Niles AC-3 and B&K

bikezappa
bikezappa Posts: 2,463
edited June 2003 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Well this forum has helped with equipment issues in the past so I thought you would like this problem. I purchased a Niles AC-3 to turn on my power amp via the 12 volt trigger signal from my B&K Reference 10 preamp. It doesn't work because the B&K doesn't supply enough current at the 12 volts to trigger the Niles. I tested the Niles with a 12 volt battery and it works fine. I checked the open circuit voltage of the B&K and it is 12 volts but when connected to the Niles the B&K drops to 8 volts. Power supply is too small to trigger the Niles. I guess I need a Parasound Scamp. Any other product suggestions? If anyone has any suggestions for solving this problem, hit me.

Thanks
Peter
Post edited by bikezappa on
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Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,200
    edited June 2003
    Shocking...I don't remember the ref10 being a problem triggering anything.....you tested it and it went to 8 volts......puzzling.Huh....well first you can upgrade that thing to Ref30 status minus a few inputs,component switching etc.I wonder if B&K will upgrade the output voltage for yeah.....I'd give em a call in concern of the trigger output.Damn it's been awhile since I have seen a ref10.......it has that damn volume knob twist and let go.....ok well niles does make another...the APC-2 which has a sensitivity adjustment so it just might work...

    Do you have a Monstercable power center or one with triggers???This would work great and no need for the AC-3....which by the way is a nice piece.I use it from time ot time in systems here and there.....needed of a trigger.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited June 2003
    Mantis

    Yes I'm bummed out with this Reference 10 preamp. You need to consult the manual to listen to FM. It is not very intuitive to use. I can't get the numbers from 0 to 9 to change the FM presets, go figure that out. I never had this problem with the cheap recievers.
    Maybe the 12 volt preamp trigger is broken. I'll give B&K a call. The sound is nice, however I only use it for stereo CD or FM. Monster products can do this task of turning on the power amp? I will check that out also.

    Thanks

    Peter
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,200
    edited June 2003
    peter,
    the ref10 is an older piece but a good one with bugs.If I remember correctly the mv is low on the trigger.B&K can help you more with that.

    Yes a Monster power center is the way to go.Double duty and all would benefit your system anyways.

    What B&K does with radio stations is the use of presets which is very different then others....I don't care for it myself.You have to push the number and then eneter it,you have to setup your presets prior.......sucks for radio I don't use mine.I have a avr307.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited June 2003
    Mantis

    The problem with B&K Ref 10 and other B&K equipment is that the 12 volt trigger produces only 50 millamps. The niles requires 100 millamps @ 12 volts to trigger. I called B&K and they were no help. Nothing can be modified in the Ref 10. Sounds like a cheap Radio Shack product. They suggested that I use a B&K power amp.

    What I need is a parasound scamp or panamax 1000. They can sense the preamp is on and thus trigger the 4 other 120 volt outlets.

    Thanks for you help.

    Peter
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,200
    edited June 2003
    Thats correct.I remember that now,it's been awhile since I had to deal with one but that holds true.

    A power center is the ticket.Buying a B&K amp is another.....but why do that if your happy with your current setup...Buy what you like but I feel very good with Monstercables power centers.There built well and I hear and saw a pretty good Improvement when I went with them.....There triggers are great as well.Voltage sensing.

    B&K...no help......not suprised.Like I said before If you didn't read it I'm pissed at them due to the prolonged wait for the upgrade.

    The ref10 can be upgraded........who did you talk to???George is the man to talk to there.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited June 2003
    Try geting your hands on a 12VDC plug-in style transformer that has adequate output to trigger your amp. Swapping out the end is simple. Plug the transformer into the Switched outlet on the back of the B&K and plug the 3.5mm pjug into the amp. I had to do this with my PE receiver and Outlaw amp combo, it works perfectly.
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited June 2003
    FZ

    If only the B&K Ref 10 had such an outlet life would be simple. Cheap **** radio shack stuff does but not B&K. I even went inside the B&K to try and find a switched 120 volt terminal, but realized that the SLEEP function on the B&K dropped all voltages to about 20volts. Out of luck. Right now I am doing exactly what you suggested but with a Sony reciever. To turn on my power amp for the B&K preamp I must turn on my Sony which turns on the power amp. Neat! No, it sucks but , at least I don't have to do it manually. Thats for your suggestion.

    Peter
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,200
    edited June 2003
    bikezappa,
    I think you should just buy a Monstercable HTS5100 powercenter.
    Trigger on your amps that way and gain level 4 conditioning...

    No B&K receiver or preamp has switched outlets on them,they don't believe in adding them.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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