Boulder 160 - User Manual

-------
BOULDER
160 P O'W'.ER AMPLIFIER
Installation Instructions 11/14/83
Congratulations on your choice of the Boulder 160 Power Amplifier . In order
to realize the full sonic potential of this amplifier, we ask that you
take a few minutes to read these instructions .
The Boulder 160 is a two stage amplifier with the first being a differential
input JE-990 operational amplifier circuit having 20 dB of voltage gain.
This allows the second stage to operate at only 6 dB of gain. Level
controls (on most models) are provided between the stages to allow checking
the input signal when first connected or patched.
The optimum setting of the level controls is in the "0" (full
clockwise) position. This ensures that the first stage will not be nea.r
its Clipping point. If necessary, up to -3 dB of attenuation may be used
without risking audible clipping . Furthur attenuation should only be
used for reduced output level situations such as muting. The clip lights
do not indicate first-stage Clipping .
The clip lights will start to illuminate somewhat <1-6 dB) before actual
clipping occurs depending on the particular loudspeakers used. Therefore,
at pin 3 or the phono jack will produce a positive-going transition at the
"+" (red) output terminal.
For mono operation, push the rear panel switch so that it stays in the "in"
pOSition. Only signals into the left input are used in mono. The left
channel red output terminal is now "+", and the right channel red output
terminal is now "-". Note the markings on the rear panel.
Because of current-limiting protection circuits, it is not recommended to
dnve a 4 Ohm (or less) load in mono operation. No furthur headroom. will
be a.vailable in mono operation (as compared to stereo) into 4 Ohms.
Also, the damping ratio is halved in mono operation, which may affect
sonic qualities.
For best sonic results, we recommend the use of low characteristic impedance
speaker cable. A coaxial type such as Mogami #2477 or #2513 has high
distributed capacitance giving impedances lower than 10 ohms. Care should
be used when trying this cable on other amplifiers, as the distributed
capacitance may cause less stable designs to oscillate.
A termination network of .022uF in series with 10 ohms should be used at -the
speaker terminals to reduce reflections in the speaker cable. These values
really depend on the speaker impedance above 20KHz, but in most instances
will work well.
The green indicator light in the circuit breaker will remain steadily on
when powered up. A blinking indication shows either a thermal overload
(which takes about 2 minutes to reset itself) or 1055 of mains power to
the amplifier. This latter indication will only last about 25 seconds.
some occasional clip indication at high levels is allowable.
The amplifier is shipped with the differential inputs disabled, since
unbalanced mode is most often used. To enable the differential mode,
move the jumpers on the PC board from "UNB" to the "BAL" position.
NOTE: If the unbalanced Phono inputs are used, the input mode should
be left unbalanced by setting the jumpers to the "UNB" pOSition.
Alternately, unbalancing may be accomplished by connecting pin 2 (10)
of the 3-pin input connector to pin 1 (ground). _________
The phase of the amplifier is such that a positive-going tranSition
I
LL \"
i " """'" '-
r
, I
I< _ t. .
f ' •
"k
~ ( I
J ~ . ( '\.

Summary

Installation Instructions

Initial Setup Procedures

Level control settings, differential input configuration, and signal phase.

Mono Operation Guide

Setup, polarity, limitations, and impedance considerations for mono.

Speaker Connection and Monitoring

Speaker cable choice, termination, and indicator light status.

Boulder 160 Specifications

General

Gain	26 dB
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz
Type	Stereo Power Amplifier
Signal to Noise Ratio	116 dB, unweighted, 20 Hz to 22 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	116 dB, unweighted, 20 Hz to 22 kHz