Features
Controls
Connections
Specifications
Features
Microcontroller Technology: The Niles SI-1260 12-channel amplifier
incorporates microcontroller technology which maximizes the amplifier's
operational efficiency and enables it to deliver a solid 60 watts per channel
into 8-ohms at 20 to 20,000 Hz with a 0.04% THD. Its power increases to 80 watts
per channel into 4-ohms at 20 to 20,000 Hz with a 0.06% THD. The massive
Multi-Tap Toroid power transformer feature 6 independent secondary windings, one
for each of the six amplifier modules. This type of power supply design provides
the power necessary to deliver solid, deep, controlled bass response to a house
full of speakers.
Twelve to Six channel configurable power: Each of this unit's six
adjacent output pairs are bridgeable, allowing you to create up to six 120 watt
channels. This allows you to allocate more power to specific locations
such as large rooms or outdoors.
Discrete Output Transistor Design: The audio circuitry of the SI-1260
is constructed with the finest parts available including the latest in discrete
output transistor design, featuring 1% metal film resistors, high quality
capacitors and oversized heat sinks. All of this attention to technical detail
results in a sound that is clear and uncolored.
Protection Modes: The SI-1260 utilizes advanced microcontroller base
operation circuitry that monitors all facets of the amplifier's operation and
protection modes including Over/Under Line Voltage, Main Power Fuse Status,
Channel Pair ON/Off Status, Thermal Protection, Short Circuit/Low Impedance
Protection, and DC Output Protection. Additionally, easy to see front panel LED
indicators display the operation or protection mode for each channel pair
(CH1/2, CH3/4, CH5/6, CH7/8, CH9/10, CH11/12) as well as for the amplifier's
main power supply, providing fast and easy troubleshooting. In the unlikely
event that the a problem occurs on one channel pair, the other channels will
continue play. When condition return to normal, regular operation will resume.
Dual Input BusMatrix Selector: Nile's unique Dual Input BusMatrix
Selector give you the flexibility to individually assign each amplifier channel
to a BusMatrix input signal - either Left1, Right1, Left1+Right1, Left2, Right2,
Left2+Right2, or to dedicated signal input. With the BusMatrix, routing surround
sound to the master bedroom, stereo to the den, and mono to a bathroom is a
simple as flicking a switch. The Dual Input BusMatrix makes the SI-1260 an ideal
multi-room or MultiZone amplifier, offering the professional installer new
features and sound system design possibilities.
Noise Isolation: The unique design of the SI1260's Dual Input
BusMatrix PC board ensures extremely high channel-to-channel isolation.
Signal-to-noise ratio and cross-talk specifications are comparable to hose of
mixing consoles used in professional recording studios. With the SI-1260, the
music playing in the living room will not interfere with the music playing in
the den.
Independent level controls: Each channel has its own independent
volume level control, enabling you to individually adjust the setting for up to
twelve different speaker locations for optimum audio performance, providing
uniform sound in every room.
Three turn-on modes: The SI-1260 features three selectable turn-on
modes including Audio Sensing and External Voltage Trigger modes which enable
you to configure the SI-1260 to turn on automatically in any kind of system
configuration.:
- Manual: turns on via the front panel switch
- Audio Sensing: microcontroller enhanced audio sensing which
activates only appropriate amplifier channels while leaving unused channel
pairs off to eliminate cross talk
- AC/DC Voltage Trigger: 3-30 volt AC/DC voltage trigger input
which enables voltage activation
DB25 Audio/Voltage Trigger Inputs: The SI1-1260 incorporates a DB25
input connector to reduce wiring and installation time when using Niles Systems
Integration Electronics. Nile Multi-Zone preamplifiers are equipped with a
mating DB25 output connector. This output connector provides six zones of
line-level audio signal output and a 12V Trigger Voltage for reliable amplifier
activation.
Cascade Audio Outputs: The Cascade Audio Outputs enable you
to connect additional amplifiers to your preamplifier's output. Connection is
accomplished with standard RCA interconnect cables. The outputs are not buffered
so to daisy chain more than five Niles amplifiers you will an optional Niles
AVDA-3 buffered distribution amplifier, sold separately. A single AVDA-3 enables
you to daisy chain five amplifiers for each of its three outputs. This allows
fifteen SI-1260
power amplifiers to be fed from the same master preamplifier. If your
preamplifier has a vacuum tube output stage, you must us an optional Niles
AVDA-3 to drive more than one SI-1260.
Placement: The SI-1260 should be placed on a flat, level surface like a
table or shelf. The SI-1260 must be placed with its weight equally distributed
on the unit's four feet. This amplifier, like any high-fidelity component, will
last much longer if it is given adequate ventilation for proper cooling. The manual recommends at least
6"
of free air space above the chassis and 1" on each side of the amplifier for
proper ventilation. If the unit is placed inside a cabinet the rear of the
cabinet should be opened. If the rear of the cabinet is closed and not open to
fresh air then you should install two "boxer fans" to provide continuous air
flow into and out of the cabinet to keep the amplifier cool during operation.
Controls
Front panel:
- Master power switch: Turns the unit on and
off, including the auto turn circuitry.
- Power LED: Illuminates in red when
the unit is connected to AC and the master power switch is on. Additionally,
it indicates any AC line voltage problems and main power fuse status.
- Channel LEDs: Six Multi-color LED indicators which display
channel pair on/off status and protection modes.
Rear panel:
- Turn-on mode switch: Allows you to
select one of three modes. Constant mode defeats the turn-on circuitry
and the front panel master power switch turns the unit on and off.
Audio sense mode turns the amplifier off when no audio signal is present for
two minutes and on whenever an audio signal is present (it turns on the
adjacent pair of amplifier channels that have a signal present, such as 1
and 2 . 3-30 volt AC/DC Trigger mode turns the unit off when no AC or
DC voltage is detected at the trigger input and turns on all adjacent
channel pairs when a voltage and a line level audio signal is detected at an
adjacent channel pair.
- Independent level adjustment rotary
knobs: Allow you to preset the maximum system volume or match levels with
another amplifier for each of the twelve channels.
- Bridge switches: Six switches allow
you to bridge adjacent amplifier channels to create up to 6 bridged
channels. Note that minimum speaker impedance in bridged mode is 8
ohms.
- BusMatrix control switches: 12 7-pin
DIP switches (one per channel) allows you to assign a particular source to
each channel. You can select the signal from the main Bus input and
select either Left, Right or Mono (left and right) or you can select the
signal going to that channel's dedicated input. Note that only one
signal source should be selected per channel.
Connections
3-30V AC/DC trigger input: 3.5mm
female jack for voltage input. If a unit which outputs 3-30V AC or DC
voltage is connected to this input and the turn-on mode is set to Trigger
mode the unit turns on when it detects the signal and turns off when the
signal stops. Voltage triggers are supplied by some Niles automated
switchers, some video projectors or even a 16 volt Niles AC wall adapter
(Niles XF00008).
12 volt control output: Female 3.5mm
jack. This jack provides a 12V DC signal used for triggering Niles
automated switchers, some motorized screens, curtains, etc. When the
amplifier is turn off this jack stops sending out the 12V DC
signal.
Main Bus inputs: Two pair of Gold plated RCA
stereo inputs. This signal can be routed to any of the twelve channels using
the DIP switch found on each channel.
Cascade Bus Output: Two pair of Gold plated RCA
stereo outputs (marked Cascade output) which allow you to daisy chain
multiple amplifiers. This output is not buffered so if you want to
chain more than 5 amplifiers a buffered distribution amplifier like the
Niles AVDA-3 is needed.
Individual input jacks: 12
gold-plated RCA jacks, one per channel.
Speaker outputs: Left and Right
Binding posts for 12 channels (not five-way due to spacing) accept up
to 12 gauge bare wire or banana plugs.
DB-25 Input: DB-25 input connector for simplified dedicated audio
and voltage trigger connection using Niles Multi-Zone audio equipment
AC jack: For the supplied AC line
cord.
Specifications
Continuous Power Output (FTC Rated): 60 watts x 12-channel at 8-ohms
or 80 watts x 12-channel at 4-ohms (unbridged, all channels driven).
Bridged Power Output: 120 watts x 6-channel at 8-ohms (adjacent
channels bridged, all channels driven)
Input Impedance: 47k
ohms
Input sensitivity: .77Volts for 8-ohms at rated output
Overall voltage gain: 32 dB
Frequency response: Bandwidth
limited from 5 Hz to 50 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion:
- 8 Ohms: .04% THD from 20 Hz to 20
kHz all channels driven (unbridged)
- 4 Ohms: .06% THD from 20 Hz to 20
kHz all channels driven (unbridged)
- 8 Ohms: .06% THD from 20 Hz to 20
kHz all channels driven (bridged)
Weight: 73 lbs.