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6

Note: When making any connections between source
components, processors or preamplifiers and the 1.5, or
when making any connections to speakers, be certain that
both the input device and the 1.5 are turned off. To ensure
that there will be no unwanted signal transients that can
damage equipment or speakers, it is always best to unplug
all equipment from AC power outlets before making any
connections. Modern electronic products often have a
“standby” mode that may be activated even though the
product may appear to be turned off.

The Signature Series 1.5 amplifier features a built-in
remote turn-on system that will automatically turn on the
amplifier when another device in the system is switched
on. To activate this system, this amplifier must be used in
conjunction with compatible Signature Series or Harman
Kardon products or other approved devices.

Note: Before making any connections to remote trigger
outlets, it is critical that both the 1.5 and the triggering
device be turned off. For additional safety, it is best that
these connections be made while both products are
unplugged from AC power sources.

Connect one end of the accessory cable supplied with the
2.0 to the 

jack § on the 

rear of the 1.5. Connect the other end to the TRIGGER
OUTPUT jack on the 2.0.

If the 1.5 is not used with a compatible Harman Kardon
product, it is still possible to activate the unit for
automatic turn-on.

To control the amplifier in this manner you will need 
a small AC-to-DC power converter capable of delivering a
6- to 12-volt DC signal. The DC voltage should terminate
in a standard 3.5 mm mono miniplug, with the tip of the
plug “positive” (

). This type of converter may be

obtained as a “Power Adapter” from many electronics
retailers. Consult your dealer for further information.

Plug the AC adapter into a switched outlet that will be
activated when you wish to have the amplifier turn on.
This may be the switched outlet at the rear of an AV
receiver or other audio equipment, an AC outlet that is
part of a current sensing control unit activated by a
preamp or surround processor or a switched AC wall
outlet.

Connect the 3.5 mm miniplug from the power converter to
the 

jack § on the rear of the 1.5.

As a general rule, avoid running any input signal or
speaker wire connections next to or parallel with AC
power cords. This may cause undesired hum or other
interference that will greatly degrade signal performance.

When making input connections with RCA-type plugs on
interconnect cables, make certain to gently but firmly
insert the plugs into the jacks on the rear of the 1.5. Loose
connections can cause intermittent sound and may
damage your speakers.

Stereo Mode: For conventional two-channel stereo
operation, connect the right channel output of your
preamp or processor to the 

™ and

the left channel output to the 

∞. Make certain that the 

£ is in

the NORMAL position (see page 8).

Bridged Mono Mode: To use the 1.5 as a single-channel,
mono amplifier, connect the line-level output 
of your preamp, processor or other signal source to the

connector ∞ on the rear

panel. No connection is required to the Channel One
connector in this mode. Make certain that the

£ is in the BRIDGE position (see

page 9).

The final step of the installation process is to connect the
amplifier to your speakers using high-quality cable. A pair
of binding posts is provided for each channel output.
These posts will accept bare wire or banana-type plugs.

7

To ensure that the high-quality signals produced by the
1.5 are carried to your speakers without loss of clarity or
resolution, we recommend that you use high-quality
speaker cable.  Many brands of cable are available, and
the choice of cable may be influenced by the distance
between your speakers and the amplifier, the type of
speakers you use, personal preferences and other factors.
Your dealer or installer is a valuable resource to consult in
selecting a proper cable for connections between your
amplifier and speakers.

Regardless of the brand or type of cable selected, 
we recommend that you use a cable constructed of 
high-strand-count copper with a diameter of 2.5 mm2 
or greater.

Cable with a diameter of 1.5 mm2 may be used for short
runs of less than 3 meters. We do not recommend the use
of cables with a smaller diameter due to the power loss
and degradation in performance that will occur.

Cables run inside walls should have the appropriate
markings to indicate listing with the appropriate safety
agency standards that may be required in your area.
Questions about running cables inside walls should be
referred to your installer or a licensed electrical contractor
who is familiar with the applicable building or electrical
codes in your area.

Two-Channel/Stereo Systems: When installing a two-
channel (stereo) system, connect the positive (

) and

negative (

) terminals from the right and left speakers 

to the matching terminals ¡ ¢ on the rear panel of the
1.5. Make certain that the 

£ is 

in the NORMAL position (see page 8). When the 1.5 is used
for two-channel/stereo operation, speakers with an
impedance of no less than 4 ohms may be used.

Bridged Mono Applications: To use the 1.5 as a single-
channel, mono amplifier, connect the (

) terminal on your

speaker to the (

) terminal on the 

¢ on the 1.5. Connect the negative (

) terminal on your

speaker to the positive (

) terminal on the 

¡ (see page 9).

Note: For mono applications, no connections are made to the
negative (

) speaker output terminals on the 1.5. Make

certain that the 

£ is in the

BRIDGE position (see page 9).

Important Note: When the 1.5 is used in the Bridged
Mono mode, do not use speakers with an impedance of less
than 8 ohms.

When making speaker connections, note that one
conductor of the speaker cable may have no markings or
an indication of (

) for negative polarity, and the other

will have a red line, brand-name markings, a colored
thread or some other positive-polarity indication (

). 

The wire with the positive indication should be connected
to the red terminals on both the 1.5 and your speakers.
The negative wire should be connected to the black
terminal on the 1.5 and the speakers.

If bare wire is used for connections, strip approximately
20 mm (

3

⁄

4

˝

)  of insulation from the end of each wire and

carefully twist the strands of each conductor together. Be
careful not to cut the individual strands or twist them off;
for optimal performance, all strands must be used.

Next, loosen the knobs of the speaker output terminals far
enough so that the cap moves back on its threads past the
holes at the rear of the terminal. Making certain that you
observe the correct polarity for the type of system being
installed (Stereo or Bridged Mono), pass the exposed wire
through the hole until the wire is visible from the bottom
end. Holding the wire in place, twist the cap back so that
the connection is secured. Do not overtighten or use tools,
as this may damage the plastic terminal cap or break the
delicate wire strands and decrease system performance.

Important Note: When making speaker wire
connections, be certain that none of the strands from one
lead touch any other lead. This will cause a short circuit
and may damage your amplifier or speakers. Damage
from short circuits caused in this manner is not covered
by the product warranty.

Connections may also be made using spade lugs or
standard 4 mm OD banana plugs. Before using a banana-
type jack, make certain that the plastic screw caps on the
1.5 are firmly tightened by turning them clockwise until
they are snug against the chassis. This will ensure that the
maximum surface area of the plug is in contact with the
jack. Once the wire has been attached to the banana 
plug following the plug manufacturer’s instructions,
simply insert the banana plug into the hole provided on
the rear of the colored screw caps on the terminal posts.
Be certain to observe proper polarity.

8

Finally, run the cables to the speaker locations. It is highly
recommended that the length of cable connecting any pair
of speakers be identical. For example, make certain that
the cable length connecting left and right front or left and
right rear (surround) speakers is identical, even though
one speaker may be physically closer to the amplifier than
the other. Do not coil any excess cable, as this may
become an inductor that creates frequency response
variations in your system.

Connect the wires to the speakers, again being certain 
to observe proper polarity. Remember to connect the
negative or black wire to the matching terminal on the
speaker. Similarly, the positive or red wire should be
connected to the like terminal on the speaker.

Note: While most speaker manufacturers adhere to an
industry standard of using black terminals for negative and
red ones for positive, some manufacturers may not adhere
to this configuration. To ensure properly phased connections
and optimal performance, consult the identification plate on
your speaker terminals, or the speaker’s manual to verify
polarity. If you do not know the polarity of your speaker,
ask your dealer or installer for advice before proceeding, or
consult the speaker’s manufacturer.

Ω

Ω

Ω

-

+

-

+

9

Ω

Ω

Ω

-

+

Important Note: When the Signature 1.5 is used in the Bridged Mono mode, do not use speakers with an impedance rating
of less than 8 ohms.