Parasound Stereo Amplifier T 3 User Manual

T 3 Amplifier  
Owner’s Guide  
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
T 3 Tuner  
1
UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT GUIDELINES FOR THE T 3  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
2
CONNECTING THE BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUTS FROM THE T 3  
TO YOUR PREAMPLIFIER OR SURROUND CONTROLLER  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
3
CONNECTING THE UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUT 1 ON THE T 3  
TO YOUR PREAMPLIFIER OR SURROUND CONTROLLER  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
4
ANTENNA CONNECTIONS  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
6
CONNECTING AN INFRARED REPEATER SYSTEM TO YOUR T 3  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
7
TURNING THE T 3 ON AND OFF WITH AN EXTERNAL +9 VDC  
TO +12 VDC TRIGGER VOLTAGE  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
8
TRIGGERING ANOTHER COMPONENT FROM THE T 3’S 12V  
LOOP OUTPUT JACK  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
9
RS232 CONTROL  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
10  
CONNECTING THE AC POWER CORD TO THE T 3  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
12  
OPERATING YOUR T 3  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
18  
FRONT PANEL AND REMOTE CONTROL  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
19  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
20  
SERVICING YOUR T 3  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
21  
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
22  
PARASOUND T 3 DESIGN OVERVIEW  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
23  
T 3 SPECIFICATIONS  
_________________________________________________________________________________  
 
1
UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT GUIDELINES FOR THE T 3  
Unpacking Your T 3  
Carefully unpack your T 3 from the shipping carton and remove all the enclosed accessories:  
• Remote control with two AAA batteries  
• Detachable AC cord  
• FM Folded Dipole 300 Antenna  
• FM 300 ohm to 75 balun matching transformer  
• AM loop antenna  
Trigger control wire with a 2.5 mm sub-mini plug on each end.  
While you are unpacking your new tuner, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping damage. If  
you see any, contact your Parasound dealer right away. Be sure to save and store both the inner  
and outer cartons and packing inserts for possible future transport. To save room for storage, you  
can cut the seams on the bottom of the cartons and flatten them.  
Placement Guidelines of Your T 3  
For trouble-free operation and long-term reliability, please follow the simple guidelines below to  
help decide where to locate your T 3 in your system.  
• Place the T 3 on a separate shelf that will adequately support its weight.  
• Keep it away from heat sources such as air ducts or radiators.  
• Leave at least 1” of space on all sides and the top. This helps facilitate passive  
heat dissipation.  
• Keep it away from computers that may interfere with its reception.  
Rack Mounting Your Parasound T 3  
If you plan to mount the T 3 into a standard 19” wide equipment rack, you will need to purchase  
the optional Parasound HRA 2 Rack Mount Adapter. With its four feet removed, the T 3 chassis  
and front panel height occupies two rack spaces (3-1/2” or 88mm). When mounting equipment  
below the T 3, you will also need to allow about 1/8” below the unit for the bottom chassis  
screws. A single standard rack space allows 1-3/4” horizontal inches in a 19-inch wide  
equipment rack. This measurement standard was developed by the EIA (Electronic Industries  
Association) so manufacturers of electronic components and equipment racks could build  
products in standardized heights that would fit in a uniform space. Please call your Parasound  
dealer or call directly to Parasound Technical Services if you need additional advice about rack  
mounting the T 3.  
 
CONNECTING THE BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUTS FROM THE  
T 3 TO YOUR PREAMPLIFIER OR SURROUND CONTROLLER  
2
Balanced connections will give you the best sound. If your preamplifier or surround controller  
has balanced XLR inputs, we recommend that you connect them to these outputs. Refer to the  
Balanced and Unbalanced Lines in the Technically Speaking section for additional information  
about why we recommend using balanced lines.  
What You’ll Need:  
Male  
• One pair of balanced interconnect cables with XLR jacks  
• A preamplifier or surround controller with balanced XLR  
input jacks  
Female  
XLR Connectors  
Before Connecting  
Leave the AC cord disconnected until you have made all connections to prevent any  
surprise burst of sound.  
Make sure that all your cables are long enough so they are not strained or stretched  
once they are connected.  
To Connect  
1
Plug the female end of one of the first balanced interconnect cable into the T 3’s right  
Balanced Line Output 2 jack.  
2
Plug the male end of this cable into the balanced right channel input jack on your  
preamplifier or surround controller.  
3&4  
Repeat steps 1 and 2 above to connect the left channel.  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
3
1
Right  
SURROUND  
SOUND  
CONTROLLER  
2
or  
Left  
PREAMP  
4
INPUTS  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
Balanced XLR Jacks and Their Pin Configuration  
The balanced outputs of the T 3 use XLR jacks that conform to the industry standard of: Pin  
1: Ground, Pin 2: Positive (+), Pin 3: Negative (--). The balanced inputs on some components  
use terminals with 3 screws instead of XLR jacks. These are compatible with the T 3 as long  
as you match the bare wires to the corresponding pins on the XLR plug: + to pin 2, - to pin 3,  
and Ground to pin 1.  
Interconnect Cables and Their Color Codes  
Common color codes for input and output jacks are red for right and white for left. Match the  
colors at the outputs from your preamplifier or surround controller to the inputs on your T 3  
so you’ll always hear the channels in their intended position.  
 
CONNECTING THE UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUT 1 ON THE  
T 3 TO YOUR PREAMPLIFIER OR SURROUND CONTROLLER  
3
Use these unbalanced outputs if your preamplifier or surround controller doesn’t have balanced  
input jacks or if they are already used for another balanced source.  
Left  
What You’ll Need:  
• One pair of shielded interconnect cables with RCA plugs  
• A preamplifier or surround controller with RCA input jacks  
Right  
RCA Plugs  
Before Connecting  
Turn off the power to the T 3.  
To Connect  
1
2
Plug one end of the first cable into the right Line Output 1 jack on the T 3.  
Plug the other end of this cable into the right channel tuner input jack on your  
preamplifier.  
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the left channel.  
3&4  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
1
3
Right  
Left  
INPUTS  
4
2
PREAMPLIFIER  
 
4
ANTENNA CONNECTIONS  
In order to receive radio stations you will need to connect different antennas for both FM and AM.  
Basic FM and AM antennas are supplied with your T 3. Refer to Other Antenna  
Options in theTechnically Speaking section for detailed information regarding antennas.  
FM Antenna Connection  
The FM “dipole” antenna Is a pink-hued flexible wire that looks like a “T” when it’s stretched out.  
It provides adequate FM reception in many urban and suburban locations. Once connected, you can  
adjust its position for optimum reception. The ends of the wires at the base of the “T” end in spade  
lug connectors. The round T 3 FM 75 antenna input is called an F connector.  
What You’ll Need:  
• The supplied dipole antenna  
• The supplied “balun” transformer adapter  
• A screwdriver  
BALUN CONNECTOR  
Before Connecting  
Turn off the power to the T 3.  
To Connect  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Use the screwdriver to loosen the two screw terminals on the adapter.  
Slide one of the metal spade lugs under each screw terminal.  
Tighten the screw terminals so the spade lugs are firmly secured and not touching each other.  
Press the "balan" adapter on the 75 FM antenna F connector  
Position the antenna for best FM reception.  
Fasten the antenna on the wall or behind the equipment cabinet with small nails  
or thumbtacks.  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
FM DIPOLE WIRE ANTENNA  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
Other FM Antenna Options  
You need the balun adaptor to connect the antenna wires and to convert their 300 ohm  
impedance to the T 3 antenna input’s 75 ohm impedance. Although we have supplied a  
“folded dipole” antenna with your T 3, you will obtain better reception with a coaxial 75 ohm  
connection to an outdoor FM or TV/FM antenna or a coaxial 75 ohm connection to your cable  
TV service. Refer toTechnically Speaking for details on other possible FM antenna options.  
 
5
ANTENNA CONNECTIONS continued  
AM Antenna Connection  
The T 3 includes a separate molded plastic loop AM antenna with spade lugs at the  
end of its two wires. With this antenna, you can receive AM stations in many urban  
and suburban locations.  
What You’ll Need:  
• The supplied AM “loop” antenna  
AM LOOP ANTENNA  
Before Connecting  
Turn off the power to the T 3.  
To Connect  
1
2
3
4
5
Snap the loop antenna into the plastic holder at the far left side of the T 3 rear panel.  
Loosen the GND and AM terminals on the T 3 rear panel. No screwdriver is needed.  
Slide the spade lug from each antenna wire under each of these terminals.  
Tighten these terminals so the spade lugs are firmly secured and not touching each other.  
Position the loop antenna for best AM reception.  
Once connected and clipped into its holder, you can swivel the antenna away from the T 3 rear  
panel to optimize AM reception.  
Region  
RS232 Control  
US  
EU  
CLIP ON  
AM LOOP ANTENNA  
 
6
CONNECTING AN INFRARED REPEATER SYSTEM TO YOUR T 3  
The External Remote Input jack is for a wired infrared repeater system or system controller.  
It eliminates the need for a stick-on front panel IR flasher. There is also a Loop Out jack to loop  
or “daisy chain” to an additional infrared remote-controlled component.  
What You’ll Need:  
• An infrared receiving eye  
• A power supply for the IR system  
• A connecting block from the external IR systems manufacturer  
• One cable with a 1/8” mini-plug on each end  
Before Connecting  
Turn off the power to the T 3.  
To Connect  
1
2
3
4
5
Plug the receiving eye into the input on the connecting block.  
Plug the power supply into the connecting block.  
Push one of the cable’s 1/8” mini-plugs into the connecting block.  
Push the plug at the other end of this cable into the External Remote In jack on the T 3.  
Plug an IR flasher or other IR repeater into the T 3s External Remote Loop Out jack  
to control another component if desired.  
Region  
RS232 Control  
US  
EU  
4
5
IR CONNECTING BLOCK.  
3
1
Input  
Output  
2
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
IR repeater connections may vary by brand. Refer to the installation manual of your IR  
repeater system for more information.  
 
TURNING THE T 3 ON AND OFF WITH AN EXTERNAL +9 VDC  
TO +12 VDC TRIGGER VOLTAGE  
7
The T 3 can be turned on automatically when a trigger voltage is received from an external DC  
voltage source such as a preamplifier or system controller.  
What You’ll Need:  
• A trigger cable with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs (provided)  
• A component with an external +9Vdc- 12Vdc trigger voltage  
2.5 mm sub-mini plug  
Before Connecting  
Turn off the power to the T 3.  
To Connect  
1
2
Plug one end of this cable into the 12V Trigger Input jack on the T 3.  
Plug the other end into the component with an external DC trigger voltage.  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
1
2
Output  
PREAMP OR CONTROLLER  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
If the device you want to use to control your T 3 doesn’t have a 2.5 mm trigger output connector,  
you can cut one plug off the cable and modify the end as needed. The wire with the red stripe  
is positive and the wire without the stripe is negative.  
You cannot automatically turn on the T 3 by applying AC power to the unit. Therefore, the T 3  
will not turn on automatically if it is connected to a switched AC outlet.  
 
TRIGGERING ANOTHER COMPONENT FROM THE T 3’S 12V  
LOOP OUTPUT JACK  
8
The T 3 12V Trigger Loop Out jack loops through the same +12 Vdc voltage received at its 12V  
Trigger Input jack. This makes it convenient to control another component such as a Parasound  
power amplifier.  
What You’ll Need:  
• A second trigger cable with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs  
• A component that can be triggered with an external +9 Vdc  
to +12 Vdc trigger voltage  
2.5 mm sub-mini plug  
Before Connecting  
Remove power to all the components in your audio system.  
To Connect  
1
2
Connect one end of this cable to the 12V Loop Out jack on the T 3.  
Connect the other end to the component you want to trigger.  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
1
2
Input  
TRIGGERED UNIT  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
If the component you want your T 3 to control doesn't have a 2.5 mm trigger output  
connector, you can cut one plug off the cable and modify the end as needed. The wire with  
the red stripe is positive and the wire without the stripe is negative.  
 
9
RS232 CONTROL  
The T 3 External Control connector is used only if you have a computer-based system controller.  
The T 3 is compatible with most system controllers. RS232 codes for Parasound units can be  
Connecting a Controller to the RS232 Port of the T 3  
What You’ll Need:  
• A computer-based control system with RS232 serial output  
• An RS232 serial cable with a DB9 connector. The pin  
configuration is: Pin 2 transmit, Pin 3 receive, Pin 5 ground  
RS232 Connector  
Before Connecting  
Remove power to all the components in your audio system.  
To Connect  
1
2
Connect the RS232 cable to the output of the computer-based control system.  
Plug the RS232 cable into the RS232 Control connector on the T 3.  
Region  
US EU  
RS232 Control  
2
1
COMPUTER CONTROL  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
If your system controller doesn’t use a DB9 connector, the pin configuration of its connector  
must correspond to: Pin 2 transmit, Pin 3 receive, Pin 5 ground.  
 
10  
CONNECTING THE AC POWER CORD TO THE T 3  
AC Power Connections  
We recommend that you plug your T 3 into the same AC wall outlet or power strip that  
powers your other audio components, especially the preamplifier or system controller.  
Having all the audio components on the same power circuit helps prevent hum.  
What You’ll Need:  
• An IEC 65 AC Cord (provided)  
• An AC outlet or high quality AC power strip within reach of the AC cord  
Before Connecting  
Remove power to all the components in your audio system.  
To Connect  
1
2
Plug the female end of the AC cord to the AC receptacle on the rear of the T 3.  
Plug the male end of the AC cord to an AC outlet or power strip.  
AC Voltage Selection Switch  
The T 3 can operate on either 110-120 Vac or 220-240 Vac operation. When you  
purchased your T 3, its rear panel Voltage switch was already set for the proper  
voltage in your area. Nevertheless, it’s wise to double-check it before plugging into an  
AC outlet.  
If you move to a location with a different line voltage, you can easily convert the T 3.  
For 110-120 Vac Operation: Remove the lock-out bracket with a phillips screwdriver.  
Next, slide the switch toward the left until the groove on the switch lines up with  
115/60Hz. Replace lock-out bracket.  
For 220-240 Vac Operation: Remove the lock-out bracket with a phillips screwdriver.  
Next, slide the switch toward the left until the groove on the switch lines up with  
230V/50Hz. Replace lock-out bracket.  
If you’re unsure about the correct setting for your region, please consult your  
Parasound dealer or a qualified service technician  
1
2
 
11  
CONNECTING THE AC POWER CORD TO THE T 3 continued  
Region Select Switch  
The Region switch is found on the rear panel; it selects operation for either N. America  
(US) or most European countries (EU). It changes tuning increments and the FM  
de-emphasis curve for correct frequency response.  
Reset Switch - See Trouble Shooting  
The reset switch is located behind a small unmarked hole in the rear panel to the left  
of the RS232 Control connector. In the unlikely event the T 3 displays random letters or  
numbers or fails to respond when you press its buttons, its control microprocessor has  
become confused and “locked up.” To restore operation, you’ll need to press the  
reset switch to “unlock” it.  
The reset switch is recessed to prevent accidental operation, so you’ll need a toothpick  
or other non-metal tool to insert into the hole. Don’t use a straightened paper clip  
because it might cause a short circuit and damage parts.  
Push gently to avoid damaging the reset switch. After pressing reset, the front panel  
display will show RESET and the entire programmed preset memory will be erased.  
All 30 FM presets will revert to 108 and all 30 AM presets will revert to 1720.  
Region  
US  
EU  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
Losing Your Memory  
The T 3 memory bank requires some electrical current to maintain its preset settings.  
Therefore, the T 3 should be plugged into an AC outlet that is not switched off when the  
system is turned off. Its memory will remain for about one week without AC power so presets  
aren’t lost during brief power outages that might result from weather conditions.  
 
12  
OPERATING YOUR T 3  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
Remote Control and Front Panel Operation  
Front panel and remote control operation of the T 3 are very similar. However, the  
remote control handset gives you control of the following functions not available on the  
front panel:  
Discrete On  
Discrete Off  
Discrete Preset Station Access  
Direct Frequency Entry  
Choice of Seek (auto tuning), Tune (manual tuning), or Preset (preset selection)  
RDS (Radio Data System) Activation  
For your convenience, it also enables remote control of the companion Parasound P 3  
Preamplifier. The preamplifier buttons are a different color for easy identification.  
The remote uses two standard AAA batteries that are included. Make sure you insert the  
batteries in the direction indicated on the molded battery compartment. When the  
batteries wear out, please recycle them and replace them only with alkaline batteries.  
Turning the T 3 On and Off  
You can turn the T 3 on and off with the On-Off button on its front panel, with the On and  
Off buttons on its remote control handset, or with an external DC source.  
Turning the T 3 On  
Press the On-Off button on the front panel, the On button on the remote control, or apply  
an external DC voltage.  
Turning the T 3 Off  
Press the On-Off button on the front panel, the Off button on the remote control, or  
remove the external DC voltage.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
When the T 3 is turned off, there is a faint glow behind its On-Off button and its P logo badge to  
indicate that AC power is present. When you turn on the T 3, the P badge and the glow behind  
the On-Off button brightens, and the front panel display lights up to show the last selected  
station.  
Selecting Radio Stations on the T 3  
FM-AM Bands  
The FM-AM button on the front panel and remote control switches between FM or AM  
bands. Each time you press the FM-AM button it changes from the FM band to the AM  
band or vice versa.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
The T 3 remembers if you were listening to an FM or AM station before you last turned it off.  
You don’t need to press the FM-AM button if you want to continue listening to the same band.  
 
13  
OPERATING YOUR T 3 continued  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
There are several ways to select a station on your T 3. Each method is described in detail below.  
Tune to the previous or the next available station  
Tune to the previous or the next frequency  
• Select an individual preset station  
• Directly select the station frequency  
• Select the previous or the next preset station  
Selecting Stations – Seek Tuning  
This tunes or seeks only those stations that the T 3 can receive clearly. Seek tuning  
doesn’t stop at weak stations where there’s too much background noise.  
Seek Tuning with the Remote Control  
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On button on its remote control or the On-Off button  
1
2
on its front panel. The station you had previously selected will appear in the display.  
Press the Seek button on the remote control. < SEEK > will appear in the display.  
Press the large > button on the remote control to seek the next station.  
Press the large < button on the remote control to seek the previous station.  
3
4
Seek Tuning at the Front Panel  
1
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the Front Panel or the On button on  
its remote control. The station you had previously selected will appear in the display.  
2
3
4
Press the < Select > button on the front panel until < SEEK > appears in the display.  
Turn the round knob slightly clockwise to seek the next station.  
Turn the knob slightly counter-clockwise to seek the previous station.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
You only need to nudge the round knob in the direction you wish the T 3 to seek stations.  
Once you’ve initiated seek you don’t need to continue turning the knob.  
Manual Tuning  
Manual tuning lets you find weaker stations that seek tuning rejected. It also selects  
frequencies where no stations are broadcasting.  
Manual Tuning with the Remote Control  
1
2
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the front panel or the On button on  
its remote control.  
Press the < Manual > button on the remote control. < MANUAL > will appear in the display.  
Press the > button to tune up.  
3
4
Press the < button to tune down.  
 
14  
OPERATING YOUR T 3 continued  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
Manual Tuning at the Front Panel  
1
2
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the front panel or the On button on  
its remote control. The station you had previously selected will appear in the display.  
Press the < Select > button until < MANUAL > appears in the display.  
Turn the round knob clockwise to tune up.  
3
4
Turn the knob counter-clockwise to tune down.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
In North America, FM stations are separated by at least 100 kHz. When the Region switch is set  
to US, the T 3 manual tuning is in 100 kHz steps. In the European Union, FM stations are  
separated by at least 50 kHz. When the Region switch is set to EU, the T 3 manual tuning is in  
50 kHz steps. In North America, AM stations are separated by at least 10 kHz. When the Region  
switch is set to US, the T 3 manual tuning is in 10 kHz steps. In the European Union, AM stations  
are separated by at least 9 kHz. When the Region switch is set to EU, the T 3 manual tuning is in  
9 kHz steps.  
Selecting Stations by Entering Frequency  
This lets you find stations by selecting their broadcast frequencies. This is done with the  
remote control.  
Press the Enter Frequency button on the remote control.  
1
2
3
After you press the Enter Frequency Button, the frequency display goes blank.  
Enter the frequency of the station you want to select with the buttons P 1 - P 9 and 0  
on the remote control.  
4
For FM stations below 100 MHz, enter 3 digits in order.  
Example: for 95.5 MHz press P 9, P 5, P 5  
For FM stations above 100 MHz, enter 4 digits.  
Example: for 105.3 MHz press P 1, 0, P 5, P 3  
For AM stations below 1000 kHz, enter 3 digits.  
Example: for 930 kHz press P 9, P 3, 0  
5
6
7
8
9
10  
For AM stations above 1000 kHz, enter 4 digits.  
Example: for 1040 kHz press P 1, 0, P 4, 0  
11  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
When the unit is set for EU operation, you need to enter an extra digit for FM stations because  
tuning is in increments of 50kHz. Example: for 104.75 MHz press P 1, 0, P 4, P 7, and P 5.  
 
15  
OPERATING YOUR T 3 continued  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
Preset Stations  
Instead of tuning to find your favorite stations, you can save them as Presets and recall  
them instantly from a memory bank of 1 - 30. Preset numbers appear at the lower left  
side of the display as P1 – P30. You can save up to 30 FM stations and 30 AM stations.  
You need the remote control to select the preset numbers for stations you want to save.  
Saving Stations as Presets  
1
2
3
Tune to the station you wish to save in preset memory by either Seek or Manual tuning.  
Press the Mem button on the remote control or the Memory button on the front panel briefly.  
MEMORY in the front panel display will flash and the small indicator at the right of the  
panel will illuminate red to let you know that the memory is ready to accept a new preset  
4
5
Press the desired buttons P 1- P 9 & 0.  
SAVED will appear in the display for two seconds confirming the station is now saved  
as a preset.  
6
7
Before you can tune another station and save it as a preset, you must press the < Seek >  
or the < Manual > button on the remote control or the < Select > button on the front  
panel until < SEEK > or < MANUAL > is displayed.  
Repeat steps 1-6 above to save additional stations as presets.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
For FM, the display shows 108 when you select a preset number that doesn’t have an FM station  
saved to it. For AM, the display shows 1720 when you select a preset number that doesn’t have  
an AM station saved to it. This enables you to distinguish between preset numbers that you’ve  
already assigned and those that are available. You can reassign a preset number to a new station  
by repeating the Saving Stations as Presets above.  
After you press the Memory or Mem button you need to press a preset number button within 3  
seconds while the memory bank remains open. If you press the Memory or Mem button but  
don’t press a preset button, the existing preset station (if any) will remain unchanged.  
For two digit presets, press the second preset number button within a few seconds. For  
example, for preset 17, press P 1 then P 7 right after. For preset 30, press P 3, then 0 right after.  
After you press the button to save a single digit preset, there will be a 2-3 second delay until it  
is saved or recalled. You can eliminate this delay if you press 0 before you press the preset  
number button. Example, for preset 6, first press 0, then press P 6.  
You can’t save a station as a preset while the T 3 display shows < PRESET >. You must select  
< MANUAL > or < SEEK > before saving the station.  
Selecting Preset Stations  
Now that your favorite stations are saved as presets, you can recall them on the front  
panel or with the remote control. There are several ways to recall preset stations.  
Selecting Individual Preset Stations from the Remote Control  
1
2
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the front panel or the On button on  
the remote control.  
Press the preset buttons on the remote control for the preset station you want to listen  
to (P 1, P 2, etc.).  
 
16  
OPERATING YOUR T 3 continued  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
Browsing through Preset Stations from the Remote Control  
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the front panel or the On button on  
its remote control.  
1
2
3
4
Press the < Preset > button on the remote control.  
Each time you press the large < button on the remote control you select a lower preset number.  
Each time you press the large > button on the remote control you select a higher  
preset number.  
Selecting Preset Stations on the Front Panel  
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the front panel or the On button on  
its remote control.  
1
Press the < Select > button until < PRESET > appears in the front panel display.  
Turn the round knob clockwise to select higher preset numbers.  
2
3
4
Turn the round knob counter-clockwise to select lower preset numbers.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
Each time the T 3 is turned on, it will resume the same station and tuning method that were selected  
before it was turned off. If you normally select stations with preset buttons, you won’t have to press  
the < Select > button on the front panel or the < Preset > button on the remote control.  
Remember, if you select a preset and the display shows 108 (FM) or 1720 (AM), there’s no station  
saved to it.  
Saving Stations as Presets - Auto Memory  
Auto Memory is an easy way to save stations, but it doesn’t give you control over which  
stations are saved. Auto Memory automatically looks for stations and saves the first 30  
stations it finds as presets 1 – 30. It operates independently for the FM and AM bands.  
Activating Auto Memory  
Turn on the T 3 by pressing the On-Off button on the Front Panel or the On button on  
its remote control.  
1
Select the FM band with the AM-FM button on the front panel or remote control  
2
3
Press and hold the Memory button on the front panel or the Mem button on the remote  
control for over 3 seconds. AUTOMEM will appear in the display for three seconds. After  
that, <MANUAL> appears in the front panel display during the Auto Memory process.  
4
The T 3 will scan the entire FM band and start storing stations into preset memory  
beginning with P 1.  
5
6
This procedure will continue until 30 stations have been saved as presets.  
Select AM and repeat to automatically save stations in the AM band.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
You can interrupt the Auto Memory process by pressing the FM-AM button on either the remote  
or the front panel. You can also interrupt Auto Memory by turning off the T 3 from the remote  
or front panel.  
 
17  
OPERATING YOUR T 3 continued  
See page 18 for T 3 Front Panel and Remote Control layout  
Stereo – Mono Buttons and Display  
Most FM stations will be received in stereo if their signal is strong enough. Weaker  
stereo stations may be accompanied by background noise. Press the Stereo-Mono  
button on the front panel or the Stereo-Mono button on the remote control to reduce this  
noise. Press again to resume stereo listening. The display indicates STEREO or MONO  
for FM stations. MONO is always displayed for AM stations.  
Radio Data System (RDS)  
The T 3 can display the Radio Data System (RDS). A station’s RDS information might  
include its call letters, its format, information about the current program and the present  
date and time.  
Obtaining Information about a Radio Station Equipped with the Radio Data System (RDS)  
1
Tune into a radio station with one of the methods described earlier in this manual.  
If the station has RDS information available, the letters RDS will appear in the display.  
Press the RDS button on the remote control to display the RDS information.  
2
3
4
When you first press the RDS button, Program Service is displayed under PS. PS will  
usually be the station’s call letters, such as KPFA or WXRT.  
5
6
When you press the RDS button a second time, clock time and date are displayed under CT.  
When you press the RDS button a third time, Program Type is displayed under PTY.  
This is typically the station’s format, such as Public, Classical, Jazz, Rock, etc.  
YOU SHOULD KNOW  
Very few radio stations in North America broadcast with the RDS system. Many stations don’t  
broadcast all categories of RDS information. More information about RDS can be found at  
 
18  
T 3 FRONT PANEL AND REMOTE CONTROL  
1
2
3
P 3 - T 3 Remote Buttons  
Controls  
4
1. On,Off  
P 3 & T 3  
P 3  
P 3  
P 3  
T 3  
2. Tone On-Off  
3. Mute On-Off  
4. Source Select  
5. Preset < >  
15  
14  
5
6. Tuning < >  
T 3  
7. FM-AM Select  
8. Tuner Presets  
9. Enter Frequency  
T 3  
T 3  
T 3  
6
7
13  
10. Memory & Automemory  
11. Mono Select  
T 3  
T 3  
8
12. Radio Data System  
13. Seek < >  
T 3  
T 3  
9
14. Manual < >  
15. Volume Adjust  
T 3  
P 3  
12 11 10  
8
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
T 3 Front Panel  
1. On-Off  
2. Memory & Automemory  
3 Mono Select  
4. FM-AM Select  
5. Select Rotary Knob Function  
6. Memory Fuction On  
7. Master < > Control Knob  
8. Display Window  
 
19  
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE  
Maintaining Your Parasound Tuner  
Your Parasound T 3 Tuner requires no periodic maintenance and has no user-serviceable  
parts inside. To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover. Its exterior  
can easily be cleaned with a soft cloth pre-moistened only with a few drops of water or  
glass cleaner.  
TROUBLE  
PROBABLE CAUSE  
REMEDY  
Noisy reception, especially Location and/or the direction of the Try changing the location, height and direction  
FM stereo  
antenna is unsatisfactory  
of the antenna  
Antenna is not sufficiently powerful Try an external or powered antenna  
Connect to TV/FM cable company  
STEREO in the display  
fluctuates between  
STEREO and MONO  
Sound distortion or  
Weak signal  
Same as above  
Multi-path distortion. This occurs  
Adjust or aim the FM antenna toward direct  
fluctuations in FM reception when broadcast signals that reflect signals and away from reflected signals. This  
off nearby buildings and hills  
interfere with the direct signal from  
the FM transmitter  
is largely a matter of trial-and-error  
Connect to TV/FM cable company  
Same as above  
Unwanted noise in stereo  
broadcasts; sometimes all  
sound disappears  
The broadcast signal is weak  
Press the Mono-Stereo button to select mono  
intermittently  
Noise on AM broadcasts  
Interference from a television,  
computer, light dimmer, or other  
household appliance  
Turn off the source of the interference  
Check all connections  
One channel out  
Bad connection at preamplifier or  
power amplifier  
T 3 loses preset memory  
Power loss to the T 3 for extended  
period of time (more than 10 days)  
Make sure T 3 is plugged into an AC outlet that  
always remains live  
Remote control does not  
operate  
Weak or dead batteries in the remote Replace batteries  
IR interference  
Move the T 3 so its front panel is not exposed  
to sunlight or facing a plasma TV screen  
Use an IR repeater system  
Remote too far from T 3  
Random numbers or letters Microprocessor is locked up  
Press reset switch through hole on rear panel.  
Reprogram presets  
in display  
Buttons and knob don’t  
operate correctly  
Microprocessor is locked up  
Press reset switch through hole on rear panel.  
Reprogram presets  
 
20  
SERVICING YOUR T 3  
If All Else Fails –Call Us for Help  
Call your Parasound dealer or Parasound’s Technical Service Department toll free at 1-866-770-TECH  
(8324). We can often solve the problem with simple diagnostic tests you can perform yourself.  
If we determine that your T 3 will need further inspection or servicing, we will:  
a) refer you to an authorized Parasound repair center near you, or  
b) authorize return of the unit to us and advise you of the correct procedure.  
Procedure for Returning Your T 3 to Parasound for Service  
If Parasound determines that you should send your T 3 to Parasound, you will be given a Return  
Authorization (RA) number. This RA number must be clearly marked on the outer carton only.  
IMPORTANT: Enclose a copy of your original purchase receipt. A unit is eligible for warranty  
repair ONLY when the purchase receipt shows that the unit was purchased from an Authorized  
Parasound Dealer. A unit obtained through unauthorized channels is not eligible for warranty  
repair. Parasound is not responsible for any sellers’ misrepresentations about our warranties or  
other service policies.  
We do not accept any of the following:  
Units with collect shipping charges  
Units without a valid RA number  
Units without a suitable shipping carton  
Units for which we see or hear evidence of improper packing  
For a non-warranty repair, contact us for an estimate of the repair charges before you ship the  
unit to us. The same packing and Return Authorization number procedures apply.  
Important Notice - Shipping the T 3  
Before shipping the unit to Parasound, you MUST re-pack the unit into its fitted molded foam  
insert sandwich and its original carton. If you do not have the original packing cartons and foam  
inserts, call us for new packing materials that we can provide to you for a nominal charge. Use  
of any other carton and packing materials will probably result in shipping damage, and refusal  
of the unit. Common carriers such as UPS seldom pay claims for damage incurred during  
shipment when a product is surrounded only with Styrofoam “peanuts” or otherwise  
improperly packed.  
We cannot stress enough the importance of properly packing your T 3. Shipping damage  
resulting from inadequate packing can cost you a lot of money and significantly increase the  
time required for repair.  
Ship the unit with adequate insurance. After repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to  
you via prepaid UPS within the continental United States.  
 
21  
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING  
Balanced and Unbalanced Input Lines  
Recording and broadcast studios use balanced common-mode rejection. Differential inputs are  
connections exclusively because of their inherent specified according to how well they reject signals  
ability to reject noise and hum, thus assuring the best common to both conductors. This is measured in dB and  
sound. Certain high quality preamplifiers and is called the common mode rejection ratio or CMRR.  
surround controllers built for residential use utilize  
balanced connections with XLR jacks for the same Other Antenna Options  
reasons. The Parasound P 3 Preamplifier and all  
Parasound Halo power amplifiers have balanced Outdoor Antenna  
inputs with XLR jacks so you can take full advantage For best reception and maximum noise rejection, we  
of their inherent noise rejection capability and recommend the use of a high-quality outdoor FM  
superior sound quality.  
antenna. Although this requires a little extra effort, the  
additional stations you can receive and the superior  
Unbalanced connections with RCA jacks are found on sound quality will be worth the investment. For best  
all home audio equipment. RCA jacks and two- noise rejection, use a 75 cable with an “F” connector  
conductor wires are less costly than the additional and connect it directly to the 75 coaxial antenna  
circuitry, higher priced XLR connectors and three- connector on your T 3. If you use 300 “twin lead”  
conductor wiring required for balanced connections.  
cable, use the balun adapter as described previously.  
In an unbalanced line, the positive audio signal Cable TV Connection  
appears at the center pin of the RCA jack and the Many cable TV companies include FM radio stations  
negative signal on the outer shield wire, which also and TV audio along with their cable TV channels.  
functions as the ground connection. Unbalanced Check with your local cable company about the  
interconnect cables are vulnerable to hum from an AC availability of FM stations and possible additional  
line, or other noise, such as RFI (Radio Frequency charges for this service. FM quality depends on the  
Interference), which can be reproduced through your quality of the cable operator’s equipment. Your T 3  
loudspeakers. Since the unbalanced line’s ground connects to the cable with a signal splitter in the same  
also carries the audio signal, there is no way for the fashion as you would connect a second television:  
connected amplifier or preamplifier to distinguish The signal splitter’s input connects to the incoming  
between the audio signals you want and unwanted cable and its outputs are a 75 F connector for your  
noise emanating from external sources.  
television and either a second 75 F connector or 300  
ohm terminals for your T 3.  
Balanced lines are superior because they utilize  
separate conductors for audio and ground: two inner Powered Antennas  
conductors carry the positive and negative audio A small powered indoor antenna is sometimes useful  
signal, and a third outer wire connects the grounds when it's impractical to install an outdoor antenna or  
and also shields the two signal conductors. When the where FM transmission is not available via cable or a  
positive and negative signals appear at the community TV/FM antenna. However, powered  
component receiving the signal they are equal, but antennas sometimes add noise and distortion to the  
180 degrees out of phase with each other with respect RF signal. In most cases, you can receive signals  
to ground. To send and receive balanced signals better with the supplied dipole antenna.  
requires special differential circuitry.  
Using the T 3 with Infrared Repeater Systems  
A
differential input circuit amplifies only the  
difference between the positive and negative signals. External Remote Input and Loop Out  
For example, when a 1 Volt signal arrives at a The External Remote input allows for infrared remote  
balanced input stage, the differential input “sees” a control operation via a wired infrared repeater system  
positive 1 Volt minus a negative 1 Volt, or 2 Volts total. or system controller when infrared commands cannot  
External hum and noise that somehow gets into a directly reach the front panel infrared receiver. This  
balanced line is common to both its positive and input connector accepts a standard 1/8" (3.5 mm) two-  
negative conductors with respect to ground. conductor mini-plug. The tip is positive and the  
Therefore, it is canceled or rejected by the differential sleeve is negative. Your Authorized Parasound Dealer  
input circuit.  
or Custom Installer can recommend a compatible  
infrared repeater system for the T 3. The External  
This phenomenon of rejecting noise signals common to remote circuit has a loop output so you can connect  
both positive and negative conductors is called additional IR controlled devices.  
 
22  
PARASOUND T 3 DESIGN OVERVIEW  
Component Selection  
Circuit Path Topology  
Every component within the T 3 was carefully chosen For superior sensitivity performance, we use a multi-  
for its sonic accuracy and reliability. A precision front- gang front-end and discrete multi-stage RF circuits.  
end assures excellent tuning characteristics. Premium The IF bandpass circuit employs hand-picked Murata  
filters are selected for outstanding selectivity and low filters to achieve high selectivity without increasing  
distortion. Metal film resistors with 1% tolerance are distortion. Only precision components are used in the  
incorporated throughout because of their precision detector circuit to accurately extract the analog audio  
and because their values don’t drift as they heat up signal. The audio signal path employs the newest  
during operation. Semiconductors were selected for Burr-Brown OPA 2134 FET integrated circuits for  
superior performance in their specific roles in the virtually all gain functions. They are laser-trimmed for  
circuit – specifically their low noise and distortion precision and boast incredibly low noise and  
characteristics plus low DC offset. Gold has the best distortion specifications. We operate the OPA 2134s in  
conductivity characteristics of any metal, so we use pure class A for the linear performance and musical  
only high quality gold-plated input and output characteristics, without fatigue and harshness.  
connectors. The circuit boards are made of FR4 glass  
epoxy for their long-term durability, while circuit Functionality  
layouts are optimized for RF frequencies. The chassis The T 3 has a very elegant user interface with an easy-  
is made of heavy gauge steel to safely protect and to-use remote control handset and simplified front  
shield the internal circuitry. This attention to detail panel control and status display. The remote provides  
when selecting electronic components makes the convenient control over both the Parasound T 3 Tuner  
difference between a very good and an outstanding and the matching P 3 Preamplifier. The RS232, IR  
performing tuner.  
input and DC triggers facilitate system integration into  
any multi-zone, multi-room application to make the T  
3 as functional as it is great-sounding.  
The Power Supply  
The T 3 power supply begins with a large toroidal  
power transformer that is chosen for its efficiency,  
low hum field, and high current rating. Encapsulating  
the power transformer in an epoxy filled steel canister  
assures ultra quiet performance. The audio signal  
path circuits and the switching/control circuits have  
independent closely regulated power supplies. This  
preserves the purity of the audio signal by preventing  
interference between the circuits. We also use a hand  
made detachable audiophile-grade AC cord to deliver  
the AC voltage to the power transformer.  
To create the DC voltage, we use high-speed rectifier  
diodes and famous Nichicon electrolytic capacitors  
that are chosen for their low ESR and dielectric  
absorption. In addition, these filter capacitors are  
bypassed with polypropylene capacitors to help  
reduce ripple and to eliminate noise and interference  
that is generated in AC power lines from computers  
and other appliances in the home.  
 
23  
T 3 SPECIFICATIONS  
Tuning Range  
Capture Ratio  
FM: 87.5 MHz to 108 MHz  
AM: 520 kHz to 1610 kHz  
< 1.5 dB  
AM Suppression  
Sensitivity  
60 dB  
FM Mono IHF: 11 dBf  
FM Stereo IHF: 37.2 dBf for 50 dB of quieting  
AM IHF: 10 uV/m  
Dimensions  
Width: 17-1/4” (437 mm)  
Panel Height: 3-1/2” (88 mm)  
Total Height with feet: 4-1/8” (105 mm)  
Total Height with rack adapter attached: 3-5/8"  
Depth: 13-3/4” (350 mm)  
Signal to Noise Ratio  
FM: > 74 dB Stereo; 65 dBf IHF – weighted  
AM: > 45 dB  
FM Stereo Separation  
50 dB @ 1 kHz  
Power Requirements  
8 Watts  
40 dB @ 10 kHz  
Net Weight  
Selectivity  
FM: 80 dB  
AM: 30 dB  
15 lb. (6.75 kg)  
Shipping Weight  
22 lb. (10 kg)  
Frequency Response  
FM: 30 Hz to 15 kHz +/- 1 dB  
AM: 20 Hz to 5.5 kHz +/- 2 dB  
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)  
FM Mono < 0.08 %  
FM Stereo < 0.2 %  
AM < 1%  
Features and specifications subject to  
change without notice.  
© Parasound Products, Inc. 2002. V 1.0  
 
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111  
415-397-7100 / Fax 415-397-0144 www.parasound.com  
 

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