American Audio Amplifier VLP Series User Manual

							SP eakon  aSSeMBL y:  You  will  need  a  pair  of  neutrik  Speakon® n L4F c 
connectors.  You  will  also  need  high-quality  two  or  four  conductor  speaker 
cable, a pair of needle-nosed pliers and a 1.5-mm Allen key to assemble the 
Speakon connectors to your speaker wire. To assemble the  neutrik Speakon 
nL4Fc connector, complete the following steps:
1. Strip back 3/4-inch of the cable casing. Strip off 1/4-inch from the end of 
each of the conductors down to bare wire, and insert the brass fittings. See 
Figure 11.
2.  Slide  the  cable  tension  clip  (d)  and  the  speakon  coupler  (e)  through  the 
cable end. See Figure 12.
3. insert each wire with the brass fittings into the top of appropriate slot of the 
connector insert (B) as shown in Figures 12 and 13.  use a 1.5-mm Allen key 
to tighten the connection. See Figure 13.
4.  Be  sure  to  properly  match  the  positive  (+)  and  negative  (–)  leads  of  each 
wire. See Figure 14.
5. Slide the connector insert (B) into the connector housing (A), making sure 
that  the  large  notch  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  insert  lines  up  with  the  large 
groove on the inside of the connector housing. The insert should slide easily 
through  the  housing  and  out  the  other  side  until  it  extends  approximately  3 
/4-inch from the end of the housing.
6. Slide the cable tension clip (d) along the cable and insert into the housing 
(A),  making  sure  that  the  large  notch  lines  up  with  the  large  groove  on  the 
inside  of  the  connector  housing  (A).  The  cable  tension  clip  (d)  should  slide 
easily into the housing until only 3 /8-inch of the cable tension clip (d) extends 
from the back end of the connector.
7.  Slide  the  coupler  (e)  along  the  cable  and  screw  it  onto  the  end  of  the 
housing  (A).  Before  tightening,  you  may  want  to  test  the  connector  to  make 
sure it has been assembled properly.
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 11
Figure 11
C 1
C  2UTPUTSCAUTIONMINIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE 2 OHM PERCHANNEL 4 OHM BRIDGEINPUT  TUINPUT BA ANCE
120 60
4800  A
TTSSPEAKON 1+ HOT
1   COLDC  1
C  2-+- +N- BI DE  +
+
+1
-1+2
+2
++1
-1+2
+2
Figure 14
Figure 13 4-conductor Speaker cable
Brass inserts
Figure 12
de
B
Ac 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 12
operatIng MoDes: Always configure  your amplifier operating mode before beginning operation. if you want to change it dur-
ing performance. You must decrease the gain controls to their lowest levels to protect the speakers from any popping noise.
Stereo operation - Page 15/Figure  15 details  an  example  of  a  typical  stereo  set-up.  connect  your  inputs  into  channels  one  and 
two of the amplifier. connect your speakers to the outputs on the rear of the amplifier. Be sure that your front gain controls are turned 
down to their lowest level (full counter-clockwise). Turn your amp on. Turn your input source level up.  use your front gain controls to 
regulate the output volume. Be sure not to raise the volume to the clip level, however an intermittent clip signal is acceptable.
Mono Bridge operation - Page 15/Figure 16 details a mono bridge set-up. Be sure your amplifier and all other audio equipment 
is powered down. Flip the Stereo/mono Bridge switch to the  mono Bridge position. connect an input signal to channel one.  connect 
your  speaker  across    the  red  output  binding  post  on  the  rear  of  your  amplifier.  Turn  your  equipment  on  (your  amplifier  should  always 
be  the  last  item  you  turn  on).  Apply  an  input  source  signal  to  your  amplifier.  Turn  channel  two  gain  up.  use  the  channel  one  gain  to 
regulate your amplifier output.
Bridged-Mono Mode Caution - The voltage across the output terminals of a bridged vLP Series™ amplifier may equal or exceed 
100 volts rmS and may be as high as 130 volts.  use fully insulated cLASS one wiring, and the load must be rated for up to 2500 watts 
(@4 ohms)
Parallel Mono - “Parallel ” ties the two channel line inputs together so that they will both be driven by the same signal, without the 
need for external jumpers or wiring. Both amplifier channels will operate independently. Though they carry the same signal, their gain 
controls  affect  only  their  respective  channels,  and  they  both  must  use  their  respected  speaker  outputs.  never  attempt  to  parallel  the 
speaker outputs, this may cause serious damage to your amplifier! This mode is recommended when using the vLP Series™ to run bass 
speakers, to achieve better low end. To run in parallel mono mode connect your system as you would if you were going to run in stereo 
mode. Then flip the mode switch to “mono.” Be sure the amp is off or the power is disconnected before making any changes. 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 13
Mono  Subwoofer  - This  operation  is  similar  to  the  Stereo  Subwoofer  operation  but  in  mono.  When  running  subwoofers  it  is  usually 
recommended  to  run  them  in  mono  mode  to  achieve  a  cleaner  tighter  low  end.  This  operation  allows  you  to  run  several  subwoofers 
down to a minimum of 4 ohms. To avoid amplifier  overheating, never run the amplifier  below 8 ohms in this mode. Set up this mode 
as you would a standard stereo set up. in this mode you may use the frequency adjustment on the rear of the amp, to control the bass 
frequency output level. Frequencies may be adjusted from 20Hz to 200Hz.
proteCtIon:
Limiter  - only  the  vLP  1500  and  600  come  with  a  built  in  limiter.  When  the  input  signal  overloads,  the  “cLiP  Led’s”  indicate  a  sig-
nal  overload,  at  this  time,  the  master  volume  should  be  lowered  to  reduce  distortion.  if  the  input  gain  level  is  not  reduced  the  built-in 
limiter  will  activate. during  signal  overload,  the  limiter  will  reduce  the  input  audio  signal  enough  to  minimize  the  amount  of  clipping. 
A  limiter  takes  the  gain  of  an  overloading  signal  and  reduces  it,  the  reduction  in  gain  reduces  distortion  that  can  cause  damage  to 
your  speakers  and  amplifier.  during  normal  operation  below  clipping,  and  momentary  clips  on  peaks,  the  limiter  does  not  affect  the 
audio  signal  and  is  inaudible.  it  will  allow  brief  clipping  of  peaks  and  will  only  activate  when  continuous,  hard  clipping  occurs.  during 
excessive clipping the limiter will reduce the audio signal enough to minimize the amount of clipping. When the input signal decreases 
enough  that  clipping  ends,  the  limiter  will  deactivate  and  cease  its  gain  reduction.  The  limiter  has  a  fixed  threshold  and  can  not  be 
adjusted. 
Safe Power Levels at different output Loads:
8-Ohm  Loads:  The  amplifier  can  operate  at  practically  any  power  level  without  risk  of  overheating.  However,  if  it  is  pushed  hard 
enough to continually light the “cLiP ” indicator, the amplifier’s average output power can reach 150 watts.
4-Ohm Loads: if the “cLiP” indicator flashes occasionally, the amplifier is approaching its maximum long-term power capacity.  if it is 
lit about half the time, the amplifier channel will probably go into thermal protection within a few minutes.
Short  Circuit  Protection  - The vLP  Series™  amplifiers  all  come  with  built-in  output  Short circuit  Protects.  The  output  Short circuit 
Protection  protects  the  output  devices  of  the  amplifier  from  short  circuits  and  stressful  loads.  if  your  speaker  lines  short,  the  ampli-
fier automatically detects this problem and discontinues operation for that channel. if one side of your amplifier becomes shorted and 
goes into protect mode, the other side will continue to operate normally. during short circuit protection, the "clip" Led and “Protect" 
Led  will  light  simultaneously  indicating  amplifier  fault.  All  channel  output    during  the  “Short  circuit  Protection"  will  be  interrupted  (i.e. 
no sound out 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 14
put). Short Circuit Protection can usually be traced back to the signal output line (i.e. speaker line). check the line from the output ter-
minal of the amplifier to the speaker. if this line good, check the internal speaker connections and components. A short circuit will usu-
ally be traced to a bad cable or a bad speaker component and is rar ely traced to the amplifier itself.
thermal Protection - dual variable speed fans on the vLP Series amplifier provide adequate cooling. during low level output the fans 
run  at  normal  speeds. during  high  output  and  as  heat  raises,  (exceeding  90°c.),  the  fans  will  run  at  higher  speeds  to  aid  the  cooling 
process. if  the  heatsink  temperature  exceeds  91°c.,  the  amplifier  will  mute  until  the  amplifier  cools  down.  When  the  amplifier  cools 
below  90°c.,  the  amplifier  will  return  to  normal  operations.  Be  sure  not  to  operate  your  amplifier  below  the  minimum  load  ratings  to 
reduce the risk of overheating problems.
Input/output  Protection  - The  input  circuits  are  isolated  by  10k  resistors.  An  ultrasonic  network  uncouples rF from  the  output  and 
helps keep the amplifier stable with reactive loads.  
operating  Voltage  (aC  Mains)  -  The  serial  number  label  indicates  the  correct  Ac  main  voltage.  connecting  to  the  wrong  voltage  is 
dangerous  and  may  damage  the  amplifier.  Always  be  sure  the  source  voltage  for  your  areas  matches  the  required  voltage  for  your 
amplifier.
gain  Controls  -  The  gain  controls  are  located  on  the  front  panel  and  are  calibrated  in  2dB  of  attenuation  from  full  gain.  it  is  best  to 
adjust the amplifier so no “hissing” is heard from speakers with no music being played, this will ensure the lowest possible distortion 
during normal operation. 
aMpLIFIer FeatUres:
thrU - Thru will allow the user to daisy-chain one amplifiers signal input into another amplifier. Plug the signal source outputs into the 
first amplifier’s input, patch from the amplifier’s THru jacks to the next amplifier’s input, and so on, daisy-chaining as many amplifiers 
as there is no excessive level loss. is not affected by crossover setting.
groUnd LIFt SWItCh - Applying or lifting the ground switch will change the level for background noise and hum, if the noise level 
remains the same in either position, it is better to keep the ground lift switch in the ground position. This will eliminate 60Hz cycle hum 
that is sometimes induced when mounting several units in the same rack.
oPeratIng VoLtage (aC MaInS) - The serial number label indicates the correct Ac main voltage.  connecting to the wrong voltage 
is dangerous and may damage the amplifier.
gaIn ControLS - The gain controls are located on the front panel and are calibrated in 2dB of attenuation from full gain.  it is best to 
adjust the amplifier so no “hissing” is heard from speakers with no music being played, this will ensure the lowest possible distortion 
during normal operation.
Led  IndICatorS  - each  channel  has  five  LedS.  Two  Leds  indicate  signal  level  activity;  two  green  Leds. one  yellow  Led  indicates 
signal clipping. one red Led indicates protections mode for shorts/ overload.  one blue Led indicates power for each individual chan-
nel. 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 15
tYpICaL Mono brIDge set-Up
speaKers
8 oHm minimum
tYpICaL stereo oUtpUt ConneCtIons
speaKers
4 oHm minimum
speaKers
4 oHm minimum
use channel 1 inputs only (XLr or 1/4” Jacks)
X
use Speakon or Banana Jacks
use the two positive binding post 
termainals (red) for speaker output.
Figure 16
Figure 15 
						

							The vLP  series  carries  a  one  year  limited  warranty.  We  recommend  you  fill  out  the  enclosed  warranty  card  to  validate  your  purchase.  All 
returned service items whether under warranty or not, must be freight pre-paid and accompany a  r.A. (return authorization) number. if the 
mixer is under warranty, you must provide a proof of purchase invoice. You may obtain a  r.A. number by contacting our customer support 
team on our toll free number. Please contact American Audio® customer support at (800) 322-6337 for a r.A. number. All package 
not displaying a r.A. number on the outside of the package will be returned to the shipper.
1-year LIMIted W arranty
A.  American Audio® hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, American Audio® products to be free of manufacturing defects in material and work-
manship for a period of 1 Year (365 days) from the date of purchase. This warranty shall be valid only if the product is purchased within the  united 
States of America, including possessions and territories. it is the owner’s responsibility to establish the date and place of purchase by acceptable 
evidence, at the time service is sought. 
B.  For warranty service, send the product only to the American Audio® factory. All shipping charges must be pre-paid.  if the requested repairs or 
service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this warranty, American Audio® will pay return shipping charges only to a designated 
point  within  the united  States. if  the  entire  instrument  is  sent,  it  must  be  shipped  in  its  original  package.  no  accessories  should  be  shipped  with 
the product. if any accessories are shipped with the product, American Audio® shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to any such 
accessories, nor for the safe return thereof.  
c.  This warranty is void if the serial number has been altered or removed; if the product is modified in any manner which American Audio® con-
cludes, after inspection, affects the reliability of the product; if the product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the American Audio® 
factory unless prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by American Audio®; if the product is damaged because not properly maintained 
as set forth in the instruction manual. 
d.  This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning or periodic check-up.  during the period specified above, 
American Audio® will replace defective parts at its expense, and will absorb all expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of defects 
in material or workmanship. The sole responsibility of American Audio® under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or replace-
ment thereof, including parts, at the sole discretion of American Audio®. All products covered by this warranty were manufactured after January 1, 
1990, and bear identifying marks to that effect. 
e.  American Audio® reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon its products without any obligation to include these 
changes in any products theretofore manufactured. 
F.  no warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory supplied with products described above.  except to 
the  extent  prohibited  by  applicable  law,  all  implied  warranties  made  by  American  Audio®  in  connection  with  this  product,  including  warranties  of 
merchantability or fitness, are limited in duration to the warranty period set forth above. And no warranties, whether expressed or implied, including 
warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply to this product after said period has expired. The consumer’s and or dealer’s sole remedy shall 
be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and under no circumstances shall American Audio® be liable for any loss or damage, 
direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.  
G.  This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to American Audio® products and supersedes all prior warranties and written descriptions 
of warranty terms and conditions heretofore published. 
American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 16 
						

							VLP SerIeS SPeCS
Power supply: Ac 100v, 50/60Hz (Japan)
       Ac 110v, 60Hz (colombia)
       Ac 120v, 60Hz (u.S.A. and canada)
       Ac 127v, 60Hz (mexico)
       Ac 220v, 50Hz (chile and Argentina)
       Ac 220v, 60Hz (Philippines and Korea)
       Ac 230v, 50Hz (europe, new Zealand, South Africa, and Singapore)
       Ac 240v, 50Hz (Australia and u.K.)
modeL:                                          vLP 300                                             vLP 600                                                vLP 1500
output Power:    150W rmS per channel @ 4 ohms,  300W rmS per channel @ 4 ohms,  750W rmS per channel @ 4 ohms,
       1kHz, 0.1% THd             1kHz, 0.1% THd       1kHz, 0.1% THd
       100W rmS per channel @ 8 ohms,  200W rmS per channel @ 8 ohms,  500W rmS per channel @ 8 ohms,
       1kHz, o.1% THd              1kHz, 0.1% THd                       1kHz, 0.1% THd
       (Bridge mode, mono)           (Bridge mode, mono)                          (Bridge mode, mono)
       300W rmS @ 4 ohms,            600W rmS @ 4 ohms,                       1500W rmS @ 4 ohms,
       1kHz, 1% THd             1kHz, 1% THd                                   1kHz, 1% THd
Total Harmonic          Less Then 0.1% (20Hz - 20kHZ @      Less Then 0.1% (20Hz - 20kHZ @    Less Then 0.1% (20Hz - 20kHZ @
distortion (THd):        8 ohms                                               8 ohms           8 ohms
Frequency                 (+/-01db, @ rated output power,          (+/-01db, @ rated output power,   (+/-01db, @ rated output power,
response:       8 ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz            8 ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz      8 ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz
Slew rate:     15v Per usec              15v Per usec          15v Per use
damping Factor @     260                  300           300
8 ohm:  
impedance:               20K ohms Balanced            20K ohms Balanced       20K ohms Balanced
      10K ohms unbalanced            10K ohms unbalanced      10K ohms unbalanced
dimensions     13.25” x 19” x 1.75”            14” x 19” x 3.5”        14” x 19” x 3.5”
(LxWxH):     336 x 482 x 44mm             360 x 482 x 88mm        360 x 482 x 88mm 
Weight:      24lbs/11Kgs              33lbs/15Kgs           42lbs/19Kgs   
American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  vLP Series™ Power Amplifier user manual  Page 17 
						

							©American Audio® World Headquarters:
6122 S. eastern Ave. Los Angeles, cA 90040 uSA
Tel: 323-582-3322  Fax: 323-725-6100
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