PS Audio Stereo Amplifier HCA 2 User Manual

Table of Contents  
Package Contents  
1. Package Contents  
2. Warning  
2. Safety Instructions  
2. Overview  
3. Features  
• One Hybrid Class A stereo amplifier  
• One 6 foot AC power cord  
• One user’s manual and warranty card  
• One plastic adjustment tool  
• One spare 7 amp slow blow fuse  
• Two spare 5 amp fast blow fuse  
3. Setup Guide  
4. Back Panel  
5. Front Panel Controls  
5. Alternate Connectivity  
5. Using the 12 Volt Input Trigger  
6. Using the PS Bus  
6. Troubleshooting Guide  
7. Specifications  
IMPORTANT: Be sure to save all packing  
materials included with your HCA-2 as this will  
be required if you ever need to ship the device  
for service or modification.  
7. Warranty and Service  
8. Contact Information  
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Features  
Setup Guide  
• Stereo power amplifier  
1. Turn off your pre-amplifier or any other  
equipment that the HCA-2 will be connected to.  
• 150 Watts Per Channel into 8Ω  
• 225 Watts Per Channel into 4Ω  
• SDAT™ output stage  
2. Unpack the HCA-2 and place it on a smooth  
surface. The HCA-2 may also be rack mounted  
with an optional rack shelf. Due to the efficiency  
of the design the HCA-2 does not need to be  
placed in a ventilated area.  
• Balanced JFET input stage  
3. Choose either the single-ended (RCA) or  
balanced (XLR) input connections on the back  
of the HCA-2. Connect the outputs of your pre-  
amplifier or source equipment to the back of the  
HCA-2 marked “Right Input” and “Left Input.” Be  
sure to match up the left and right conductors  
appropriately.  
• Single ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) type  
inputs  
• Fully balanced internal architecture  
• Internal High Current Ultimate Outlet™  
provides AC filtration  
Note: If connecting the HCA-2 to a powerd  
subwoofer, ensure the subwoofer’s negative  
input terminal is not grounded.  
• WBT™ 5-way binding posts  
• 12 Volt DC trigger  
4. Connect your speakers to the HCA-2’s output  
terminals, labeled “Right Output” and “Left  
Output.” Be sure to connect the polarity of the  
speaker cables correctly. Match the HCA-2’s  
positive (red) and negative (black) terminals to  
the corresponding speaker connections.  
• PS bus for communication with other PS  
Audio products  
• 93% efficient, produces almost no heat  
• PS Audio’s brushed aluminum FRAME  
chassis  
5. Plug the HCA-2 into a power source. Use  
the supplied AC power cable or an aftermarket  
power cable. For optimum results, we  
recommend the use of a PS Audio xStream  
Power Cable.  
• Available in black or silver chassis  
6. First, turn on your source equipment. Then,  
turn on the HCA-2 by pressing the power button  
on the left-hand side of the chassis.  
7. The HCA-2 will go into standby mode for  
about 15 seconds, indicated by the amber  
“Standby” light on the front panel display.  
8. Once the blue “Operate” light becomes  
visible in the display, the HCA-2 is  
ready to go.  
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Back Panel  
1. 12 Volt Trigger  
6. Speaker terminals  
The HCA-2 is equipped with a 12 Volt DC input  
trigger. The 12 Volt trigger can be used with  
other 12 Volt trigger equipped products to relay  
power status.  
The 5-way WBT™ binding posts are capable of  
accepting speaker cable with either spade lug,  
banana plug, pin connector or bare wire.  
Connect the left positive binding post (red  
See “Using the 12 Volt Input Trigger” for more ring) of the HCA-2 to the positive (red or +) left  
information.  
speaker cable lead. Connect the left negative  
binding post (black ring) of the HCA-2 to the  
negative (black or -) left speaker cable lead.  
5. Fuse  
The fuse is a 7 amp slow blow. It can be  
removed by inserting a flat device into the fuse Do the same for the right terminals of the HCA-  
holder’s slot and twisting counter-clockwise.  
2 and the right speaker. Be sure to hook-up the  
speaker(s) in phase with the HCA-2; it should  
be positive to positive and negative to negative.  
Note: Unplug the power cord before checking  
the fuse.  
The HCA-2 uses a balanced output design.  
Therefore, the negative speaker terminal is not  
common or ground.  
3. PS Bus  
The P500 comes equipped with a built in PS  
Bus. The PS Bus allows other PSAudio products  
equipped with a PS Bus to communicate via Note: Do not operate the HCA-2 without  
standard RJ11 "twisted end" crossover cable. speakers connected.  
Note: use only a “twisted end” crossover cable. 7. Audio Inputs  
A standard phone cable will not work.  
There are two sets of inputs to choose from,  
single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR).  
See “Using the PS Bus” for more information.  
The single-ended RCA connections are a very  
high quality, gold plated connector designed  
specifically for PS Audio components. The  
HCA-2 is a fully balanced design, thus use of  
the balanced XLR inputs is the optimal choice.  
4. IEC Power Input  
15 amp male IEC standard power socket.  
5. PS Bus jumper switches  
The jumper switches control the functionality of  
the PS Bus. These settings are only functional  
when connected to other PS Audio products via  
the PS bus.  
Since the gain is higher for balanced input, as  
opposed to the single ended input, be sure to  
use the inputs in matched pairs (in other words,  
use both RCA inputs or both XLR inputs, but  
never one of each).  
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Front Panel Controls  
Alternate Connectivity  
Power  
The HCA-2 is a stereo amplifier and cannot be  
The front panel of the HCA-2 was designed to switched into a mono configuration. However,  
bring both a level of elegance and simplicity it can be used in bi-wiring or bi-amping  
into your system. The power button (on/off) configurations.  
is located on the far left-hand side. When the  
HCA-2 is off, pressing this button will initiate the Bi-wire  
power up sequence.  
Bi-wiring allows for separate cables to transfer  
the high and low frequencies to the speakers.  
This enables each type of cable to be optimized  
for the specific frequency bandwidth.  
Display  
The front panel display window contains three  
status indicators: Standby, Operate and Fault.  
These indicators show the current status of the  
unit.  
To Bi-wire, use one cable to connect the HCA-2  
to the left and right “low” frequency terminals on  
the speakers. The second cable can be used  
to connect the HCA-2 to the “high” frequency  
terminals on the speakers.  
Standby  
After pressing the power button to turn on the  
HCA-2, the “Standby” indicator will illuminate  
in amber. The word “Standby” will be visible in Alternatively, Bi-Wire speaker cable may be  
the front panel display. The HCA-2 will remain used to achieve the same effect.  
in standby mode for approximately 15 seconds.  
During this period no sound will be produced  
from the connected speakers.  
Bi-amp  
If more performance is desired, two HCA-2’s  
can be used to drive a pair of speakers if  
equipped with dual binding posts.  
Operate  
After the initial warm-up mode, the “Standby”  
indicator will go out, and “Operate” will illuminate  
in blue. The PS logo will also illuminate at this  
time.  
One HCA-2 should be used to drive the “low”  
section of the left and right speakers. A second  
HCA-2 should be used to drive the “high”  
section of the left and right speaker.  
The HCA-2 is now ready to play music.  
Using the 12 Volt Input Trigger  
Fault  
The final indicator that may illuminate within the  
front panel display is a red “Fault” light. This  
indicates an abnormal operating condition. To  
reset the HCA-2 and return the unit to normal  
operating conditions, unplug the HCA-2 from  
the power source and then re-connect. If the  
fault light continues to illuminate, please refer to  
the Trouble Shooting Guide.  
The HCA-2 can be activated when connected  
to another electronic component with a 12  
Volt DC output trigger. Many other electronic  
components, such as pre-amplifiers or AC  
control products, provide an external 12 volt  
trigger output.  
When a 12 volt DC signal is applied the HCA-2  
will respond by switching from off to “Operate”  
mode. If the DC voltage is removed, the HCA-2  
will power off. The 12 Volt DC input trigger is a  
female mini-jack (3.5 mm).  
Illumination Control  
The blue “Operate” indicator and PS logo can  
be dimmed to match your room’s environment.  
Locate the small hole found under the bottom  
of the HCA-2 directly below the PS logo. Using  
the supplied adjustment tool, rotate the dial  
mounted just inside this hole to increase or  
decrease the brightness of these lights.  
Only the blue “Operate” indicator and PS logo  
are adjustable in this fashion. The brightness  
of the amber “Standby” or red “Fault” indicators  
cannot be adjusted.  
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fuses are half size (5x20mm) and the value is 5  
amp fast blow. Replacing the fuse should bring  
the unit back to life. If it does not then it may  
need to be serviced. Contact PS Audio or an  
authorized distributor.  
Using the PS Bus  
The PS Bus allows for more sophisticated  
communication between other PS Audio  
products. The HCA-2 includes two PS Bus  
connectors. This allows for several PS products  
to be linked together so they work as a system.  
Note: The fuses blow due to either very loud  
playback or very low impedance speakers or a  
combination of both. If this happens frequently,  
reduce the playback volume or use speakers  
with higher impedance.  
There are 4 small switches next to the PS Bus  
connectors. If the PS Bus is not in use, then the  
switch setting will not effect the operation of the  
amplifier.  
The speakers are producing a hum or buzz  
A hum or buzz heard through speakers is a  
ground loop hum. A ground loop hum can occur  
if there are two different ground lines attached  
to the system. Use the Humbusters guide on the  
under “Toolbox” to help pinpoint the problem.  
From left to right the first three switches set the  
“Network Address” for the product on the PS  
Bus. If more than one HCA-2 is connected to  
the bus, then each amplifier should be assigned  
a different address. The switches are off when  
up, and on when down.  
A very low level fuzz/crackling noise audible  
within 1-2 feet from the speaker is the HCA-2’s  
own “self” noise and is normal.  
Address  
SW1  
SW2  
SW3  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Off  
On  
Off  
On  
Off  
On  
Off  
On  
Off  
Off  
On  
On  
Off  
Off  
On  
On  
Off  
Off  
Off  
Off  
On  
On  
On  
On  
The HCA-2 is producing an audible signal or  
“singing” internally  
If the HCA-2 is producing noise then one or both  
of the speakers are not connected while the  
HCA-2 is powered on and producing a signal.  
Turn off the HCA-2 and connect both speakers  
and turn the unit back on.  
The fourth switch, SW4, is used to assign the  
amplifier to a “Network Group”. Either group  
1 or group 2 can be selected (up or down  
respectively). Multiple groups can be used if  
it is necessary to connect multiple products to  
the PS Bus but only specific products should  
respond to commands.  
The HCA-2 is not responding and is  
completely dark  
The main fuse may need to be replaced. Using  
a flat head screwdriver or small coin, twist it  
counter-clockwise. The fuse holder should pop  
out. Replace the fuse with the included 7 amp  
slow blow or a fuse with the identical rating.  
Trouble Shooting Guide  
If the problem persists then it may need to be  
serviced. Contact PS Audio or an authorized  
distributor.  
The HCA-2 is stuck in “fault” mode  
Ensure that the speaker wires are not shorted  
out (making contact with each other). if the  
HCA-2 is connected to a powerd subwoofer,  
ensure the subwoofer’s negative input terminal  
is not grounded.  
Disconnect unit from its power source and  
plug it back in to clear fault mode. If the unit  
remains in fault mode this then it may need to  
be serviced. Contact PS Audio or an authorized  
distributor.  
One or both channels are not working or  
sound “muted”, “distorted” or “quiet”  
Unplug the HCA-2 and remove the top cover.  
Now examine the 2 fuses on main circuit board  
located where output wires attach to board. The  
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Specifications  
Warranty and Service  
Power Rating  
8 ohms  
4 ohms  
(both channels, stereo)  
Inside the U.S. and Canada  
- 150 watts per channel  
- 250 watts per channel  
- 275 watts per channel  
PS Audio’s warranty is 3 years parts and  
labor, from the date of original purchase. The  
warranty follows the product itself regardless of  
ownership, new or used.  
2 ohms  
Performance  
Frequency  
Response  
- 20 Hz to 20 kHz  
+/- 0.5 dB  
Outside the U.S. and Canada  
PS Audio has authorized distribution in many  
countries of the world. In each country, the  
authorized importing retailer or distributor  
has accepted the responsibility for warranty  
of products sold by that retailer or distributor.  
Warranty service should normally be obtained  
from the importing retailer or distributor from  
whom you purchased the product. In the  
unlikely event of service required beyond the  
capability of the importer, PS Audio will fulfill the  
conditions of the warranty. Such product must  
be returned at the owner’s expense to the PS  
Audio factory. Contact your PS Audio distributor  
or the PS Audio customer service department  
for more information.  
THD+N  
Voltage Gain  
Input Impedance  
- 0.2% @ 1kHz (full power)  
- 24 dB  
- 100K  
General  
Weight  
Dimensions  
- 35 lbs  
- 17 x 4.5 x 14 in (WxHxD)  
Service issues  
Should your unit ever require service or if you  
have any technical questions about the HCA-2,  
you must either contact your dealer (PS Audio if  
purchased direct) or your PS Audio distributor.  
No equipment will be received at our service  
facilities without an attached RA number.  
If purchased through an authorized PS Audio  
dealer or distributor, the RA number must be  
obtained by the dealer or distributor. If the  
product was purchased from PS Audio direct,  
this can easily be obtained by calling PS Audio  
at 720-406-8946 or by contacting us via E-mail  
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PS Audio International, Inc.  
4824 Sterling Dr.  
Boulder, CO 80301 USA  
Toll Free: 877-772-8340  
Ph: 720-406-8946  
Fax: 720-406-8967  
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