The Emotiva UPA-200 is a stereo power amplifier designed to deliver high-quality audio performance for both audiophile stereo systems and the front channels of home theater setups. It is engineered to provide clean, dynamic, and powerful sound, capable of driving inefficient speakers to satisfying sound levels without strain.
Function Description
The primary function of the UPA-200 is to amplify audio signals from a preamplifier, pre/pro, or other source with a variable output level, and then send these amplified signals to passive speakers. It operates as a dedicated power amplifier, focusing solely on delivering clean power to speakers, which often results in superior audio quality compared to multi-function receivers that compromise on individual components.
Usage Features
- Audiophile-Quality Sound: The UPA-200 is designed with a focus on delivering superb sound quality for both music and home theater applications. Its advanced engineering and Class A/B topology contribute to smooth, detailed sound and natural imaging.
- Heavy Duty Power Supply: Equipped with an oversized toroidal transformer, the amplifier provides ample continuous power for demanding program material and has significant reserves to handle signal peaks without sounding strained.
- Stability: The UPA-200 is engineered for real-world use with a variety of speakers, ensuring stable operation.
- Classic Emotiva Styling: The amplifier features a design that complements home theater racks or living room environments.
- Speaker Connections: It includes full-sized five-way binding posts, offering flexibility to connect speaker cables using bare wires, lugs, or banana plugs.
- Front Panel Status LEDs: Informative LEDs on the front panel indicate the amplifier's status (normal operation or fault condition). These LEDs can be disabled if desired, offering a "stealth mode" for users who prefer a darker aesthetic.
- Standby Button: A front-panel button allows users to switch the amplifier between On and Standby modes. The button illuminates amber for Standby and blue for On.
- Remote Trigger Input and Output: The UPA-200 features a 12 VDC trigger input, allowing it to be turned on or off in conjunction with other trigger-enabled equipment (like a preamplifier or pre/pro). When the amplifier is on, it also sends a 12 VDC signal from its trigger output to control other devices.
- Audiophile-Grade Fault Protection: The amplifier incorporates protection mechanisms that are transparent during normal operation but safeguard the unit and connected equipment from common fault conditions such as excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker connections, and ground faults. In case of a fault, the UPA-200 will return to Standby mode, the Standby button will light amber, and the Status LEDs will flash red.
- Universal AC Line Voltage Operation: The UPA-200 automatically detects and switches between 115 VAC and 230 VAC line voltages, making it adaptable to different power grids.
- RCA (Unbalanced) Inputs: Each channel has a gold-plated RCA jack for unbalanced audio input. Users are advised to use high-quality cables and keep them as short as possible, avoiding proximity to power cables to minimize interference. It is crucial not to connect digital signals to these inputs to prevent damage to the amplifier or speakers.
- AC Power Switch: A rear-panel switch controls the main AC power, allowing the unit to be completely turned off or put into Standby mode.
- Status LED Switch (Rear Panel): A small slide switch on the rear panel enables or disables the front panel Channel Status LEDs.
Maintenance Features
- No Periodic Maintenance or Calibration: The UPA-200 is designed to be maintenance-free, requiring no periodic servicing or calibration.
- Cleaning: The amplifier should be cleaned gently with a soft rag. For sticky substances, a mild cleaning solution applied to a soft rag, followed by wiping with a clean, water-dampened rag and drying with a soft cloth, is recommended. It is important not to spray water or cleaning solution directly onto the unit or into its vents.
- Fuse Replacement: If a fuse needs replacement, only a fuse of the proper value and voltage rating should be used.
- Power Cable Protection: Users should protect power supply cables from being pinched, walked on, or otherwise damaged, paying particular attention to where the cable enters the power outlet and the unit.
- Proper Ventilation: The UPA-200 should not be installed near heat sources or in locations without proper ventilation. It should not be operated on soft surfaces that may block vents or in enclosed spaces without sufficient forced-air ventilation.
- Secure Installation: The unit should only be installed on stands, shelves, or furniture capable of supporting its weight. Caution should be exercised when moving the unit on a cart to prevent tip-over.
- Professional Service: In case of damage to the power supply cord, liquid spills, exposure to rain, marked change in performance, or physical damage, service should be sought from qualified service personnel. The cover should not be removed by the user as there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
- Power Disconnection: For complete disconnection from AC power mains, the AC power cord should be unplugged from the receptacle. The power cord must remain readily accessible at all times.
- Original Packaging Retention: It is important to save the original box and all packing materials for potential future transport or service.