Thanks to the VOLTAiR technology the SPL Performer 800 Stereo Power Amplifier needs far less components in the signal path than common power amplifiers. The preamplifier can directly drive the bipolar power amplifier transistors. Extremely fast, direct, highly efficient and with an extraordinary sound. The Performer power amplifier effortlessly controls the speakers with a power of up to 2x 285 W into 4 ohms out of an analog linear power supply with toroidal transformer. In Bridge mode the Performer s800 delivery 450 W into 4 and 8 ohms speakers.
Ultra-compact Power Amplifier
The Performer s800 amplifier is an ultra-compact power amplifier. Thanks to the VOLTAiR technology this power amplifier has absolute control over the speakers up to their load limits. In stereo operation this bi-polar transistor power amplifier delivers up to 2x 285 W into 4 ohms speakers. In Bridge Mode it delivers 450 W into a 8 ohms speaker. The Performer s800 is equipped with slave-through outputs and input trim switches.
Toroidal Transformer
The Performer s800 is equipped with a 855 VA toroidal transformer. After many listening test we are convinced that a fully analog power amplifier with a power supply built around a toroidal transformer sound superior to digital amplifiers and power amplifiers with switch mode power supplies. The power supply is equipped with a capacitance of 40800 µF for screening and electricity storage and a faithful reproduction of impulse peaks.
Protection
The Performer amplifier has a protection circuit against DC (direct current) voltage at the output and against overheating. At about 70° C at the heat sink, the amplifier will switch off. After the temperature has fallen below 55° C, the amplifier automatically switches on again. The Temp LED on the front indicates the overheating.
If DC is detected at the outputs, the amplifier automatically switches off. DC voltage can be an indication for a defect in the power stage. The Performer s800 does not automatically switch on again. It needs to be disconnected from the power (on/off). The Protect LED on the front indicates that the protection circuit is activated and the power stage has been switched off.
Inputs and Outputs
The Performer s800 is equipped with Neutrik XLR input and output connectors for balanced operation. The input signal is passively routed to the output connector to feed e.g. a second power amplifier for bi-wiring.
The input can be lowered via a Trim rotary switch from 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps. This is useful in order to a achieve an optimal stereo sweet-spot in acoustically sub-optimal rooms. In bi-wiring line-ups or in the studio with multi speaker sets it allows to level speakers with different efficiency to equal loudness.
The speaker outputs are gold plated binding post connectors. The terminals can accommodate both banana plugs, as well as a wire of up to 4mm diameter. To protect against short-circuits the binding post is equipped with a clear plastic cap.
Amp Control
The Performer s800 has a 3.5mm mono jack designated as AMP CTR (amplifier control). With the appropriate cable, the Performer can be connected to a pre-amplifier, so that when you turn the pre-amplifier on the amplifier is automatically switched on, too. In our Pro-Fi series the Director Phonitor x and the Crossover provide AMP CTR ports.