Rotel RX 254 OM

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Quality. Uncompromised.

TEL.

OWNER s MANUAL

RX-2 54

4-CHANNEL STEREO RECEIVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

- 1
INSTALLATION . 1
OPERATION . 5
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS. 7
ANTENNA . 9

FUSES
SPECIFICATIONS I
OPERATION CHART I

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INTRODUCTION

The Rotel Model RX-254 is an entirely new multi-
channel receiver that contains, in one compact yet ef-
ficiently designed unit, all the advanced electronics of a
complete high fidelity music control center,

This receiver will play many program sources through
different modes. Besides AM, FM and FM STEREO
broadcasts, you can listen to FM matrixencoded 4-
channel by the use of SO Matrix Circuit built into the
receiver. You may enjoy either 2-channel stereo records or
4-channel records that are encoded with $0 Matrix, dis-
crete 4-channel records with CD4 demodulator circuit
built-in, and stereo tapes or discrete 4»channe| tapes. Also,
if you wish, you may convert regular 2-channel stereo
sources to simulated 4»channe| sound by the use of SO
Matrix.

This receiver has connections for four speakers necessary

INSTALLATION

Warning: Do not apply power to the receiver without
first making sure that speakers are connected properly and
that the receiver's VOLUME is set to minimum.

LOCATING THE RECEIVER

Although the receiver normally does not develope high
heat, it should be placed in such a way that its ventilation
system will not be impeded. Place that receiver on a hard
surface - any conveniently located shelf or table where
not affected by heat. Leave at least 2 inches clearance on
each side and in the rear of the receiver, and about 3
inches above the receiver, Never directly place an object
on the ventilation at the top of the receiver.

LOCATING SPEAKERS

Caution: Check that each speaker's rated impedance is 8
ohms or higher, (The value should be marked near its
connecting terminals or indicated in its instruction book
or, if not, consult your local dealer). If any speaker is
rated at 4 ohms, severe overload and distortion may be
incurred. Also when the AMP. COUPLING SWITCH
is in the STEREO position, the speaker power ratings
should be 30 watts (RMS) and in the QUAD position the
four speakers should not be rated less than 15 watts
(RMS) each.

for 4-channel operation. However, you may utilize only
one pair for 2-channel stereo operation; in this case you
may use the other pair as a remote system in another
room, And for a further accomodation, Rotel has a
specially incorporated system by which you can play the
phonograph through the remote pair of speaker systems
and a different program through the main pair in the other
room at the same time, giving you, in a sense, two 2-
channel stereo systems.

Though the above description may sound complicated,
the operations are really simple if you read at least the
first two sections of this manual. The third section covers
additional components that can be connected and the use
of auxiliary facilities in detail, and is recommended to be
followed if you wish to realize the full potential of this
highly advanced and superbly engineered equipment.

A. 2-CHANNEL (STEREO) OPERATION

1. MAIN SPEAKERS There is one speaker for one
channel. So, you only need two speakers for 2-channel
stereo operation. Place both speakers against a wall or
on a shelf so that they face your selected listening
position and are equal distance from you. For opti»
mum stereo effect, they should be 10 to 15 feet apart
and, if possible, at about ear level height. You may
determine best locations to suit your personal tastes
and listening conditions. Reference: 4CH FRONT or
STEREO SPKR»1 speaker terminals.

2. REMOTE SPEAKERS If you wish to enjoy 2-channel
stereo sound in another room of your home, you can
connect a pair of speakers to the STEREO SPKR»2
terminals located on the receivers rear panel. Though
you will require long cable between the receiver and
the speakers in another room, make sure they are not
longer than 50 _ 60 feet in length and that they are of
heavy duty type in order to prevent loss of volume.

Follow the procedure described above in item (1) for

placing the remote speakers.

B. 2 x 20H" STEREO OPERATION

This is an operation in which you may play any 2-channel
stereo function you like through the main speakers, while
at the same time someone else enjoys the phonograph
program through the remote speakers located in another
room. The operating mode is controlled by a switch on
the receivers front panel.

The placement of-all speakers is exactly the same as
described in section A.

C. 4-CHANNEL OPERATION

Four speakers will be required in one room in this
operation and will be referred to as LEFT and RIGHT,
FRONT and BACK.

Place a pair of FRONT speakers in the same manner as
described above in the item (1) of 2-CHANNEL (STER-
EO) OPERATION section.

Placement of the BACK speakers will vary with your
room size, seating arrangement and acoustics. When

FRONT
SPEAKERS

FRONT

SPEAKERS

connecting the speakers to the receiver, make sure you
provide allowance on the length of cables as later on you
may wish to locate the speakers differently from the
original positions. We have suggested several ways of
placing the BACK speakers as illustrated in Fig. 1, but you
may arrange them in any way to suit your tastes and
listening conditions. Try some experimentations to locate
optimum position for best sound dispersion and ambience.

FRONT
SPEAKERS

LISTENER

3' LISTENER

L BACK SPEAKERS R

L

R
FRONT
SPEAKERS

LISTENER

BACK
SPEAKER

BACK
SPE AKE RS

LISTENE R

S

FRONT
SPE AKE RS

LISTENER

BACK SPEAKERS