ONKYO SA-L3 AV Amplifier Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the ONKYO SA-L3 AV Amplifier. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and operating your new AV amplifier. Please read this manual carefully before use and keep it for future reference.

Features

• Compact, living-room-friendly AV amplifier.
• Rated output: 22W+22W (Front), 22W (Center), 22W+22W (Surround) at 6Ω, 1kHz, 0.6% THD.
• High-speed processing and reliable 24-bit DSP chip.
• Stable ground potential for audio signals.
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, and AAC decoders.
• Acoustic Control for sound enhancement.
• Subwoofer pre-out.
• Six audio inputs and two audio outputs.
• Durable, heat-resistant toroidal transformer and aluminum heatsink.
• Three optical digital inputs.
• Six original ONKYO surround modes: Orchestra, Unplugged, Studio-Mix, TV Logic, All Channel Stereo.
• Late Night mode for adjusted dynamic range.
• RI EX compatibility for control of other ONKYO components.

Package Contents

• Remote Control (RC-500S) [1]
• AA Batteries [2]
• Instruction Manual (this book) [1]
• Warranty Card [1]

Important Safety Precautions

Warnings

• Do not use if the unit is damaged or emits smoke or strange odors. Immediately switch off the power and unplug the unit.
• Never open the back panel or cover, or attempt to modify the unit. High voltage inside can cause electric shock.
• Do not use with voltages other than the specified 100V AC.
• Do not block ventilation holes. This can cause overheating and fire.
• Do not place near water or in wet environments (e.g., bathrooms).
• Do not place objects containing water or small metal objects on the unit.
• Do not insert foreign objects or metal into ventilation holes.
• Do not disassemble or modify the unit.
• Do not use the unit if the power cord is damaged.
• Do not place heavy objects on the unit or cover it with anything that obstructs ventilation.
• Do not use the unit in unstable locations.
• Do not place other audio equipment on top of the unit.
• Do not place objects weighing over 10kg or objects that extend beyond the unit's dimensions on top of it.
• Do not place the unit near cooking appliances or humidifiers.
• Do not place the unit in dusty or humid environments.
• When connecting other audio equipment, ensure all devices are powered off and unplugged. Use only specified cables.
• Avoid using the unit with distorted sound for extended periods, as this can cause overheating.
• Use headphones at a moderate volume to prevent hearing damage.
• Do not stand on or hang from the unit.
• Keep magnetic media (e.g., credit cards, floppy disks) away from the unit to prevent data loss or malfunction.
• Do not expose the power cord or plug to heat or damage.
• Do not use the unit with a bundled power cord.
• Unplug the unit when not in use for extended periods.
• When moving the unit, ensure it is powered off and unplugged, and all cables are disconnected.
• Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Do not insert objects into the battery compartment.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
• Do not expose batteries to heat, disassemble them, or dispose of them in fire or water.
• Do not damage, twist, or heat speaker cords.
• Ensure the power plug is disconnected before cleaning or maintenance.
• Periodically clean dust from the unit, especially the power plug, to prevent tracking.
• Do not spray solvents, alcohol, or insect repellent directly onto the unit.
• Clean the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Cautions

• Ensure correct battery polarity when inserting batteries.
• Do not use batteries other than those specified.
• Do not expose batteries to heat, disassemble them, or dispose of them in fire or water.
• Avoid short-circuiting speaker cords.
• Do not connect multiple speaker cords to a single terminal.
• Do not connect speakers in parallel to both left and right speaker terminals when using a single speaker or playing mono sound.
• Disconnect the power plug before cleaning or maintenance.
• Internal cleaning is recommended every two years. Consult your dealer.
• Dust accumulation can cause fire or malfunction.
• Clean power plug and socket periodically to prevent tracking.
• Do not spray solvents, alcohol, or insect repellents on the unit.
• Clean the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Connecting Speakers

This unit supports multi-channel playback with front left, center, front right, surround left, surround right speakers, and a subwoofer. For stereo playback, front left and right speakers can be connected.

Standard Speaker Placement

For optimal surround sound, proper speaker placement is crucial. The diagram shows a recommended setup. If you do not have a center speaker or subwoofer, the unit can distribute sound to the remaining speakers to maximize the surround effect.

Front Speakers

Position the left, center, and right front speakers towards the listener for clear sound imaging and movement. Adjust their height to ear level.

Surround Speakers

Place surround speakers to the sides and slightly behind the listener to create a sense of spaciousness and immersion. Position them at ear level or slightly higher (up to 1 meter above ear level).

Subwoofer

Connect an active subwoofer for powerful bass reproduction. Place it in a corner of the room for best results. Refer to the subwoofer's manual for specific placement recommendations.

Speaker Connection

Before Connecting

• Refer to the speaker manuals for specific instructions.
• Ensure correct polarity (+/-) when connecting speaker wires. Incorrect polarity can result in unnatural sound.
• Connect speakers with an impedance of 6Ω to 16Ω. Connecting speakers with lower impedance may damage the amplifier.
• Avoid short-circuiting the speaker wire's exposed core.
• Do not connect multiple speaker wires to a single terminal.
• Do not connect speakers in parallel to both left and right speaker terminals when using a single speaker or playing mono sound.

Connecting Speakers

Follow the diagrams to connect your speakers:

• FRONT SPEAKERS L/R: Strip about 15mm of insulation from the speaker wire ends, twist the exposed core, and insert into the terminals. Loosen the terminal, insert the wire, and tighten the terminal.
• SURROUND SPEAKERS L/R, CENTER SPEAKER: Strip about 10mm of insulation. Loosen the terminal, insert the wire, and tighten the terminal.
• SUBWOOFER PRE OUT: Connect to an active subwoofer.
• DIGITAL INPUT (OPTICAL): Connect to compatible digital audio sources. Ensure the protective cap is removed from the optical cable before connecting.

Connecting Audio/Video Devices

Refer to page 16 for detailed connection instructions.

Connection Examples

• TV: Connect the TV's audio output (RCA or optical) to the corresponding inputs on the SA-L3.
• DVD Player/CD Player: Connect the audio output (RCA or optical) to the SA-L3.
• LD Player/BS Tuner (VIDEO 2): Connect the audio output (RCA or optical) to the SA-L3.
• Video Deck (VIDEO 1): Connect the audio output (RCA) to the SA-L3.

Ensure all connections are secure and the power cords are unplugged before making connections.

Using the Remote Control

Preparing the Remote Control

1. Open the battery compartment cover by sliding it in the direction of the arrow.
2. Insert two AA batteries, observing the correct polarity (+/-).
3. Replace the battery compartment cover.

Using the Remote Control

• Point the remote control towards the unit's remote sensor.
• The effective range is approximately 5 meters (16 feet) at a 30° angle.

Precautions for Remote Control Use

• Avoid direct sunlight or fluorescent light on the remote sensor, as it may interfere with operation.
• Using the remote near other infrared devices may cause malfunctions.
• Do not place objects on the remote control, as this may activate buttons continuously and drain the batteries.
• Colored glass doors on audio racks may block the remote control signal.
• Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote control and the unit's sensor.

Setting Up Speakers

This section guides you through configuring your speaker setup for optimal surround sound.

Speaker Configuration

Press the SP SETUP button repeatedly (within 3 seconds) to select your speaker configuration (e.g., 2ch, 3ch, 4ch, 5ch). The display will show the selected configuration.

Setting Speaker Distances

Measure the distance from your listening position to each speaker and input the values using the DISTANCE and CH SEL buttons.

• Front Speakers: Set the distance for the left and right front speakers (0.3m to 9m).
• Surround Speakers: Set the distance for the left and right surround speakers.
• Center Speaker: Set the distance for the center speaker.

Note: If your configuration does not include surround or center speakers, these settings will not be available.

Subwoofer Mode

If you have connected a subwoofer, select the appropriate mode:

• SUBWOOFER OFF: For use without a subwoofer.
• SUBWOOFER MODE 1: Directs all low frequencies to the subwoofer.
• SUBWOOFER MODE 2: Directs low frequencies from the center and surround channels to the subwoofer.
• SUBWOOFER MODE 3: Directs LFE channel signals to the subwoofer (for 5.1 channel sources).

Speaker Volume Balance Adjustment (Test Tone)

Use the TEST TONE button to output a test signal from each speaker. Adjust the volume level for each speaker using the CH SEL and ▲/▼ buttons to achieve a balanced sound field.

Enjoying Various Sound Effects

Dolby Pro Logic II and ONKYO Original DSP Modes

This unit supports Dolby Pro Logic II for enhanced surround sound playback, indicated by the 'PL II MOVIE' or 'PLII MUSIC' display. It also features ONKYO's original DSP modes for various listening experiences:

• Orchestra: Ideal for classical music and opera, creating a spacious soundstage.
• Unplugged: Suited for acoustic music and jazz, emphasizing front soundstage.
• Studio-Mix: Creates a powerful sound image for rock and pop music.
• TV Logic: Enhances the audio experience for television broadcasts.
• All Channel Stereo: Provides stereo sound from all speakers for background music.

Stereo Playback

Press the STEREO button to select standard stereo playback. The 'STEREO' indicator will light up.

Late Night Mode

The Late Night mode adjusts the dynamic range, making quiet sounds more audible at low volumes, ideal for late-night listening.

Acoustic Control

Enhance bass and treble frequencies for a more impactful sound. Select from two levels of Acoustic Control.

Recording

You can record audio from connected devices via the VIDEO 1 OUT or MD/CDR/TAPE OUT terminals. Note that digital audio sources cannot be recorded through these analog outputs.

RI EX Functionality

The RI EX function allows for synchronized operation with compatible TVs. When connected, the unit can turn on/off with the TV, and the TV's remote can control the unit's volume and muting functions.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, consult the troubleshooting table in the manual. Common problems include no power, no sound, remote control issues, and recording problems. Check connections, settings, and battery status first.

Specifications

Amplifier Section

• Rated Output Power: 28W per channel (2-channel drive) at 6Ω, 1kHz (EIAJ); 22W per channel at 6Ω, 1kHz with 0.6% THD.
• Dynamic Power: 6Ω: 26W x 2, 8Ω: 22W x 2 (front channels only).
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.6% at rated output.
• Input Sensitivity/Impedance: Digital Input: 0.5 Vp-p/75Ω; Line: 150mV/50kΩ.
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 70kHz +/-1.5dB.
• Acoustic Control: +6dB (40Hz), +7dB (10kHz).
• SN Ratio: 100dB (IHF).
• Mute: -∞dB.

General Specifications

• Power Requirements: AC 100V, 50/60Hz.
• Power Consumption: 80W.
• Standby Power Consumption: 1.3W.
• Dimensions: 435(W) x 81(H) x 377(D) mm.
• Weight: 6.1 kg.
• Remote Control: RC-500S (Infrared, approx. 5m range, requires 2 AA batteries).

Maintenance and Service

• Refer to the warranty card for warranty information.
• If you experience problems, consult the troubleshooting section or contact an authorized service center.
• Spare parts are available for a minimum of 8 years after production stops.

Contact Information

• For product inquiries, please contact your dealer or the ONKYO Customer Center.
• Customer Center Contact: TEL: 0570-01-8111 (within Japan) or 072-831-8111.
• Website: http://www.onkyo.co.jp/