Systems Integration Amplifier™

INSTALLATION & OPERATION GUIDE

B LENDING H IGH F IDELITY AND A RCHITECTURE

Systems Integration Amplifier

™

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you for purchasing the award winning Niles SI-1230, one of the most

versatile and powerful multi-channel amplifiers ever offered. Like all Niles

products, the SI-1230 is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability.

With proper installation and operation, you'll enjoy years of trouble-free use.

Niles manufactures the industry's most complete line of custom installation compo-

nents and accessories for audio/video systems. For a free full-line catalog write:

Niles, Catalog Request, P.O. Box 160818, Miami, Florida 33116-0818

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

FEATURES AND BENEFITS 3

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 5

CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM 12

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS 13

FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS 15

INSTALLATION 19

OPERATION 25

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 27

CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET 29

SPECIFICATIONS 30

CAUTION: TO REDUCE

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SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE

COVER. NO USER-SERVICE-

ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED

SERVICE PERSONNEL.

CAUTION

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an

equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the

presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the

product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to

constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equivalent triangle is

intended to alert the user to the presence of important

operating and maintnance (servicing) instructions in the

literature accompaying the appliance.

INTRODUCTION

We call the SI-1230 a Systems Integration Amplifier because, for the first time, a power

amplifier has been specifically designed to solve the problems of interfacing with dif-

ferent brands and models of equipment, different acoustic environments in different

rooms, and different kinds of applications: home theater, stereo, and background

music. As you read this manual and become more familiar with the capabilities of the

SI-1230 you’ll understand why its predeccesor, the SI-1200, was selected Best New

Product 1994 by Sound & Video Contractor Magazine and CEDIA (Custom Electronic

Design and Installation Association). In addition, the SI-1200 also won the Consumer

Electronics Show’s Innovations ‘95 Design and Engineering Award.

INTRODUCTION

CEDIA

CUSTOM

ELECTRONIC

DESIGN &

INSTALLATION

ASSOCIATION

BEST

NEW

PRODUCT

1994

CEDIA and Sound & Video Contractor

Magazine Best New Product 1994 Award

SI-1230

Systems Integration Amplifier

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Real World Power

The SI-1230 is a 12-channel amplifier that delivers a solid 30 watts per channel

RMS into 8 ohms and 37 watts per channel RMS into 4 ohms. The massive Multi-

Tap Toroid power transformer features six independent secondary transformers for

each of the six amplifier modules. As a result, the SI-1230 delivers twenty percent

more power than its predecessor, the SI-1200. This extraordinary power supply

design provides the energy necessary to deliver solid, deep, controlled bass

response to a house full of speakers.

Twelve to Six Channel Configurable Power

Each of the SI-1230's six adjacent output pairs are bridgeable. You can create up

to six 80 watt channels by sliding the bridging switches located between each

pair to the "bridged" position. This enables you to allocate more power to specif-

ic locations, such as large rooms or outdoor applications.

Freedom from Noise and Cross-Talk

The SI-1230’s Input/BusMatrix

™

PC board incorporates advanced construction

ensuring extremely high channel to channel isolation. Signal to noise ratios and

cross-talk are equivalent to a professional mixing board found in a recording studio.

With the SI-1230 the music playing in the living room cannot interfere with the

music in the den.

Transparent Sound

The audio circuitry of the SI-1230 is constructed with the finest parts available,

including 1% metal film resistors, high quality capacitors and oversized heat sinks.

All this attention to technical detail results in a sound that is clear and uncolored.

BusMatrix™ Selector

Our unique BusMatrix selector gives you the flexibility to assign each channel to

a common Left, Right, or Mono signal bus, or to a dedicated signal input. With

BusMatrix, routing surround sound to the master bedroom, stereo to the den and

mono to the powder room is as simple as flicking a switch. BusMatrix makes the

SI-1230 an ideal multi-room or multi-zone amplifier and offers exciting new

features and system design possibilities to the professional installer.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Independent Level Controls

Each channel has its own independent level control enabling you to adjust the

volume settings for twelve different speaker locations. Each speaker can be

adjusted for its location and who uses it!

Turn-On Modes

The SI-1230 features three turn-on modes: 1. Manual turn-on via the front panel

switch, 2. Audio Sense and 3. External Voltage trigger. Audio Sense and External

Voltage trigger modes enable allow you to configure the SI-1230 to interface with

any kind of system and turn on automatically.

Automatic Protection

Each channel has independent thermal and short circuit protection. In the unlike-

ly event that a problem occurs on one channel, the other channels will continue

to play. When conditions return to normal, regular operation resumes.

Status Display for Troubleshooting

LED's on the front panel indicate Power, Active and Protection Status. With a glance

at the front panel a troubleshooter is quickly provided with key information!

Made in the USA.

Limited two year parts and labor Warranty.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

System Design Basics–Assigning Rooms to Zones

You define a multi-room music system by how many listening zones it has.

Within a listening zone you can only listen to one source (CD, radio, tape, etc.)

at a time. A zone can consist of just one room or a group of rooms. To achieve

different volumes and greater convenience in different rooms within a zone, indi-

vidual volume controls can be used. Niles makes volume controls in various

styles and colors. Consult your local Niles dealer for more information.

When designing your system, take into account who will use the system and when

they will use it. For example, a family might wire their family room for surround

sound and their living room for background music.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

5 System Design Basics—Assigning Rooms

to Zones.

6 Advantages of using the SI-1230 in a Single

Zone System

7 Using Level Controls as Limiters

7 Bridging Channels for Areas That Require

More Volume and Power

8 Using Mono for Smoother Coverage

8 Adding More Than Two Surround

Sound Speakers

9 Creating a Low-Cost Second Zone Using

a Dedicated Source

10 Adding Preamps to Create More Listening

Zones

11 Surround Sound in Two Rooms

CD PLAYER

RECEIVER

TAPE PLAYER

VCR

RECEIVER

FAMILY ROOM

LIVING ROOM

LISTENING ZONE 1

LISTENING ZONE 2

A Multi-Zone System

allows different sources

to be heard in each of

the zones, simultane-

ously.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN

CONSIDERATIONS

A Single-Zone System allows only one source to be heard throughout the house at a

given time. However, if the system is configured to be a Multi zone system it would

offer the household more flexibility. In a two-zone system, the children could watch

TV in surround sound while Mom and Dad read the paper and listen to music in

the living room.

Advantages of using the SI-1230 in a Single Zone System

In order to connect multiple pairs of speakers to a single stereo amplifier, they must

connect in parallel to offer the best sound quality and to allow the convenience of

an individual room volume control. Because parallel connections of multiple speak-

er pairs lower the overall impedance presented to an amplifier, damage may occur.

An impedance matching device will allow amplifiers to safely play multiple pairs of

speakers. However, the amount of power actually delivered to the speakers when all

of the speakers are playing simultaneously is very low. Typically a 100 watt stereo

amplifier with an impedance matching device will deliver about 5 watts to each

speaker in a system comprised of six pairs of eight ohm speakers. By connecting an

SI-1230 to the preamplifier outputs of your stereo receiver (or preamp) you dedicate

a robust 30 watts to each speaker in your multi-room system. Since each channel

has its own level control, you can compensate for architectural differences that cre-

ate sonic imbalances. In addition, you can fine tune the system so that when all of

the room volume controls are set to the loudest level, the large rooms and the small

rooms play at the same volume.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

CD PLAYER

RECEIVER

TAPE PLAYER

VCR

FAMILY ROOM LIVING ROOM

LISTENING ZONE 1

A Single-Zone System

allows only one source to

be heard throughout the

house at a given time.

Using Level Controls as Limiters

If your system is remote controlled, or if you think that some of the users like to

play the stereo too loudly, you can choose to calibrate the system so that it is lim-

ited to a volume level you assign. The SI-1230 allows you to set different volume

levels for different rooms.

Calibrate your system volume levels with the steps outlined below:

1. Lower all of the SI-1230 level controls to the minimum volume position. If there

are any other amplifiers in the system, lower their level controls to the mini-

mum (all of the amplifiers in your system must have level controls).

2. Raise all of the individual in-wall volume controls to the loudest setting.

3. Play a loud radio station with the tuner set to Mono.

4. Raise the volume of your preamplifier or receiver slowly– if you hear any

sound, lower the volume again and recheck all of your amplifier levels, they

must be at minimum. If no sound is heard, proceed to step five.

5. Have someone step into each room and listen as you adjust each level control

to the desired maximum level for that room. Adjust the balance between

speakers for the most common listening position in each room.

Bridging Channels for Areas That Require More Volume

and Power

There are several situations where bridging is an excellent way to improve the

sound. Likewise, there are some applications that would seem to be appropriate

but are not recommended. Plan to bridge channels to increase the power to 80

watts per channel when required. Here are some of the most common DO'S and

DON’TS:

Surround Sound Systems (DO)– The dynamic demands for the center channel

are much higher than the left, right or surround channels. This is an excellent

application for two channels to be bridged into one 80 watt channel.

Outdoors (DO)– Sound dissipates faster outside than within a room where the

walls enclose the sound and reflect it back to the listener. A pair of speakers play-

ing into a large patio or yard will greatly benefit from bridging four channels into

two 80 watt channels.

More than Two Speakers (DON’T)– In a large room or a long hallway, you will

often find that the best way to get good background music is to install multiple

pairs of speakers. You will actually deliver more power to four eight ohm speak-

ers by using two unbridged channels than you would if you bridged four chan-

nels into two. An unbridged channel is stable down to four ohms (two pair of

eight ohm speakers), but a bridged channel is only useful with an eight ohm load.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Using Mono For Smoother Coverage

In a large or irregularly shaped room you will often discover that in a particular

chair, all you can hear is one speaker. If the room’s speakers are connected to a

stereo amplifier you hear only half the music. The solution would be to connect

that room’s speakers to a monophonic amplifier. However, if you make one room

mono with conventional systems, all of the other rooms in the system are mono

as well. For the first time, the SI-1230's BusMatrix enables you to route mono to

one speaker without affecting the quality of the stereo in the rest of the system.

You can configure each room to stereo or mono with no ill effects. Some of the

most popular areas where mono will greatly enhance the quality of the sound

would be:

1. Large rooms with many seating areas and/or many pairs of speakers

2. Irregularly shaped rooms

3. Bathrooms with one speaker over the tub and one speaker over the sink(s)

4. Hallways or passageways (even those with multiple speakers)

5. Small rooms where only one speaker will physically fit

Adding More than Two Surround Sound Speakers

In a home theater, we try to reproduce the experience of a great movie theater in

our homes. The biggest difference between a commercial theater and your home

is the rear or surround speaker array. In a home with a single pair of speakers it

is easy for the surround effects to sound like they are "in the middle of your head",

just like headphones!

The best way to create a strong "surround" effect is to use multiple speakers. In

large or unusually shaped rooms this might be the only way to achieve good

sound. However, the built-in surround amplifier channels of a typical receiver will

not successfully power more than one

pair of speakers. If your surround proces-

sor or receiver has rear pre-outputs you

can easily improve the surround effect

with additional speakers and one or two

channels of an SI-1230. The individual

level controls of the SI-1230 allow six

decibels of gain over the main and center

amplifiers for easy calibration of a mix of

brands/models of speakers.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Additional surround speakers fed by the

SI-1230 greatly enhance the effectiveness of

your surround sound system.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Creating a Low-Cost Second Zone

Using A Dedicated Source

The biggest problem in a single zone system is that when the TV is in use in one

room, you cannot listen to music in another room. For a listener who only listens

to CD’s it is possible to create a low-cost second zone, allowing simultaneous CD

listening while the rest of the system plays the TV (or any source). This is possible

with the advent of CD players which have two audio outputs; one variable and

controlled via remote control and one which is fixed. You connect the variable

output of the CD player to the SI-1230 channels for a particular room where you

are willing to listen only to CD’s. The fixed outputs remain connected to the main

preamp or receiver so that you can listen to CD’s in the rest of the house. The

crowning touch is a Niles remote control repeater system so that you can raise and

lower the CD player’s volume from your CD listening room.

AM/FM TUNER

TAPE PLAYER CD PLAYER

AMPLIFIER

OR RECEIVER

ZONE 1 ZONE 2

AUDIO

SPLITTER

SI-1230

Adding Preamps to Create More Listening Zones

In the ultimate multi-zone system you would connect six stereo preamplifiers (or

a single component multi-zone or matrix preamp) to one SI-1230 and create six

completely independent stereo systems. A system like this allows six people to

simultaneously listen to different sources. Since the SI-1230 and the wiring of

your house is already capable of a system like this, you can easily upgrade the

number of zones in your system by simply adding another preamplifier and

changing the connections to the SI-1230.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

AM/FM TUNER

TAPE PLAYER CD PLAYER

ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4 ZONE 5 ZONE 6

6 STEREO PREAMPS OR 1 MATRIX PREAMP

WITH 6 STEREO OUTPUTS

SI-1230

Surround Sound in Two Rooms

You can easily add a second room of surround sound speakers by connecting five

of the SI-1230 channels to the pre-outs of your surround system. If there is a pre-

out/main-in loop, use a "Y" connector as shown so that the internal power ampli-

fier can still be used in the main surround sound room. When you configure a

system for a second surround sound room, consider bridging the center channel

amplifier to 80 watts if the listener prefers high volumes. The center channel per-

forms 60 to 80 percent of the dynamics of a movie soundtrack.

In this two-zone, six room system, a Surround Receiver, a Stereo Receiver and the SI-1230 com-

bine to provide great sound everywhere. The stereo receiver plays in the Living Room, the surround

receiver plays in the Family room and the SI-1230 simultaneously plays Dolby Pro-Logic Surround

Sound (with a bridged center channel!) in the Master Bedroom, stereo in the Kitchen and Patio, and

mono in the Master Bath and the Front Hall.

APPLICATIONS AND SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

CONFIGURING YOUR SYSTEM

Because the SI-1230 offers so many configuration possibilities it is important to

plan carefully before you install it. Draw a block diagram of your system and use

the Configuration Worksheet on page 29 to record how you plan to connect your

SI-1230. Here is an example filled out according to the block diagram on page 11.

Sample Configuration Worksheet

BUS INS & OUTS CONNECTED TO

Left Main Bus

Stereo Receiver Left Pre-Output

Right Main Bus Stereo Receiver Right Pre-Output

Cascade Output Looped back into the Stereo Receivers Main Inputs

CH # BRIDGED DIP INPUT SOURCE SPEAKER

L Main Bus Left Kitchen

2 R Main Bus Right Kitchen

3 L Main Bus Left Patio

4 R Main Bus Right Patio

5 L+R Main Bus Front Hall

6 L+R Main Bus Bathroom

7 Off (Bridged) Bedroom Center +

8 8 Receiver Center Pre-Out Bedroom Center -

9 9 Receiver Left Main Pre-Out Bedroom Left

10 10 Receiver Right Main Pre-Out Bedroom Right

11 11 Receiver Left Rear Pre-Out Bedroom Left Rear

12 12 Receiver Right Rear Pre-Out Bedroom Right Rear

MODE SETTINGS IN USE SPECIAL CONNECTIONS OR NOTES

Constant

Audio Sense

Voltage Trigger

Control Output

✓

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Placement

Place the SI-1230 on a flat, level surface like a table or shelf. It should be placed

upright so that its weight rests on the unit’s four feet. PLACING THE WEIGHT OF

THE AMPLIFIER ON THE REAR OR FRONT PANEL FOR EVEN AN INSTANT WILL

RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER'S CONNECTORS AND CONTROLS.

The SI-1230, like any hi-fi component, will last much longer if it is given adequate

ventilation for proper cooling. When installing the SI-1230 in a cabinet, be sure that

the rear of the cabinet is open to fresh air to provide proper cooling (see Figure 1). If

the cabinet’s design will not accommodate an open rear, install two small “boxer

fans” to provide continuous air flow into and out of the cabinet (see Figure 2). Place

the SI-1230 so that there is at least 5" of free air space above the chassis. If the ampli-

fier is located on a carpeted surface, place a board under the amplifier's feet. Do not

block the ventilation holes on the top and bottom of the SI-1230.

The SI-1230 is equipped with a massive toroidal power transformer. This trans-

former generates a powerful magnetic field which could induce hum in a

turntable (particularly a turntable equipped with a moving coil cartridge). Do not

place a turntable directly above or directly adjacent to the SI-1230.

If the cabinet rear is not open to

fresh air, install two small “boxer

fans” to provide continuous air

flow into and out of the cabinet.

Make sure that there is a minimum

of 5” of free air space above the

amplifier and 3” on each side for

proper ventilation.

Allow a minimum of 2” of depth

behind unit to accommodate cables

and connectors .

Figure 1

Figure 2

Turn-On Modes

The SI-1230 draws more current than a preamplifier’s switched AC outlet can

safely supply. Also, your preamplifier may "thump" at dangerous volumes if the

amplifier is already on when the preamp turns on. It is usually best to turn the

amplifier on only when it is needed. The Turn-On Mode selector switch gives you

three options for turning "On" and "Off" the SI-1230.

Constant – The auto turn-on circuit-

ry is off. The front panel master

power switch operates the amplifier.

In is "On", Out is "Off".

Audio Sense – The master switch on

the front panel must be in the "On"

position. The amplifier is off when

there is no audio signal present at any

of the 14 inputs, but the sensing circuit-

ry is on. The turn-on sensing circuitry

looks for a tiny amount of audio signal

present at any of the audio inputs. If it

detects a signal, the adjacent pair of

amplifier channels (i.e. channel 1 & 2 ,

3 & 4, 5 & 6, etc.) assigned to receive

the input signals will turn on. Once the

audio signal stops, the sensing circuit

waits two minutes, then turns all ampli-

fier channels off.

3-30 Volt AC/DC Opto-Isolated Voltage Trigger – The master switch on the front

panel must be in the "On" position. The amplifier is off when there is not a 3-30V AC

or DC voltage applied to the voltage trigger input. Once the sensing circuitry detects

a voltage, all adjacent pairs of amplifier channels that are receiving an audio signal

turn on. Once the voltage stops, the sensing circuit instantly turns the amplifier off.

Voltage triggers can be supplied by Niles automated switchers, some video projec-

tors, some surround sound processors, or something as simple as a 16 volt AC wall

adapter (Niles XF00008) plugged into the switched outlet of your stereo receiver. Do

not use a DC wall adapter. The long discharge time of the DC adapter’s filter capac-

itor will delay the turn-off of the amplifier.

If you are using a wall adapter or external power supply to provide the trigger it

doesn't have to be very large (a minimum current capability of 2.5 milliamps for a 3

volt trigger increasing up to a minimum of 38 milliamps for a 30 volt trigger).

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS

Red “Power” LED confirms the

amplifier is connected to a live AC

power outlet and that the front

panel master power switch is on.

Red “Active” LED lights

when the amplifier circuitry

has been turned on by the

Turn-On circuits.

Front panel “Master

Power” switch turns off

the entire amplifier,

including the auto turn-

on circuitr

Main Bus Inputs enable you

to route a stereo line level

source to the BusMatrix

of the SI-1230.

Cascade outputs of the main

bus input enable you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers.

Bridging switch

inputs and leve

3.5 mm Jack for

12v DC Control Output.

“Turn-On” Mode Switch

3.5 mm Jack for

12v DC Control Input.

FRONT AND REAR PANEL DETAILS

Attractive extruded

aluminum front panel.

Red “protect” LED indicates a

fault condition (D.C. output).

hes, BusMatrix controls, dedicated

el controls for each channel.

Gold-plated

RCA jacks

Serial Number.

Dual banana spaced binding

posts for speaker connections.

Removable Two-prong

16 gauge 6’ AC power cord.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Speaker Compatibility

CAUTION! Do not use speakers with an impedance of less than 4 ohms with an

unbridged channel. Do not use speakers with an impedance of less than 8 ohms

with a bridged channel.

An unbridged channel of the SI-1230 is designed to play into a speaker load of

four ohms or more. When a four ohm speaker is connected, the continuous

power rating of the amplifier increases to 37 watts RMS per channel, (all chan-

nels driven). If the load is less than four ohms the protection circuits may operate

and shut off the channel at higher volume levels.

A bridged channel requires that the load be eight ohms or more to deliver 80

watts RMS. If the load is less than 8 ohms the protection circuits may operate and

shut off the channel at higher volume levels.

When designing your system try to specify four to eight ohm speakers (Niles offers a

complete line of architectural loudspeakers with several models rated at 8 ohms).

Cable and Wire

Because the SI-1230 has so many connections on the back panel it is very impor-

tant that you label all the input cables and speaker wires. If you label the cables

and wires for their destination or source, rather than which terminal of the SI-1230

they are connected to, it will be easier to reconfigure your system in the future.

The SI-1230 connects to your sources via shielded line level audio cables with

RCA phono plugs. Use high quality cables with your Niles amplifier for the low-

est possible noise and best overall performance. Your Niles dealer can recom-

mend the proper cable.

The SI-1230 connects to your speakers using 2-conductor speaker wire. For most

applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs longer

than 80 feet we recommend 14 gauge wire. The binding posts of the SI-1230 will

accommodate up to 12 gauge wire. Larger sizes can be accommodated by attach-

ing banana plugs to the wire. Note that the binding posts do accept dual banana

connectors, as well as single connectors. Niles Banana Plugs are available from

your Niles dealer.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

TECH TIP

Wire size is expressed by its AWG (American

Wire Gauge) number. The lower the number, the

larger the wire, i.e. twelve AWG is physically

larger than fourteen AWG.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION! ALL CONNECTIONS AND REAR PANEL SWITCH SETTINGS

SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE AMPLIFIER’S FRONT PANEL MASTER POWER

SWITCH OFF.

Bridging Two Channels into One

The SI-1230's bridging switches allow you to create a more powerful amplifier

channel by combining or "bridging" two adjacent channels.

BRIDGED

USE CH 2

WHEN

BRIDGED

L+R

BUS

L+R

BUS

LEVELLEVEL

INSTALLATION

BRIDGED –

BRIDGED +

Slide the bridg-

ing switch in the

direction of the

arrow to bridge

two adjacent

amplifier chan-

nels. Set the

controls of the

newly bridged

pair by using the

EVEN numbered

channel.

When two channels are bridged

together, connect speakers to the

two terminals labeled “Bridged”.

19 Bridging Two Channels into One

20 BusMatrix

Input Switch Setting

21 Setting The Turn-On Mode Switch

21 The Control Output

22 Speaker Wire Connections

23 Line Level Audio Inputs

23 Cascade Audio Outputs

24 AC Power Plug

24 Rail Fuse Holders

STEP

1. Choose which of the six pairs you

wish to bridge and move the bridging

switch for that pair to the "Bridged"

position (toward arrow).

CAUTION! Do not connect a speaker

load of less than eight ohms to a

bridged channel.

DESCRIPTION

The 12 channels are grouped into 6 pairs

(e.g. 1 & 2). Only the two channels within a

pair can be bridged. Thus, only channels 1

and 2, or channels 3 and 4 could be bridged.

You cannot bridge 2 and 3 for example.

A bridged channel on a SI-1230 is

designed for an eight ohm minimum load.

Connecting a speaker with a nominal

impedance of less than 8 ohms may cause

the SI-1230 to go into protection or be

damaged.

Bridging Two Channels Into One (continued)

BusMatrix

Input Switch Setting

Each channel has a dedicated BusMatrix DIP

switch that assigns that channel’s source. To

assign a signal from the Main Bus Input, select

one of the first three switches which will give

you either Left (L), Right (R) or Mono (L+R). To

assign the channel’s dedicated input select the

fourth switch. Only ONE switch should be

selected to the “ON” position.

STEP

1. Move only ONE switch to the "ON"

position for each channel.

DESCRIPTION

CAUTION! The DIP switch physically allows

you to move all four of the switches to the

“On” position. If you accidentally set more

than one switch "On", you will create an

undesirable mix of inputs on the entire bus.

STEP

2. Connect the speaker wires to the

two Bridged speaker terminals

(BRIDGED +, BRIDGED -). Observe

proper polarity markings.

CAUTION! DO NOT connect a speak-

er selector or headphone junction

box to the output of a bridged

channel pair.

3. Use the EVEN NUMBERED input,

input DIP switch, and level control for

connections and configuration.

DESCRIPTION

Connect your speaker wire only to the red

terminals of the two adjacent amplifier

channels. If one of the speaker wires touch-

es a black terminal (thereby grounding the

red "hot" terminals) you will short circuit

the amplifier.

These connections to a bridged channel

pair will result in either thermal shutdown

or poor quality sound.

When two channels are bridged into one,

make sure that the odd numbered input

DIP switches are all in the “off” position.

INSTALLATION

L+R

BUS

CASCADE

BUS

OUTPUT

“ON” Position“OFF”Position

MAIN

BUS

INPUT

INSTALLATION

Setting the Turn-On Mode Switch

The SI-1230 has three turn-on modes. Select the mode you want by sliding the

mode switch. See Installation Considerations on page 13 for more information

about each of the turn-on modes.

The Control Output

This terminal provides a 12V DC signal suitable

for triggering Niles automated switchers, some

motorized screens, some electric curtain controls,

etc. This voltage is present only when the ampli-

fier is active or on. When the amplifier turns off,

the 12V signal is off.

STEP

1. Check the requirements of the

device you want to control.

2. Connect the 3.5mm Jack to the

control output maintaining proper

polarity (tip = +)

DESCRIPTION

The control output has a maximum

current capability of 150 mA.

Niles makes an accessory cable

plug FG00724.

Slide the switch with either your fingernail

or a 1/8” slotted screwdriver blade.

Using the

3.5mm jack.

Speaker Wire Connections

CAUTION! All speaker wire connections must be made with the amplifier Off.

STEP

1. Label all wires.

2. Connect one stripped wire end or

banana plug to the black terminal

and one to the red terminal.

CAUTION- Avoid even a single strand

of wire touching the chassis or another

connector.

DESCRIPTION

If you label the wires for their destination,

rather than which terminal of the SI-1230

they are connected to, it will be easier to

reconfigure your system in the future.

A. Split the speaker wire insulation so that

at least two inches of each conductor are

separated.

B. Strip one half inch of insulation from the

end of each conductor of the speaker wire

C. Attach banana plugs or twist the strands of

wire together and insert them into the appro-

priate binding post.

INSTALLATION

Bare Wire

Unscrew the red or

black plastic knob,

insert the bare wire

end into the opening,

and then tighten the

knob until the wire is

securely clamped.

Banana Plugs

There are many types

of banana plugs, some

crimp, some solder.

The Niles gold banana

plug has a quick-con-

nect binding post for

the bare wire on the

body of the plug. A

banana plug is simply

inserted into the jack

at the end of the ampli-

fier’s binding post.

Dual banana plugs

will fit the SI-1230

binding posts.

INSTALLATION

Line Level Audio Inputs

CAUTION! THE AMPLIFIER MUST BE OFF WHENEVER YOU MAKE CHANGES

TO THE INPUT CONNECTIONS.

Cascade Audio Outputs

The "Cascade Audio Outputs" enable you to connect another amplifier to your

preamplifier output. The connectors are gold-plated RCA phono jacks. Connect

them to another amplifier’s inputs with a standard audio patch cable. The outputs

are not buffered; if you wish to daisy-chain more than 5 Niles amplifiers you will

need a Niles ADA-6 buffered distribution amplifier. A single ADA-6 will allow

you to daisy-chain 5 amplifiers from each of its six outputs, allowing 30 SI-1230

power amplifiers to be fed from the same master preamplifier. If your preamp has

a vacuum tube output stage, you must use a Niles ADA-6 to drive more than a

single SI-1230.

STEP

1. Label all of the interconnecting

cables for the sources they connect to.

2. Connect the sources by inserting the

RCA plug into the amplifier’s jacks.

NOTE: If you are using two amplifier

channels in "bridged" mode connect

the input cable to the even numbered

amplifier input jack.

DESCRIPTION

Use audio patch cables with RCA phono

plugs attached to the ends.

Connect outputs from your sources to

inputs on the amplifier. Never connect a

source or preamplifier’s input (e.g., record

inputs) to the inputs of your SI-1230.

AC Power Plug

STEP

Plug the attached 2 prong plug into a

correctly grounded 120V 60 Hz wall

outlet.

CAUTION! Do not plug the amplifier's

cord into a preamplifier’s convenience

outlets.

DESCRIPTION

If you use a grounded power strip, surge

suppressor or extension cord, verify that

proper ground is maintained.

The SI-1230 draws a maximum of approx-

imately 890 watts from an AC wall outlet.

This is much more than the typical acces-

sory outlet on the back of a component

will provide. Use the SI-1230's auto turn-

on circuitry to turn on the SI-1230 when-

ever the preamp is on.

INSTALLATION

OPERATION

Power LED

The power LED indicates that the AC cord is plugged into a working AC power

receptacle and that the power switch is in the "On" position.

Active LED

The rear panel turn-on mode switch determines when and how the amplifier will

turn on. The "Active" LED indicates that the amplifier is on.

Power Switch

The front panel switch is a master or "vacation" power switch. No matter which

turn-on mode you have selected, the master power switch will turn off all cir-

cuitry—including the sensing circuitry. If you are going on vacation and/or

would like to reduce power consumption while you are away, turn the master

power switch “Off” (push the rocker switch out). When you would like to return

to normal operation, turn the switch "On" (push the rocker switch in).

D.C. Protection

In the event a damaging D.C. signal becomes present on any of the speaker ter-

minals, the D.C. protection circuit shuts down the entire amplifier and the red

LED labeled “Protection” illuminates. To reset the amplifier you must turn the

front panel power switch “Off” and then “On.”

Listening at Higher Volumes

Thirty watts is enough power to play a conventional speaker in a normal sized

room loudly enough to completely drown out conversation. Even at levels like

that, the SI-1230 will sound clear and clean. However, it requires more power to

achieve a reasonable volume of sound in a large room than it does in a small

room. It is possible (even if you are not a teenager) to turn the volume so high

that the amplifier runs out of power. This creates "clipping" distortion.

Clipping distortion makes treble sound very harsh and unmusical. When you

hear harsh sounding treble from any good speaker, turn the volume down imme-

diately! Those harsh sounds are masking some much more powerful high fre-

quency sound spikes which will quickly damage the tweeter of any loudspeaker.

If you continue to operate the amplifier at "clipping" power levels the protection

circuits will operate when the amplifier overheats. The protection circuits reset

when the amplifier's internal circuitry cools. Reduce the volume to prevent a

reoccurrence. Perpetually overdriving your speakers and amplifier is abuse and

probably voids the manufacturer’s warranty of all affected products.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The internal parts of the SI-1230 are electronic and require no maintenance.

Once a year it is appropriate to twist the RCA connectors on each input to remove

any oxidation and improve conductivity.

You can clean the amplifier with soft cloth or paper towel dampened with water or

a glass cleaner. Do not use any spray-type, abrasive cleaners on the amplifier.

OPERATION

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

When there is a problem consult this guide first. If the problem persists, or you

have additional questions, call your local Niles dealer or call Niles Technical

Support at 1-800-289-4434. The most common problems relate to hook up.

SYMPTOM

No sound on one channel

No sound on some or all

channels

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE

BusMatrix DIP switch is not in the correct position.

Check your configuration worksheet for the correct

setting and verify.

Short circuit or loose wire at speaker or amplifier

terminals. Check that connections are secure and

that there are no loose strands of wire crossing from

the positive to the negative terminal at the back of

the amplifier and the speaker.

Short circuit or a break in the speaker wire. Dis-

connect the speaker wire at both ends, separate the

2 conductors at both ends and test with a meter for

a short circuit. If there is no short, connect the two

conductors at one end and test with a meter for

continuity.

Speaker is not working. Connect the speaker to a

channel that plays another speaker.

Audio cable to dedicated input is bad. Connect the

non-working channel input to another cable that is

known to be good.

Bridging Switch is in the wrong position. Check

your configuration worksheet for the correct setting

and verify.

The thermal protection circuit has operated because

of overheating caused by overdriving or inadequate

ventilation.

BusMatrix DIP switches are not in the correct posi-

tions. Check your configuration worksheet and

verify all settings.

Audio cable to the main bus inputs is bad. Connect

the non-working channel input to another cable

that is known to be good.

Some or all of the internal amplifier fuses are blown.

(Return the amplifier to your dealer for service).

Have your configuration worksheet handy when you call.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (continued)

SYMPTOM

Hum from all of the speakers

Amp will not turn on

Sound is distorted on one

or all of the channels at

normal volumes

Normal volume cannot be

reached

Bass sound is weak and the

stereo image is "phasey"

sounding in one room

A speaker connected to a

bridged pair of amplifier

channels sounds weak

POSSIBLE CAUSES AND TEST PROCEDURE

Hum may be caused by a ground loop between two

components in the system. To test for a ground loop,

try reversing the AC plugs of each of the components

in the system, that have non polarized plugs.

Check for faulty cables, faulty source material, an

ungrounded phono system, cable TV feed or a defec-

tive component.

Master power switch must be on.

AC power cord must be plugged into a working

outlet.

Test that the AC power receptacle is working. If the

outlet tests O.K., the internal fuses are blown.

Return the amplifier to your dealer for service.

BusMatrix DIP switches are not in the correct posi-

tions. Check your configuration worksheet and

verify all settings.

One of the internal amplifier fuses is blown.

(Return the amplifier to your dealer for service).

Check that the bridging switch is "Off". If two adja-

cent channels are connected normally but the bridg-

ing switch is set to the "Bridged" position, the two

speakers will play out of phase with each other.

The loudspeakers are wired out of phase. Reverse

the connections at the back of one speaker.

Check that the bridging switch is "On".

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET

BUS INS & OUTS CONNECTED TO

Left Main Bus

Right Main Bus

Cascade Output

CH # BRIDGED DIP INPUT SOURCE SPEAKER

MODE SETTINGS IN USE SPECIAL CONNECTIONS OR NOTES

Constant

Audio Sense

Voltage Trigger

Control Output

CONFIGURATION WORKSHEET

For ease of use, the Configuration Worksheet can be enlarged on a photocopier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Design Principle

Linear voltage/current amplification.

Continuous Power Output (FTC Rated)

(unbridged, all channels driven) 30 watts per channel

RMS at 8 ohms and 37 watts per channel RMS at 4 ohms.

Bridged Power Output

(Two channels bridged, all channels driven)

80 watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms.

Input Impedance

10,000 ohms

Input Sensitivity

67mv for 1 watt out; 334mv for full output, (30 watts) level controls set at max.

Overall Voltage Gain

32.4 dB

Frequency Response

Bandwidth Limited from 5 Hz to 50 kHz

Distortion

(Bridged)

.06% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz All Channels Driven (8Ω)

(Unbridged)

.04% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz All Channels Driven (8Ω)

.06% THD 20 Hz-20 kHz All Channels Driven (4Ω)

Overall Dimensions

17” wide x 5 1/2” high (including feet) x 15” deep

Weight

28 lbs

SPECIFICATIONS

Niles Audio

Corporation

12331 S.W. 130 Street

Miami, Florida 33186

Tel: (305) 238-4373

Fax: (305) 238-0185

www.nilesaudio.com

products, Niles reserves the right to change product specifications without notice.

Niles, the Niles logo and Blending High Fidelity and Architecture are registered

trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Systems Integration Amplifier and

BusMatrix are trademarks of Niles Audio Corporation. Printed in the USA 11/97

DS00207B