Troubleshooting - Russound D850 Installation Manual

Signal Sensing Problems
The D-series amp zone does not turn on:
• Check the input signal path
• Check the audio cable connections between the source and the amp
• If the source is a variable signal, make sure it is turned up
The D-series amp zone turns on, but not consistently
• Check the input signal level. It may need to be turned up
• Check the amp gain levels. They may be turned up too high
• Try connecting a tablet or smartphone with a headphone-to-RCA cable into
the amp zone input as a test
The D-series amp zone is always on
• Check for voltage issues and/or ground loops that could be affecting the
signal sensing circuit – See Below:
Ground Loops and Voltage Problems
Ground loops in the system with the D-series amp can the reliability of
the signal sensing. Voltage introduced into the amplifier by way of ground
loops, or EMI-RFI noise, or other electrical noise on the power input, could be
interpreted by the signal sensing circuit as an input signal. In this case, the
amplifier may not be able to tell the difference between the actual signal and
the electrical noise in the system, so the sensing ability of the amplifier may be
erratic or unreliable.
There are products on the market to help reduce electrical noise or ground
loops, such as a Ground Loop Isolator, which can be used to block or reduce
problems with the input signal path and make signal sensing more reliable.
In addition, there are even more considerations such as the length of RCA
cables being used (shorter is better) and making sure the amplifier and the
sources are on the same power source to reduce ground loops and other
electrical issues.
Test Example
A good way to test the amplifier zone input and signal sensing is to use a
portable device such as a tablet or phone. This type of test source is not
plugged in to power therefore should not introduce any ground loop or
electrical noise.
1. Remove the original source input cables and replace with a headphone-to-
RCA cable connected to the portable device.
2. Choose some music to play. An Internet Streaming source (e.g. Pandora) is
best because it will play a constant audio stream.
3. Verify that the amplifier zone turns on and off reliably when connecting or
disconnecting the RCA cable from the portable device according to the delay
period timing that is configured for that zone.
4. If the signal sensing is still not reliable:
5. Disconnect all cables, including speaker connections and RCA connections.
6. Set the delay of Zone 1 to the shortest time setting.
7. Reboot the amplifier.
8. Make sure music is playing on the portable device.
9. Connect the portable device to Zone 1 Line Input Only.
10. The Zone 1 amp should turn on.
LED Operation
Zone LED is blinking red/blue - This indicates a short-circuit condition on
the wiring. Power down the amplifier and verify all speaker wiring connections
both at the amplifier and at the speaker. Make sure no stray strands of wire are
touching. When the wiring has been corrected, turn the amplifier back on.
Zone LED is red - This indicates an overheating condition. Verify that the
amplifier is receiving enough ventilation. Separate the amplifier from other
components to allow more ventilation or add a cooling fan if needed.
Note: Both of these conditions will auto-correct themselves when the trouble
condition has been removed. The amplifier will then resume normal operation.
If you experience more problems or have questions, please contact
Russound Technical Support for further assistance at1-866-888-7466, M-F,
8:30AM-7PM ET.
Russound D850, D1650 Installation Manual

TROUBLESHOOTING

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