Parasound Stereo Amplifier Zpre2 User Manual

 
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Introduction  
2
2
115 – 230v AC Selector Switch  
Ventilation Requirements  
Rack Mounting  
3
3
Rear Panel Connections and Controls  
Front Panel Controls and Indicators  
Remote Control Handset  
Typical Problems and Remedies  
If You Require Assistance  
Warranty Repair  
4
7
8
9
9
9
Specifications  
10  
 
2
INTRODUCTION  
Thank You for Choosing Parasound  
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this precision Parasound audio component.  
The Parasound Zpre2 Preamplifier is the second generation of one of the worlds most  
popular and proven preamplifiers. It has been designed for a wide variety of applications,  
including multi-room, multi-zone installations, desktop audio, PC-Mac audio, bedroom or den  
systems. The versatility of the Zpre2 allows many connection and configuration options,  
so please be sure to read this manual thoroughly before you begin installation.  
Unpacking  
Carefully unpack your Zpre2 and these accessories:  
Detachable AC power cord  
Remote control handset with two AAA batteries  
Two trigger wires, one with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs, one with a 2.5mm and a 3.5mm mini plug  
Please inspect the unit now and contact your Parasound Dealer promptly if you see evidence  
of shipping damage. Save the carton and packing inserts in case you move or in the event you  
need to ship your amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, locate the serial number on the rear  
panel or underside of the unit and record it here for future reference:  
OWNERSHIP REFERENCE INFORMATION  
Parasound Serial Number:  
Date of Purchase:  
Name of Dealer:  
Dealer Street Address:  
Dealer Phone:  
/
/
(
)
-
 
3
AC VOLTAGE, INSTALLATION, AND RACK MOUNTING  
115v - 230v AC Voltage Selector Switch  
This switch is found on the chassis bottom. The 115V position of this switch is correct for North  
America; most other countries require setting it to 230V. Make sure the 115/230V switch is set  
for the correct AC line (mains) voltage before you connect the Zpre2s power cord and before  
you install it. The unit may be seriously damaged if this switch is set incorrectly.  
AC Voltage Selector Switch.  
Shown set for 230v  
Installation and Ventilation Requirements  
Install your Zpre2 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or other heat producing  
components. Always position the Zpre2 horizontally.  
Observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing the Zpre2 in an equipment rack or any  
other enclosed space:  
We recommend that you place the Zpre2 beneath, rather than above, a power amplifier. Do  
not install the Zpre2 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment. Pockets of heat  
can build up even in cabinets with open front and back sides. Therefore, a ventilation fan is  
highly recommended.  
Rack Mounting  
The Zpre2 occupies only half the width of a single rack space in a standard 19" equipment  
rack. For rack mounting, you can fasten it to another Parasound Z Custom model by using the  
Parasound SBS (Side-by-Side) mounting kit. You can also mount a single Zpre2 in the rack with  
the accessory Zblank panel. The SBS includes four rack mount bolts plus four pairs of plastic  
“shoulder washers.The washers are important because they insulate the Zpre2 front panel (and  
chassis) from the metal equipment rack and from the four mounting bolts. Locate these washers  
on both sides of the front panel before the mounting bolts are screwed into the rack rail.  
Zpre2  
SBS  
Zblank panel  
Behind Panels  
 
4
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS  
Connection Precautions  
Disconnect the AC cord before making or changing any input, output or trigger wire connections.  
Make sure there is no strain or tension on any wires that could cause them to pull loose.  
s,  
o, C  
Preamp  
AC Voltage Selector On Bottom  
12V Trigger  
Audio In Jacks  
The Zpre2 has input jacks for up to four audio sources. These are identical line level inputs,  
however the In 1-Priority jacks have a special automatic select function which will affect which  
source you decide to connect to them. See Remote Control, Priority Input Switching to help  
you make this decision.  
1
Video In  
2
Video Out  
Audio Out  
1 - Priori  
Fixed-Rec Vari  
ZPre2 Zone Preamplifier  
AC Voltage Selector On Bottom  
Parasound Products, Inc. San Francisco, CA USA  
Video In Jacks  
The Zpre2 has input jacks to accommodate up to four composite video sources. The video  
inputs correspond to the same numbered audio input and are switched at the same time.  
Audio Out Jacks  
Main - Variable Out jacks connect to your power amplifier. Their output level is controlled by  
the Zpre2 volume control.  
Fixed – Rec Out jacks feed a recorder or system controller for which a fixed output level is prefer-  
able. The signal at the Fixed - Rec output jacks does not vary as the volume control is adjusted.  
Video Output Jacks  
The Video Out jack feeds your TV or video monitor.  
The Rec Out jack feeds your video recorder. In fact, these jacks carry the same video signal and  
you may certainly use the Rec Out jack to connect a second video display.  
 
5
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued  
Zone 1 2 3 4 Switch  
RS-232 Control  
You can ignore this switch if you are using a single Zpre2 in your system.  
The Zone switch and remote control handset can select four discrete IR codes  
to control up to four Zpre2s in four zones independently with a single remote  
handset or IR-based system controller.  
Ext Remote  
Zone  
1
2
3
4
I
The Zone switch and remote handset factory default settings are both 1. If you  
move the Zone switch to another number you’ll also have to reprogram the  
remote handset with the same zone number (see Remote Control).  
Note:
The Zone switch selects a new IR zone code only when the Zpre2 is turned off. If you  
move the Zone switch to select a new IR zone code while the Zpre2 is turned on, you’ll need to  
turn it off for a few seconds, then on again.  
Ext (External) Remote Jack  
Your Zpre2 accepts the infrared signal of any popular infrared repeater system to facilitate  
remote control operation from another room or when it is installed within a closed cabinet.  
This connector is a 1/8” (3.5 mm) two conductor mini jack; its center conductor (plug tip) is +,  
its outer conductor (plug sleeve) is – .  
Note:
Unlike Parasound Surround Controllers, the Zpre2 Ext Remote input does not require an  
amplified IR connecting block.  
Automatic Turn On Options  
For convenience the Zpre2 can be triggered to turn on automatically when a suitable voltage is  
applied to its 12V In (input) jack. When automatic turn on is selected the Zpre2 front panel Power  
button is disabled so that on/off is determined solely by the triggering system master controller.  
RS-232 Control Jack  
This is a DB9 serial port which accepts commands from your system controller (“write”) and feeds  
back status to be displayed (“read”).The following can be controlled and displayed:  
- Power on  
- Input selected  
- Volume was adjusted via RS-232  
- Mute on  
Note: The RS-232 will feedback when volume level is changed by the RS-232, but not if it is  
adjusted with the front panel knob or remote control handset. The RS-232  
“read” does not display the actual level because it uses an analog volume  
control which cannot show its setting. In most instances this won’t be an issue,  
In  
Out Auto Man  
Auto On  
since volume level is immediately heard as satisfactory, too high or too low.  
12V Trigger  
“Write” and “Read” RS-232 codes for the Zpre2 are available at our website,  
Auto - Man (Manual)Turn On Switch  
Auto position  
When the Auto - Man switch is set to its Auto position, the Zpre2 is turned on and off with an  
external +9 V to + 12 V voltage from your controller or preamplifier. When the external voltage  
ceases the Zpre2 will turn off immediately.  
Note: The Auto switch position disables the front panel Power button.  
Man Position  
When the Auto - Man switch is in its Man (manual) position, the auto turn on function is  
disabled and the Zpre2 must be turned on and off manually with the Power button on its front  
panel or its remote control.  
 
6
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND CONTROLS continued  
12VTrigger Jacks  
In Trigger Jack  
The Zpre2 12V input uses a 2.5 mm sub-mini jack. To trigger the Zpre2, plug  
one end of the provided cord into this jack and the other end into the source  
components trigger output. Some components, including Parasound Surround  
Controllers, use 3.5 mm trigger output jacks, so we have also included a trigger  
mote  
wire with 2.5mm and a 3.5mm mini plugs. If the control components trigger  
output is a + and - terminal, you can cut the 2.5 mm plug off one end of the  
included trigger wire and attach the bare wires to these terminals. The lead with  
In  
Out Auto Man  
Auto On  
12V Trigger  
the white stripe on it corresponds to the plugs tip and the unmarked lead cor-  
responds to the sleeve of the plug.  
Note:
If the trigger voltage source is DC, the trigger plug tip must be + (positive)  
and its sleeve – (negative). The Zpre2 trigger current draw is a negligible 15 mA.  
Out Trigger Jack  
This jack is live whenever the Zpre2 is turned on. This enables the Zpre2 to turn a companion  
amplifier (or other component) on and off automatically. The triggered component must be  
equipped with a 12V trigger circuit. Connect the Zpre2 12V output jack to the triggered  
components trigger input jack using the provided trigger wire with the 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs.  
Note: Most Parasound Power Amplifiers use a 2.5mm 12V trigger input jack.  
If the triggered components trigger input is a + and - terminal, as in earlier Parasound Power  
Amplifier models, you can cut the 2.5 mm plug off one end of this trigger wire and attach the  
bare wires to the input terminals. The lead with the white stripe on it corresponds to the plugs  
tip and the unmarked lead corresponds to the sleeve of the plug.  
Note: The trigger voltage source is DC and the trigger plug tip is + (positive) and  
its sleeve – (negative). The Zpre2 trigger output maximum current capability is 150 mA.  
AC Power Connections and AC Grounding  
If possible, plug your Zpre2 into the same AC outlet that your accompanying audio components  
(particularly your source components and power amplifier) are plugged into. The ground potential  
between different AC outlets may be higher or lower, resulting in audible hum.  
 
7
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS AND DISPLAY  
Power Button  
Press the Power button once to turn the Zpre2 on, press it again to turn it off.  
Note: The Power button is inoperative when the rear panel Auto On switch is set to Auto.  
(Headphone) Jack  
The headphone jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5 mm) mini plug. The Main audio out is muted when the  
headphone plug inserts into this jack, but the output to the Fixed – Rec jacks remains live.  
Bass andTreble Knobs  
These control tone. Maximum boost and cut is 10dB for each control. At their center mid-point  
you will feel a click-stop. At this point there is no cut or boost and frequency response is flat.  
Input Knob  
The input knob selects input sources. Audio and Video inputs are selected together.  
Balance Knob  
This adjusts the relative volume of the left and right channels. In its center position the channel  
levels are the same.  
Level Knob  
The Level knob adjusts listening level. Because it is motor-driven for remote control operation,  
you will notice some resistance when turning it by hand.  
Display Indicators  
Inputs 1 2 3 4 – Indicates the selected audio and video inputs.  
1
green: In 1 is selected, priority auto select function not engaged.  
1
orange: Priority auto select function enabled and Input 1 was selected manually or automati-  
cally by an audio signal.  
1
red: Priority auto select function enabled and another input is selected. After priority auto  
select is enabled 1 will only appear red if no audio signal is present at the Audio In 1 jacks.  
Mute
red: Lights when the main audio output is muted.  
Zone
green: Flashes green when the Zpre2 accepts a command from the remote handset.  
Zone
red: Flashes red when the Zpre2 rejects a command from the remote handset because  
the remote and the Zpre2 IR zone codes are different.  
 
8
REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
The PTZ-1 remote control has a range of approximately 20 - 25 feet (6 - 7.5 meters). Use only  
AAA alkaline batteries in the handset and insert them according to the + and – polarity markings  
in the battery compartment. The PTZ-1 Off, On, Mute Volume, In 1-4 buttons, Zpre2 Pre Set and Z  
1-4 IR Zone # buttons are for the Zpre2. The tuner buttons control the matching Parasound Ztuner.  
On and Off Buttons  
These have the same function as the Power button on the front panel.  
Press On to turn the Zpre2 on. The display will illuminate.  
Press Off to turn the Zpre2 off.  
These separate buttons enable programming unambiguous “hard”  
off and on commands into a system controller or to create a macro  
sequence for a learning-type remote control.  
Note: These buttons will not function when the rear panel  
Auto-Man switch is set to Auto.  
Mute Button  
Pressing the Mute button once mutes the signal at the Main Out  
jacks and Mute will glow red in the display. It does not mute the  
signal at the Fixed level out jacks or the headphone jack. Press the  
Mute button a second time to cancel mute.  
Volume  
/
v
Buttons  
^
These buttons control the rotation of the front panel motorized Level  
knob, to increase and decrease listening volume levels.  
Preamp Input Buttons  
The primary purpose of the four buttons just below Preamp, 1/Priority,  
2, 3, 4, is to select the Audio and Video source inputs 1-4.  
Note:
Preamp buttons 5-7 do not function with the Zpre2.  
Preamp 1 / Priority Auto Select Button  
You can program the Zpre2 to automatically select Audio and Video  
Inputs 1 when an audio signal is present at the Audio In 1 jacks. With this priority,  
Preamp Input 1 will override inputs 2, 3, or 4, even if one of them was already selected.  
To enable the Input 1 / Priority auto select function, press and hold the  
Preamp 1 button for about 3-4 seconds until the Input 1 indicator changes  
from green to red or orange.  
1 Indicator Function  
Green  
Priority auto select is not engaged and In 1 is selected manually.  
Priority auto select is enabled and In I is selected manually.  
Orange  
Orange  
Priority for In 1 is enabled and In 1 is selected automatically because  
an audio signal is present.  
Red  
Red  
Priority auto select for In 1 is enabled and another input is selected.  
Priority auto select for In 1 is enabled, but no audio signal is present at  
the Audio 1 In jacks.  
Note: After the Audio In 1 source stops playing the In 1 indicator will remain orange until you  
select another input manually. You can select another input when the 1 indicator is green or red.  
If 1 glows orange you can select another input only if no audio signal is present or if you disen-  
gage the Priority auto select. To disable Input 1 Priority auto select press and hold the Preamp 1  
button for about 3-4 seconds until the 1 indicator glows green.  
 
9
REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS continued  
With this handy feature the Zpre2 will automatically switch to your favorite source component  
whenever it’s playing. If you use the Zpre2 to control a DVD player, tuner and satellite receiver  
in your bedroom, you can connect its Audio In 1 jacks to the feed from a distant main system  
controller. Its program will be selected automatically when its playing.  
Pre Set Button  
The Pre Set button is used only for reprogramming the remote  
handset IR zone code. You don’t have to worry about this button  
if you only have a single Zpre2 in your system. If your Zpre2  
is not responding to the remote, please read the following  
information.  
IR Zone Code Numbers  
The remote handset will not operate the Zpre2 unless its IR zone code number matches the  
Zpre2 Zone switch setting (and the front panel Zone flashes green). The factory settings for the  
remote handset and the units Zone switch are both 1. If you change the Zone switch on the  
Zpre2 to a new number you’ll also need to change the remote handset IR zone code to the  
same number.  
Programming a new IR Zone Code Number  
To reprogram the remote press you must press two buttons at the same time; press both  
the Zpre2 Pre Set button and the desired IR Zone # button for a few seconds. When the new  
IR zone code is successfully programmed Zone will flash green when you press any remote  
button. Zone will flash red if the new IR zone code wasn’t successfully programmed.  
MaintainingYour Zpre2  
Your Parasound Zpre2 Preamplifier requires no periodic maintenance other than an occasional  
admiring glance. It has no user-serviceable parts inside. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do  
not remove its top cover. The exterior can be cleaned with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with  
a few drops of water or glass cleaner.  
 
10  
ARE YOU HAVING DIFFICULTY?  
No sound  
- Check that AC is live.  
- Check that input and output cables are secure at both ends.  
- Make sure it is switched to the correct input.  
- Is the unit on? Check setting of the Auto-Man switch.  
Remote does not operate  
- Zpre2 won’t respond to the remote control. Press remotes Zone button then remote’s 1 button.  
- Weak or dead batteries in remote. Replace batteries and please recycle old ones.  
- IR Interference. Insure that the front panel IR receiver is not obscured or exposed  
to direct sunlight or to an LCD or a plasma TV screen.  
- If you can not select an input other than Input 1, turn off the Priority auto select feature by  
holding the Preamp In 1 button down for 4 seconds (see page 8).  
- IR zone code setting does not match the unit. Change zone numbers so they match.  
- Incorrect remote. Must be Parasound PTZ-1 or using IR codes corresponding to PTZ-1.  
Background Hum  
- Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other.  
- Try different routes for the audio cables and AC cords.  
- Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.  
- Try reversing the direction of the AC plugs in other components, one by one.  
Distorted and Weak Sound  
- Make sure the gain of the power amp is not set too low.  
- Are you trying to use Zpre2 with a turntable? It does not have a built-in phono preamplifier  
stage. You will need a phono preamp such as the matching Parasound Zphono.  
 
11  
WARRANTY REPAIR  
Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage  
you to call Parasounds Technical Service Department, toll-free at 1-866-770-8324, Monday -  
Friday, 8am - 4pm Pacific time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform.  
If we determine that your Zpre2 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized Parasound  
Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of a warranty  
center near you or shipping instructions for the units return to Parasound.  
Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service  
Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization  
(RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasounds Technical Department. The RA num-  
ber must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials and  
arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt,  
since this document establishes the validity of this units warranty. Warranty repairs are only  
performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when your purchase receipt  
is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.  
Units Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions:  
1. Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.  
2. Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton, likely to have been damaged in transit.  
3. Unit has inadequate packing, unit likely to have been damaged in transit.  
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.  
5. Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.  
6. Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.  
Note: The shipping address is not the same as Parasounds office address.  
Warranty Repair  
Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable rights  
and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered  
under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.  
Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:  
1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or  
Parasound Authorized Reseller.  
2. You are not the original owner. The Parasound warranty is not transferable.  
3. Units serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.  
4. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.  
5. Unit was modified in any way.  
6. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.  
 
12  
PARASOUND ZPRE2 SPECIFICATIONS  
Frequency Response – Audio  
10 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB  
10 Hz - 50 kHz, +0/-0.8 dB  
AC Power Requirement  
110 - 120 V / 220 -240 V, 50 - 60 Hz  
2 watt standby; 20 watts when turned on  
Frequency Bandwidth – Composite Video  
Dimensions  
1
10 MHz  
9
2
Wide  
10
Deep with connectors  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
3
2
High with feet, 1
4
panel only  
0.006%  
241 x 254 x 50mm, 44.1mm panel only  
S/N Ratio  
Net Weight  
112 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted  
4.6 lbs, 2.1 kg  
92 dB, input shorted, unweighted  
Rack Mount Accessory  
Input Impedance  
May be Purchased Separately  
15 k
Ω
 
SBS: Bracket and bolts to attach any two  
Z Custom units side-by-side in a standard  
19” equipment rack.  
Input Sensitivity  
150 mV for 1 V output  
1
3
Zblank: 9 2
x 1 4
blank panel, required  
to mount a single Zpre2 unit; Zblank kit  
includes one SBS.  
Maximum Output: 7.6 V  
Crosstalk  
83 dB at 1 kHz  
Specifications and features subject to change  
or improvement without notice.  
76 dB at 20 kHz  
Tone Controls  
Bass +/- 8 dB at 100 Hz  
Treble +/- 10 dB at 10 kHz  
 
13  
NOTES  
Notes:  
 
Rev 0.92  
© Parasound Products, Inc. 2005  
 

Miele Washer W 851 User Manual
Multi Tech Systems Network Router MT3410ZLX T 2 User Manual
Network Technologies Switch FES 1800 User Manual
Nortel Networks Answering Machine P0857846 User Manual
Nostalgia Electrics Kitchen Grill RFH 900 User Manual
Omron Healthcare Scale HBF 510 User Manual
Oregon Scientific Clock RM106A User Manual
Oricom Two Way Radio T5509 User Manual
Panasonic Answering Machine KX TG9471 User Manual
Panasonic Fax Machine KX FL501NZ User Manual