Knoll Systems Stereo Amplifier GSZ44 User Manual

GSZ44  
8 Channel Eco-System™  
Controller-Amplifier  
Installation Instructions v1.2  
 
3
FCC Warning  
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,  
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against  
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is  
connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Canada  
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.  
Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back).  
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified service personnel.  
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to  
rain or moisture.  
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is  
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous  
voltage” within the products that may be of sufficient magnitude to  
constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.  
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert  
the user to the presence of important operation maintenance (servicing)  
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.  
Note: It is very important to use a top quality  
RJ45 8/8 crimper tool. We strongly suggest  
using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic tester to verify  
the wire conductors.  
 
4
Introduction: Thank you for your purchase of a Knoll GSZ44 8 channel  
controller amplifier and congratulations on your choice. The GSZ44 features  
four deluxe digital volume controlled stereo amplifiers with individual four  
source selection. This is Knoll's fourth generation of multi-channel, high-  
quality power amplifiers. The GSZ44 is designed to meet the amplifier needs  
of custom installed multi-zone systems where high quality sound is a specific  
requirement.  
Each of the four zones or rooms can select any of the four inputs, with  
individual volume control, bass and treble. Extras such as an external voltage  
trigger that can turn source equipment on and off, individual zone infrared  
outputs and many more features give the GSZ44 exceptional value when  
installed in homes and large complex systems. Except for the power button  
all controls are rear mounted. A data port is provided for ganging multiple  
GSZ44's. Infrared signals can be relayed from the keypads to the source  
equipment.  
The GSZ44 is controlled by MR40 keypads.  
3 Four input source selection. Each of the four stereo amplifiers is provided  
with four input source selection. Selection, volume level, bass and treble is  
made on MR40 keypads or a Knoll remote control (or a programmed remote  
control). Rooms can have different source selections, volumes, etc.  
3 Four internal 80 position stereo volume controls. The four zones each  
require a MR40 keypad. The Knoll RB8 remote control (or a programmed  
remote control) in conjunction with the MR40 keypad can control each zone.  
The keypads are typically mounted in the room with the speakers and they  
control amplifier power on/off, volume up/down and mute as well as source  
selection.  
3 Cost and size efficiency. The GSZ44 consists of a total of 8 power  
amplifiers in one 3-1/2" high enclosure (two rack spaces). Each power  
amplifier channel can deliver 30 watts RMS with peaks of 60 watts. Because  
of its unique design the GSZ44 delivers exceptional value.  
3 Automatic protection circuitry. Each GSZ44 amplifier channel is  
individually and fully protected against low impedance, overheating,  
overloading, over voltage and under voltage. The protection circuitry  
automatically restores the amplifier channel as soon as its parameter returns  
to the safe operating area.  
3 Individual bass and treble adjustment. Each channel features adjustments  
so installers can preset the room for speaker differences and listener  
preferences.  
3 External trigger. The GSZ44 can turn on and off source components with  
its 12vdc trigger output.  
3 Infrared controller ports. Each zone or room has its own infrared output  
jack. An all zone jack is also provided.  
3 Zone 1 has line level outputs so more powerful power amplifiers can be  
connected to this output. The line level output is controlled as to volume,  
bass, treble and source selection.  
 
5
Unpacking: The carton and packing materials used in shipping your new amplifier  
were specially designed to protect it from the shock and vibration of shipping. We  
suggest that you save the carton and packing materials to use if you move, or if the  
unit ever needs to be shipped back to us for any reason. Should you discover that  
your amplifier has been damaged during shipping, please contact your dealer or  
Knoll immediately and request the name of the carrier so a written claim can be  
made.  
The right to a claim against a public carrier can be forfeited if the  
carrier is not notified immediately in writing and if the shipping  
carton and packing materials are not available for inspection by the  
carrier. Save all packing materials until the claim is settled.  
GSZ44 placement  
During normal home operation the amplifier will become warm. However, there are  
instances during high-level playback into low impedance speakers when the amplifier  
will become much warmer than normal. To ensure the amplifier’s trouble-free  
operation, it is necessary to provide adequate ventilation. Your amplifier should be  
kept away from external sources of heat such as radiators and hot-air ducts. The  
amplifier should never be placed with other heat-producing components in a cabinet  
or enclosure lacking free airflow. Do not stack other components on top of your  
amplifier.  
Connecting your amplifier  
When making connections between any source components and the amplifier, or  
when making connections to any speaker, be certain that both the input devices and  
the amplifier are turned off. Unplug all equipment before making any connections so  
that there will be no unwanted signal transients that can damage equipment or  
speakers.  
Input connections  
Connecting the GSZ44 to your source equipment is straightforward. Using the high-  
quality RCA audio interconnect cables, match the output channel designations on the  
rear of your source equipment to the input jacks on the rear panel of your amplifier  
that have the same channel name.  
When making connections with RCA type plugs on interconnect cables, make certain  
to gently, but firmly, insert the plug into the jack. Loose connections can cause  
intermittent sound and may damage your speakers. Some quality RCA plugs may be  
very tight, and it is important to secure a proper connection between the  
interconnection cable and the input jack.  
We suggest starting with the input gains on the rear of the GSZ44 set to mid  
position. After it is installed and being tested these gains are use to set the different  
source input levels so they are roughly the same. Some sources such as DVD playes  
have a very high output and may cause t he GSZ44 to send clipped signals to the  
speakers even at low volume levels, so we suggest lowering the input gains of that  
input in this case to stop the clipping  
 
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Speaker connections  
The GSZ44 has four stereo 30 watts per channel amplified outputs. Channel 1 also  
has line level outputs to connect to larger powered amplifiers.  
To ensure that the high quality signals produced by your amplifier are carried to your  
speakers without loss of clarity or resolution, Knoll advises that you use high-quality  
speaker wire. Many brands of wire are available — the choice may be influenced by  
the distance between your speakers and the amplifier, the type of speakers you use,  
personal preferences, along with other factors.  
Regardless of the brand or type of speaker wire chosen, we suggest that you use a  
wire constructed of fine, multi-strand copper with a gauge of 16 or less (the lower  
the number, the thicker the cable). Wire with a gauge of 16 may be used for short  
runs of less than 12 feet. We do not recommend that you use any wires with an AWG  
equivalent of 18 or higher due to the power loss and degradation in performance.  
To connect the amplifiers to your speakers, a removable plug with screws is provided  
for each stereo channel output. Strip approximately 1/4 inch of insulation from the  
end of each wire and carefully twist the strands of each conductor together. Be sure  
not to cut the individual strands or twist them off. All strands must be used for  
optimal performance. Insert the wire into the plug and screw the screws very tight.  
Inspect that no wire “hairs” that can short circuit are not in the plug.  
Correct polarity connections are important to maintain proper speaker phasing.  
When speaker phasing is correct, all speakers move in and out at the same time  
preserving the imaging of the program material. Out-of-phase connections mean  
that some turn off, check your speakers to verify that they are operating properly. If  
all other potential sources of trouble check out properly, contact Knoll for further  
assistance.  
Run the cables to speaker locations. Do not coil any excess cable, as this may  
become an inductor that creates frequency response variations in your system.  
Lastly, connect the wires to the speakers, again being aware of proper polarity.  
Remember to connect the negative, or black wire, to the matching terminal on the  
speaker. The positive, or red wire should be connected to the matching terminal on  
the speaker.  
Note: While most speaker manufacturers follow industry convention of using red  
terminals for positive connections and black terminals for negative, some  
manufacturers may vary from this configuration. To ensure proper phase  
connections, and optimal performance, consult the identification plate on our speaker  
terminals, or the speaker’s manual to verify polarity. Contact the speaker’s  
manufacturer if you do not know the polarity of your speakers.  
 
7
Keypad Connection  
The GSZ44 outputs are be controlled by the MR40 keypad and a Knoll RB8 remote  
control.  
Only one MR40 keypad can be used in a zone.  
Note: MR40 keypads are not designed for outdoor use, high humidity,  
high temperatures or any extremes.  
The MR40 contains an almost all brand infrared repeater and most functions can be  
controlled by the Knoll RB8 remote control. RB8 commands can easily be stored in a  
learning remote.  
The MR40 is connected to the GSZ44 with CAT5e or CAT6 wire. Each keypad needs  
to have a home run on one wire. Each room or zone has a unique IR pass-thru port  
as indicated on the rear of the GSZ44. In addition there is an all room IR pass-thru  
port. All eight of the CAT5 wire conductors are used.  
Note: It is very important to use a top quality  
RJ45 8/8 crimper tool. We strongly suggest  
using a cat 5 / RJ45 electronic tester to verify  
the wire conductors.  
We recommend the T568A wiring method, which is shown below.  
The functions of each wire connection are also shown.  
future use brown  
future use white/brown  
Infrared orange  
ground white/blue  
+12 vdc blue  
future use white/orange  
SDA green  
SCL white/green  
Run CAT5 wire from the keypad location to the GSZ44 location for each keypad. It  
isn’t a bad idea to run a second cat5 wire run to each location to leave the  
installation more “future proof” and reliable. Leave an extra 1 m or 3 feet on each  
side to make it easier to work on. Add a RJ45 connector of the right type for the  
CAT5 wire you have selected (not all CAT5 wires are the same) and crimp the  
connector to the wire on each side. Plug the RJ45’s into the MR40 and correct GSZ44  
ports.  
 
8
Note: MR40 keypads do not require any programming.  
Infrared connections  
On the rear of the GSZ44 there are four infrared pass though ports. Each of the 1  
through 4 corresponds to the keypad port next to them. For example IR port #3 is  
the infrared output for keypads connected to KEYPAD #3. The infrared ALL is the  
combination of all of the four keypad ports.  
Using this method of infrared routing you can have six sources the same (like 6  
identical AM/FM tuners) one for each zone and they can be controlled individually in  
each room. Each port can control up to 8 devices using 4 of our optional IR34a  
emitters and one IR55 connection block.  
Each infrared port is a standard 3.5mm mono jack.  
Infrared Selection  
The MR40 keypads have a very small switch on the rear labeled 38K and 56K.  
Almost all infrared remotes use 38k. A few use 56k. If you find your remote control  
does not work with our keypads we suggest you try moving the switch to 56k and  
see if it now works. When you do this some remotes that use 38k will now not work.  
Link connections  
On the rear of the GSZ44 amplifier there is a 3.5mm stereo jacks labeled LINK. This  
port connect two GSZ44’s together so they can share certain commands (such as All  
Off)  
When connecting two GSZ44’s together in one system you will need:  
1. Up to fourteen (one for each active source) RCA Y patch cords  
2. A 3.5mm stereo patch cord.  
Normally the two GSZ44’s are near each other. If they are far apart then balancing  
baluns may be required to eliminate stray noise on the lines.  
The procedure to connect the two controller amplifiers is:  
1. Connect the Link jack on GSZ44 #1 to the Link jack on GSZ44 #2 using the  
3.5mm stereo patch cord.  
2. Connect all of the up to four sources using short as possible good quality RCA  
patch cords to GSZ44 #1 and GSZ44 #2 source inputs.  
Trigger output  
The mono 3.5mm connector on the rear of the GSZ44 supplies 12 VDC (maximum  
100 mA) when any or all of the  
zones are turned on.  
Volume display  
Infrared receiver  
Four source selection  
buttons.  
Bass up  
1
2
Treble up  
MR40 Functions  
When the whole system is installed and  
the GSZ44 is powered up each of the  
MR40 keypads will undergo a diagnostic  
and eventually turn on to source 1 at a  
very low level. The only thing to program  
is the bass and treble for each room  
(explained below).  
Bass down  
Treble down  
3
4
FNC  
MUTE  
Mute button  
Function select  
button  
Shut off this room or  
shut off whole house  
(press for 5 seconds).  
Blinks when bass or  
treble is at max or min.  
Volume up  
and down  
OFF  
 
9
To turn off the zone either push the keypad button labeled off or the off button on the RB8 remote  
control.  
To turn on the zone on either press the source button or the off button on the remote or keypad. If  
you press the OFF button the zone will go back to the source selected when it was last shut off.  
In either case the zone goes to a preselected mid-low volume, not necessarily the volume  
selected when it was last shut off.  
To adjust the volume press the volume switch up or down as desired. The relative volume is  
shown in the led displays on the top.  
To temporarily mute the output, press the mute button on either the remote or keypad. It mutes  
the output in this room.  
Equalization (if required).  
Equalization cannot be performed from the remote control. To enter the equalization mode press  
the FNC button. The four source button will have their led’s running in a circular motion. To raise  
the bass output in this room only push and hold the source 1 button until the desired effect is  
achieved.  
When the maximum bass is selected the OFF button will blink. Do the same with bass down,  
treble up and treble down. The parameters selected go into memory and are retained even if the  
power to the system is turned off.  
Press the FNC button again to exit the equalization mode.  
To go back to a flat frequency response, enter the equalization mode again and when in this  
mode with the source leds going in a clockwise direction press the MUTE button. The  
equalization is now flat. Again to exit this mode press the FNC mode and  
Knoll Systems service information  
The GSZ44 amplifier does not contain any user serviceable parts inside. If you suspect a  
phone at 800 566-5579. It is extremely important that only an authorized service dealer make  
any repairs. This will ensure proper service and preserve the protection of your warranty.  
Keep your receipt in a safe place so that it will be available to verify the purchase date, should  
you experience a problem covered by Knoll System’s warranty.  
Troubleshooting  
Your Knoll amplifier is designed from trouble-free operation. If you follow the  
instructions in this manual, you should enjoy many years of high-quality listening  
enjoyment. However, as with any sophisticated device, there may be occasional  
problems upon initial installation, or during the life of the amp. The items on the list  
below are a brief guide to the minor problems that you may be able to correct  
yourself. If these solutions do not help, or if the problem persists, contact us for  
assistance at 1800 566 5579 in Canada or the USA or 604 272 4555. We are in the  
Pacific time zone.  
 
10  
Problem  
Solutions  
Amplifier won’t turn on  
Master power switch turned off (No power light LED).  
Turn on Master Power Switch.  
Amplifier turns on, but no audio  
from one or more channels  
Input plugs not connected to proper jack or are loose.  
Check input connections.  
No audio from one or more  
Channels  
Speakers are not connected properly. Check speaker  
connections at amp and speaker.  
Audio levels differ from sources  
Improper settings or output levels from source device.  
Check the settings on your preamp, processor or  
controller. Also verify gain settings on the source  
inputs on the GSZ44 rear panel.  
Audio plays and then cuts off  
Amplifier may be shorted. Check speaker connections  
for short-circuit at amp and speaker.  
Care, maintenance, and cleaning  
When the GSZ44 amp becomes dirty, wipe it with a clean, dry, soft cloth. If necessary, first  
wipe the surface with a slightly dampened soft cloth with mild soapy water, then with a fresh  
cloth dampened with clean water. Wipe dry immediately with a dry cloth. NEVER use benzene,  
thinner, alcohol, or any other volatile cleaning agent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they  
will damage the finish of the metal parts. Avoid spraying insecticide, waxes, polishing agents,  
or any aerosol product near the GSZ44.  
Limited Warranty Knoll Systems, Inc. (“Knoll”) warrants that each GSZ44 and MR40 (“the  
Product”) sold hereunder will conform to and function in accordance with the written  
specifications of Knoll. Said limited warranty shall apply only to the first person or entity that  
purchases the Product for personal or business use and not for the purpose of distribution or  
resale. Said warranty shall continue for a period of three years from the date of such  
purchase. Knoll does not warrant that the Product will meet the specific requirements of the  
first person or entity that purchases the Product for personal or business use. Knoll’s liability  
for the breach of the foregoing limited warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the  
Product or refund of the purchase price of the Product, at Knoll’s sole option. Replacement  
Product may be re-furbished in “like-new” condition, at Knoll’s sole discretion. To exercise the  
Purchaser’s rights under the foregoing warranty, the Product must be returned at the  
Purchaser’s sole cost and expense, to Knoll or to any authorized Knoll service center provided,  
and the Product must be accompanied by a written letter explaining the problem and which  
includes (i) proof of date of purchase; (ii) the dealer’s name; and (iii) the model and serial  
number of the Product. When sending your unit in for repair, please ship your unit in its  
original packing material or a Knoll approved ATA Shipping Case, or have a professional  
packaging company pack the unit. Please insure your shipment for its full value. A return  
authorization number, issued by the Knoll customer service department, must also be clearly  
displayed on the outside of the shipping carton containing the Product.  
Note: Remanufactured Products are exempt from the foregoing Limited Warranty. Please refer  
to the Remanufactured Product Warranty for applicable warranty information.  
WARRANTY LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION Knoll shall have no further obligation under the  
foregoing limited warranty if the Product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, neglect,  
accident, unusual physical or electrical stress, unauthorized modifications, tampering,  
alterations, or service other than by Knoll or its authorized agents, causes other than from  
ordinary use or failure to properly use the Product in the application for which said Product is  
intended.  
 
11  
DISCLAIMER OF UNSTATED WARRANTIES THE WARRANTY PRINTED ABOVE IS THE ONLY  
WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PURCHASE. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR  
IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-  
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. THERE ARE NO  
WARRANTIES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE FACE HEREOF AND THE FOREGOING WARRANTY  
SHALL NOT BE EXTENDED, ALTERED OR VARIED EXCEPT BY WRITTEN INSTRUMENT SIGNED  
BY KNOLL. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED  
WARRANTY MAY LAST, SO SUCH LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.  
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT KNOLL’S LIABILITY  
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, IN TORT, UNDER ANY WARRANTY, IN NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE  
SHALL NOT EXCEED THE RETURN OF THE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY  
PURCHASER AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL KNOLL BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDI-  
RECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOST PROFITS, LOST REVENUES OR  
LOST SAVINGS. THE PRICE STATED FOR THE PRODUCT IS A CONSIDERATION IN LIMITING  
KNOLL’S LIABILITY. NO ACTION, REGARDLESS OF FORM, ARISING OUT OF THE AGREEMENT  
TO PURCHASE THE PRODUCT MAY BE BROUGHT BY PURCHASER MORE THAN ONE YEAR  
AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION HAS ACCRUED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION  
OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION  
OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC  
LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHT WHICH VARIES FROM STATE-TO-  
STATE.  
Copyright 2006-2007 Knoll Systems. All Rights Reserved.  
Knoll Systems  
12140 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC V7A 4V5 Canada  
145 Tyee Drive, point Roberts, WA 98281 USA  
Line level outputs give zone 1  
the ability to connect to more  
powerful amplifiers Both are  
volume & source controlled.  
Connect these RJ45 connectors to  
MR40 Keypad.  
Connect the sources via  
good quality gold RCA jacks  
to inputs 1 through 4.  
Source  
Inputs  
Source  
Inputs  
Zone 1  
Line Level  
Outputs  
1
2
4
3
Connect room  
speaker to  
detachable  
connectors  
12-16 gauge  
wire preferred.  
L
L
R
L
Power  
connection.  
Observe  
correct  
R
R
1L 1R  
Gain  
2L 2R 3L  
4L 4R  
3R  
12V  
TRIG Key1 Key2 Key3 Key4  
IR1 IR2 IR3 IR4 IR All  
SPEAKERS 1 SPEAKERS 2 SPEAKERS 3 SPEAKERS 4  
Class2 wiring  
4 A  
120 V~  
60 Hz  
voltage.  
All s peak er loa ds 4-16 ohms , idea l 6 -8 ohms  
Trig mono 3.5mm jack  
has 12 VDC (100 mA max)  
on it when any zone is active.  
Connect infrared to IR54 or IR55 connection block.  
Do not connect  
without a 220R resistor in series or the emitter  
an emitter directly  
will fail after a short time. IR All is the output from all four keypad slots.  
Knoll Systems  
145 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA 98281  
12140 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC V7A 4V4  
Tel: (604) 272 4555,  
fax (604) 272 5595  
Made in Canada  
 

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