Emotiva UPA-7 - Manual (Page 13)

Input Connection Considerations
Whenever possible, keep preamplifier level audio cables away from electrical power cords by at least a
few inches. It’s more important with amplifiers as the AC power cords are carrying much more current
than other source and preamplifier components, which means there is a larger degree of noise or “hum”
potential with the amplifier power cord in close proximity.
Output Connection Considerations
The output connectors provided on each channel of the UPA-7 are standard “binding post” speaker
connectors with industry standard spacing. These are sometimes called 5-way binding posts because of
the many ways in which the speaker wire can connect into the posts. The posts can accept bare wire,
spade terminals, and dual or single banana connectors. Spade connections or banana plugs ensure a
simple, solid fit in the terminal whereas bare wire may be awkward when the terminal is screwed down to
compress the wire into place. Keep in mind that if you use “dual banana” plugs and “stack” them, you
will be creating a parallel connection. For more details on series and parallel connections, see pages 13-
14.
It is important to observe polarity so that the speaker wire connects to the red and black terminals on the
amplifier and the corresponding terminals at the speaker. Also, make sure that the positive speaker
wires do not touch the negative speaker wires, or any chassis metal. This will cause a short circuit and
activate the protection circuitry.
Connection Tips for Superior Sound
Before setting up your new system, please consider the following:
• Always make sure the UPA-7 is turned off before making or changing ANY connections.
• Whenever possible, route the power cords away from the signal cables or speaker wires to
prevent any hum or interference heard in the speakers.
• Many RCA type patch cords can be a very tight fit and there is usually a preferred method of
removing them. Some have to be removed with a twisting action. Be gentle or you may damage
the jacks of your UPA-7, the cables themselves, or other components.
• Many audiophile signal cables are intended to be hooked up in one direction. If this is the case,
the cables will be marked with arrows the direction of signal flow.
• It is usual for the right channel RCA patch cord plugs to be red and the left channel connections
to be white, grey, or black (depending on the cable brand). RCA connectors that are gold will be
designated with a colored band to designate the channel.
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