User manual FURMAN ITREFERENCE20

IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL The I T- R e f e r e n c e 2 0 F e a t u r es · Symmetrical balanced power cancels hum inducing noise from audio and video · Five discrete power banks eliminate inter-component inter ference and noise · Power Factor correction provides surplus current for power-starved amplifiers · Linear Filtering Technology for unequaled audio / video clarity · Vir tually maintenance -free AC surge suppression · Detachable surge suppression module for telco and cable / satellite connectors 1 IT-REFERENCE 20 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 IT-Reference 20'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 our flagship power conditioner, the IT-Reference 20. 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 IT-Reference 20's exclusive Discrete Symmetrical Power, video screens, projectors, CD-DVD players, pre-amplifiers, and scalers are fed linearly-filtered ultra-low-noise symmetrical 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 four discrete AC outlet banks. This positively breaks noiseinducing ground loops, hum bars, and power supply backwash between interconnected equipment, all without compromising electrical safety. This enables a plasma screen to function without AC ground contamination from a compact disc player, or a preamplifierprocessor to function free of performancedegrading digital noise from a satellite receiver. The IT-Reference 20 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 20, in fact, has in excess of 9 Amps of continuous current reserve (over 80 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 doubled in power and improved immeasurably in quality. When employing the IT-Reference 20 you will immediately notice far clearer, stunningly 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 2 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL 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 enter the unit · Do not allow liquids or foreign objects to · Household lighting equipment may not 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 IT-REFERENCE 20 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 IT-Reference 20 is operated. Retain these instructions for future reference. be connected to the IT-Reference 20 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 20. The IT-Reference 20 should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: · The power supply cord or plug has been frayed or cut. the unit. · Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into · The IT-Reference 20 has been exposed to rain or other moisture. · The IT-Reference 20 does not appear to operate normally, or exhibits a marked change in performance. the enclosure damaged. · The IT-Reference 20 has been dropped, or The IT-Reference 20 requires that a safety ground be present for proper operation. Any attempt to operate the IT-Reference 20 without a safety ground is considered improper operation and will invalidate the warranty. Power Source The power source to which the IT-Reference · Do not disassemble or modify in any way. No user-serviceable parts inside 3 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL 20 is connected should be adequate for use at 20 Amps. Though the system may function with a 15 Amp panel circuit breaker, nuisance circuit breaker tripping could result at your service panel. If your system includes multichannel audio power amplifiers that require more than modest power demands, a circuit breaker with a rating of at least 20 Amps is essential for optimum performance. If other electrical loads are used on this same AC line, and the continuous load from your equipment is in excess of 10 Amps, we recommend a 30 Amp circuit breaker wired with #10 gauge wire. For installations which must comply with NEC codes, a dedicated 20 Amp circuit is the minimum requirement. If in doubt, consult your local electrician. In rare instances, two ITReference 20's may be required for the most ambitious 5.1 and 7.1 Home theater systems with continuous current draw in excess of 20 Amps (consult your sales professional, or Furman Sound technical assistance). Placement The IT-Reference 20 is manufactured with four rubber feet for placement on any table, cabinet, shelf, or floor capable of supporting its 83lbs 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 20's internal shielding, placement or proximity to other components is not critical, and the IT-Reference 20 does not produce any appreciable heat under standard use. The IT- Reference 20 may also be rack mounted in a standard 19" rack by attaching the ITReference 20 rack ears. These rack ears (contained within the plastic rack kit package) mount flush with the back portion of the ITReference 20's front panel. They are attached to the chassis by removing the (3) countersunk screws on each forward-side of the chassis top cover. Each rack ear is installed with pan-head Philips screws contained within the IT-Reference 20 rack mounting kit. Due to the weight of the IT-Reference 20 (83 lbs.), it is recommended that placement be at or near the bottom of your rack when choosing this mounting option. Connection: AC Cable Routing Once the IT-Reference 20 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). This AC cord will carry substantial unbalanced AC current, so it should be dressed away from critical signal-carrying cables, or at the very least, cross them at a 90 degree angle. The same is true of the power amplifier AC cords when plugged into the IT- Reference 20's "High Current - Amplifier Power" AC filtered outputs. All other components plugged into "Discrete Symmetrical Power" outlets (A) through (D) have symmetrical balanced AC current and will radiate virtually no field; as a result of this technology, their placement is not critical. Connecting Components to the Symmetrical Power Banks The IT-Reference 20's "Symmetrical Power Outlets" should be employed for all components other than receivers, power amplifiers, powered subwoofers, or powered loudspeakers. Each "Discrete" bank (A) through (D) contains two parallel outputs, that are symmetrically balanced, filtered, and totally isolated from adjacent output banks or the 4 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL (4) "High Current - Amplifier Power" outlets. It should be noted that as each AC bank's outlets are in parallel, component power supply noise could potentially "back-wash" between these units. For this reason it is recommended that systems with minimal componentry (four units or less, excluding the power amplifiers) utilize one "Discrete" bank per component. This will maximize performance by eliminating intercomponent AC noise contamination entirely! For systems utilizing more componentry, high performance will still be achieved with careful routing of component AC cords to the IT-Reference 20's four "Discrete" power banks. We recommend separating digital processors, DVD's, and CD players from preamplifiers, tuners, and tape machines. Further, video monitors and scalers should ideally be separated from audio components. Connecting Components to the High Current Power Amplifier Banks Many Audiophile and premium Home Theater systems will have combined continuous current demands far below 20 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 20 was designed to more than meet this demand. Additionally, our Power Correction Circuitry effectively creates a current reserve in excess of 80 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 5 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 ITReference 20 was designed for steady 20 Amp operation, and peak current demands many times that, the maximum total continuous current draw may be limited to a range between 1500 - 2100 Watts per IT-Reference 20 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 IT-Reference 20 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 20's power correction circuitry has no actual effect on the power drawn from your utilities' power meter. The IT-Reference 20 draws a mere 8.5 Watts independent of other components, so it may be left on at all times. IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL Soft Start - Continuous Use and Break-In Time the IT-Reference 20, both neutral and positive When power is first applied to the IT-Reference legs contain 60 VAC relative to their Ground tab. 20, (the front panel breaker- power toggle must This is not a problem or safety hazard, unless be switched to the "on" position) the Soft Start there is a defect in either the IT- Reference 20's feature is activated. There is an audible "clack" transformer, or the power supply of a connected when the IT-Reference is first turned on or component. In this instance, we need to assure off. This sound is produced by the Soft Start that safety is always maintained. The solution is circuit's 30 Amp relay engaging or disengaging. our GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). There is nothing in the IT-Reference 20's construction, design, or componentry to wear The Furman GFCI detects any imbalance in the over the life time of the product, and there is current flowing in the two hot legs. The missing no power draw from your electric service meter current is presumed to be flowing through the aside from the LED power indicator, relay, and ground conductor (the round pin on an AC outlet). GFCI protection circuit. For this reason the Ground current often indicates a dangerous IT-Reference 20 may be left with its power partial or full short circuit. If an imbalance is engaged permanently at a cost of pennies detected, the GFCI will trip the main circuit per month. This is an added benefit, as many breaker/power switch. To restore operation, audio/videophiles find performance improves correct the fault and turn the unit on again. 5 mA significantly when leaving low-powered of current is enough to cause the GFCI to trip; components permanently charged (turned to troubleshoot this type of problem, start with on). In fact, this is true of the IT- Reference 20. nothing connected to the IT-Reference 20. Then, Though it will function flawlessly right from its add each piece of equipment until the GFCI trips. shipping carton, the performance of its circuit Contact the manufacturer of the suspect unit for parts will improve after approximately two possible solutions. weeks of continuous use or "break-in." Testing the IT-Reference 20's GFCI once a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI) year is recommended. Simply press the button The IT- Reference 20's "Discrete Symmetrical marked "TEST ­ GFCI protected." If the GFCI Filtered AC outlets" incorporate a balanced is functioning properly, this will cause the main AC power output, whereby both the neutral circuit breaker/power switch to trip and cut and positive leads of the AC cable run at 60 off power. After verifying the GFCI's proper Volts AC in opposing polarity, referenced to operation, simply restore power by switching the ground (0 Volts AC). This is but one of the Circuit Breaker/Power Switch to the ON position. IT- Reference 20's advantages over other ACfilter/protection designs. AC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression The IT-Reference 20 is capable of suppressing Though virtually all domestically produced virtually any instantaneous voltage surge from electronic equipment is designed to detect lightning or commercial power companies. electrical shorts and other potentially This is due in part to the mammoth reactive dangerous equipment problems in the elements in the IT-Reference 20's AC power Line lead referenced to its Neutral, this is correction circuitry. Further, the circuit is not inadequate when power is "balanced." With easily damaged by huge instantaneous peaks of 6 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL voltage, so there are no parts to fix or replace after a transient voltage surge incident. It should be noted, however, that there is no continuous over-under voltage circuitry or regulation within the design. For the ITReference 20's intended user, these features are typically not necessary. If your specific application requires AC regulation, over-under voltage power shut-down, or sequenced power distribution, there is a full line of Furman products to meet these requirements. Telco ­ Satellite ­ Cable Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors The IT- Reference 20 features transient voltage surge suppression for both standard telephone lines, as well as cable or satellite lines utilizing standard coaxial connectors. As these surge suppressors are in-line, they will require an additional cable to connect from their output to the control device requiring protection. All in-line surge suppressors feature our exclusive ground contamination free technology. This aids in eliminating audio buzzing, and the video hum-bars that can result from typical in-line suppressors. Further, our cable and satellite suppressors are TIVO friendly as well as HD-Digital Television ready. Both DC carrier signals as well as high bandwidth signals can pass through our circuit. In fact the bandwidth is less than 0.1dB loss at 1GHz! To connect your cabling to these in-line protectors, simply follow the in and out indications marked next to the Telco, Cable and Satellite connectors. Note: It is not possible to make an in-line cable or satellite protector "virtually maintenancefree" as we have accomplished with the 120 7 VAC line. This would necessitate limited signal bandwidth that would not allow the signal to pass. Under extreme conditions, it is possible that the surge suppression in one of these devices could sacrifice itself after a catastrophic event. If the telephone, cable or satellite signal will no longer pass through our protector, please contact your local service representative, installer or Furman for servicing. Since these circuits are modular, replacement may be accomplished in seconds with a new TVSS module. To test this, simply disconnect the incoming and out going cable from the IT-Reference 20. Connect the incoming connector to the component that formerly received the out going connector, thus by-passing the in-line protection. If the signal is present (but not when used with the IT-Reference 20) then the protection circuit is damaged (assuming it worked properly before a storm or catastrophic event). IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL Suggested AC Connection Telco Protector Powered Subwoofer Surround Plasma / Sound LCD Monitor Processor Video Projector Cable - Satallite Protector Warranty 5-7 Channel Amplifier V.C.R. or H.D. Hard Drive DVD Player Audio PreAmplifier Satellite Receiver Furman Sound, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser of this product, the Furman IT-Reference 20, that the product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase. The purchaser of the product is allowed fifteen days from the date of purchase to complete warranty registration by mail or on-line at the Furman website. If the purchaser fails to complete the aforementioned registration, the warranty period will be reduced to one year from the date of purchase. If the product does not conform to this Limited Warranty during the warranty period (as herein above specified), purchaser shall notify Furman in writing of the claimed defects. If the defects are of such type and nature as to be covered by this warranty, Furman shall authorize the purchaser to return the product to the Furman factory or to an authorized Furman repair location. Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the purchase date; this is not necessary if the Warranty Registration was completed either by mailing in the completed warranty card or by registering on-line at the Furman website. Shipping charges to the Furman factory or to an authorized repair location must be prepaid by the purchaser of the product. Furman shall, at its own expense, furnish a replacement product or, at Furman's option, repair the defective product. Return shipping charges back to purchaser will be paid by Furman. CONNECTED EQUIPMENT WARRANTY: Furman Sound's Connected Equipment Warranty covers equipment that is damaged by transient voltage (an "Occurrence") while properly connected through the Furman IT-Reference 20 to a properly wired AC power line with a protective ground in an indoor location. Furman's Connected Equipment Warranty is limited to the amount of the deductible on the Purchaser's personal property insurance policy up to $500.00. In order to make a claim for this Connected Equipment Warranty, the Purchaser must forward a copy of his/her personal property insurance claim for the damaged equipment to Furman and complete the Furman Connected Equipment Warranty 8 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL claim form (call Furman at (707) 763-1010 to obtain the form). Furman reserves the right to review the damaged Furman product, the damaged connected equipment, and the site where the damage occurred. All cost of shipping damaged equipment to Furman for inspection shall be borne solely by the Purchaser. Damaged equipment must remain available for inspection until the claim is finalized. The Connected Equipment Warranty is also in effect for a period of five years unless the Purchaser does not complete the warranty registration within fifteen days from date of purchase, at which time, the Connected Equipment Warranty period is also reduced to one year from the date of purchase. All warranties contained herein are null and void if: the Furman Surge Protector in use during the occurrence is not provided to Furman for inspection upon Furman's request at the sole expense of the Purchaser, Furman determines that the Furman Surge Protector has been opened, improperly installed, altered in any way or tampered with, Furman determines that the damage did not result from the Occurrence or that no Occurrence in fact took place or Furman determines that the connected equipment was not used under normal operating conditions or in accordance with Manufacturer's instructions for the connected equipment. All Furman Surge Protectors must be plugged directly into a properly wired AC power line with a protective ground and must not be "daisy-chained" together in serial fashion with other power strips, UPS's, other surge protectors, three-to-twoprong adapters, or extension cords. Any such installation voids this warranty. The Furman warranty only protects against damage to properly connected equipment where Furman has determined, at its sole discretion, that the damage resulted from an Occurrence and does not protect against acts of God (other than lightning) such as flood, earthquake, war, terrorism, vandalism, theft, normaluse wear and tear, erosion, depletion, obsolescence, abuse, damage due to low-voltage disturbances (i.e. brownouts or sags), non-authorized program, or system equipment modification or alteration. Do not use this product in anyway with a generator, heater, sump pump, water-related device, life support device, medical device, automobile, motorcycle, or golf-cart battery charger. To be used indoors only and in dry areas. All warranties contained herein are null and void if used in anyway with any of the aforementioned devices. THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF 9 MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Furman does not warrant against damages or defects arising out of improper or abnormal use or handling of the product; against defects or damages arising from improper installation, against defects in products or components not manufactured by Furman, or against damages resulting from such non-Furman made products or components. This warranty shall be cancelable by Furman at its sole discretion if the product is modified in any way without written authorization from Furman. This warranty also does not apply to products upon which repairs have been affected or attempted by persons other than pursuant to written authorization by Furman. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of Furman shall be to repair or replace the defective product in the manner and for the period provided above. Furman shall not have any other obligation with respect to this product or any part thereof, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise. Under no circumstances, whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise, shall Furman be liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages. Furman's employees or representatives' ORAL OR OTHER WRITTEN STATEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied upon by purchaser, and are not a part of the contract for sale or this limited warranty. This Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of Furman with respect to the product. If any part of this Limited Warranty is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect. Warranty claims should be accompanied by a copy of the original purchase invoice showing the date of purchase (if a Warranty Registration Card was mailed in at the time of purchase or if the product was registered on-line, this is not necessary). Before returning any equipment for repair, please be sure it is adequately packed and cushioned against damage in shipment, and that it is insured. IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL IT-REFERENCE 20 SPECIFICATIONS AC Current Capacity: Input - 20 Amp capacity required Output - 12 - 20 Amp RMS * (maximum, all outlets combined - continuous) * (Due to the Power Factor Correction circuit, available RMS power varies with the reactance of the load (vector). However, this only affects the circuit breaker for continuous RMS current draw. Since power amplifiers will require high transient current demands, the IT-Reference 20 will never succumb to current compression. Quite the opposite, in fact, it will buffer the power amplifier's power supply, while lowering the AC input impedance, allowing power amplifiers to work more efficiently. Linear Noise Attenuation: Transverse (Differential) Mode: >20 dB from 1Khz. - 2 kHz. >40 dB from 2Khz. - 100 kHz. >80 dB from 100 kHz. ­ 1GHz. (Linear attenuation curve from 0.05 ­ 100 ohms line impedance) Common Mode: >90 dB, 10Hz. - 50 kHz. >40 dB 50kHz. ­ 1MHz. Outlets: 8 (symmetrical balanced outlets) 4 (power factor corrected outlets ­ 9 amps RMS reserve ­ resistive load ­ over 80 amps peak charge) Transient Voltage Surge Suppression: 120VAC Line ­ Series Multi-Stage Protection Plus - Non-Sacrificial with Zero Ground Contamination. Telco Cable / Satellite (less than .1dB line loss) Dimensions: 5.75" H x 17" W x 16.25" D (standard 3RU without feet) Weight: 83 lbs. Power Consumption: 8.5 Watts for display and control circuits independent of actual load. Safety Agency Listing: C-ETL (pending) 10 IT-REFERENCE 20 OWNER'S MANUAL 12/18/04_A Furman Sound, Inc. 1997 South McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, California 94954-6919 USA Phone: 707-763-1010 Fax: 707-763-1310 Web: www.furmansound.com E-mail: info@furmansound.com