Performer s800

Stereo Power Amplifier

This small completely analog stereo power amplifier shows everyone that size does not necessarily have anything to do with greatness.

With a power amplification of 2 x 285 W (4 Ω) [2 x 185 W (8 Ω)] or 1 x 450 W (8 Ω, Bridge Mode), this amplifier easily controls any loudspeaker. Thanks to VOLTAiR technology, it is fast, precise and highly efficient with outstanding sound.

Better safe than sorry

The Performer s800 has a protection circuit against DC voltage and against overheating. If direct current (DC) is detected, the output stage switches off automatically and the Protect LED lights up red.

To protect the s800 against the unlikely event of overheating, a temperature sensor at the heatsinks continously monitors the temperature of the device. The TEMP LED lights up yellow when the Performer s800 is getting too hot.

As a result of this the output stage is switched off and the fans run on high-speed until the device has cooled down.

As one calls into the forest,

so it echoes out.

This saying inspired us to send the input signal out again in order to drive another power amplifier in bi-amping mode.

Trim to fit

With reference to the Performer s800, “fit” means adapted.

You can adapt the input sensitivity in 0.5 dB steps from 0 dB to -5.5 dB. In contrast to a panorama potentiometer in a preamplifier, this trim switch is the more audiophile solution.

In addition, the difference in loudness of loudspeakers can be elegantly compensated in bi-amping mode.

Power to the speakers

The loudspeaker binding posts can accommodate banana plugs as well as a stranded wire with a diameter of up to 4 mm.

Thus, any common type of speaker cable and in bi-wiring mode even both connection types can be used together.

However, we do not recommend connecting a speaker with less than 4 ohms impedance.

Bridge

You can turn the two power amplifier channels into one power amplifier by connecting only the two plus pole terminals to the loudspeaker. This allows 450 W into 8 Ohm in mono operation mode.

Trigger me

The standby mode of the power amplifier can be switched on and off using the AMP CTL connection between an SPL Professional Fidelity preamplifier, such as the Director Mk2.

To do this, connect the 3.5 mm phone jacks to a cable with 3.5 mm mono or stereo phone plugs. It is not recommended to connect devices from third parties to the AMP CTL jack of the Performer s800.

 

Full power

The Performer s800 features individual amplification stages for voltage and power amplification, which ensures a perfect operating of the class-AB amplifier circuit.

Thanks to each stage’s own negative feedback path, it is ruled out that feedbacks from the loudspeaker are interacting with the input stage – this way the SPL VOLTAiR Technology can play out its full performance.

 

Sounds good

With all devices of the Professional Fidelity series we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.

The VOLTAiR Technology

The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In our Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

 

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.

 

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

 

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

 

Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device. All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with VOLTAiR technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.

These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the VOLTAiR technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.