Rotel RA-01 Stereo Amplifier User Manual


 
6
Placement
Like all audio components that handle low-
level signals, the RA-01 can be affected by
its environment. Avoid placing the RA-01 on
top of other components. Also avoid routing
audio signal cables near power cords. This
will minimize the chance it will pick up hum
or interference.
The RA-01 generates heat as part of its nor-
mal operation. The heat sinks and ventilation
openings in the amplifier are designed to dis-
sipate this heat. The ventilation slots in the top
cover must be open. There should be 10 cm
(4 inches) of clearance around the chassis, and
reasonable airflow through the installation lo-
cation, to prevent the amplifier from overheating.
Remember the weight of the amplifier when
you select an installation location. Make sure
that the shelf or cabinet can support it. We
recommend installing the RA-01 in furniture
designed to house audio components. Such
furniture is designed to reduce or suppress
vibration which can adversely affect sound
quality. Ask your authorized Rotel dealer for
advice about component furniture and proper
installation of audio components.
Cables
Be sure to keep the power cords, digital sig-
nal cables and regular audio signal cables in
your installation away from each other. This
will minimize the chance of the regular au-
dio signal cables picking up noise or inter-
ference from the power cords or digital cables.
Using only high quality, shielded cables will
also help to prevent noise or interference from
degrading the sound quality of your system.
If you have any questions see your authorized
Rotel dealer for advice about the best cable
to use with your system.
AC Power and Control
AC Power Input
The RA-01 does not draw high levels of cur-
rent from the power outlet. However, when-
ever possible, it should be plugged directly
into a 2-pin polarized wall outlet. Do not use
an extension cord. A heavy duty multi-tap
power outlet strip may be used if it (and the
wall outlet) can handle the current demanded
by the RA-01 and all the other components
connected to it.
Your RA-01 is configured at the factory for
the proper AC line voltage in the country where
you purchased it (either 115 volts AC or 230
volts AC with a line frequency of either 50 Hz
or 60 Hz). The AC line configuration is noted
on a decal on the back panel.
NOTE: Should you move your RA-01 am-
plifier to another country, it is possible to
reconfigure it for use on a different line
voltage. Do not attempt to perform this con-
version yourself. Opening the enclosure of
the RA-01 exposes you to dangerous volt-
ages. Consult a qualified service person or
the Rotel factory service department for in-
formation.
If you are going to be away from home for
an extended period of time such as a month-
long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to
unplug your amplifier (as well as other au-
dio and video components) while you are
away.
Power Switch and
Power Indicator
Press the front panel Power Switch button, to
turn the RA-01 on. The Power Indicator light
is illuminated when the RA-01 is on. Press
Power Switch button again to turn the RA-01
off.
See the “12V Trigger Outlet” section for more
information on ways you may be able to turn
on and off other components in your system
along with the RA-01.
Input Signal Connections
[See Figure 2.]
NOTE: To prevent loud noises that neither
you nor your speakers will appreciate,
make sure the system is turned off when
you make any signal connections.
Phono Input and
Ground Connection
Plug the cable from the turntable into the
appropriate left and right phono inputs. If the
turntable has a “ground” wire connect it to
the screw terminal to the left of the Phono in-
puts. It will help prevent hum and noise.
Line Level Inputs
The CD, Tuner, and Aux inputs of the RA-01
are “line level” inputs. These are for connect-
ing components such as CD players, Hi Fi or
NICAM Stereo video cassette recorders, tun-
ers, Laser Disc players or the analog output
from a CD ROM drive.
The Left and Right channels are labeled and
should be connected to the corresponding
channels of the source component. The Left con-
nectors are white, the Right connectors are red.
Use high quality RCA cables for connecting
input source components to the RA-01. Ask
your authorized Rotel dealer for advice about
cables.
Recorder Connections
[See Figure 2.]
The Tape inputs and outputs can be connected
to any record/playback device that accepts
standard line level analog input and output
signals. Typically that will be a conventional
tape recorder.
When connecting a recorder to the RA-01 re-
member that the outputs of the recorder must
be connected to the tape inputs of the RA-01.
Similarly the tape outputs of the RA-01 must
be connected to the inputs of the recorder. As
with other sources be sure to connect the Left
and Right channels of each device to the proper
channels on the associated components. Use
high quality connecting cables to prevent loss
of sound quality.
NOTE: The Tape Outputs are not affected
by the Volume, Balance or Tone controls.
They receive a fixed level signal.
Preamp Outputs
The RA-01 has a set of preamp outputs. The
signal from the source selected with the Function
Selector is always available from these out-
puts. Typically these outputs are used to pro-
vide a signal to another integrated amplifier
or power amplifier, which is used to drive
remote speakers
NOTE: Changes to the settings of the Vol-
ume, Balance or Tone controls affect the
signal from the Preamp Outputs.
RA-01 Stereo Integrated Amplifier