Harman Kardon SIGNATURE 2.1 (serv.man6) Service Manual ▷ View online
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Multichannel Power Amplifier
Harman Kardon
PA5800 / SIGNATURE 2.1
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
5. Speaker Outputs: Connections from these terminals
should be made to the appropriate speakers in your system.
6. Audio Inputs: Connect the outputs of the PT2500,
ADP303 or other surround processor, preamplifier or
decoder to these jacks.
7. AC Power Cord: Connect this plug to a wall-mounted AC
outlet. Due to the current draw of the PA5800/2.1, it is NOT
recommended that the accessory outlets on the back of the
audio/video components be used to power this product.
8. Remote Amp Trigger In: Connect this jack to the
matching trigger output on a PT2500 or other compatible
device to have the PA5800/2.1 automatically turn on when
the devices are activated.
4 OHMS
4 OHMS
4 OHMS
4 OHMS
4 OHMS
SPEAKER
SPEAKER
SPEAKER
SPEAKER
SPEAKER
POWERAMP
TRIGGER IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
CHANNEL ONE (FRONT RIGHT)
CHANNEL TWO (SURROUND RIGHT)
CHANNEL THREE (FRONT CENTER)
CHANNEL FOUR (SURROUND LEFT)
CHANNEL FIVE (FRONT LEFT)
1
2
3
4
5
AC INPUT
AC 120V/60Hz
~
6
7
8
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INSTALLATION
NOTE: When making any connections between source
components, processor or preamplifiers and the
PA5800/2.1, or when making any connection to speakers,
be certain that both the input device and the unit 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 connection . Modern electronic products
often have a “standby” mode that may be activated even
though the product may appear to be turned off.
Power Control Connections
The Harman Kardon PA5800/2.1 amplifier features a built-in
remote turn-on system that will automatically turn on the
amplifier when another devices in the system are switched
on. To activate this system, this amplifier must be used in
conjunction with a Harman Kardon PT2500, other
compatible Harman Kardon products or other approved
devices.
NOTE: Before making any connections to remote trigger
outlets, it is critical that both the PA5800/2.1 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.
Remote Turn-On Compatible Harman Kardon
Products - Including the PT2500
Connect one end of the accessory cable supplied with the
PT2500 to the Remote Amp Trigger in
Connect one end of the accessory cable supplied with the
PT2500 to the Remote Amp Trigger in
jack on the rear of
the PA5800/2.1. Connect the other end to the jack on the
PT2500 that carries the same identification.
Remote Turn-On Using External AC-to-DC
Converter
If the PA5800/2.1 is not used with a compatible Harman
If the PA5800/2.1 is not used with a compatible Harman
Kardon product, it is still compatible to activate the unit for
automatic turn-on.
To control the amplifier in this manner you will need a small
UL/CSA approved class 2 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
electronic 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.
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Connect the 3.5mm miniplug from the power converter to
the Remote Amp Trigger in
the Remote Amp Trigger in
jack on the rear of the
PA5800/2.1.
Audio System Connections
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 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 PA5800/2.1.
Loose connections can cause intermittent sound and may
damage your speakers.
Connect the outputs of the PT2500 or your surround
processor to the audio inputs of the PA5800/2.1
. To
simplify installation, it is best to follow the markings on the
rear panel by connecting the Front Right output of the
PT2500 to the Front Right input on the PA5800/2.1,
following the same pattern for each channel.
Important Note: The PA5800/2.1 is not designed for
use in Bridged configuration. Do not connect the same
input or speaker to more than one channel.
To ensure that the high-quality signals produced by the
PA5800/2.1 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 you 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 construction of fine, multi
strand copper with a gauge of 14 or smaller. When
specifying cable, remember that the lower the number, the
thicker the cable.
Cable with a gauge or 16 may be used for short runs of less
than ten feet. We do not recommend the use of cables with
an AWG equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss
and degradation in performance that will occur.
Cables that run inside walls should have the appropriate
markings to indicate listing with UL (“CL-2/CL-3”), CSA
(“FT-4”) or appropriate safety agency standards that may
require in your area. Questions about running cables inside
walls should be referred to you installer or a licensed
electrical contractor who is familiar with the NEC and/or the
applicable building or electrical code in your area.
Connections to Speakers
The final step of the installation process is to connect the
The final step of the installation process is to connect the
amplifier to your speaker using high-quality cable. A pair of
binding posts is provided for each channels output. These
posts will accept bare wire or banana-type plugs.
Note that one conductor of the speaker cable will have no
markings or an indication of “-” for negative polarity, and the
other will have a read line, brand-names 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 PA5800/2.1 and your
speakers. The negative wire should be connected to the
black terminal on the PA5800/2.1 and the speakers.
If bare wire is used for connections, strip approximately ¾”
(20mm) 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
U-shaped groove at the back end of the terminal. Making
certain that you observe polarity by connecting the negative
(-) wire to the black terminal and the positive(+) wire to the
red terminal, pass the exposed wire through from the top of
the slot 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 performace.
Important Note: When making speaker wire
connections, be cartain 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 standard 4mm 0D
banana plugs. Before using a banana-type jack, make
certain that the plastic screw caps on the PA5800/2.1 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 manufacture’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.
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) speaker is identical, even though one
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Multichannel Power Amplifier
Harman Kardon
PA5800 / SIGNATURE 2.1
6
8
6
Multichannel Power Amplifier
Harman Kardon
PA5800 / SIGNATURE 2.1
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 wire to the speaker, 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 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, of 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.
OPERATION
The PA5800/2.1 may be operated in either a manual or
automatic mode. If the unit is being used in a stand-alone
operation you should follow the instructions below for
Manual Operation. When the PA5800/2.1 is connected to
another compatible device such as the Signature 2.0 or
PT2500 tuner, follow the instructions for Automatic
Operation.
Make sure the power switch is in the off position before
plugging in the AC power cord. After all the connections
have been made to the amplifier’s input jacks and speaker
terminals, connect the power cord to an AC outlet. Turn on
your source component and receiver/processor first; start
with a low volume level to protect your speakers.
Manual Operation
The LED indicator should be glowing red if the unit is
The LED indicator should be glowing red if the unit is
plugged in. Press the front panel switch to turn the unit on.
PA5800 - The indicator surrounding the power switch will
turn green after a brief pause.
Signature 2.1 - The indicator will flash green briefly, and
then go out; the front panel will then illuminate to blue.
To turn the unit off, press the power switch again. The LED
indicator will return to red.
Automatic Operation
Before proceeding, make certain the connection between
Before proceeding, make certain the connection between
the Signature 2.0, PT2500, or other trigger source has been
connected properly to the unit following the previous
directions. At this point the trigger source should be off.
After all cables are connected and the PA5800/2.1 is
plugged in, the LED Indicator should be glowing red. Press
the power switch and the indicator will turn amber indicating
the unit is in the standby mode and ready to turn on when it
receives a signal from the triggering device. Finally, turn on
your Signature 2.0, PT2500, or other trigger source to turn
the PA5800/2.1 on.
PA5800 - The indicator surrounding the power switch will
turn green after a brief pause.
Signature 2.1 - The indicator will flash green briefly, and
then go out; the front panel will then illuminate to blue.
At the conclusion of your listening session, there is no need
to turn the PA5800/2.1 off manually. When the Signature
2.0, PT2500, or other trigger source is turned off, the
PA5800/2.1 will return to the standby mode.
Important Note: If you will not be using your audio
system for an extended period of time, such as a vacation,
we recommend turning the PA5800/2.1 off using the power
switch.
IDLE CURRENT ADJUSTMENT PA5800/Signature 2.1
Locate test points:
PA5800 - P75A, P75B, P75C, P75D, P75E
Signature 2.1 - P2, P4, P6, P8, P10
These are 2 pin female molex connectors (5 total, 1 per
channel) on the MAIN AMPLIFIER PCB.
Attach a DC voltmeter (set to a low range) to these points.
This is best accomplished by making up a “test plug” using a
male molex connector that fits into the one in the unit, with
wires attached, for connection to the voltmeter. An
alternative method is to use two “mini-grabbers” to attach to
the two outer pins on each connection. Warning: Do not
accidentally short the two points together with a meter probe
during adjustment.
Adjustment Points:
PA5800 - R70A, R70B, R70C, R70D, R70E
Signature 2.1 - R22, R55, R103, R151, R199
Adjust to 25mv across test points, one channel at a time
until all channels comply.
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Multichannel Power Amplifier
Harman Kardon
PA5800 / SIGNATURE 2.1
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The items listed below are a brief guide to minor problems that may arise with audio equipment such as the PA5800/2.1.
Before taking a unit in for service, you should check to see if any of these hints solve the problem. If these solutions do not
rectify the problem or if the problem recurs, contact your dealer or an authorized Harman kardon service depot for assistance.
PROBLEM
DIAGNOSIS
TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS
Amplifier will not turn on.
n Power Switch turned off.
n Turn on Power Switch
(No Power Light LED)
n Remote trigger cable not
n Verify connection of trigger cable at both ends
properly connected.
Amplifier turns on, but no
n Inputs not connected to
n Check input connections.
audio from one or more channels
proper jack.
n Speakers not connected Properly.
n Check speaker connections.
n Improper settings or output levels
n Check the settings on your preamp,
from processor or controller.
processor or controller.
Audio plays, then cuts off.
n Signature 2.1 - amplifier shorted
n Check speaker connections for Short circuit.
(LED flashes amber and red).
n PA5800 - amplifier shorted
(LED flashes amber)
Hum
n Signature 2.1 - Objectionable hum
n Certain types of half-power light dimmers on the same
(coming from unit itself, not from
AC circuit may cause this, or any other electronic device
loudspeakers).
That introduces DC into the AC circuit the unit is plugged
into. Remove offending device; or plug the unit into a
different AC circuit. Otherwise: If upon internal inspection
the POWER SWITCH PCBdoes not have the designator
HA206-0003-C printed on it (near the relays), order this
board by part number HA206-0003-C from Harman.
PROTECT MODE
Input/Output Protection
Under some conditions, such as a shorted speaker wire, DC
voltage on an input connection or thermal overload, the
amplifier will place itself in a “protect mode” to prevent
damage to the amplifier.
Signature 2.1
When this happens, the LED Power Indicator will flash and
When this happens, the LED Power Indicator will flash and
alternate between red and amber.
PA5800
When this happens, the LED power indicator will flash
When this happens, the LED power indicator will flash
amber.
When this occurs, IMMEDIATELY turn off the unit using the
power switch and correct the problem. Then turn the unit
back on. If the unit continues to go into protect mode,
contact your dealer or installer for assistance.
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