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all six sides. (3) Three specially designed feet, utilizing ball bearings of a similarly hardened steel and a
proprietary coating, eliminate the possibility of surface-borne disruptions from affecting the performance of the
circuitry.
The input stage of the Rhapsody amplifier remains under control under any overload condition. The design
tactics were chosen because they provide wide dynamic range and provide a greater measure of resistance to
overload, before loss of control, than other possible choices.
The output stage of the Rhapsody employs six pairs of 250 watt, metal case, bipolar output devices per channel.
The number and type of devices were chosen because they remain stable with a less complex circuit, requiring
less negative feedback, and are easier to match to each other than other possible choices for this stage. The
choice of devices, the location of devices on the heat sinks, and the heat sinks themselves were carefully
considered to minimize the temperature variations among the output devices. The power devices are mounted
with all metal hardware, compression washers and special graphite and metal composite gaskets to insure
maximum thermal conductivity and full utilization of the output devices. Once again, consistent performance,
stability and reliability under normal conditions of actual use were the driving factors in the design.
The location of the transformer was carefully considered relative to the other circuitry in the amplifier that can
be affected by the magnetic fields that it generates. Heavy nickel plated copper buss bars have been utilized to
improve grounding and power distribution within the amplifier. The signal from the amplifiers audio channels
is delivered to the speaker buss bars via flat silver cables (AWG 10) insulated with Kapton. Special high
temperature filter capacitors, with high current terminals are used to insure the utmost in performance.
Unpacking
The packing box for the Rhapsody amplifier should arrive in good condition. Please inspect for damage to the
carton, although this is unlikely due to the strength of the carton construction. Open the packing carefully and
save all foam pieces and boxes for re-use in the event the Rhapsody needs to be shipped in the future. Should the
box become lost, please contact your dealer for replacement carton and packing material.
Each carton should contain (1) one Cello Rhapsody amplifier, (1) one AC line cord, (1) one owners information
and warranty registration sheet.
Installation
Be certain that the Rhapsody amplifier is installed so that it has proper ventilation. The ambient temperature
should not exceed 122 degrees F (50 degrees C).
Connect inputs 1 & 2 (2-channel version) or 1, 2 & 3 (3-channel version) of the Rhapsody via XLR terminated
interconnect cables, and to the line outputs of your preamplifier or other source component.
Connect outputs 1 & 2 (2-channel version) or 1, 2 & 3 (3-channel version) of the Rhapsody via speaker cables
and to the corresponding terminals of your speakers. Provisions are made for connections up to tri-amp level.
Connect the AC line cord from the IEC connector on the rear of the amplifier to the power outlet in your home.
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Push the front panel power button to turn the unit on. Your Rhapsody should now be functioning and the LED
on the front panel should be green in color. If the LED turns red in color, the protection circuitry has been
activated indicating a problem with your system or amplifier.
Service
If you believe your Cello Rhapsody amplifier is not functioning properly, please contact your dealer /
distributor. If you need to return your component, you will be given a Return Authorization Number (RA#).
This number must appear on the outside of the shipping carton. Returns without RA#s will not be accepted.
Returns received in original packing material will be returned in original packing. Returns received in non-
original Rhapsody packing material will be returned in new Rhapsody packing at the owners expense. If you
need new packing material to return your Rhapsody, please contact your dealer / distributor.
Maintenance
The finish of the Cello Rhapsody amplifier is machined aluminum that has been brushed (top, sides, face,
nameplates), glass bead blasted (sides), and powder coat painted (blue center portion, rear and bottom).
Ammonia based glass cleaner, or a (3 to 1) three to one mixture of Grain Alcohol and distilled water, applied
with a soft white, lint free cloth, works well to remove fingerprints and other dirt. The glass bead blasted
sections of the Rhapsody are particularly difficult to clean because of the nature of the finish. Please take care to
keep these areas clean. A pair of soft white gloves is provided for removing the Rhapsody from the box and
situating it within your room. Take care when cleaning the rear panel as excessive rubbing may remove the silk-
screened lettering. Be sure that the amplifier is turned off and disconnected from the AC line before cleaning
and always try to keep excess cleaning fluid from getting inside the amplifier.
Limited Warranty
Matthew James, L.L.C. warranties all mechanical and electrical parts of the Cello Rhapsody amplifier for (5)
five years from original date of manufacture. Labor expenses associated with the service of the Rhapsody
amplifier are the responsibility of the dealer or distributor, if applicable, except as follows:
Any defect in the Rhapsody amplifier within the first (2) two years from the original date of manufacture shall
be repaired by the dealer / distributor with labor expenses paid by Matthew James, L.L.C. according to factory
rates for a given repair. At Matthew James discretion, or if the dealer / distributor is unable to perform the
repair, the unit may be returned to the factory for service using agreed upon airfreight. After repair the unit will
be returned by the same carrier or equivalent. During years (3-5) three through five, if the dealer / distributor is
unable to perform the repair, Matthew James will pay the return airfreight from the factory by agreed upon
carrier, provided the unit was shipped to the factory with airfreight prepaid.
Matthew James will not pay freight costs if the unit is returned without a Return Authorization Number (RA#).
Matthew James will not pay the freight if the unit is found to be in working order.
There is no reason to register your warranty. It is done so automatically by the factory. We respect owners
privacy and dont try to gather information without the owners knowledge and consent. Warranty is
automatically transferred to a subsequent owner who may wish to verify date of manufacture and remaining
warranty period. If you want to register to receive product information, or find out more about Matthew James
or Cello products, we invite you to visit our web page at either www.matthew-james.net or www.cello-
audio.net.
Warranty of Repair Work Performed
Any specific repairs or modifications effected by Matthew James, or authorized service facility, shall be
guaranteed for 100% parts and labor for the remainder of the original warranty period for this particular unit, or
(1) one year, whatever is longer.
