do not place a turntable directly above  
or directly adjacent to the SI-245.  
Figure 1  
Figure 2  
If the cabinet rear is not open to  
fresh air, install two small “boxer  
fans” (55cfm fan) to provide  
continuous air flow into and  
out of the cabinet.  
Make sure that there is a minimum  
of 5” of free air space above the  
amplifier for proper ventilation.  
Allow a minimum of 5” of  
depth behind unit to accom-  
modate cables and connectors.  
 
5
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 the amplifier. In is "On", out is "Off".  
Audio Sense - The master switch on the front panel must be in the "On" position.  
The amplifier is off when there is no audio signal present at either the left or the  
right input, but the sensing circuitry is on. The turn-on sensing circuitry looks for  
a tiny amount of audio signal present at any of the audio inputs. If it detects a sig-  
nal, the amplifier is turned on. Once the audio signal stops, the sensing circuit  
waits three minutes, then turns the amplifier off.  
3-30 Volt AC/DC Opto-Isolated Voltage Trigger - The master switch on the front panel  
must be in the "On" position. The amplifier is off when there is no 3-30V AC or DC volt-  
age detected at the trigger input. Once the sensing circuitry detects a voltage and a line-  
level audio signal is detected at the input, the amplifier is turned on. Once the voltage  
stops, the sensing circuit instantly turns the amplifier off. Voltage triggers can be sup-  
plied by Niles automated switchers, some video projectors, some surround sound  
processors, or something as simple as a 16 volt AC wall adapter (Niles XF00008) plugged  
into the switched outlet of your stereo receiver. DO NOT USE A DC WALL ADAPTER.  
The long discharge time of the DC adapter’s filter capacitor will delay the turn-off of the  
amplifier.  
If you are using a wall adapter or external power supply to provide the trigger, it  
doesn't have to be very large (a minimum current capability of 2.5 milliamps for a  
3 volt trigger increasing up to a minimum of 38 milliamps for a 30 volt trigger).  
 
6
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 off from your  
equipment location (or even via remote control). That way, you know that the speak-  
ers in the bedroom are off so you can avoid waking a sleeping spouse! These speak-  
er selectors provide an easy way to terminate all of the wires for more than three pairs.  
Testing and troubleshooting a new system is much easier with the individual room  
labels and on/off switches of a Niles speaker selection system. Additionally, Niles  
speaker selection systems offer impedance matching features which will allow you to  
connect up to ten pairs of speakers to your SI-245 amplifier.  
Niles SI-245  
Niles HPS-6 Speaker Selection System  
Speaker selection systems allow each pair of speakers to be turned on and off from your  
equipment location.  
 
7
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 proper cable.  
The SI-245 connects to your speakers using 2 conductor speaker wire. For most  
applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs longer  
than 80 feet, we recommend 14 gauge wire. The binding posts of the  
SI-245 will accommodate up to 12 gauge wire. Larger sizes can be accommodated  
by attaching banana plugs to the wire. Note that the binding posts accept dual  
banana or single banana connectors.  
TECH TIP  
Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American  
Wire Gauge) number.The lower the number, the  
larger the wire, i.e. twelve AWG is physically larg-  
er than fourteen AWG.  
 
8
Red “Power” LED confirms the amplifier is  
connected to a live AC power outlet. (and  
that the master power switch is on).  
Green “Active” LED lights when the  
amplifier circuitry has been turned on by  
the Turn-On circuits.  
Front panel “Master Power” switch turns  
off the entire amplifier, including the  
Turn-On circuitry.  
The red “Protect” LED indicates the amp has shut  
down because there is a fault in a speaker, the  
wiring, or with the SI-245 itself.  
Main Inputs enable you to route a stereo  
line level source to the SI-245.  
Cascade Outputs of the Main Input enable  
you to daisy chain multiple amplifiers.  
"Turn-On Mode" switch  
3.5mm Mini Plug socket  
for voltage input.  
3.5mm Mini Plug socket for  
12v DC Control output.  
 
9
Level Adjustment screws enable you to preset  
the maximum system volume (or match levels  
with another amplifier).  
NOTE: AC receptacle  
must be easily accessible.  
Binding posts for speaker  
connections.  
IEC receptacle for AC  
power cord.  
 
10  
INSTALLATION  
9
9
Setting The Turn-On Mode Switch  
Control Output  
13 Cascade Audio Outputs  
14 AC Power plug  
10 Speaker Wire Connections  
13 Line Level Audio Inputs  
17 Rail Fuse Holders  
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 blade.  
Control Output  
This terminal provides a 12v DC signal suit-  
able for triggering Niles automated switchers,  
some motorized screens, some electric curtain  
Using the  
3.5mm jack.  
controls, etc. The trigger voltage is present  
only when the amplifier is active or "on".  
When the amplifier turns "off", the 12 volt sig-  
nal is off.  
STEP  
DESCRIPTION  
1. Check the requirements of the device  
you want to control.  
The control output has a maximum  
current capability of 12vDC 150 mA.  
2. Connect the 3.5mm Jack to the  
control output maintaining proper  
polarity (tip = +)  
Niles makes an accessory cable  
plug FG00724.  
 
11  
Speaker Wire Connections  
CAUTION! All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier Off.  
Bare Wire  
Banana Plugs  
Unscrew the red or  
black plastic knob,  
insert the bare wire  
end into the opening,  
and then tighten the  
knob until the wire is  
securely clamped.  
There are many types  
of banana plugs, some  
crimp, some solder.  
The Niles gold banana  
plug has a quick-con-  
nect binding post for  
the bare wire on the  
body of the plug. A  
banana plug is simply  
inserted into the jack  
at the end of the ampli-  
fier’s binding post.  
Dual banana plugs  
will fit the SI-245 bind-  
ing posts.  
STEP  
DESCRIPTION  
1. Label all wires.  
If you label the wires for their destination,  
rather than which terminal of the SI-245 they  
are connected to, it will be easier to recon-  
figure your system in the future.  
2. Connect one stripped wire end or  
banana plug to the black terminal  
and one to the red terminal.  
A. Split the speaker wire insulation so that  
at least two inches of each conductor are  
separated.  
B. Strip one half inch of insulation from the  
end of each conductor of the speaker wire  
CAUTION- Avoid even a single strand C. Attach banana plugs or twist the strands  
of wire together and insert them into the  
appropriate binding post.  
of wire touching the chassis or another  
connector.  
 
12  
Line Level Audio Input  
CAUTION! THE AMPLIFIER MUST BE OFF WHENEVER YOU MAKE CHANGES  
TO THE INPUT CONNECTIONS.  
STEP  
DESCRIPTION  
Use audio patch cables with RCA phono  
plugs attached to the ends.  
1. Label all of the interconnecting  
cables for the sources they connect to.  
2. Connect the sources by inserting the  
RCA plugs into the amplifier’s jacks.  
Connect outputs from your sources to  
inputs on the amplifier. Never connect a  
source or preamplifier’s input (e.g., record  
inputs) to the inputs of your SI-245.  
Cascade Audio Outputs  
The "Cascade Audio Outputs" enable you to connect another amplifier to your  
preamplifier output. The connectors are gold-plated RCA phono jacks. Connect  
them to another amplifier’s inputs with a standard audio patch cable. The outputs  
are not buffered; if you wish to daisy-chain more than 5 Niles amplifiers you will  
need a Niles ADA-6 buffered distribution amplifier. A single ADA-6 will allow  
you to daisy-chain 5 amplifiers from each of its six outputs, allowing 30 SI-245  
power amplifiers to be fed from the same master preamplifier. If your preamp has  
a vacuum tube output stage, you must use a Niles ADA-6 to drive more than a  
single SI-245.  
 
13  
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  
suppressor or extension cord, verify that  
proper ground is maintained.  
Plug the 2 prong plug into a correctly  
grounded 230V 50 Hz wall outlet.  
The SI-245 draws a maximum of approxi-  
mately 200 watts from an AC wall outlet.  
Use the auto turn on circuit instead.  
CAUTION! Typically the  
preamp/receiver’s switched outlet is  
not rated for a power amplifier.  
 
14  
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).  
Important Notes: Equipment is not completely disconnected from main power  
source when power switch is in the “OFF” position.  
Power LED  
The power LED indicates that the AC cord is plugged into a working AC power  
receptacle and that the power switch is in the "On" position.  
Active LED  
The rear panel turn-on mode switch determines when and how the amplifier will  
turn on. The "Active" LED indicates that the amplifier is operating.  
Protection LED  
The front panel protection LED indicates that the amplifier has been shut down  
because of either a fault in the wiring or a speaker, or with the SI-245 itself.  
Level Adjustment Screws  
The front panel level adjustment screws allow you to adjust the level of the  
SI-245 relative to other amplifiers in your system. Use a 1/8” slotted screwdriver  
to adjust the screws. If the SI-245 is the only amplifier in your system, leave the  
screws at their factory default position (turned fully clockwise).  
Cleaning and Maintenance  
The internal parts of the SI-245 are electronic and require no maintenance. Once  
a year it is appropriate to twist the RCA connectors on each input to remove cor-  
rosion and improve conductivity. You can clean the amplifier with soft cloth or a  
paper towel dampened with water or a mild detergent. Do not use any spray-type,  
abrasive cleaners on the amplifier.  
 
15  
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  
Short circuit or loose wire at the speaker or amplifi-  
er terminals. Check that the connections are secure  
and that there are no loose strands of wire crossing  
from the positive to the negative terminals at the  
back of the amplifier and/or the speaker.  
No sound on one channel  
Short circuit or a break in the speaker wire. Dis-  
connect the speaker wire at both ends, separate the  
2 conductors at both ends and test with a meter for  
a short circuit. If there is no short, connect the two  
conductors at one end and test with a meter for  
continuity.  
Speaker is not working. Connect the speaker to a  
channel that plays another speaker.  
Audio cable to input is bad. Connect another cable  
that is known to be good.  
Audio cable to the main inputs is bad. Connect  
another cable that is known to be good.  
No sound on both channels  
Hum from the speakers  
Hum may be caused by a ground loop between  
two of the other components in the system. To test  
for another ground loop, try reversing the AC plugs  
of each of the components in the system.  
 
16  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (continued)  
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE  
SYMPTOM  
Check for faulty cables, faulty source material, an  
ungrounded phono system or a defective component.  
Hum from the speakers  
AC power cord must be plugged into a working outlet.  
Master power switch must be on.  
Amp will not turn on  
The loudspeakers are wired out of phase. Reverse  
the connections at the back of one speaker.  
Bass sound is weak and  
the stereo image is  
"phasey" or "blurry"  
sounding in one room  
 
17  
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  
17” wide 2-5/16” high (including feet) 13-1/8” deep  
Weight  
15 lbs  
 
18  
Niles Audio  
Corporation  
12331 S.W. 130 Street  
Miami, Florida 33186  
Tel: (305) 238-4373  
Fax: (305) 238-0185  
©2005 Niles Audio Corporation. All rights reserved. Niles, the Niles logos, Systems  
Integration Amplifier and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered  
trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation.All other trademarks are the property of their  
respective owners. Printed in Malaysia 06/05 DS00284BMY  
 

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