Boston Acoustics Stereo System LCAi220 User Manual

LCAi220  
Local Control Amplifier  
 
Local Control amplifier  
LCAi220  
Thank you  
Thank you for selecting a Boston Acoustics LCAi220 Local Control amplifier. Your LCAi220 has  
been designed to deliver years of music, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Please keep your manual  
in a safe place in case you need to refer to it at a later date. Our Installation Considerations are  
a guide for those with and without experience installing a local control amplifier. If at any point  
you have questions regarding the connection and installation of this device please contact  
technical support at [email protected] or 978.538.5000.  
Contents  
Thank You ........................................................................................................2  
Specifications...................................................................................................2  
Introduction .....................................................................................................3  
The Technology Inside.................................................................................... 3  
Installation Considerations..............................................................................4  
System Diagrams.............................................................................................7  
Installation Instructions .................................................................................10  
Connection Instructions ................................................................................12  
Set Up Instructions........................................................................................13  
TroubleShooting Guide .................................................................................15  
Contact Information ......................................................................................16  
Specifications  
LCAi220  
Power  
10w x 2 @8/ 20w x 2 @4Ω  
>95dB  
Signal to Noise Ratio  
THD at Rated Power  
Trigger Voltage - Input  
Trigger Voltage - Output  
Power Input - LCAi220  
Power Input - Power Supply  
Input Sensitivity  
0.04%  
3-30 VAC / DC  
12 VDC / 200mA  
12 - 16 VDC, 2.5A  
100 - 240 V~, 50 - 60Hz, 1.8A  
500mV @ full output  
1
1
1
Dimensions - inside Junction Box  
(H x W x D) (not including connections)  
5 ⁄  
8
x 5 ⁄8 x 2 ⁄8  
"
131 x 131 x 54mm  
 
2
Introduction  
LCAi220  
The LCAi220 is an in-wall local zone amplifier that switches between a central audio source  
(whole house audio) and a local source (TV, CD player, etc.). In the standby mode, the local  
speakers are amplified by a centrally located distribution amplifier. When an input signal is  
detected from either the local high level, low level, or the 12v trigger/video in inputs, the  
LCAi220 switches on and the speakers switch over to the LCAi220s high quality amplifier.  
The LCAi220 provides a simple, easy to use way to have multi-source audio in any room. Its  
compact, in-wall design allows the LCAi220 to fit easily behind a flat panel TV. The LCAi220  
mounts in a two-gang wall box with all speaker connections located behind the unit and the  
local source inputs and controls located on the front. The end result is an unrivaled  
combination of installation ease and performance, and with its auto source switching makes  
the LCAi220 literally invisible to the end user.  
The Technology Inside  
Amplifier  
The amplifier used in the Boston Acoustics LCAi220 is a high performance class A/B amplifier  
delivering sound quality equivalent to the finest multi-room/multi zone amplifiers or receivers.  
Low Voltage Power Requirements:  
The LCAi220 features two separate power inputs, one on the front for use with the supplied  
power supply and a second located on the rear panel for a centrally mounted power supply.  
Since the LCAi220 can operate with 12vdc to 16vdc power, it can be used on the same power  
source as many other devices used in home audio installations today allowing an installer to  
mount a central power supply and route power to many separate locations.  
Local Source High and Low Level Inputs:  
The LCAi220 features both high (speaker level) and low level (RCA) inputs allowing for  
connection to almost any local audio source.  
Adjustable Input Level:  
The LCAi has a fully adjustable gain to match the output of the LCAi220 to the central music  
source.  
Highpass Filter:  
The LCAi220 features an adjustable highpass filter for the local speakers. Selectable between  
Flat (no crossover engaged), 30Hz @ 12dB, and 100Hz @ 12dB. This is especially useful if using  
the LCAi220 with small speakers or with a subwoofer. The highpass is only active when used  
with the local zone.  
Subwoofer Line Output:  
The LCAi220 features a dedicated low-level subwoofer output. The subwoofer output is derived  
from both the local source being amplified by the LCAi220 and the whole house system. The  
signal from the subwoofer output is a mono signal lowpassed at 85Hz @ 12dB per octave.  
Fault Detection / Protection:  
The LCAi220 features active circuitry to protect itself against a potentially hazardous situation.  
If a fault state is detected, the LCAi220 will go into protection mode and the fault LED will  
illuminate.  
 
3
LCAi220 Benefits  
Level Adjust to match the output of the LCAi220 to the central distribution  
audio amplifier  
Signal Sensing (high and low level) and Input trigger for switching to local  
source  
Output trigger for triggering on a connected component (Subwoofer, Etc.)  
Great sounding, a perfect system match with Boston Acoustics  
speakers  
Versatility to connect to other manufacturers speakers  
RCA and High Level Inputs for simple connection to almost any audio source  
Installs neatly into a common low-voltage dual junction box; Carlon B432A or  
5
equivalent; (32 cu. in.) (2 8" deep x 4" wide x 4" high)  
Current sensing for simple switching between central and local audio  
Easy to install with minimal tools required for hook-up  
Automatic DC/overload/overdrive protection  
Installation Considerations  
Choosing Installation / Mounting locations  
Convenience, décor, safety requirements, installation ease, and performance are all factors  
when considering location choices. Choose locations that work best for the room and its use.  
Examples of convenient locations include; behind a wall mounted TV, lower section of a wall,  
and near other installed controls. Installation of the audio output wiring should be in accor-  
dance with Article 640 of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) and with local codes and ordi-  
nances. Do not install the LCAi220 near any electrical device such as a light switch, dimmer or  
other 110 Volt product because of the possibility of induced electrical noise. Mount each  
device separately using the prescribed electrical box and other low voltage mounting hard-  
ware. Check local code requirements regarding the use of such devices before selecting the  
mounting hardware. If you are not sure of the requirements for your area, check with the local  
wiring inspector, or with an electrician or custom A/V integrator. Electricians and Custom A/V  
integrators are also good choices for installing such devices. If at any time you feel unsure  
about wiring, connecting or choosing locations consult with a professional.  
Speaker Wiring Requirements  
For most applications, it is recommended that you use a minimum of a 16 AWG (American  
Wire Gauge) stranded copper wire. Never use a wire gauge smaller than 18 AWG. The higher  
the gauge number the thinner the wire is. Heavier wire should be used for longer cable runs.  
Wiring should be done in accordance with Article 640 of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®)  
and with local codes and ordinances. Class 2 cable (designated CL2, CL2P, or CL2R) is typically  
appropriate for use in residential construction. This is a plastic jacketed multi-wire cable. Class  
3 cable and other suitable substitute cables may also be used. Table 725.61 of the 2005 NEC  
specifies suitable cable substitutions. The use of unjacketed single wires is not permitted. For  
commercial or multi-unit residences, other wiring methods and cable types may be required.  
If you are not sure of the requirements for your area, check with the local wiring inspector, or  
with an electrician or custom A/V integrator. You will require 4 conductors from the amplifier  
location to the LCAi220 input, using one 4-conductor or two 2-conductor cables; and 2  
conductor cables from the LCAi220 outputs to each speaker location in the room. Electricians  
and Custom A/V integrators are good choices for installing such devices. If at any time you feel  
unsure about wiring, connecting or choosing locations consult with a professional.  
 
4
Powering the LCAi220  
A 16VDC power supply is included for powering the the LCAi220. There are two separate  
connection points for powering the LCAi220; a front mounted connection for local powering of  
the LCAi220 and a rear mounted connection for central powering of the LCAi220. It is only  
necessary that you connect power to one of the connections.  
Front Connection  
When using the front mounted input, connect the plug from the power supply to the input on  
the LCAi220. The power supply plugs into a standard 110VAC outlet.  
Rear Connection  
When using the rear connection, the power supply is located with the central audio system and  
power wire is run from that location to the LCAi220. This configuration will require the use of  
the included LCApi power interface. The LCApi allows connection of power wire to the  
LCAi220s included power supply.  
Rear Power Wiring Requirements  
You will require a 2 conductor cable from the power supply location to the LCAi220 input. The  
cable should be at least 18 gauge or heavier and of Class 2 construction or an acceptable  
substitute. The installation methods are identical to those for installing the loudspeaker wiring,  
although there is no need to increase the wire size beyond 16 gauge. Again, Electricians,  
Custom A/V Integrators, and Electrical Inspectors are great resources regarding this subject.  
They are also great at installing such devices. If at any time you feel uncomfortable in wiring,  
connecting or choosing product locations consult with a professional.  
 
5
New Home Construction Precautions  
The wiring and installing of in-wall electronics and devices is easier when the walls are free of  
insulation, prior to the drywall being applied. It is important that precautions are taken to  
avoid system failures. It is recommended that when wiring your open walls that you are aware  
of the potential hazards and the tools and hardware required to avoid them. Nails, screws and  
accidentally cut or exposed wire can cause failure in the system. Local hardware stores sell nail  
guards that cover the stud where the speaker wire passes through. Using nail guards will  
almost guarantee that a nail or a screw won’t damage the speaker wire.  
Do not share holes in studs with electrical, alarm or other unrelated low voltage wire. Only drill  
the size hole necessary to feed the wire through easily. Secure the speaker wire to the stud as  
close to the center of the stud bay as possible using insulated staples or other methods that  
won’t damage the jacket of the wire. If using staples be careful not to damage the wire. Be  
careful while installing the wire in the walls not to pull, over exert, or radically bend the wire to  
a point where damage can occur. Label wires at both ends of the wire and protect those ends  
from label damage. Labeling wire is essential and saves significant time during the final hook-  
up of your system. Make sure to leave an appropriate length in each location  
making installation easy and neat. DO NOT RUN SPEAKER WIRE PARALLEL WITH THE HOUSE  
LIGHT AND POWER CABLES. Locating speaker wire to close to electrical wire and devices can  
result in undesired noises such as buzzing, humming and popping noises through the speak-  
ers. Locating speaker wire too close to electrical wire and devices can result in undesired nois-  
es such as buzzing, humming and popping noises through the speakers. It is OK to cross over  
light and power cables if necessary but do so infrequently and only at 90° angles. When at all  
possible, keep speaker wire as much as 20-inches (50cm) from light and power cables and a  
stud bay away from electrical devices such as switches and outlets. Following these simple pre-  
cautions will insure that there is no noise from an electrical device.  
Retro-fitting an Existing Home  
Wiring and installing systems in an existing home can be difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the  
tools required to feed wire through existing ceilings and walls it is highly recommended that  
you consult an Electrician, Low voltage provider / Installer and /or custom A/V Integrator for  
your installation needs. Likewise, if you are unfamiliar with the construction methods of the  
home, please consider professional assistance.  
Warning  
Always turn off the amplifier when connecting volume controls, speakers, or any other  
components to the system. Only professionals should perform the installation of these devices  
or those possessing skills in construction, experience with the proper use of hand tools,  
knowledge of local building and electrical codes, and familiarity with the environment in which  
the product(s) will be installed. Install all products to meet all local building, energy and  
electrical codes.  
Warning About System Impedance  
The LCAi220 does not provide impedance matching. If multiple speakers are used, you must  
use a volume control and all impedance matching jumpers should be set to the same value.  
Not doing so will cause undesirable performance and improper protection for the central  
system amplifier.  
 
6
System Diagrams  
System 1; Simple Configuration - Front Power Input  
In this example, the central music source (receiver located in another part of the house)  
provides the default audio for the room. Signal sensing on the RCA connections will trigger the  
local source (audio from the TV configured to variable output). Power is connected to the front  
input. For additional bass, a powered subwoofer may be used.  
12VTrigger /  
Video In  
TV (local source)  
12VTrigger /  
Video Pass  
Through  
LCAi220 (external connections)  
16VDC Power Supply  
(Included w/LCAi220)  
16VDC  
IN  
SUB  
OUT  
SPEAKER OUT SPEAKER IN  
-
-
-
-
-
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
LCAi220 (in-wall connections)  
Local Speakers  
Powered  
Subwoofer  
(optional)  
Central Music Source (Room 2 output)  
 
7
System Diagrams (cont.)  
System 2; Simple Configuration - Rear Power Input  
This example is similar to the System 1 diagram except the power supply from the LCAi220 is  
connected to the rear input with the power routed from a central location (usually located with  
the central music source equipment). Also a RVC90i volume control is added for volume  
control of the central music source when the LCAi220 is in bypass mode.  
12VTrigger /  
Video In  
TV (local source)  
12VTrigger /  
Video Pass  
Through  
LCAi220 (external connections)  
16VDC  
IN  
SUB  
OUT  
SPEAKER OUT SPEAKER IN  
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
+
-
+
-
+
LCAi220 (in-wall connections)  
LCApi  
(Included  
w/LCAi220)  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
Local Speakers  
Powered  
Subwoofer  
(optional)  
16VDC  
Power Supply  
(Included  
w/LCAi220)  
Central Music Source (Room 2 output)  
 
8
System Diagrams (cont.)  
System 3; Complex Configuration - Whole House Audio Diagram  
The system below uses six separate zones. Three of the zones use Boston LCAi220 Local  
Control Amplifiers powered from a central location. Each Zone uses a Boston RVC90i for  
volume control of the local speakers while providing the necessary impedance protection for  
the central source amplifier (the Room 2 output of the Boston AVR7120 receiver). The output  
from the receiver is sent through a Boston CB8 distribution block out to all six zones.  
Zones 1-3: In each zone, the audio signal is sent from the Boston CB8 to a Boston RVC90i  
volume control. The Boston RVC90i provides volume control for the local speakers when the  
LCAi220 is in bypass mode. Each Boston LCAi220 is connected to a television; this is the local  
source for each zone. The local source is triggered via an RCA video output from the TV to the  
12v Trigger/Video In located on the front of the Boston LCAi220. Zone 3 adds a subwoofer  
system (Boston SA1 subwoofer amplifier and a pair of Boston VRiSub82 subwoofers) for more  
bass.  
Zones 4-6: Each zone is powered off of the Room 2 output of the AVR7120. The Boston RVC90i  
volume controls provide volume control and impedance matching for each specific zone.  
Zone 1  
Zone 2  
Zone 3  
12VTrigger  
V
/
ideo In  
12VTrigger  
V
/
ideo In  
12VTrigger  
V
/
ideo In  
TV (local source)  
TV (local source)  
TV (local source)  
12VTrigger  
/
ass  
12VTrigger  
/
ass  
12VTrigger  
/
ass  
Video  
P
Video  
P
Video  
P
Through  
Through  
Through  
LCAi220 (external connections)  
LCAi220 (external connections)  
LCAi220 (external connections)  
16VDC  
IN  
SUB  
16VDC  
IN  
16VDC  
IN  
SUB  
SUB  
SPEAKER OUT SPEAKER IN  
OUT  
SPEAKER OUT SPEAKER IN  
OUT  
SPEAKER OUT SPEAKER IN  
OUT  
-
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
+
-
-
+
+
-
-
+
+
-
+
-
LCAi220  
(in-wall connections)  
LCAi220  
(in-wall connections)  
LCAi220  
(in-wall connections)  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
Local Speakers  
Local Speakers  
Local Speakers  
LCApi  
(One included  
16VDC  
Power Supply  
(One included  
w/each LCAi220)  
w/each LCAi220)  
Central Music Source (Room 2 output)  
In-Wall Subwoofers  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
RVC90i  
Volume  
Control  
Zone 4  
Zone 5  
Zone 6  
 
9
Installation Instructions  
Installing / Rear Connections  
1. Prewire. Run the speaker wires from the  
receiver / amplifier and the power wires  
(if applicable) to the junction box and  
the speaker wires from the junction box  
out to the local speakers. (Figure #1)  
Figure #1  
Figure #2  
Tip: Label the speaker/power wires to simplify connect-  
ing the wiring later  
2. Install the LCAi220 mounting plate to  
1
the junction box using the two 1 ⁄4-inch  
(32mm) screws. (Figure #2)  
1
3. Strip 4-inch (7mm) of insulation off of  
the end of the wires. Connect the wires  
to the removable connector plugs using  
a small flathead screwdriver. (Figure #3)  
The plugs are labeled and color coded  
to simplify installation, the red  
connector is for the speaker wires  
coming from the amplifier and the black  
is for the wires going out to the  
speakers.  
Figure #3  
Figure #4  
3a. If using the subwoofer output, connect  
the + to the tip of the RCA, connect the  
- to the shield of the RCA.  
4. Install the connectors to the LCAi220.  
(Figure #4)  
 
10  
Installing / Rear Connections  
(cont.)  
Figure #5  
5. Install the LCAi220 into the junction  
box bottom first. Proceed slowly  
making sure not to pinch any of the  
wires. (Figure #5)  
6. Fasten the LCAi220 to the bracket  
1
using the four 4-inch (7mm) screws.  
(Figure #6)  
7. Install the faceplate label to the  
LCAi220. (Figure #7)  
Figure #6  
Figure #7  
 
11  
Figure #1  
Connection Instructions  
Front Connections  
1. Connect the local source to either the Left  
and Right RCA Inputs (Figure #1) or to the  
High Level In speaker level inputs  
(Figure #2).  
Note: Do not connect wires to both the RCA  
and High Level inputs.  
Figure #2  
2. If used, connect the local source trigger to  
the 12V Trigger / Video In (Figure #3).  
3. If used, connect the local source trigger  
output to the 12V Trigger / Video Pass  
Through (Figure #4).  
4. If the rear power connection is not used,  
connect the power supply input to the  
15VDC input (Figure #5).  
Figure #3  
Figure #4  
Note: Only needed if rear power input is not  
used.  
Front Connection Diagram  
A
12VTrigger /  
Video In  
C
D
E
12VTrigger /  
Video Pass  
Through  
B
Figure #5  
A.  
B.  
C.  
D.  
E.  
Left and Right RCA Inputs  
15VDC Power Input  
12V Trigger / Video In  
12V Trigger / Video Pass Through  
Left and Right High Level Inputs  
 
12  
Set Up Instructions  
Central Music System  
Configuration  
Adjust the levels for the central music  
system. If an in-wall volume control is  
used, follow its instructions for  
configuration before continuing.  
If a volume control is not used, start with  
the volume on the central music system  
low, and turn it up until a comfortable  
volume level is achieved.  
Adjusting the Highpass (HP)  
Filter on the LCAi220  
HP - Flat  
The LCAi220 features a selectable  
highpass filter to remove low frequency  
information from the local speakers  
when amplified by the LCAi220. This is  
especially useful when using smaller  
speakers or when use in conjunction  
with a powered subwoofer.  
HP - 30Hz  
Flat:  
No filter engaged, larger  
speakers  
30Hz: Larger speakers with a  
powered subwoofer or  
smaller speakers without  
a powered subwoofer  
100Hz: Smaller speakers with or  
without a powered  
HP - 100Hz  
subwoofer  
Note: If at higher volumes the sound  
becomes distorted, especially during  
heavier bass passages, it may be  
necessary to increase the highpass  
setting to a higher value.  
 
13  
Adjusting the Input  
Once the audio level from the central music  
system is configured:  
Figure #1  
Figure #2  
1. Disconnect / turn off the power source to the  
LCAi220.  
2. Set the device used for the local source to  
variable output.  
3. Turn the input level on the LCAi220 to minimum,  
all of the way counter-clockwise. (Figure #1)  
4. Reconnect / turn on the power source of the  
LCAi220.  
5. Turn on the local source device. Adjust the  
volume on the source device to approximately  
80% of total output. Slowly turn up (clockwise)  
the input level control on the LCAi220. (Figure  
#2) The local LED will illuminate once a source is  
detected. Continue to turn up the desired maxi-  
mum level is achieved.  
6. If a subwoofer is connected to the LCAi220,  
adjust the subwoofer gain so it is balanced with  
the main speakers.  
Front Controls Diagram  
A
B
D
E
C
12VTrigger /  
Video In  
12VTrigger /  
Video Pass  
Through  
F
A.  
B.  
C.  
Local source LED  
Power LED  
Selectable highpass for local  
speakers  
D.  
E.  
F.  
Fault LED  
Input level adjustment  
FD5oAwnFlouasdefrom Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
14  
TroubleShooting Guide  
Problem  
Cause  
Solution  
No Power  
• Local power supply is off or  
disconnected  
• Check / connect local power  
supply  
• Central power supply is off or  
disconnected  
• Check / connect central power  
supply and rear connection to  
LCAi220  
No Sound  
• Speaker wires are disconnected  
• Volume is adjusted too low  
• Source is off / disconnected  
• Connect speaker wires  
• Adjust source volume  
• Check source connections and  
power status  
No Audio From Local  
Zone  
• Source not configured correctly  
• Connections to LCAi220 are not  
made correctly  
• Check local source  
• Check all connections.  
No Audio in Bypass Mode • Central music system is not on /  
configured correctly  
• Configure central audio system  
• Check all connections  
• Connections to LCAi220 are not  
made correctly  
Fault Light is On  
• DC detected at speaker leads  
• Check all wiring and  
connections  
Fault Light Flashes Once  
Per Second  
• Short circuit detected at speaker leads  
• Check all wiring and  
connections  
• Make Sure load to the amplifier is 4or  
higher  
Fault Light Flashes Once  
Every Two Seconds  
• Thermal - the amplifier has overheated.  
• Check all wiring and  
connections  
• Make Sure load to the amplifier is 4or  
higher  
Local zone;  
distortion at higher  
volumes  
• Gain on the LCAi220 is too high,  
volume is up to high on the  
local source  
• Lower gains / volume levels on  
the LCAi220 and local source  
Warning: Always disconnect power to the LCAi220 and shut down any connected devices before  
making/checking any front or rear connections on the LCAi220.  
 
15  
If Service Seems Necessary  
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the LCAi220. If that is not possible, write  
to:  
Boston Acoustics, Inc.  
Attn: Parts and Service  
300 Jubilee Drive  
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.  
Or contact us via e-mail at:  
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your LCAi220 to  
the factory, please ship it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in  
the U.S.A. and Canada.  
 
16  
 
17  
300 Jubilee Drive  
Peabody, MA 01960  
U.S.A.  
Boston, Boston Acoustics, and the Boston Acoustics logo are  
registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc.  
978.538.5000  
Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
© 2005 Boston Acoustics, Inc.  
 
042-002262-1  

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