ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL The E l i t e 1 5 P F F e a t u r e s · Power Factor correction provides surplus current for power-starved amplifiers · Linear Filtering Technology for unequaled audio / video clarity · Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus for vir tually maintenance -free AC surge suppression · Zero ground contamination circuitr y protects critical digital components · Ultrasonic filtering isolates digital and video circuits from analog components · Retractable LED lamps illuminate a cabinet or rack full of equipment · Detachable surge suppression module for telco and cable / satellite connectors 1 ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL Introduction For over 30 years, Furman has pioneered the development of AC power products for the most demanding audio, video, and broadcast professionals. Though the need for pristine AC power is nothing new, the Elite15 Power Factor's technology and its unique implementation are revolutionary and without peer. The extreme AC demands encountered in the professional audio/video arena have required technological developments far in excess of typical home theater/audiophile power products. In studios, live sound, and broadcast facilities, breakdown is unacceptable. Equipment failure or poor performance is costly. The same is true of today's home theater. Our solution based technology, extensive engineering expertise, and robust build quality have answered the challenge of today's corrupted power lines, and led to the creation of the Elite-15 PF. Another critical feature is our exclusive Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus. This virtually maintenance-free surge suppression assures the highest level of AC protection possible, without sacrificing itself when the offending surge is severe ­ no damaged equipment, no service calls, no down time. Further, our famous retractable front panel LED lamps allow easy viewing of either a rack or cabinet full of equipment, even when your theater lights are off. At the center of the Elite-15 PF is our unique Power Factor Correction Circuit. For the first time, low-level analog, digital, and video components are not modulated or distorted via the power amplifier's extreme AC current demands. Further, the power amplifier sees a highly filtered, extremely low-impedance supply of AC power. The Elite-15 PF, in fact, has in excess of 3 Amps of continuous current reserve (over 45 amps peak charge) for the most extreme peak power demands. This technology enables power amplifiers and powered subwoofers to operate at peak efficiency, reaching levels of performance previously unattainable. Today's power lines are plagued with RF and EMI noise. When connecting sensitive equipment to your home's power outlet, AC noise couples into your system's critical No longer will your amplifier's performance components. This AC noise masks low level be at the mercy of your home's incoming AC signals and cripples performance. This low level power or inferior AC protection/filtering devices. content is critical because it relays the crucial The net effect is as if your power amplifier harmonics and ambience in audio, as well as virtually doubled in power and improved the depth and clarity in video. With Furman's exclusive Linear Filtering Technology, televisions, immeasurably in quality. projectors, DVD players, amplifiers, and When employing the Elite-15 PF, you will processors are fed linearly-filtered AC power. immediately notice far clearer, stunningly This dramatically reduces noise, ensuring focused sound and visual images from your consistent peak operation regardless of load system. Video presentation will be crisp and conditions or the time of day. For the first time, colors true with greater gray and black scale you will see and hear your theater or audio definition, as well as noticeably improved system as it should be ­ uncompromised. depth and clarity. Sonic transients will be 2 ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL startlingly fast with bass fundamentals that shake foundations with their weight and visceral impact. Mid and high frequencies will bloom with sweet, non-glaring ease while imaging improves dramatically, all the while remaining true to your system's inherent virtues. · · Keep away from moisture and avoid excessive humidity Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the unit The Elite-15 PF should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: Installation: Unpacking Before unpacking your unit, inspect the carton for any obvious severe damage to the box and internal protective materials. If internal damage is likely, contact the carrier who delivered the unit before proceeding with unpacking. If, after unpacking, shipping damage is evident, contact the carrier. Save all shipping and packing materials. You may need them if you should ever have to return the unit to the factory for servicing. The box should contain the Elite-15 PF unit, detachable AC cord, rack mount kit, owner's manual, and warranty registration card. If anything is missing, please contact Furman Customer Service. Fill out and return your warranty registration card. Registration is recommended because it can be used to establish whether the unit is within the warranty period should your original ownership documents be lost, and it assists us in informing you about upgrades or other vital information. Safety Information - Warnings Please read and observe all of the safety and operating instructions before the Elite-15 PF is operated. Retain these instructions for future reference. · · · · The power supply cord or plug has been frayed or cut. Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into the unit. The Elite-15 PF has been exposed to rain or other moisture. The Elite-15 PF does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance. The Elite-15 PF has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. · The Elite-15 PF requires that a safety ground be present for proper operation. Any attempt to operate the Elite-15 PF without a safety ground is considered improper operation and will invalidate the warranty. Power Source The power source to which the Elite-15 PF is connected should be adequate for use at 15 Amps. The Elite-15 PF will operate with a10 Amp service outlet; however, nuisance tripping at the circuit breaker panel may result if the systems continuous current draw exceeds 10 Amps. Placement The Elite-15 PF is manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet, shelf, or floor. These rubber feet may be easily removed with a standard Philips screw driver when rack mounting adjacent to other · 3 Do not disassemble or modify in any way. No user-serviceable parts inside ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL components. Placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and the Elite-15 PF does not produce any appreciable heat under standard use. The Elite-15 PF may also be rack mounted in a standard 19" rack by attaching the Elite-15 PF rack ears. These rack ears (contained within the plastic rack kit package) mount flush with the back portion of the Elite-15 PF's front panel. They are attached to the chassis by installing each rack ear with (3) pan-head Philips screws contained within the Elite-15 PF rack mounting kit. The third screw used for each rack ear is for the center hole, located towards the rear and aids in stabilizing the unit when rack mounted. be employed for any component not connected to the "Digital - Video Component AC Outlets," with the exception of receivers, power amplifiers and powered sub-woofers. These outlets still possess exceptional AC noise filtering to maximize system performance. Connecting Components to the High Current Power Amplifier Banks All power amplifiers, receivers and powered sub-woofers should be connected to these four outlets. Many Audiophile and premium Home Theater systems will have combined continuous current demands below 15 Amps. It is rare, in fact, for large power amplifiers to draw more than 4 Amps continuously. For superior performance, it is vital that an AC filter possess extraordinarily low impedance, and have the capability to pass peak current demands far in excess of the RMS (continuous) current rating. The Elite-15 PF was designed to more than meet this demand. Additionally, our Power Correction Circuitry effectively creates a current reserve in excess of 45 amps peak up-charge that is cleaner and faster than a dedicated line from your local power station. This feature eliminates any concern towards the current compression that can result from typical power conditioners, and the peak power reservoir benefits any power amplifiers performance dramatically. Note about Power Factor Correction and Current Consumption When power correction technology is employed with even the most sophisticated circuit breakers, it effectively adds to the perceived current load. Though the Elite-15 PF was designed for steady 15 Amp operation, 4 Connection: AC Cable Routing Once the Elite-15 PF is placed, its AC cord's female end must be plugged into the male IEC connector located on the lower left hand side of the rear panel (when facing the rear panel). Next the male Edison plug must be connected to an appropriate socket (see current rating recommendation above). Connecting Components to the Digital Video Component AC Outlet Banks The Elite-15 PF's four "Digital - Video Component AC Outlets" should be employed for critical video components such as DVD players, projectors, plasma, or LCD video screens. When employing the Elite-15 PF for a 2-channel audio system, a pre-amplifier and or CD player would be ideally suited for these outlets. Connecting Components to the Linear Filtering Power Banks The Elite-15 PF's four rear panel and one front panel "Linear Filtering Power Outlets" should ELITE 15 PF OWNER'S MANUAL and peak current demands many times that, the maximum total continuous current draw may be limited to a range between 1400 - 1750 Watts per Elite-15 PF employed. The RMS current available before the circuit breaker trips varies due to what is referred to as a vector load. Simply put, the type of power supplies or electronic circuits connected to the Elite-15 PF will have an effect on its circuit breakers perceived current load, and therefore, when it will trip. Though the benefits of power factor correction far outweigh the small reduction in continuous current draw, this must be accounted for when constructing a large system with high current demands. The total continuous current draw of most electronic components is typically listed in Watts by their AC input cord or AC connector. Watt ratings are simply added to determine the total system RMS current draw. It should also be noted that the Elite-15 PF's power correction circuitry has no actual effect on the power drawn from your utilities' power meter. The Elite-15 PF draws a mere 8.5 Watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times. Retractable Front Panel Lights and Dimmer Control The Elite-15 PF includes a front panel mounted dimmer control for the two retractable front panel light tubes. The dimmer knob controls the brightness of both light fixtures. Turn it clockwise to increase brightness; turn it counter-clockwise to decrease brightness. When the lights tubes are fully inserted flush to the front panel, the light circuit is turned off via an internal micro-switch. Whether the light tubes are retracted or nearly flush with the front panel, there will be no appreciable 5 heat regardless of dimmer setting due to the efficiency of our full light spectrum LED's. Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time When power is first applied to the Elite-15 PF, (the front panel breaker- power toggle must be switched to the "on" position) the Soft Start feature is activated. There is an audible "clack" when the Elite-15 PF is first turned on or off. This sound is produced by the Soft Start circuit's 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging. There is virtually nothing in the Elite-15 PF's construction, design, or componentry to wear over the life time of the product, and there is no power draw from your electric service meter aside from the LED power indicator, lamps, and relay circuits. For this reason the Elite-15 PF may be left with its power engaged permanently at a cost of pennies per month. This is an added benefit, as many audio/videophiles find performance improves significantly when leaving low-powered components permanently charged (turned on). In fact, this is true of the Elite-15 PF. Though it will function flawlessly right from its shipping carton, the performance of its circuit parts will improve after approximately two weeks of continuous use or "break-in." AC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression and Extreme Voltage Shutdown Extreme Voltage Shutdown Indicator: This LED is normally off. It monitors AC wiring faults ­ for example, accidental connection to an open neutral from a 208 or 240VAC feed (this is a common occ ...