Sonance Cinema Series SUB 10-250D & 12-500D Amplifiers

Important Safety Information

IMPORTANT: READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU INSTALL OR OPERATE YOUR SUB 10-250D or SUB 12-500D AMPLIFIERS, AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LATER USE.

1. Read Instructions: All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the unit.
2. Retain Instructions: Keep these safety and operating instructions for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings: Adhere to all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions.
4. Follow Instructions: Follow all operating and use instructions.
5. Water and Moisture: Do not use the unit near water, such as bathtubs, washbowls, kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, wet basements, or swimming pools.
6. Carts and Stands: Use only with a cart or stand recommended by the manufacturer. Move unit and cart combinations with care to prevent overturning due to quick stops, excessive force, or uneven surfaces.
7. CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, do not use the amplifier's polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlets unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
8. Ventilation: Position the unit so its location does not interfere with proper ventilation. Avoid placing it on beds, sofas, rugs, or in built-in installations like bookcases or cabinets that may block airflow.
9. Heat: Site the unit away from heat sources like radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances that produce heat.
10. Power Sources: Connect only to the power supply type described in the instructions or marked on the unit.
11. Grounding or Polarization: Ensure the unit's grounding or polarization means are not defeated.
12. Power Cord Protection: Route power supply cords to prevent them from being walked on or pinched, paying attention to plugs, receptacles, and exit points.
13. Cleaning: Clean the unit only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Non-Use Periods: Unplug the power cord when the unit is left unused for an extended period.
15. Object and Liquid Entry: Take care to prevent objects from falling into or liquids from spilling into the enclosure through openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service: The unit requires servicing by qualified personnel when:
    • The power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
    • Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
    • The unit has been exposed to rain.
    • The unit does not operate normally or shows a marked change in performance.
    • The unit has been dropped or the enclosure is damaged.
17. Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit beyond what is described in the operating instructions. Refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.

CAUTION SYMBOLS:

[Electric Shock Symbol] CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. This symbol, a lightning flash within an equilateral triangle, alerts users to uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

[Exclamation Mark Symbol] CAUTION: IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS. This symbol, an exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, alerts users to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE APPLIANCE SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING. NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPLIANCE.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Sonance Cinema SUB 10-250D or SUB 12-500D power amplifier. These digital amplifiers are designed to provide many years of home entertainment enjoyment. This manual will guide you through the amplifier's features and help you achieve the best performance. Please read it thoroughly.

For optimal performance, Sonance recommends installation by a Sonance Authorized Dealer/Installer.

Box Contents

Your Cinema SUB 10-250D and SUB 12-500D box should contain:

• (1) Sonamp SUB 10-250D or SUB 12-500D amplifier
• (1) IEC Power cable (120V Version Only)

Optional Accessories

• 90603 Rack ears - 1 left and 1 right

Unpacking

Save the shipping carton and polystyrene inserts for future transport. Before installation, locate the serial number on the rear panel and note it here for future reference:

S/N: _____________________________________________________

Placement

IMPORTANT: TO AVOID DAMAGE, THE AMPLIFIER MUST ALWAYS REST ON ITS FOUR FEET TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE FOR PROPER VENTILATION THROUGH THE VENTS ON THE CHASSIS BOTTOM.

Place the SUB 10-250D or SUB 12-500D amplifier on a level surface, in an upright position, out of direct sunlight and away from windows where rain or moisture may enter.

Situate the amplifier away from heat sources such as hot air ducts or radiators. Ensure adequate ventilation via convection cooling or suitable cabinet fans.

IMPORTANT: THE SUB 10-250D AND SUB 12-500D AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE FOUR INCHES OF CLEARANCE ON THE TOP AND ALL SIDES.

• Never place any object on or against the amplifier.
• Never operate the amplifier on a carpeted surface, as this compromises ventilation.
• When installed in a cabinet, the front or back must be open during operation, or fans must be installed in the cabinet to ensure continuous ventilation.
• When rack-mounting, use nylon washers on both sides of the ears to isolate the amplifier from the rack and prevent ground loops and hum problems.
• Sensitive low-level sources may pick up hum radiated from the power supply. If this occurs, move the unit away from other components.

IMPORTANT: THE SUB 10-250D AND SUB 12-500D AMPLIFIERS CAN PRODUCE UP TO 60 VOLTS ON THE SPEAKER TERMINALS!

• Never touch the subwoofer output terminals when the amplifier is operating.
• Always disconnect the power cord when making any changes to the subwoofer output connections.

Unpacking (Power Cord)

The Cinema SUB 10-250D and SUB 12-500D amplifiers feature a removable IEC power cord (included with the 120V version). Plug the female end into the amplifier's Power Cord Connector and the male end into a 20-amp grounded wall outlet. DO NOT plug the power cord into an AC outlet on your preamplifier/receiver.

Rear Panel Connections and Controls

Power Cord Connection

The SUB 10-250D and SUB 12-500D feature removable IEC power connectors. Plug the female end into the amplifier's rear panel Power Cord Connector and the male end into a grounded wall socket. Do not plug into a convenience outlet on another audio or video component.

If using an extension cord, ensure it is heavy-duty (14-GAUGE OR LARGER) to provide adequate current for full operation.

CAUTION: DO NOT PLUG THE POWER CORD INTO THE WALL OUTLET UNTIL ALL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE AND VERIFIED.

A.C. Fuse Holder

To replace the fuse, unplug the power cord and use a screwdriver to remove the fuse holder.

• SUB 10-250D 120V: 8 amp AC
• SUB 10-250D 230V: 6.3 amp AC
• SUB 12-500D 120V: 12 amp AC
• SUB 12-500D 230V: 8 amp AC

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE, REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ONLY THE SAME TYPE AND RATING.

Auto On Switch

When set to ON, the amplifier automatically turns on when it senses a signal on either line level or speaker level inputs. It remains on for approximately 15 minutes after the signal ceases. Set to OFF for manual ON/OFF control via the front-panel POWER button.

Speaker Fuse

To replace the fuse, unplug the power cord and use a screwdriver to remove the fuse holder.

• SUB 10-250D: 10 amp slow blow
• SUB 12-500D: 12 amp slow blow

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION OF THE WOOFER DRIVER, REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ONLY THE SAME TYPE AND RATING.

Input Connection Caution

CAUTION: BEFORE CONNECTING THE AUDIO SIGNAL TO THE AMPLIFIER, DETERMINE IF YOU WILL BE USING THE LINE LEVEL OR SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS. USE EITHER THE LINE OR SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS ONLY; DO NOT USE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME, AS DAMAGE WILL OCCUR TO THE AMPLIFIER.

Line Inputs and Outputs

Use these connections if your receiver or preamp has a line-level subwoofer output. Connect the LFE output to the LFE input if your receiver's subwoofer output is mono. For systems with a separate preamp and power amplifier, connect the amplifier between them using the LINE INPUT and LINE OUTPUT jacks. The LINE OUTPUT jacks are high-pass filtered at 150Hz, 6dB per octave.

Speaker Level Inputs and Outputs

CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT THE SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS TO A RECEIVER OR AMPLIFIER WITH A BRIDGED OUTPUT. CHECK YOUR RECEIVER'S OR AMPLIFIER'S DOCUMENTATION BEFORE USING.

If your system lacks preamp outputs or a subwoofer output, connect its left and right speaker outputs to the SPEAKER LEVEL Inputs. Connect the SPEAKER LEVEL Outputs to your left and right main speakers, ensuring correct polarity (+ to +, - to -). The SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT JACKS ARE HI-PASS FILTERED AT 150Hz, 6dB PER OCTAVE.

Subwoofer Out

The subwoofer output terminals are connected in parallel. Connect only one subwoofer driver to each pair of terminals. Connecting more than one driver per terminal pair will result in amplifier damage. Ensure correct polarity: connect the amplifier's '+' terminal to the speaker's '+' terminal, and the amplifier's '-' terminal to the speaker's '-' terminal.

Front Panel Controls

Rear Panel Diagram Description: The rear panel features various input and output connectors including LFE, LINE IN/OUT, SPEAKER LEVEL INPUT/OUTPUT, and HI-PASS FILTER outputs. It also includes the IEC power connector, AC fuse holder, Auto On switch, speaker fuse holder, and voltage selector (120V/220-240V).

Front Panel Diagram Description: The front panel displays the Sonance logo, model name (CINEMA SUB 10-250D), and controls: POWER button, ACTIVE indicator light (green for sound, red flashing for protect mode), A.C. ON indicator light (red for power), VOLUME control, BYPASS switch, PHASE switch (0°/180°), and FREQUENCY control.

Power Switch: Turns the amplifier on and off. The Auto On switch on the rear panel can affect its operation.

Active Light - Green: Illuminates when the amplifier is producing sound.

Active Light - Red Flashing: Indicates the amplifier is in protect mode, possibly due to a shorted wire, overheating, or an internal problem. NOTE: IF THE FLASHING ACTIVE LIGHT IS OBSERVED, TURN THE AMPLIFIER OFF IMMEDIATELY. DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE TURNING THE AMPLIFIER ON.

A.C. ON Light - Red: Indicates that the amplifier has electrical power connected and is on. It extinguishes when the Power Switch is off.

Volume Control: Adjusts the subwoofer's output level. This control does not function when the BYPASS switch is in the ON position.

Frequency Control: Adjusts the subwoofer's upper frequency limit. If your surround system has a built-in crossover, set the BYPASS switch to ON. This control does not function when the BYPASS switch is in the ON position.

Bypass Switch: Bypasses the FREQUENCY and LEVEL controls. Set to ON if your surround receiver or processor has a built-in subwoofer crossover. Set to OFF for two-channel systems to enable the FREQUENCY and VOLUME controls.

Phase Switch: Selects between 0° and 180°. A 0° setting causes the speaker cone to move out with a positive input voltage, while 180° causes it to move in. There is no single correct setting; choose the position that provides better bass impact and level by listening. This switch functions regardless of the BYPASS switch setting.

Setup and Calibration

Typical Home Theatre Audio Input Connection

In a modern home theatre system, the signal to the subwoofer typically comes from the (LFE) output on your surround receiver or processor. Connect this output to the input marked (LFE) on the subwoofer amplifier.

Subwoofer Driver Phase

Before connecting subwoofer driver wires to the amplifier, ensure proper phase connection. Use a small 1.5-volt battery (AA, C, or D). Hold the positive wire of the subwoofer driver to the battery's positive terminal. Momentarily touch the negative wire to the negative terminal. Observe the subwoofer driver; it should move outwards (into the room) each time you touch the terminal. If it moves inwards, the woofer is connected incorrectly. Reverse the connections at the driver or amplifier. This step is critical for maximum performance, especially in multi-subwoofer installations.

Power Connection

After connecting the surround receiver/processor output and subwoofer driver wires to the amplifier, connect the power cord.

Front Panel Switch Settings

For a typical home theatre system, set the BYPASS switch to ON and the PHASE switch to the 0° setting.

Calibration

Many modern surround receivers and processors include automatic calibration and equalization systems. Follow your system's instructions for this process to achieve the highest performance. This process sets the correct subwoofer level and performs equalization for optimal bass response.

If your system lacks automatic calibration, manual calibration is required. Consult your surround receiver or processor's instructions. An SPL (sound pressure level) meter is strongly recommended for accurate calibration.

Specifications

Technical Assistance and Service

For questions about operation or installation, contact Sonance Technical Assistance at (800) 582-0772 or (949) 492-7777, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

For repair or service, contact your Sonance Authorized Dealer or follow this procedure:

1. Before calling, note the product's model number, serial number, purchase date, and dealer name/address.
2. Contact Technical Assistance to describe the problem. They will issue a Return Authorization Number (RA#) if applicable. IMPORTANT: Prior authorization is required to return your amplifier to Sonance!
3. If returning the unit for repair, pack it in its original shipping carton. Replacement packaging can be obtained from Sonance for a small charge. For shipment, place the original carton inside an additional outer carton to minimize theft risk. Include a copy of the original bill of sale.
4. Arrange for prepaid shipping via a package delivery service like United Parcel Service or Federal Express. Do not use the U.S. Postal Service. IMPORTANT: Freight collect shipments will be refused.
5. Write the Return Authorization Number on the outside of the shipping carton.
6. Ship the packaged unit to:
   Quality Assurance Department
   Sonance
   212 Avenida Fabricante
   San Clemente, CA 92672-7531 USA

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Sonance warrants this Sonance-brand product to the first end-user purchaser, when bought from an authorized Sonance Dealer/Distributor, to be free from defective workmanship and materials for the life of the product. The grille is warranted for five (5) years. Sonance will, at its option and expense, repair the defect or replace the product with a new or remanufactured equivalent.

EXCLUSIONS

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR USE, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. No one is authorized to modify these warranties on behalf of Sonance.

This warranty is the sole and exclusive remedy. Sonance's performance constitutes full satisfaction of all obligations. Sonance shall not be liable for consequential, incidental, economic, property, bodily injury, or personal injury damages arising from the product, breach of warranty, or otherwise.

This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties or limitation of remedies, so these exclusions may not apply. If your state does not allow disclaimer of implied warranties, their duration is limited to the period of Sonance's express warranty.

Product Model and Description: Sonance Cinema SUB 10-250D Amplifier, Sonance Cinema SUB 12-500D Amplifier

Warranty Period: Five (5) years from the date of original sales receipt or invoice, or other satisfactory proof of purchase.

Additional Limitations and Exclusions: The warranty is non-transferable, applies only to the initial installation, does not cover installation of repaired/replaced products, and excludes damage to allied or associated equipment. It also excludes damage from accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g., overdriving, extreme temperatures), or unauthorized service/repair.

Obtaining Authorized Service: To qualify for warranty service, contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or Sonance Customer Service at (800) 582-0772 within the warranty period. Obtain a return merchandise number (RMA) and ship the product prepaid with the original sales receipt or proof of purchase.

Contact Information

©2010 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance and Sonamp are registered trademarks of Dana Innovations.

Due to continuous product improvement, features and specifications are subject to change without notice. For the latest information, visit www.sonance.com.

Sonance
212 Avenida Fabricante
San Clemente, CA 92672-7531 USA
(800) 582-7777 or (949) 492-7777
FAX: (949) 361-5151
Technical Support: (800) 582-0772