Episode E-2100 - User Manual

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Summary

Introduction and Features

Bridging

Combines the power output of both channels for increased power when needed.

Power Mode

Offers 'On', 'Auto', and 'Trigger' modes for flexible amplifier power control.

Installation

First Steps

Initial setup guidance including amplifier placement, ventilation, and basic connections.

Setup and Options

Covers input selection, power connection methods, and channel bridging configuration.

Typical Installation with Speakers

Typical Installation with Speaker Selector Box

Troubleshooting

No Audio From Any Channel

Addresses issues with no audio output across all channels.

No Audio From One or More Channels

Helps diagnose problems affecting specific audio channels.

No Audio From One Channel or One Zone Only

Guides on resolving audio issues affecting a single channel or zone.

Hum or Buzzing Sound is Heard

Provides steps to identify and eliminate hum or buzzing audio artifacts.

Amplifier Will Not Turn On

Offers solutions for the amplifier failing to power on.

Summary

Introduction and Features

Bridging

Combines the power output of both channels for increased power when needed.

Power Mode

Offers 'On', 'Auto', and 'Trigger' modes for flexible amplifier power control.

Installation

First Steps

Initial setup guidance including amplifier placement, ventilation, and basic connections.

Setup and Options

Covers input selection, power connection methods, and channel bridging configuration.

Typical Installation with Speakers

Typical Installation with Speaker Selector Box

Troubleshooting

No Audio From Any Channel

Addresses issues with no audio output across all channels.

No Audio From One or More Channels

Helps diagnose problems affecting specific audio channels.

No Audio From One Channel or One Zone Only

Guides on resolving audio issues affecting a single channel or zone.

Hum or Buzzing Sound is Heard

Provides steps to identify and eliminate hum or buzzing audio artifacts.

Amplifier Will Not Turn On

Offers solutions for the amplifier failing to power on.

This document is the owner's manual for the Episode E-2100 Stereo Power Amplifier, engineered by SnapAV.

The Episode E-2100 is a 2-channel stereo power amplifier designed for various amplifier applications in home theater or audio systems. It incorporates advanced technology components to deliver high-quality sound for both movies and music. The amplifier is built with superior quality components for outstanding sound quality, performance, and long-term reliability.

Important Technical Specifications:

Continuous Power Output:
- 100 Watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms
- 150 Watts per channel RMS at 4 ohms
Bridged Power Output:
- 300 Watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms
Input Sensitivity: 75mv for 1 watt out; 750mv for full output, 100 watts, with level control set to max.
Input Impedance: 17,000 ohms
Overall Voltage Gain: 31 dB
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 110 kHz
Distortion (Unbridged):
- .05% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz (8Ω)
- .08% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz (4Ω)
Distortion (Bridged): .1% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz (8Ω)
Overall Dimensions: 16.5"w x 4"h (including feet) x 15" deep
Weight: 21lbs.
Power Rating: ~120VAC 60Hz 500W
Fuse: 6.3AL 250V

Usage Features:

Multiple Stages of Protection: Each channel is individually protected, with bi-color LEDs on the front panel indicating operation mode (blue for normal, red for fault conditions like short circuits, excessively low impedance, or prolonged elevated temperatures). If a fault occurs, only the affected channel shuts down, while the other continues to operate.
Installation-Friendly Connections: Features gold-plated five-way binding posts for speaker connections, accommodating up to 14 gauge stranded speaker wire. The power cord is removable for easy installation. Inputs and outputs are high-quality RCA-type connectors.
Rack-Mountable: Includes accessory rack 'ears' for mounting. The amplifier feet can be removed for clean rack mounting. The chassis and rack ear are designed to support only the amplifier itself; stacking other components on top is not recommended to avoid damage or excessive thermal conditions.
Gain Adjustment: Volume/gain adjustment controls on the rear panel allow for overall volume adjustment of connected speakers.
Low Pass Filter Adjustment: When enabled, this feature allows the amplifier to be used with passive subwoofers (e.g., in-ceiling, in-wall, in-floor). The control is variable from 50Hz to 150Hz and can be used in both stereo and bridged modes.
Bridging: The amplifier can combine the power output of both channels into a single, more powerful mono output. This is achieved by flipping a switch and connecting the speaker as indicated. The bridged output is 8 OHM, and speakers with impedances lower than 8 OHM should not be connected in bridged mode.
Power Mode: Three power modes are available:
- On: The amplifier remains on as long as it is plugged in and the front panel power switch is on.
- Trigger: The amplifier turns on when a 3-30 volt (AC or DC) signal is applied to the 3.5mm trigger input jack (tip positive) and remains on. A 12-volt DC output trigger jack is also available to turn on other components, delivering voltage when the amplifier is "active" and dropping to zero when it turns off. There's a delay of approximately 15 minutes before the amplifier goes to standby in Auto turn-on mode. The trigger output is compatible with 12-volt DC and draws no more than 500mA.
- Auto: The amplifier turns on when a minimal audio signal is detected on the CH 1 or CH 2 RCA jacks and turns off after approximately 15 minutes of no signal. This mode does not sense audio connected to the channel Line-In RCA jacks.
LED Indicators: Bi-color LEDs on the front panel indicate the operational status of each channel (blue for normal, red for fault conditions).
Input Selection: Switches on the rear panel allow selection of input modes. These should only be changed when the amplifier is turned off.
Line Level Outputs: Any source connected to the CH 1 or CH 2 inputs can be sent to other components or amplifiers via the CH 1 or CH 2 output connectors.

Installation Guidelines:

Placement: Place the amplifier on a solid, level surface if not rack-mounting. Ensure adequate ventilation with a minimum of 5" of free air space above and 3" on each side. Do not block ventilation holes or place the amplifier on carpeting or similar materials. Avoid heat sources or extremely humid/wet locations.
Connections: All connections and switching must be done with the amplifier's power switch in the "off" position. Connect the power cord last.
- Inputs: Use high-quality RCA cables with low impedance, shielding, and high-quality connectors for line-level connections.
- Speaker Outputs: Use 14-18 gauge stranded two-conductor loudspeaker wire. Strip 1/4" of insulation and observe correct polarity. Incorrect polarity can result in poor bass and "warbly" or "distant" vocals. A simple test is provided to verify speaker polarity.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a 120V 60 Hz polarized wall outlet or appropriate surge protector. Do not plug into a switched outlet on a surround receiver if using Trigger or Audio power modes.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:

No audio from any channel: Check power cable connection, outlet power, audio cable connection, cable integrity, and Input Selection switch settings.
No audio from one or more channels: Check audio cable connection, cable integrity, Input Selection switch settings, Bridging switch settings, and speaker wire connections.
No audio from one channel or one zone only: Check the front panel LED for the zone (red indicates short or thermal issue), speaker wire connections for shorts, amplifier cooling, level adjustment, and audio cable integrity.
Hum or buzzing sound: Check RCA input cables by removing them one at a time (after powering down the amplifier) to identify a faulty connection or cable.
Amplifier will not turn on: Check if the amplifier is plugged into a live outlet, if the front panel power switch is on, and if the Power Mode switch is set correctly for the system.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or paper towel to clean the amplifier.
Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged, exposed to rain/moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. Do not remove the cover; there are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Warranty:

2-Year Limited Warranty: Covers parts and labor for defects in material or workmanship under normal use. Does not cover products that have been abused, modified, or disassembled. Products requiring repair under warranty must be returned to SnapAV or a designated service center with a prior notification and an assignment return authorization number (RA).