O W N E R ' S
M A N U A L
Zamp v.2 Zone Amplifier
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of “dangerous voltage” inside the product that may constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
1. Read Instructions — Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this product.
2. Retain Instructions — Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings — Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
4. Follow Instructions — Follow all operating and use instructions.
5. Cleaning — Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Clean the
outside of the product only.
6. Attachments — Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer; they may be
hazardous.
7. Water and Moisture — Do not use this product near water.
8. Accessories — Do not place this product on an unstable cart or stand. The product may fall, causing bodily injury
and damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive
force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart to overturn.
9. Ventilation — Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.
10. Power Sources — Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. This product is
equipped with a three-prong grounding plug. This plug will only fit into a grounding power outlet. If you
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding plug.
11. Power Cord Protection — Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them.
12. Lightning— Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for added protection during a lightning storm and when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power
line surges.
13. Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords. This can result in a fire or electric shock.
14. Inserting Objects into Unit - Never push objects of any kind into this product through any openings; they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.
15. Servicing — Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose you
to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
16. Damage Requiring Service — Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions: a) If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b) If liquid has been
spilled into the product. c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d) If the product does not operate
normally by following the operating instructions. e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way. f) If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
17. Replacement Parts — When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement
parts specified by the manufacturer. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, and other hazards.
19. Safety Check — Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
20. Wall or Ceiling Mounting — Mount the product to a wall or ceiling only as recommended.
21. Heat — The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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D O N O T O P E N
R I S K O F E L E C T R I C S H O C K
C A U T I O N
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Introduction
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this precision Parasound audio
component. The Parasound Zamp v.2 is designed for a wide variety of applications,
including multi-room, multi-zone installations, desktop audio, bedroom or den systems.
The incredible versatility of the Zamp v.2 allows many connection and configuration
options, so please be sure to read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation.
Unpacking
Carefully unpack your Zamp v.2, remove the enclosed AC power cord and the sub-mini
2.5 mm trigger connection plug and wire. Be sure to inspect the unit for any possible
shipping damage. If you notice any, contact your Parasound Dealer immediately. Save the
carton and all of the packing materials in case you ever need to ship your amplifier for
repair. Before you proceed, locate the serial number on the rear panel or underside of the
unit and record it here for future reference:
Serial #_____________________________
Parasound Dealer ____________________
Purchase Date _____________________
Phone Number _____________________
Installation and Rack Mounting
Install your Zamp v.2 away from heat sources such as heating ducts and radiators. Always
mount the amplifier horizontally.
Its panel dimensions are one rack space high (1 3/4" or 44 mm) by one-half rack space
wide (9 1/2" or 242 mm). It will fit into a standard 19" wide equipment rack when
mounted side-by-side with other Parasound half-width components. Optional accessory
parts are available from Parasound to rack mount the Zamp v.2 by itself or alongside
another Parasound half width unit.
Ventilation Requirements
The Zamp v.2 can generate substantial heat and requires adequate ventilation to prevent
overheating and shut down by its thermal protection circuit. Observe the following
ventilation guidelines when installing the Zamp v.2 in a cabinet or other enclosed area:
1) If you are not using a ventilation fan, allow few inches on each side and above the
unit. You should never install the Zamp v.2 in an unventilated equipment cabinet with a
door or panel because hot air cannot exhaust adequately.
3) Do not place the Zamp v.2 on carpeting or any other material that could obstruct
airflow through the ventilation holes in the bottom of its chassis.
4) Try to avoid stacking the Zamp v.2 tightly between other components because the heat
it produces will not dissipate adequately and may cause overheating of the amplifier and
the other units.
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Connecting the Zamp v.2
Refer to the drawing on Page 4
Connection Precautions
Disconnect the AC cord before or while making or changing any input, trigger, or speaker
connections. Make sure there is no strain or tension on any connections that could cause
them to pull loose in the future.
Input Connections
Use the Right and Left channel RCA jacks for normal stereo operation. Connect the
outputs of your preamplifier or multi-room controller to these line level inputs.
Looping Output Connections
The Right and Left Loop Out jacks are convenient connections to feed the input signals to
an additional amplifier. This feature eliminates the need for “Y” connectors to split the
source between your Zamp and the other amplifier.
Speaker Connections
Five-Way Speaker Terminals
You can connect bare speaker wires up to AWG 12, speaker wires terminated with 1/4"
spade lugs or terminated with single or dual banana plugs.
If you use bare wires, remove only enough insulation so each exposed bare wire inserts
through the small transverse hole in the terminal’s binding post. Before inserting the wire,
twist its strands tightly between your fingers to prevent strays that might cause a short
circuit. You may want to “tin” the stripped bare wire with solder to prevent it from
fraying and oxidizing.
Correct Speaker Polarity is Important
Speaker wires are coded with printing or a ridge on the insulation of one of the two leads.
This helps you identify which lead you connected to the positive terminal and which to
the negative terminal when you are at the other end of the wire.
Mono Operation
We recommend an 8 Ω minimum speaker load for mono operation. This is because one
channel amplifies only the positive half and the other channel amplifies only the negative
half of the audio signal. Each channel “sees” only half of the speaker’s rated impedance.
So an 8 Ω speaker becomes a 4 Ω load in mono and a 4 Ω speaker becomes a 2 Ω load in
mono. A 2 Ω load may cause the Zamp v.2 to overheat and you should avoid it.
Stereo - Mono Switch
The unit should be turned off before moving this switch. Set the Stereo-Mono switch to
its Mono (left) position for mono operation. Stereo output will be weak and distorted if
you accidentally leave this switch in its Mono position.
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Configuring the Zamp v.2 for Mono operation
1. Turn the unit off.
2. Connect the single cable from your mono source to the Right channel Input jack.
3. Set the Stereo-Mono Switch to its Mono position.
4. Connect the positive lead of the speaker wire to the red R+ channel speaker terminal.
5. Connect the negative lead of the speaker wire to the red L+ channel speaker terminal.
Note: the R+ and L+ terminals are not spaced to accept a dual banana plug.
Automatic Turn On Options
For automation and convenience, the Zamp v.2 can be turned on and off by applying a
voltage to the Trigger In jack or by the presence of an audio signal at the input.
Auto On Select Switch
In the right position of the Auto On Switch, the Zamp v.2 is triggered on and off with an
external +9 V to + 12 V voltage. When the external voltage ceases the Zamp v.2 will turn
off immediately.
In the middle position of the Auto On Switch, the auto on function is disabled and the
Zamp v.2 can only be turned on and off manually by the On-Off button on the front panel.
In the left position of the Auto On Switch, the Zamp v.2 is turned on and off when an
audio signal is present at the Left and Right Input jacks. When the audio signal ceases, the
Zamp v.2 will remain on for about five minutes. This prevents unwanted turn off during
pauses in the music.
Trigger Input Connection
The Zamp v.2 can be triggered on with an external DC voltage source from +9 V to
+12 V. Many audio video controllers, and all Parasound audio video surround controllers
produced since 1997, include trigger outputs for this task.
To activate the Zamp v.2 with an external voltage source, plug one end of the provided
cord to the +12 V Trigger Input of the Zamp v.2 and the other end to the source
component’s +12 V output. Parasound sources will have a matching 2.5mm jack, but if
the source trigger is a terminal, you can cut off the plug at one end and attach the bare
wires. The lead with the white stripe on it corresponds to the plug’s tip and the unmarked
lead corresponds to the sleeve of the plug.
If the trigger voltage source is DC, the trigger plug tip must be positive and its sleeve
negative. The trigger circuit is optically coupled and thus only draws 15 mA of current for
activation.
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Trigger Out Connection
The Trigger Out jack lets you loop or “daisy-chain” the trigger voltage to additional
amplifiers or other components.
Audio Trigger Sensitivity Adjustment
The Auto On Audio Sensitivity Control adjusts the audio signal level threshold to turn on
the Zamp v.2. It adjusts the audio trigger sensitivity from 30 mV (fully clockwise) to 2 V
(fully counterclockwise). The center position corresponds to 50 mV, which is suitable in
most cases.
Ground Lift Switch
The Ground Lift Switch isolates the circuit ground from chassis ground. This often helps
eliminate hum that results from ground loops caused by multiple ground paths such as
metal-to-metal contact with other components in an equipment rack plus the ground of the
AC cord. If you experience hum in the system, try moving the Ground Lift Switch to its
Lift position.
AC Power Connections and AC Grounding
If possible, plug your Zamp v.2 into the same AC outlet that powers your accompanying
audio components and especially the system controller. If you use a different AC outlet,
you may encounter AC hum caused by its differing ground potential.
Operating the Zamp v.2
Refer to the drawing on Page 4
On-Off Button
Manual Turn On
Press the On-Off button once to turn the unit on, press it again to turn the unit off.
Automatic Turn On
Your Zamp v.2 can be turned on automatically. See Automatic Turn On Options for
details about automatic triggering.
Level Controls
Each channel has an input level knob so you can adjust the input sensitivity of the Zamp
v.2 for the best signal-to-noise ratio with your preamplifier or system controller. If there
is no increase in background noise, we recommend setting both Level controls fully
clockwise.
Front Panel Indicators
AC Line
The amber AC Line indicator lights whenever the unit is plugged into a live AC source.
On
The On indicator lights green when the Zamp v.2 is on.
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Headphone Jack
The headphone jack on the front panel accepts a 1/8" (3.5 mm) plug. The high current
headphone circuit will easily drive headphones with an impedance of 8 Ω or higher. The
output to the speakers is muted when you plug headphones into the Zamp v.2.
Maintaining Your Parasound Amplifier
Your Parasound Zamp v.2 power amplifier requires no periodic maintenance except an
occasional flattering remark. It has no user-serviceable parts inside. To avoid the risk of
electric shock, do not remove the top cover. The amplifier's exterior can easily be cleaned
with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with a few drops of water or glass cleaner.
Main Power Fuse
There is an external fuse mounted on the rear panel. This fuse protects the unit from
possible damage to internal parts.
Never replace this fuse with a higher value than originally installed. Substitution of a
larger fuse may seriously damage internal parts and will void your warranty.
In Case of Trouble
If you suspect a problem with your Zamp v.2, first turn the unit off and check all your
connections. Another component or even a defective hookup cable may be causing the
trouble. If you hear hum, turn off the amplifier and disconnect the inputs to it. If the hum
is gone when you turn the amplifier back on, it was probably caused by your preamplifier,
system controller, or other source component connected to it.
Also, make sure that the AC cords of all components are connected to the same AC
outlet. In rack mounted systems, ground loops and hum will often develop via ground
loops caused by redundant grounding of the metal rack rails of the equipment rack. This
problem is usually solved with front and back nylon insulating shoulder washers (refer to
the Rack Mounting section in this owner's manual).
If All Else Fails
Call your Parasound dealer or Parasound Technical Service Department. We can usually
suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform. Should we determine that your
Zamp needs further inspection or service, Parasound can recommend the location of a
warranty center near you or shipping instructions for return to Parasound Technical
Services.
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Returning your Zamp to Parasound for Service
If we determine that you should send your Zamp v.2 to Parasound, you will need to
obtain a Return Authorization (RA) number. The RA number must be clearly marked on
the outer carton only. Ship the unit with adequate insurance and a copy of your purchase
receipt inside to validate your warranty. You must provide an original purchase receipt
from an Authorized Parasound Dealer for warranty repair. Units purchased from
unauthorized dealers are not eligible for warranty repair.
Units that arrive without an RA number, without a suitable shipping carton or with
evidence of improper internal packing materials may be refused. We do not accept collect
shipments. After repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS
within the Continental United States.
In the case of a non-warranty repair, contact us and we will advise you of the repair
charges before you ship the unit to us. The same packing and Return Authorization
number requirements apply.
Important Notice before Shipping your Zamp v.2
Before you ship the unit to Parasound, you MUST repack the unit into its fitted insert
sandwich and its original carton. If you do not have the original packing cartons and foam
inserts, call us for new packing material that we can provide to you at a nominal charge.
Use of any other carton and packing materials will probably result in shipping damage.
Common carriers such as UPS will not pay claims for damage incurred during shipment
when products are surrounded only with Styrofoam “peanuts” or packed in non-original
factory cartons. Repairs for shipping damages because of mis-packing are your sole
responsibility.
Finally
Thanks for taking the time to read through these instructions and getting to know your
Zamp v.2 a little better. We sincerely hope you enjoy your new Zamp v.2 for many years
to come!
The Parasound Staff
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Voltage Selection Switch for the Zamp v.2
The Zamp v.2 can be easily converted for 110-120 Vac or 220-240 V operation by using the
voltage selector switch located on the bottom of the unit.
For 110-120 Vac operation. Slide the switch into the position until the section of switch
labeled "115" appears through the opening in the chassis.
115
For 220-240 Vac operation. Slide the switch into the position until the section of switch
labeled "230" appears through the opening in the chassis.
230
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Parasound Zamp v.2 Specifications
Continuous Power Output - Stereo
30 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8 Ω, both channels driven
45 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 4 Ω, both channels driven
Continuous Power Output - Mono
60 watts RMS, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 8 Ω minimum Impedance
Current Capacity
10 amps peak per channel
Slew Rate
> 90 V/µsecond
Frequency Response
5 Hz-100 kHz, +0/-3 dB at 1 watt
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.06 % at full power; < 0.03 % typical levels
IM Distortion
< 0.03 %
TIM
Unmeasureable
Dynamic Headroom
> 1.5 dB
Interchannel Crosstalk
> 80 dB at 1 kHz
> 60 dB at 20 kHz
Input Impedance
33 kΩ
Input Sensitivity
1 V
S/N Ratio
> 100 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
Damping Factor
> 400 at 20 Hz
Audio Triggering Sensitivity Range
20 mV to 200 mV
DC Triggering Current Requirement
< 15 mA
Dimensions
9 1/2" W x 1 3/4" H (2" with feet) x 7" D
Weight
9 lb net
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Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
© 2001 Parasound Products, Inc. Rev 2.0
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