System Design Considerations - Niles SI-1260 Installation & Operation Manual

SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Speaker Compatibility
A single channel (not bridged) of the SI-1260 is capable of driving a low imped-
ance speaker load. As many as three eight ohm speakers can be safely connect-
ed to a single channel, presenting the amplifier a 2.66 ohm load. Proper ventila-
tion of the SI-1260 is critical when driving low impedance loads. If the SI-1260
is not properly ventilated, the protection circuits may activate and shut off the
channel at higher volume levels (for more information on proper amplifier place-
ment, see Installation Considerations on page 14).
A channel pair that has been BRIDGED is capable of driving an impedance load
of 4 ohms. Proper ventilation of the SI-1260 is critical when driving a 4 ohm load
with bridged channels. If the SI-1260 is not properly ventilated, the protection cir-
cuits may activate and shut off the channel at higher volume levels (for more
information on proper amplifier placement, see Installation Considerations on
page 14).
When designing your system, try to specify 6-8 ohm speakers (Niles offers a com-
plete line of in-wall, in-ceiling, outdoor and home theater loudspeakers with all
models rated from 6-8 ohms).
Cable and Wire
Because the SI-1260 has many connections on the rear panel (see Figure 13), it is
important that you correctly label all of the input cables and speaker wires. Label the
cables and wires with their destination or source, rather than the SI-1260 terminal to
which they are connected. This will make it easier to reconfigure your system in the
future.
The SI-1260 connects to your sources via shielded line level audio cables with RCA con-
nectors. Use high quality cables with your Niles amplifier for the lowest possible noise
and best overall performance. Your Niles dealer can recommend the proper cable.
A DB25 Multi-Zone Input Connector is provided for use with Niles Multi-Zone
Products which include a mating DB25 output connector. All 12 dedicated inputs
are included within the single connector, along with the SI-1260's Voltage Trigger
Input.
The SI-1260 connects to your speakers using two conductor speaker wire. For most
applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18 gauge wire. For wiring runs longer
than 80 feet, we recommend 14 gauge wire. The SI-1260's high-quality, gold-plated
5-way binding posts will accommodate up to 12-gauge wire. Attaching banana
plugs to the wire will enable the connection of larger wire sizes.
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