Rotel RSP-960AX - User Manual

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Summary

Safety Instructions

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

Explains symbols used to warn users about potential hazards and important information.

Introduction

A Word From Rotel

A welcome message from the manufacturer expressing gratitude and confidence in the product.

Introducing the RSP-960 AX Surround Sound Processor

Details the RSP-960AX's capabilities, including Dolby Pro Logic and simulated surround modes.

Unpacking and Installing

Contents of the Packaging Box

Lists all items included in the product packaging, ensuring completeness upon purchase.

Unpacking

Provides instructions on how to carefully remove the unit from its packaging and retain materials.

Location

Advises on the optimal placement of the unit for performance and safety, avoiding heat and moisture.

Electrical Requirements

Specifies how to connect the unit to the power supply, emphasizing voltage compatibility.

The Cabinet

Warns against opening the unit's cabinet and advises on cleaning methods.

Remote Control Unit

Details how to install batteries, use the remote, and store it properly for longevity.

Making the Connections

Connecting to an Integrated Amplifier or Preamplifier

Guides the connection of front speakers and audio components to the amplifier and RSP-960AX.

Connecting to a Tape Recorder

Explains how to connect a tape recorder's input and output jacks to the RSP-960AX.

Connecting to a Laser Disc (LD)

Details audio and video connections for Laser Disc players, including S-video options.

Connecting to One or Two Video Cassette Recorders (VCR)

Instructs on connecting VCRs, including audio, video, and S-video connections.

Connecting to a Television (TV) Monitor

Explains how to connect the unit's output to a TV monitor, including S-video.

Connecting to the Rear Speakers Through a Power Amplifier

Describes how to connect the rear speakers via a power amplifier to the RSP-960AX.

Connecting to the Center & Subwoofer Speakers Through Power Amplifiers

Details connecting center and subwoofer speakers, including amplifier and level adjustments.

Connecting the Power Cord

Final step of connecting the unit to the mains outlet after all installations are complete.

Speaker Placement

Front Speakers

Provides guidelines for optimal placement of front speakers for soundstage quality.

Center Speaker

Advises on the best placement for the center speaker relative to the screen.

Sub Woofer

Offers suggestions for placing the subwoofer for best acoustic balance.

Rear Speakers

Guides the positioning of rear speakers for effective surround sound.

Notes

Offers tips on verifying connections and causes of hum and noise.

Controls and Operation of the Surround Sound Processor

Standby Button;Indicator

Explains how to turn the unit on and off, and the standby function.

Remote Sensor

Describes the function of the remote control receiver.

Center Level Buttons

Details how to adjust the output level for the center speaker.

Rear Level Buttons

Explains how to adjust the output level for the rear speakers.

Front, Center and Rear Indicators

Describes the function of indicators showing active speaker signals.

Master Volume Control

Explains how to adjust the overall volume for all speakers simultaneously.

Controls and Operation (Continued)

Center Mode Button;Indicators

Allows selection of different center speaker modes (Normal, Phantom, Wide) for surround sound.

Muting Button;Indicator

Describes the function to temporarily silence the audio output.

Delay Time Button;Indicator

Allows selection of delay times (20ms or 30ms) for surround speaker signals.

Level Check Button;Indicator

Guides the process of adjusting speaker output levels using a test tone.

Controls and Operation (Continued)

Bass Equalizer (EQ) Button;Indicator

Explains how to boost bass frequencies by 8 dB at 100 Hz.

Dolby Pro Logic Button;Indicator

Activates Dolby Pro Logic mode for enhanced theater ambiance and sound field.

Surround Mode & Stereo Buttons;Indicators

Allows selection of surround sound modes (Jazz Club, Concert Hall, Stadium) or bypass to Stereo.

Source Buttons;Indicators

Enables selection of different audio/video input sources like Line, LD, Video, Tape.

Notice

Reset Button Function

Explains the function of the rear panel RESET button for Pro Logic balance correction.

Additional Information for North American Version

Provides details on connecting the Rotel RLC-900 line conditioner or other equipment.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications (Typical Values)
Sensitivity (Input 1 kHz; Output 1V; Auto Bal. off)
Frequency Response (Center Mode: Wide)
Hum and Noise (Input Short, Din Audio / IHF A)
Harmonic Distortion (Input 1 kHz; Output 1 V; 80 kHz filter on)
Overload (Input 1 kHz; Output 1 V; Distortion 1%)
Residual Noise (Din Audio / IHF A)
Channel Separation (Center Rear VR -10 dB)
SUB WOOFER (Sensitivity (Output 1 V; Flat filter on) (Dolby))
SUB WOOFER (Frequency Response (Input Stereo, L ch))
SUB WOOFER (Hum and Noise (1 V, 0 dB, Din Audio / IHF A))
SUB WOOFER (Harmonic Distortion (Input Stereo, L ch))
VIDEO SELECTOR
GENERAL
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Rotel RSP-960AX is a Surround Sound Processor designed to enhance audio experiences, particularly for home cinema and music listening. It incorporates Dolby Surround Pro Logic technology, allowing users to enjoy soundtracks with the immersive qualities of modern cinema theaters.

Function Description:

The RSP-960AX processes audio signals to create a multi-dimensional sound field. It is designed to work with specially encoded audio soundtracks (Dolby Stereo movies or Dolby Surround video productions) that include a dedicated center speaker signal. This signal, combined with conventional front and rear speaker signals, creates a continuous left-to-right and front-to-back sound dimension, aiming to make the listener feel part of the audio and visual experience.

Beyond Dolby Pro Logic, the processor offers three simulated surround modes: Jazz Club, Concert Hall, and Stadium, catering to different musical and atmospheric preferences. An additional Stereo button bypasses all surround modes, providing a "stereo" sound effect for monaural sources like old soundtracks or records.

The unit supports connections for up to six components, including Line, Tape, Laser Disc (LD), Video 1, Video 2, and TV Monitor. For compatible LD, Video 1, Video 2, and TV Monitor components, high-grade S-video connectors (transcoders) are available, promising superior picture quality.

Three Dolby Pro Logic modes are available:

Wide Center mode: Intended for systems with three identical full-range front speakers, it provides the widest frequency response across the center, left, and right channels.
Normal Center mode: Removes low bass frequencies from the center speaker, redistributing them to the front speakers, suitable when the center speaker is smaller than the front speakers.
Phantom Center mode: Creates a "phantom" center channel between the front speakers when no physical center speaker is present. This mode splits center channel information equally between the front left and right speakers, preventing information loss and improving vocal intelligibility.

The RSP-960AX also features a Level Check button for adjusting speaker output levels, a Delay Time button to select between 20 or 30 millisecond delay times for surround sound, and a Bass Equalizer button that boosts low-level frequencies by up to 8 dB for the entire speaker system.

A comprehensive remote control unit, the RR-907, duplicates all front panel functions and includes a Mute function.

Important Technical Specifications (Typical Values):

Sensitivity (Input 1 kHz; Output 1V; Auto Bal. off):

FRONT:
- DOLBY: 300 mV
- JAZZ: 250 mV
- HALL: 420 mV
- STADIUM: 670 mV
- STEREO: 420 mV
CENTER: 73 mV
REAR:
- DOLBY: 50 mV
- JAZZ: 100 mV
- HALL: 50 mV
- STADIUM: 120 mV

Delay Time - Rear Speaker (Dolby): 20 / 30 mS

Bass Equalization (Input 100 Hz) - Front Speaker (Stereo): +8 dB

Frequency Response (Center Mode: Wide):

FRONT: 20-55 kHz, (+0-1 dB)
CENTER: 35-25 kHz, (+0-1 dB)
REAR: 30-6.5 kHz, (+0-3 dB)

Hum and Noise (Input Short, Din Audio / IHF A):

FRONT:
- DOLBY: 84/85 dB
- JAZZ: 100/102 dB
- HALL: 100/102 dB
- STADIUM: 94/95 dB
- STEREO: 100/102 dB
CENTER: 75/76 dB
REAR:
- DOLBY: 57/58 dB
- JAZZ: 60/60 dB
- HALL: 65/65 dB
- STADIUM: 90/92 dB
- STEREO: 91/94 dB

Harmonic Distortion (Input 1 kHz; Output 1 V; 80 kHz filter on):

FRONT:
- DOLBY: 0.025 %
- JAZZ: 0.0045 %
- HALL: 0.0045 %
- STADIUM: 0.0060 %
- STEREO: 0.0045 %
CENTER: 0.035 %
REAR:
- DOLBY: 0.35 %
- STADIUM: 0.01 %

Overload (Input 1 kHz; Output 1 V; Distortion 1%):

FRONT:
- DOLBY: 3.0V
- JAZZ: >3.0 V
- HALL: >3.0 V
- STADIUM: >3.0 V
- STEREO: >3.0 V
CENTER: >2.0 V
REAR:
- DOLBY: 1.5 V
- STADIUM: >2.0 V

Residual Noise (Din Audio / IHF A):

FRONT: 5/4 uV
CENTER: 25/20 uV
REAR: 23/20 uV

Channel Separation (Center Rear VR -10 dB):

DOLBY: L or R -35 dB, Center -35 dB, Rear -45 dB
JAZZ: L or R -67 dB
HALL: L or R -67 dB
STADIUM: L or R -6.6 dB, Rear -8.5 dB
STEREO: L or R 69 dB

SUB WOOFER (Sensitivity (Output 1 V; Flat filter on) (Dolby)):

FRONT: 145 mV
CENTER: 33 mV
REAR: (Not specified for Rear)

SUB WOOFER (Frequency Response (Input Stereo, L ch)):

FLAT: 9-33 kHz, (+0-1 dB)
80 Hz: 80 Hz, (-3 dB)
120 Hz: 120 Hz, (-3 dB)

SUB WOOFER (Hum and Noise (1 V, 0 dB, Din Audio / IHF A)):

FLAT: 68/69 dB
80 Hz: 85/106 dB
120 Hz: 83/100 dB

SUB WOOFER (Harmonic Distortion (Input Stereo, L ch)):

FLAT: 0.040%, 1 kHz
80 Hz: 0.025%, 20 Hz
120 Hz: 0.025 %, 20 Hz

SUB WOOFER (Residual (Volume min) (Din Audio / IHF A)): 8 uV / 7 uV

VIDEO SELECTOR:

Sensitivity (Output Level 1 V, 75 ohm load): 1 V
Frequency Response (Output Level 1 V, 75 ohm load): 10 Hz - 10 MHz, -1 dB
Overload (Input 4 MHz; Output 75 ohm load): 3 V
Signal to Noise (Output 75 ohm load; 0dB = 1 V): -125 dB

GENERAL:

Power Consumption: 120 V, 50/60 Hz; 230 V, 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Overall Dimensions: 440(W) x 92(H) x 329(D) mm (17-3/8"(W) x 4-13/16"(H) x 13"(D))
Weight: 6.0 kg / 13.2 lbs

Usage Features:

STANDBY Button/Indicator: Toggles the unit between on and standby. When switched on, various indicators, including the MASTER VOLUME control, light up. When switched back to standby, all indicators except the red STANDBY indicator disappear. The unit retains previously selected settings when switched from standby to on.
REMOTE SENSOR: Receives commands from the remote control unit. Optimal reception is achieved by pointing the remote directly at the sensor.
CENTER LEVEL Buttons: Adjusts the center speaker output level (+/- buttons).
REAR LEVEL Buttons: Adjusts the rear speakers output level (+/- buttons).
MASTER VOLUME CONTROL: Simultaneously adjusts the volume for FRONT, CENTER, and REAR speakers.
CENTER MODE Button/Indicators: Allows selection of Wide, Normal, or Phantom center modes based on speaker setup.
MUTING Button/Indicator: Turns off sound from the source. A red indicator light appears when muting is active. (Remote control only)
DELAY TIME Button/Indicator: Selects between 20 ms or 30 ms delay times for surround sound.
LEVEL CHECK Button/Indicator: Activates a 'test noise signal' sequence (LEFT FRONT, CENTER, RIGHT FRONT, REAR speakers) to allow manual adjustment of speaker output levels for optimal Dolby Surround reproduction.
BASS EQUALIZER (EQ) Button/Indicator: Boosts bass by 8 dB at 100 Hz. A red indicator lights up when active.
DOLBY PRO LOGIC Button/Indicator: Activates Dolby Pro Logic mode. A green indicator lights up when active.
SURROUND MODE & STEREO Buttons/Indicators: Selects between Jazz Club, Concert Hall, Stadium, or Stereo modes.
SOURCE Buttons/Indicators: Selects the desired input source (Line, LD, Video 1, Video 2, Tape). Indicators are green when active.

Maintenance Features:

Safety Instructions: Emphasizes reading and retaining instructions, heeding warnings, following instructions, avoiding water/moisture, using recommended carts/stands, proper wall/ceiling mounting, ensuring adequate ventilation, avoiding heat sources, connecting to correct power sources, ensuring proper grounding/polarization, protecting power cords, cleaning as recommended, unplugging during non-use periods, preventing object/liquid entry, and referring all servicing to qualified factory-authorized personnel.
Cleaning: The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Power Cord: Always handle the power cord with care and avoid tugging the cord to unplug.
Troubleshooting (Hum and Noise): Notes that hum and noise may be caused by improper connection between amplifiers/speakers or different grounding/component location.
RESET Button (Rear Panel): An additional RESET button is located on the rear panel. This button is specifically for correcting the balance of Pro Logic left and right channels if it becomes unbalanced due to accidental erasure of backup memory (e.g., after being unplugged or power failure for over a week). Pushing this button with a ballpoint pen's tip will correct the balance, but it will also cancel all other level settings, requiring a re-run of the Balance Check using the test tone. The manual explicitly warns against using the RESET button for any other incident.
North American Version (AC Outlet): For U.S.A. and Canada, the RSP-960AX includes a switched AC outlet on the rear panel. This outlet is designed for connecting a Rotel RLC-900 line conditioner, allowing the RSP-960AX's remote control to power on/off all equipment connected to the RLC-900. Alternatively, a tuner or auxiliary equipment can be connected to this AC outlet for power control by the RSP-960AX.