GSZ44
8 Channel Eco-System™
Controller-Amplifier
Installation Instructions v1.2
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3
FCC Warning
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back).
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified service personnel.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the products that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operation maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Note: It is very important to use a top quality
RJ45 8/8 crimper tool. We strongly suggest
using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic tester to verify
the wire conductors.
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Introduction: Thank you for your purchase of a Knoll GSZ44 8 channel
controller amplifier and congratulations on your choice. The GSZ44 features
four deluxe digital volume controlled stereo amplifiers with individual four
source selection. This is Knoll's fourth generation of multi-channel, high-
quality power amplifiers. The GSZ44 is designed to meet the amplifier needs
of custom installed multi-zone systems where high quality sound is a specific
requirement.
Each of the four zones or rooms can select any of the four inputs, with
individual volume control, bass and treble. Extras such as an external voltage
trigger that can turn source equipment on and off, individual zone infrared
outputs and many more features give the GSZ44 exceptional value when
installed in homes and large complex systems. Except for the power button
all controls are rear mounted. A data port is provided for ganging multiple
GSZ44's. Infrared signals can be relayed from the keypads to the source
equipment.
The GSZ44 is controlled by MR40 keypads.
3 Four input source selection. Each of the four stereo amplifiers is provided
with four input source selection. Selection, volume level, bass and treble is
made on MR40 keypads or a Knoll remote control (or a programmed remote
control). Rooms can have different source selections, volumes, etc.
3 Four internal 80 position stereo volume controls. The four zones each
require a MR40 keypad. The Knoll RB8 remote control (or a programmed
remote control) in conjunction with the MR40 keypad can control each zone.
The keypads are typically mounted in the room with the speakers and they
control amplifier power on/off, volume up/down and mute as well as source
selection.
3 Cost and size efficiency. The GSZ44 consists of a total of 8 power
amplifiers in one 3-1/2" high enclosure (two rack spaces). Each power
amplifier channel can deliver 30 watts RMS with peaks of 60 watts. Because
of its unique design the GSZ44 delivers exceptional value.
3 Automatic protection circuitry. Each GSZ44 amplifier channel is
individually and fully protected against low impedance, overheating,
overloading, over voltage and under voltage. The protection circuitry
automatically restores the amplifier channel as soon as its parameter returns
to the safe operating area.
3 Individual bass and treble adjustment. Each channel features adjustments
so installers can preset the room for speaker differences and listener
preferences.
3 External trigger. The GSZ44 can turn on and off source components with
its 12vdc trigger output.
3 Infrared controller ports. Each zone or room has its own infrared output
jack. An all zone jack is also provided.
3 Zone 1 has line level outputs so more powerful power amplifiers can be
connected to this output. The line level output is controlled as to volume,
bass, treble and source selection.
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Unpacking: The carton and packing materials used in shipping your new amplifier
were specially designed to protect it from the shock and vibration of shipping. We
suggest that you save the carton and packing materials to use if you move, or if the
unit ever needs to be shipped back to us for any reason. Should you discover that
your amplifier has been damaged during shipping, please contact your dealer or
Knoll immediately and request the name of the carrier so a written claim can be
made.
The right to a claim against a public carrier can be forfeited if the
carrier is not notified immediately in writing and if the shipping
carton and packing materials are not available for inspection by the
carrier. Save all packing materials until the claim is settled.
GSZ44 placement
During normal home operation the amplifier will become warm. However, there are
instances during high-level playback into low impedance speakers when the amplifier
will become much warmer than normal. To ensure the amplifier’s trouble-free
operation, it is necessary to provide adequate ventilation. Your amplifier should be
kept away from external sources of heat such as radiators and hot-air ducts. The
amplifier should never be placed with other heat-producing components in a cabinet
or enclosure lacking free airflow. Do not stack other components on top of your
amplifier.
Connecting your amplifier
When making connections between any source components and the amplifier, or
when making connections to any speaker, be certain that both the input devices and
the amplifier are turned off. Unplug all equipment before making any connections so
that there will be no unwanted signal transients that can damage equipment or
speakers.
Input connections
Connecting the GSZ44 to your source equipment is straightforward. Using the high-
quality RCA audio interconnect cables, match the output channel designations on the
rear of your source equipment to the input jacks on the rear panel of your amplifier
that have the same channel name.
When making connections with RCA type plugs on interconnect cables, make certain
to gently, but firmly, insert the plug into the jack. Loose connections can cause
intermittent sound and may damage your speakers. Some quality RCA plugs may be
very tight, and it is important to secure a proper connection between the
interconnection cable and the input jack.
We suggest starting with the input gains on the rear of the GSZ44 set to mid
position. After it is installed and being tested these gains are use to set the different
source input levels so they are roughly the same. Some sources such as DVD playes
have a very high output and may cause t he GSZ44 to send clipped signals to the
speakers even at low volume levels, so we suggest lowering the input gains of that
input in this case to stop the clipping
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Speaker connections
The GSZ44 has four stereo 30 watts per channel amplified outputs. Channel 1 also
has line level outputs to connect to larger powered amplifiers.
To ensure that the high quality signals produced by your amplifier are carried to your
speakers without loss of clarity or resolution, Knoll advises that you use high-quality
speaker wire. Many brands of wire are available — the choice may be influenced by
the distance between your speakers and the amplifier, the type of speakers you use,
personal preferences, along with other factors.
Regardless of the brand or type of speaker wire chosen, we suggest that you use a
wire constructed of fine, multi-strand copper with a gauge of 16 or less (the lower
the number, the thicker the cable). Wire with a gauge of 16 may be used for short
runs of less than 12 feet. We do not recommend that you use any wires with an AWG
equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss and degradation in performance.
To connect the amplifiers to your speakers, a removable plug with screws is provided
for each stereo channel output. Strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation from the
end of each wire and carefully twist the strands of each conductor together. Be sure
not to cut the individual strands or twist them off. All strands must be used for
optimal performance. Insert the wire into the plug and screw the screws very tight.
Inspect that no wire “hairs” that can short circuit are not in the plug.
Correct polarity connections are important to maintain proper speaker phasing.
When speaker phasing is correct, all speakers move in and out at the same time
preserving the imaging of the program material. Out-of-phase connections mean
that some turn off, check your speakers to verify that they are operating properly. If
all other potential sources of trouble check out properly, contact Knoll for further
assistance.
Run the cables to speaker locations. Do not coil any excess cable, as this may
become an inductor that creates frequency response variations in your system.
Lastly, connect the wires to the speakers, again being aware of proper polarity.
Remember to connect the negative, or black wire, to the matching terminal on the
speaker. The positive, or red wire should be connected to the matching terminal on
the speaker.
Note: While most speaker manufacturers follow industry convention of using red
terminals for positive connections and black terminals for negative, some
manufacturers may vary from this configuration. To ensure proper phase
connections, and optimal performance, consult the identification plate on our speaker
terminals, or the speaker’s manual to verify polarity. Contact the speaker’s
manufacturer if you do not know the polarity of your speakers.
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Keypad Connection
The GSZ44 outputs are be controlled by the MR40 keypad and a Knoll RB8 remote
control.
Only one MR40 keypad can be used in a zone.
Note: MR40 keypads are not designed for outdoor use, high humidity,
high temperatures or any extremes.
The MR40 contains an almost all brand infrared repeater and most functions can be
controlled by the Knoll RB8 remote control. RB8 commands can easily be stored in a
learning remote.
The MR40 is connected to the GSZ44 with CAT5e or CAT6 wire. Each keypad needs
to have a home run on one wire. Each room or zone has a unique IR pass-thru port
as indicated on the rear of the GSZ44. In addition there is an all room IR pass-thru
port. All eight of the CAT5 wire conductors are used.
Note: It is very important to use a top quality
RJ45 8/8 crimper tool. We strongly suggest
using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic tester to verify
the wire conductors.
We recommend the T568A wiring method, which is shown below.
The functions of each wire connection are also shown.
future use brown
future use white/brown
Infrared orange
ground white/blue
+12 vdc blue
future use white/orange
SDA green
SCL white/green
Run CAT5 wire from the keypad location to the GSZ44 location for each keypad. It
isn’t a bad idea to run a second cat5 wire run to each location to leave the
installation more “future proof” and reliable. Leave an extra 1 m or 3 feet on each
side to make it easier to work on. Add a RJ45 connector of the right type for the
CAT5 wire you have selected (not all CAT5 wires are the same) and crimp the
connector to the wire on each side. Plug the RJ45’s into the MR40 and correct GSZ44
ports.
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Note: MR40 keypads do not require any programming.
Infrared connections
On the rear of the GSZ44 there are four infrared pass though ports. Each of the 1
through 4 corresponds to the keypad port next to them. For example IR port #3 is
the infrared output for keypads connected to KEYPAD #3. The infrared ALL is the
combination of all of the four keypad ports.
Using this method of infrared routing you can have six sources the same (like 6
identical AM/FM tuners) one for each zone and they can be controlled individually in
each room. Each port can control up to 8 devices using 4 of our optional IR34a
emitters and one IR55 connection block.
Each infrared port is a standard 3.5mm mono jack.
Infrared Selection
The MR40 keypads have a very small switch on the rear labeled 38K and 56K.
Almost all infrared remotes use 38k. A few use 56k. If you find your remote control
does not work with our keypads we suggest you try moving the switch to 56k and
see if it now works. When you do this some remotes that use 38k will now not work.
Link connections
On the rear of the GSZ44 amplifier there is a 3.5mm stereo jacks labeled LINK. This
port connect two GSZ44’s together so they can share certain commands (such as All
Off)
When connecting two GSZ44’s together in one system you will need:
1. Up to fourteen (one for each active source) RCA Y patch cords
2. A 3.5mm stereo patch cord.
Normally the two GSZ44’s are near each other. If they are far apart then balancing
baluns may be required to eliminate stray noise on the lines.
The procedure to connect the two controller amplifiers is:
1. Connect the Link jack on GSZ44 #1 to the Link jack on GSZ44 #2 using the
3.5mm stereo patch cord.
2. Connect all of the up to four sources using short as possible good quality RCA
patch cords to GSZ44 #1 and GSZ44 #2 source inputs.
Trigger output
The mono 3.5mm connector on the rear of the GSZ44 supplies 12 VDC (maximum
100 mA) when any or all of the
zones are turned on.
Volume display
Infrared receiver
Four source selection
buttons.
Bass up
1
2
Treble up
MR40 Functions
When the whole system is installed and
the GSZ44 is powered up each of the
MR40 keypads will undergo a diagnostic
and eventually turn on to source 1 at a
very low level. The only thing to program
is the bass and treble for each room
(explained below).
Bass down
Treble down
3
4
FNC
MUTE
Mute button
Function select
button
Shut off this room or
shut off whole house
(press for 5 seconds).
Blinks when bass or
treble is at max or min.
Volume up
and down
OFF
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To turn off the zone either push the keypad button labeled off or the off button on the RB8 remote
control.
To turn on the zone on either press the source button or the off button on the remote or keypad. If
you press the OFF button the zone will go back to the source selected when it was last shut off.
In either case the zone goes to a preselected mid-low volume, not necessarily the volume
selected when it was last shut off.
To adjust the volume press the volume switch up or down as desired. The relative volume is
shown in the led displays on the top.
To temporarily mute the output, press the mute button on either the remote or keypad. It mutes
the output in this room.
Equalization (if required).
Equalization cannot be performed from the remote control. To enter the equalization mode press
the FNC button. The four source button will have their led’s running in a circular motion. To raise
the bass output in this room only push and hold the source 1 button until the desired effect is
achieved.
When the maximum bass is selected the OFF button will blink. Do the same with bass down,
treble up and treble down. The parameters selected go into memory and are retained even if the
power to the system is turned off.
Press the FNC button again to exit the equalization mode.
To go back to a flat frequency response, enter the equalization mode again and when in this
mode with the source leds going in a clockwise direction press the MUTE button. The
equalization is now flat. Again to exit this mode press the FNC mode and
Knoll Systems service information
The GSZ44 amplifier does not contain any user serviceable parts inside. If you suspect a
phone at 800 566-5579. It is extremely important that only an authorized service dealer make
any repairs. This will ensure proper service and preserve the protection of your warranty.
Keep your receipt in a safe place so that it will be available to verify the purchase date, should
you experience a problem covered by Knoll System’s warranty.
Troubleshooting
Your Knoll amplifier is designed from trouble-free operation. If you follow the
instructions in this manual, you should enjoy many years of high-quality listening
enjoyment. However, as with any sophisticated device, there may be occasional
problems upon initial installation, or during the life of the amp. The items on the list
below are a brief guide to the minor problems that you may be able to correct
yourself. If these solutions do not help, or if the problem persists, contact us for
assistance at 1800 566 5579 in Canada or the USA or 604 272 4555. We are in the
Pacific time zone.
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Problem
Solutions
Amplifier won’t turn on
Master power switch turned off (No power light LED).
Turn on Master Power Switch.
Amplifier turns on, but no audio
from one or more channels
Input plugs not connected to proper jack or are loose.
Check input connections.
No audio from one or more
Channels
Speakers are not connected properly. Check speaker
connections at amp and speaker.
Audio levels differ from sources
Improper settings or output levels from source device.
Check the settings on your preamp, processor or
controller. Also verify gain settings on the source
inputs on the GSZ44 rear panel.
Audio plays and then cuts off
Amplifier may be shorted. Check speaker connections
for short-circuit at amp and speaker.
Care, maintenance, and cleaning
When the GSZ44 amp becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry, soft cloth. If necessary, first
wipe the surface with a slightly dampened soft cloth with mild soapy water, then with a fresh
cloth dampened with clean water. Wipe dry immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene,
thinner, alcohol, or any other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they
will damage the finish of the metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide, waxes, polishing agents,
or any aerosol product near the GSZ44.
Limited Warranty Knoll Systems, Inc. (“Knoll”) warrants that each GSZ44 and MR40 (“the
Product”) sold hereunder will conform to and function in accordance with the written
specifications of Knoll. Said limited warranty shall apply only to the first person or entity that
purchases the Product for personal or business use and not for the purpose of distribution or
resale. Said warranty shall continue for a period of three years from the date of such
purchase. Knoll does not warrant that the Product will meet the specific requirements of the
first person or entity that purchases the Product for personal or business use. Knoll’s liability
for the breach of the foregoing limited warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the
Product or refund of the purchase price of the Product, at Knoll’s sole option. Replacement
Product may be re-furbished in “like-new” condition, at Knoll’s sole discretion. To exercise the
Purchaser’s rights under the foregoing warranty, the Product must be returned at the
Purchaser’s sole cost and expense, to Knoll or to any authorized Knoll service center provided,
and the Product must be accompanied by a written letter explaining the problem and which
includes (i) proof of date of purchase; (ii) the dealer’s name; and (iii) the model and serial
number of the Product. When sending your unit in for repair, please ship your unit in its
original packing material or a Knoll approved ATA Shipping Case, or have a professional
packaging company pack the unit. Please insure your shipment for its full value. A return
authorization number, issued by the Knoll customer service department, must also be clearly
displayed on the outside of the shipping carton containing the Product.
Note: Remanufactured Products are exempt from the foregoing Limited Warranty. Please refer
to the Remanufactured Product Warranty for applicable warranty information.
WARRANTY LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION Knoll shall have no further obligation under the
foregoing limited warranty if the Product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, neglect,
accident, unusual physical or electrical stress, unauthorized modifications, tampering,
alterations, or service other than by Knoll or its authorized agents, causes other than from
ordinary use or failure to properly use the Product in the application for which said Product is
intended.
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DISCLAIMER OF UNSTATED WARRANTIES THE WARRANTY PRINTED ABOVE IS THE ONLY
WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PURCHASE. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. THERE ARE NO
WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE FACE HEREOF AND THE FOREGOING WARRANTY
SHALL NOT BE EXTENDED, ALTERED OR VARIED EXCEPT BY WRITTEN INSTRUMENT SIGNED
BY KNOLL. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY MAY LAST, SO SUCH LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT KNOLL’S LIABILITY
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, IN TORT, UNDER ANY WARRANTY, IN NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE
SHALL NOT EXCEED THE RETURN OF THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY
PURCHASER AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL KNOLL BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDI-
RECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, LOST REVENUES OR
LOST SAVINGS. THE PRICE STATED FOR THE PRODUCT IS A CONSIDERATION IN LIMITING
KNOLL’S LIABILITY. NO ACTION, REGARDLESS OF FORM, ARISING OUT OF THE AGREEMENT
TO PURCHASE THE PRODUCT MAY BE BROUGHT BY PURCHASER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION HAS ACCRUED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION
OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHT WHICH VARIES FROM STATE-TO-
STATE.
Copyright 2006-2007 Knoll Systems. All Rights Reserved.
Knoll Systems
12140 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC V7A 4V5 Canada
145 Tyee Drive, point Roberts, WA 98281 USA
Line level outputs give zone 1
the ability to connect to more
powerful amplifiers Both are
volume & source controlled.
Connect these RJ45 connectors to
MR40 Keypad.
Connect the sources via
good quality gold RCA jacks
to inputs 1 through 4.
Source
Inputs
Source
Inputs
Zone 1
Line Level
Outputs
1
2
4
3
Connect room
speaker to
detachable
connectors
12-16 gauge
wire preferred.
L
L
R
L
Power
connection.
Observe
correct
R
R
1L 1R
Gain
2L 2R 3L
4L 4R
3R
12V
TRIG Key1 Key2 Key3 Key4
IR1 IR2 IR3 IR4 IR All
SPEAKERS 1 SPEAKERS 2 SPEAKERS 3 SPEAKERS 4
Class2 wiring
4 A
120 V~
60 Hz
voltage.
All s peak er loa ds 4-16 ohms , idea l 6 -8 ohms
Trig mono 3.5mm jack
has 12 VDC (100 mA max)
on it when any zone is active.
Connect infrared to IR54 or IR55 connection block.
Do not connect
without a 220R resistor in series or the emitter
an emitter directly
will fail after a short time. IR All is the output from all four keypad slots.
Knoll Systems
145 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA 98281
12140 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC V7A 4V4
Tel: (604) 272 4555,
fax (604) 272 5595
Made in Canada
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