IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL The I T- R e f e r e n c e 1 5 F e a t u r es · Discrete symmetrical balanced power cancels hum-inducing noise · Power Factor correction provides surplus current for power-starved amplifiers · Linear Filtering Technology for unequaled audio / video clarity · Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus provides virtually maintenance-free AC surge suppression · Detachable surge suppression module for telco and cable / satellite connectors 1 IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL Introduction For over 31 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 IT-Reference 15'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 IT-Reference 15. Today's AC lines are plagued with ever increasing noise. When AC noise couples into your system's critical components, it masks low level signals and cripples performance. This low level content is critical because it relays the crucial harmonics and ambience in audio, and depth and clarity in video. With the ITReference 15's exclusive Discrete Symmetrical Power, video screens, projectors, CD-DVD players, pre-amplifiers, and scalers are fed either linearly-filtered ultra-low-noise power, as well as symmetrically balanced power. This dramatically reduces AC noise, ensuring peak operation of your critical components. For the first time, you will see and hear your theater or audio system as it should be ­ uncompromised. Further, our Discrete Symmetrical Power features total isolation between the filtered-high current outlets, and the isolated symmetrical balanced power AC outlet banks. This positively breaks noise-inducing ground loops, hum bars, and power supply backwash between critical interconnected equipment, all without compromising electrical safety. This enables a plasma, LCD screen, or video projector to function without AC ground contamination from an audio processor or power amplifiers. The IT-Reference 15 also employs 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 IT-Reference 15, in fact, has in excess of 4 Amps of continuous current reserve (over 55 amps peak charge) for the most extreme peak power demands. This technology enables power amplifiers and powered subwoofers to work at peak efficiency and reach levels of performance previously unattainable. No longer will your amplifier's performance be at the mercy of your home's incoming AC power or inferior AC protection/filtering devices. The net effect is as if your power amplifier has nearly doubled in power and improved immeasurably in quality. When employing the IT-Reference 15 you will immediately notice far clearer, stunningly 2 IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL focused sound and visual images from your system. Video presentation will be crisp and colors true with greater gray and black scale definition, as well as noticeably improved depth and clarity. Sonic transients will be 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. Please read and observe all of the safety and operating instructions before the IT-Reference 15 is operated. Retain these instructions for future reference. · · · · 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. Do not disassemble or modify in any way. No user-serviceable parts inside Keep away from moisture and avoid excessive humidity Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to enter the unit Household lighting equipment may not be connected to the IT-Reference 15 because their sockets are not designed for use with balanced symmetrical power and may present a shock hazard. We recommend that only audio, video and computer processing equipment be connected to the IT-Reference 15. The box should contain the IT-Reference 15 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. The IT-Reference 15 should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: · The power supply cord or plug has been frayed or cut. · Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into the unit. · The IT-Reference 15 has been exposed to rain or other moisture. · The IT-Reference 15 does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance. · The IT-Reference 15 has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. The IT-Reference 15 requires that a safety ground be present for proper operation. Any attempt to operate the IT-Reference 15 Safety Information - Warnings 3 IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL without a safety ground is considered improper operation and will invalidate the warranty. Connection: AC Cable Routing Once the IT-Reference 15 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). The power source to which the IT-Reference 15 is connected should be adequate for use at 15 Amps. The IT-Reference 15 will operate with a10 Amp service outlet; however, nuisance tripping at the circuit breaker panel may result if the systems continuous current draw exceeds 9 Amps. Power Source The IT-Reference 15 is manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet, shelf, or floor capable of supporting its 53lbs weight. These rubber feet may be easily removed with a standard Philips screw driver when rack mounting adjacent to other components. Because of the IT-Reference 15's internal shielding, placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and the IT-Reference 15 does not produce any appreciable heat under standard use. The IT- Reference 15 may also be rack mounted in a standard 19" rack by attaching the ITReference 15 rack ears. These rack ears (contained within the plastic rack kit package) mount flush with the back portion of the ITReference 15's front panel. They are attached to the chassis by removing the (2) countersunk screws on each forward-side of the chassis top cover. Each rack ear is installed with (3) pan-head Philips screws contained within the IT-Reference 15 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. Placement The IT-Reference 15's two "Symmetrically Balanced Power Outlets" should be employed for critical video components such as DVD players, projectors, Plasma, or LCD video screens. When employing the IT-Reference 15 for a 2-channel audio system, a pre-amplifier and or CD player would be ideally suited for these outlets. Connecting Components to the Symmetrical Power Banks The IT-Reference 15's four rear panel and one front panel "Linear Filtering Power Outlets" should be employed for any component not connected to the two "Symmetrically Balanced Power Outlets," with the exception of receivers, power amplifiers and powered sub-woofers. These outlets, though neither isolated or balanced, still posses incredible filtering to maximize system performance through vast AC noise reduction. Connecting Components to the Linear Filtering Power Banks All power amplifiers, receivers and powered Connecting Components to the High Current Power Amplifier Banks 4 IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL 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 IT-Reference 15 was designed to more than meet this demand. Additionally, our Power Correction Circuitry effectively creates a current reserve in excess of 55 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. 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 IT-Reference 15 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 IT- Reference 15's power correction circuitry has no actual effect on the power drawn from your utilities' power meter. The IT-Reference 15 draws a mere 8.5 Watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times. When power correction technology is employed with even the most sophisticated circuit breakers, it effectively adds to the perceived current load. Though the ITReference 15 was designed for steady 15 Amp operation, and peak current demands many times that, the maximum total continuous current draw may be limited to a range between 1300 - 1700 Watts per IT-Reference 15 employed. The RMS current available before the circuit 5 Note about Power Factor Correction and Current Consumption When power is first applied to the IT-Reference 15, (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 IT-Reference 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 IT-Reference 15'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, relay, and GFCI protection circuit. For this reason the IT-Reference 15 may Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time IT-REFERENCE 15 OWNER'S MANUAL 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 IT- Reference 15. 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." The Furman GFCI detects any imbalance in the current flowing in the two hot legs. The missing current is presumed to be flowing through the ground conductor (the round pin on an AC outlet). Ground current often indicates a dangerous partial or full short circuit. If an imbalance is detected, the GFCI will trip the outlets internal breaker, and the D ...