Soundstream Technologies PICASSO Stereo Amplifier - Manual (Page 9)

9
INSTALLATION STEP 2
BALANCED / UNBALANCED INPUT
The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier has the ability to accept either standard
Unbalanced RCA signal inputs, or Balanced "Pro Audio" inputs with the use of the
Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other balanced line audio source.
Before installing your system, you should decide upon which signal type you wish to run.
The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO's signal inputs accept two ranges of input signal levels:
0.2 - 2.0 Vrms, or 0.5 - 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. The input range
switch position and level settings are dependent upon the preamplifier / source unit output
signal level. For the best system Signal to Noise Ratio, we recommend that the input level
controls be set as far down as possible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an
acceptable level of output.
Using the "Unbalanced" RCA input
When using the Unbalanced RCA input, the RIGHT channel (channel 2) input signal switch
MUST be in the "UNBAL" position. Also, when first installing the amplifier using this input
configuration, we suggest that the remaining input signal switches be in the "UNBAL" position
as well. If you experience alternator whine or other installation noise with all switches in
the "UNBAL" position, try moving channels 1,3 & 4 input signal switch to the "BAL"
position. This should remove any system noise due to installation.
Using the "Balanced" RCA input
When using one or both Balanced 6-pin DIN inputs, all input switches MUST be in the "BAL"
position. Also, we recommend that when using this input configuration, the "INPUT LEVEL"
switches be in the "0.5 - 5V" position, and the gains on the amplifiers be set to
"minimum" (rotated counter-clockwise). The system gains should then be adjusted on the BLT
UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED INPUT
ADVANTAGES 1. Most preamplifier /
source units have
"UNBAL" RCA outputs.
(Industry standard)
2. No Interface module is
1. Improved Signal to Noise Ratio. (S/N Ratio)
2. Excellent noise cancellation characteristics.
3. Immune to noise radiated in the car audio
environment.
NOTE: The pin configuration
shown in the diagram is the view
looking into the Balanced input
jack on the amplifier.