Boulder 2110 Owner's Manual
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Boulder 2110 Owner's Manual

Preamplifier
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2110 Preamplifier
Owners Manual
7/22/2014
P/N: 91040
Boulder Amplifiers, Inc.
3235 Prairie Ave.
Boulder, CO 80301
www.boulderamp.com
(303)449-8220

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Summary of Contents for Boulder 2110

  • Page 1 2110 Preamplifier Owners Manual 7/22/2014 P/N: 91040 Boulder Amplifiers, Inc. 3235 Prairie Ave. Boulder, CO 80301 (303)449-8220 www.boulderamp.com...

  • Page 3: Thank You

    The 2110 represents the concerted efforts of numerous Boulder craftsmen, designers, engineers, and technicians working to bring you the very finest audio playback components in the world. The 2110 preamplifier is also the culmination of thirty years of evolving design expertise and improvements in manufacturing processes that enable it to stand out in a world of lesser products.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Getting Started Introduction Before You Start Placement of the 2110 Preamplifier Connecting the 2100 Power Supply to the 2110 Chassis (part 1) Connecting the 2100 Power Supply to the 2110 Chassis (part 2) Connecting to the Mains Outlet Polarity 1-11...
  • Page 5 Output Balance 4-31 Mute Level 4-31 Output Polarity 4-31 Boulder Link Connecting Boulder Link Setting Boulder Link ID Numbers Power Up By Boulder Link Boulder Link Messages Recording Connecting a Recording Device Record Source Selection Programming for Recording Appendix Specifications...

  • Page 6: Getting Started

    Introduction Congratulations on your selection of the Boulder 2110 Preamplifier. Please be sure to read this manual before attempting to connect or use the 2110. Before You Start To get started listening, you only need to connect the 2110 as you would any other preamplifier and the power supply as on page 1-3, but you should take note of the following.
  • Page 7 Getting Started...

  • Page 8: Placement Of The 2110 Preamplifier

    Getting Started Placement of the 2110 Preamplifier Your Boulder 2110 Preamplifier is designed to reduce the effects that external magnetic fields and radio frequencies (RF) have on its circuitry. While placement is not critical, known magnetic fields should be avoided whenever possible.
  • Page 9 Getting Started...

  • Page 10: Connecting The 2100 Power Supply To The 2110 Chassis (Part 1)

    Getting Started Connecting the 2100 Power Supply to the 2110 Chassis (part 1) Your Boulder 2110 Preamplifier is supplied with a Boulder 2100 Power Supply. Each of the four internal supplies is independent of the others except for the front panel LED, which confirms the correct operation of all four internal power supplies.

  • Page 12: Connecting The 2100 Power Supply To The 2110 Chassis (Part 2)

    Getting Started Connecting the 2100 Power Supply to the 2110 Chassis (part 2) Alignment of the male and female connectors is best accomplished by positioning the connectors so that the flat edge of the contact housing is facing downward (see figure 1). To assist in alignment, ensure that the embossed arrows on the stainless collar of the connectors is facing upward (see figure 2).
  • Page 13 Getting Started Flat edge of contact housing. Figure 1 Embossed arrow on stainless collar. Figure 2...

  • Page 14: Connecting To The Mains Outlet

    Getting Started Connecting to the Mains Outlet Your 2110 Preamplifier is supplied with a mains cord appropriate for the location it was purchased. The 2100 power supply is universal and automatically adjusts for the mains voltage. Simply plug it into any standard outlet. Exact voltage and frequency...
  • Page 15 Getting Started 1-10...

  • Page 16: Polarity

    Getting Started Polarity Please note that the 2110 Preamplifier conforms to the standard of pin 2 as high or “hot” for all analog balanced inputs and outputs. Because input and output polarities are handled through the program menu and the remote control, concern for polarity is unnecessary while connecting sources.
  • Page 17 Getting Started 1-12...

  • Page 18: Connecting To An Unbalanced Source

    Boulder ABL2 input adapter. It converts a balanced input into a RCA phono input right at the rear of the 2110. Like the above cable, the negative input of the 2110 is connected to the ground of the RCA phono. However, this negative side will then share the shield wire with the chassis ground and will not have the best hum rejection.
  • Page 19 Getting Started 1-14...

  • Page 20: Connecting To A Balanced Power Amplifier

    Connect the amplifier inputs to the preamplifier outputs labeled “MAIN OUT”. If desired, the 2110 can be used with up to six power amplifiers. This can be accomplished by utilizing splitters. If in doubt, consult your Boulder dealer.
  • Page 21 Getting Started 1-16...

  • Page 22: Connecting To An Unbalanced Amplifier

    Getting Started Connecting to an Unbalanced Amplifier A special cable is required to make this connection. This cable connects pin 1 to the shield and pin 2 to the center pin of the RCA. It leaves the output (pin 3) unconnected. Connecting the unused output pin (usually pin 3) to ground will cause excessive ground currents and degrade performance.
  • Page 23 Getting Started 1-18...

  • Page 24: Setting The Boulder Link Switch

    Getting Started Setting The Boulder Link Switch By default, the Boulder Link MASTER / SLAVE switch is set to MASTER when shipped from the factory. However, it is a good idea to ensure that this switch is in fact set MASTER during installation.
  • Page 25 Getting Started 1-20...

  • Page 26: Operation

    Operation Powering Up With all your connections made, you are ready to listen to your Boulder 2110 Preamplifier. Press the upper portion of the master AC rocker switch on the rear panel of the 2100 Power Supply. Then push the STANDBY button on the far right side of the preamplifier’s front panel.
  • Page 27 Operation...

  • Page 28: Input Selections

    Operation Input Selections To select an input, press one of the push buttons labeled ONE through SIX on the front panel. The respective input will be shown on the left side of the display and that signal will be routed to the main outputs. For example, if input ONE is chosen, “1.
  • Page 29 Operation Main Input Auxiliary Input...

  • Page 30: Volume

    Because the precise feel of the Boulder 2110 volume control may be different from what you are used to, we recommend starting the source device so that an audio signal is fed to the 2110 before increasing the volume. The right display will show “VOL INFINITE” to indicate maximum attenuation, or no output.
  • Page 31 Operation...

  • Page 32: Balance

    Operation Balance To change the left to right level balance, press the BALANCE push button. “BAL CENTERED” will show in the right display. Rotating the center control will now change the balance instead of the volume for as long as “BAL...” is displayed.
  • Page 33 Operation...

  • Page 34: Theater Mode And Balance

    WARNING: Theater mode should be used with extreme caution as there is no way to control the volume of the 2110 while in Theater Mode. If it is used carelessly, damage to speakers and other components may occur.
  • Page 35 Operation 2-10...

  • Page 36: Mute

    Operation Mute To temporarily reduce the volume, press the MUTE push button. ”MUTE -60.0dB” will show in the right display, replacing the volume indication. Pressing the MUTE push button again will return the volume to the same level setting in use prior to being muted. While muted, the level of both channels will be reduced by the amount indicted in the display, regardless of volume setting.
  • Page 37 Operation 2-12...

  • Page 38: Polarity

    0 to 360 degrees. The term polarity is used to indicate 180° phase change, or inversion, which is available in the 2110 Preamplifier. To activate a polarity change only in one channel, start by pressing either the L POLARITY or R POLARITY push buttons.
  • Page 39 Operation 2-14...

  • Page 40: Display

    Operation Display The display brightness may be set to any of 8 brightness levels and display completely off. To change the brightness level, press the DISPLAY push button. “DISPLAY 8” will show in the right display. Rotate the center control until the desired brightness is obtained, for example “DISPLAY 6.”...
  • Page 41 Operation 2-16...

  • Page 42: Remote Control

    Remote Control Batteries A 1/8” slotted screwdriver is required to remove the existing batteries. Turn the remote control over and remove the four screws located on the back cover of the remote control. Lift off the cover and set aside. Insert the tip of the slotted screw driver under the coin cell battery, through the most accessible opening on the battery holder (see figure 2).

  • Page 43: Remote Control

    Remote Control...
  • Page 44 Repeat the process with the second battery. Once both batteries are secured in their holders, it is a good idea to test the remote by pressing the “Standby” button. If the 2110 responds, you have successfully installed both batteries. Proceed by replacing the back cover...
  • Page 45 Remote Control...

  • Page 46: Source Selection

    Remote Control Source Selection To select an input (source), press the desired input number (1 through 6) on the remote. You will now be listening to your desired source, and it will be shown in the left display.
  • Page 47 Remote Control...

  • Page 48: Volume, Balance, And Mute

    Remote Control Volume, Balance, and Mute To increase the volume, press the button marked UP. To reduce, press DOWN. Holding either button down will cause the volume to change continuously until released. To change the balance to the left, press the button marked LEFT until the display shows “BAL CENTERED”...
  • Page 49 Remote Control...

  • Page 50: Polarity

    0 to 360 degrees, the correct term of polarity is preferred to indicate the 180º phase change, or inversion, available in the 2110 Preamplifier. To change polarity only in one channel, start by pressing either the L POL or R POL push button.
  • Page 51 Remote Control 3-10...

  • Page 52: Display Brightness

    Remote Control Display Brightness To change the display brightness, press the “DISP” push button on the remote control. “DISPLAY”, followed by a number representing the brightness setting will be shown in the right side of the display (for example “DISPLAY 8”. To change this setting, press the DISP button repeatedly until the desire brightness setting is reached.
  • Page 53 Remote Control 3-12...

  • Page 54: Programming

    Programming While it is not necessary to ever use any optional programming functions, you will probably find them helpful in using your Boulder 2110 Preamplifier. All programming is accomplished by pressing the PROGRAM push button which causes “PROGRAM MODE” to be displayed in the left display and “SELECT?”...
  • Page 55 Programming...

  • Page 56: Programming The Input Features

    Programming If you make a mistake repeatedly press the same input source number until all ten characters are passed by and then continue until the other settings are passed through and the name assignment display reappears. NOTE: The “space” character is just before the exclamation point (!). After the tenth character is assigned, “1.LEVEL?”...
  • Page 57 Programming...

  • Page 58: Input Mode

    “! T H E AT E R ! ”   B. Theater Mode sets the 2110 gain to ‘unity’ and balance to center. This allows the 2110 to be easily integrated into a surround sound or theater system. Theater Mode is only intended to be used with a surround sound processor.
  • Page 59 Programming...

  • Page 60: Programming The Volume Control

    Precise volume control of the Boulder 2110 is easily configurable. By default, the 2110 functions in a volume scale of -100 dB to 0 dB, and the resolution changes in 0.5 dB steps. Both of these settings can be adjusted to your preference.
  • Page 61 Programming...

  • Page 62: Unit Id

    A. “UNIT ID?” will show in the left display and “UNIT IS 16” (default) in the right display. This indicates the current Boulder Link address of the 2110. The Boulder Link address can be set from 16 to 31 by rotating the center control. For more information, see the Boulder Link section.
  • Page 63 Programming 4-10...

  • Page 64: Output Balance Offset

    Some listening situations call for having a “permanent” output balance offset. This could be due to inconsistent speaker sensitivity or an asymmetrical room. The output of the Boulder 2110 can be adjusted to always be offset, even though the display shows “BAL CENTERED.”...
  • Page 65 Programming 4-12...

  • Page 66: Mute Level

    Programming Mute Level The mute feature allows for temporary level reduction without losing the original setting. Because everyone’s use of this feature varies, the actual level reduction is adjustable. From “PROGRAM MODE” press the MUTE push button. “MUTE LEVEL?” will show in the left display and “MUTE -60.0dB” will show in the right display.
  • Page 67 Programming 4-14...

  • Page 68: Main Output Polarity

    The polarity of the main outputs may be adjusted to match the power amplifiers used. If you are using a Boulder 102, 250 or 500 series, this should be set to “PIN 3 HIGH.” For Boulder series 1000, 2000, 2100, and 3000 amplifiers, it should be set to “PIN 2 HIGH.”...
  • Page 69 Programming 4-16...

  • Page 70: Auxiliary Output Polarity And Source

    Programming Auxiliary Output Polarity and Source The polarity of the auxiliary output may be adjusted to match the equipment used. Consult the respective owners manual. From “PROGRAM MODE” press the R POLARITY push button. “AUX OUT POL?” will show in the left display and “PIN 2 HIGH” will show in the right display.
  • Page 71 Programming 4-18...

  • Page 72: Restore To Factory Defaults

    To leave all settings as they currently are, press the TWO push button. To reset all settings, press the ONE push button. All other push buttons are inoperative during this time. The 2110 Preamplifier will then return to normal operating mode.
  • Page 73 Programming 4-20...

  • Page 74: Programming From The Remote Control

    Programming Programming from the Remote Control Programming may also be conveniently done from the remote control. Similar to programming from the front panel, all programming is done by pressing the PGM button which causes “PROGRAM MODE” to be displayed in the left display. You may leave program mode whenever “PROGRAM MODE”...
  • Page 75 Programming 4-22...

  • Page 76: Program The Inputs From The Remote Control

    Programming Program the Inputs from the Remote Control From “PROGRAM MODE” press the number of the input you want to program. If you selected ONE, then “1.NAME?” will shown in the left display and “NO” will show in the right display. Press the DOWN button to choose “YES”...
  • Page 77 Programming 4-24...
  • Page 78 Programming ”1. MODE?” will show in the left display and “NORMAL” will show in the right display. Press the UP button to display “! THEATER !” and the DOWN button to display ”NORMAL”. Mode changes do not take affect until after programming mode is exited.
  • Page 79 Programming 4-26...
  • Page 80 Programming From “PROGRAM MODE” press the DISPLAY button. “VOL SCALE?” will show in the left display, and “-100 TO 0” will show in the right display. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to change the setting from “-100 TO 0” to “0 TO 100”...
  • Page 81 Programming 4-28...
  • Page 82 “BOULDER LINK ID?” will show in the left display and “UNIT IS 16” in the right display. This indicates the current Boulder Link address of the 2110. The Boulder Link address can be set from 16 to 31 by pressing the UP and DOWN push buttons. See the Boulder Link section.
  • Page 83 Programming 4-30...

  • Page 84: Output Balance

    Programming Output Balance From “PROGRAM MODE” press the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. “BAL OFFSET?” will show in the left display, and “0.0dB” will show in the right display. Press the LEFT and RIGHT buttons until the desired output balance is obtained as indicated in the right display. A maximum of -20.0dB may be set.
  • Page 85 Programming 4-32...

  • Page 86: Boulder Link

    Among the key features, Boulder Link allows sequential initiation of power amplifiers and other products when the 2110 Preamplifier is turned on. Power amplifiers can send messages to the 2110 which are then shown on its display. Connecting Boulder Link Turn off all products, which are to be linked before connecting Boulder Link cables and setting Boulder Link ID and MASTER/SLAVE switches.
  • Page 87 Boulder Link...

  • Page 88: Power Up By Boulder Link

    Boulder Link Each component is required to have a unique Boulder Link ID number. The 2110 ID is preset to 16 at the factory and/or when a master reset sequence is executed. If multiple preamplifiers are connected together, see pages 4-5 through 4-6 for instructions on how to change the ID numbers of the additional units.
  • Page 89 Boulder Link...

  • Page 90: Boulder Link Messages

    “1 OFFLINE” means that the slave is no longer responding via Boulder Link. Its Boulder Link cable may have become disconnected, or the mains power has been disconnected or that the Boulder Link ID# has been changed. “1 ONLINE” means that the slave is now responding via Boulder Link...
  • Page 91 Boulder Link...

  • Page 92: Recording

    Recording Connecting a Recording Device A recording device may be connected to the Boulder 2110 Preamplifier. You may use balanced or unbalanced connections for both input and outputs as previously described in the sections on connecting sources and power amplifiers.
  • Page 93 Recording...

  • Page 94: Record Source Selection

    Recording Record Source Selection Any one of the 6 inputs may be routed to the auxiliary output. Select an input by pressing the AUX push button on the front panel, and then one of the buttons labeled ONE through SIX. The respective input will be displayed in the left display.
  • Page 95 Recording...

  • Page 96: Programming For Recording

    Recording Programming for Recording Instead of having hardware-dedicated inputs for playback (tape) monitors, any input may be chosen for this purpose through software selection. Connect the outputs of these recorders to any of the 6 inputs you choose. Then for each chosen input, follow the instructions in the programming section for “INPUTS”...
  • Page 97 Recording...

  • Page 98: Appendix

    Appendix Specifications Balanced Inputs 6 x 3-pin XLR Main Balanced Outputs 3 x 3-pin XLR AUX Balanced Outputs 1 x 3-pin XLR Maximum Input Level 7 Vrms Maximum Output Level 28 Vrms THD+N, 2V Output, from 20 Hz to 5kHz 0.0008% (-102 dB) at 20 kHz 0.001% (-100 dB)
  • Page 99 Appendix Preamplifier Weight 63 lbs. (28.6 kg), Shipping 77 lbs. (34.9 kg). 48 lbs. (21.8 kg), Power Supply Weight Shipping 58.5 lbs. (26.5 kg). 2110 Preamplifier Dimensions, Inches:...

  • Page 100: Troubleshooting

    Appendix Troubleshooting SYMPTOM CAUSE REMEDY No Power Rear panel power Turn on power Indication switch is not on switch Preamplifier is not Connect to an AC plugged in Mains outlet Home circuit Have line voltage breaker is tripped checked Red power Low line voltage Reset breakers on indication...
  • Page 101 Appendix...

  • Page 102: Notes

    Appendix Notes:...
  • Page 103 Appendix Notes:...

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