ecler APA600 Stereo Power Amplifier User Manual

ecler APA600 Stereo Power Amplifier

Specifications

• Model : APA600 / APA1000 / APA1400
• Power Consumption : APA600 – 830VA, APA1000 – 1250VA, APA1400 – 1720VA
• Main Wire Requirement: Not inferior to 1.5mm2
• Circuit Breaker Requirement: Superior to 10A/220VAC
• Earth Connection Requirement: Rg=30 or less

Product Information

Congratulations! You are the owner of a carefully designed and manufactured equipment. The APA SPM (All purpose) (Switching Power Mosfet) amplifier is a high-quality amplifier designed for professional audio applications. It utilizes switching field effect transistors, providing advantages such as lower internal resistance, powerful and controllable bass, and transparency to the upper frequencies.

Precautions

• Ensure the mains wire used is not inferior to 1.5mm2.
• Use a circuit breaker superior to 10A/220VAC.
• Ensure the amplifier has a good earth connection with an earth resistance of Rg=30 or less.
• Keep the environment dry and dustless.
• Avoid exposing the unit to rain or water splashes.
• Do not place liquid containers or incandescent objects on top of the unit.
• Do not obstruct the ventilation shafts.
• Disconnect the mains power supply before any intervention or connection-disconnection of the amplifier.
• Avoid manipulating the output terminals to the loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on.
• Output cabling should be connected by a qualified technician.
• Do not open the amplifier as there are no user or serviceable parts inside.

Installation

• Location, Assembly, Ventilation
  Choose a suitable location for the amplifier, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Avoid placing the unit in dusty or humid areas. Follow the assembly instructions provided in the full user manual.

• Mains Connection
  Connect the mains power supply to the amplifier using a wire not inferior to 1.5mm2. Use a circuit breaker superior to 10A/220VAC. Ensure a good earth connection with an earth resistance of Rg=30 or less.

• Signal Input Connections
  Connect the signal input sources to the amplifier according to your setup requirements. Refer to the full user manual for detailed instructions on signal input connections.

• Subsonic Filter
  The amplifier features a subsonic filter. Refer to the full user manual for instructions on adjusting and utilizing the subsonic filter.

• Limiter Circuit
  The amplifier includes a limiter circuit. Refer to the full user manual for instructions on configuring and using the limiter circuit.

• Output Connections
  The output connections should be made by a qualified technician. If you are using pre-made flexible cables, ensure they are properly connected according to the provided guidelines. Do not manipulate the output terminals when the amplifier is switched on.

Operation and Usage

• Start Up
  Before starting the amplifier, ensure all connections are properly made and the mains power supply is connected. Refer to the full user manual for detailed start-up instructions.

• Input Attenuators
  The amplifier includes input attenuators. Adjust the input attenuators according to your audio input requirements. Refer to the full user manual for instructions on adjusting the input attenuators.

• Indicators
  The amplifier features indicators that provide important information about its status. Familiarize yourself with these indicators and refer to the full user manual for a detailed explanation of each indicator.

• Cleaning
  Regularly clean the amplifier using a soft, dry cloth. Do not use any liquid or abrasive cleaners. Refer to the full user manual for detailed cleaning instructions.

• Diagrams
  Refer to the full user manual for technical characteristics, figures, function list, function diagram, and block diagram of the amplifier.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Q: Can I open the amplifier to perform maintenance or repairs?
   A: No, there are no user or serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Any maintenance or repairs should be performed by authorized technical services.

2. Q: What should I do if I encounter any issues with the amplifier?
   A: If you experience any issues with the amplifier, we recommend contacting our authorized Technical Services for assistance and maintenance tasks.

USER MANUAL

• APA600
• APA1000
• APA1400

All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. ECLER S.A. reserves the right to make changes or improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

IMPORTANT NOTE

• Congratulations! You are the owner of a carefully designed and manufactured equipment. We thank you for trusting on us and choosing our amplifier APA SPM (All purpose) (Switching Power Mosfet).
• In order to obtain maximum operativity and perfect functioning order, it is most important to carefully read all considerations taken into account in this manual before  connecting this amplifier.
• We recommend our authorised Technical Services if any maintenance task should be needed so that optimum operation shall be achieved.

1. Precautions
   The APA600/1000/1400 consumes a maximum power of 830VA / 1250VA / 1720VA, we therefore recommend a mains wire not inferior to 1,5mm2 and a (circuit breaker) superior to 10A/220VAC (data for one amplifier).
   The amplifier should have an earth connection in good conditions (earth resistance, Rg=30Ω or less). The environment must be dry and dustless. Do not expose the unit to rain or water splashes, and do not place liquid containers or incandescent objects like candles on top of the unit. Do not obstruct the ventilation shafts with any kind of material.
   In case there is some type of intervention and/or connection-disconnection of the amplifier, it is most important to previously disconnect the mains power supply.
   Do not manipulate the output terminals to the loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on, there are voltages present of more than 400Vpp in the APA1400. The output cabling should be connected by a qualified technician. Otherwise only use pre-made flexible cables. There are no user or serviceable parts inside the amplifier.

2. INTRODUCTION
   With the PAM amplification series, ECLER introduced a new concept to the world of professional audio: The use of switching field effect transistors. The integration of these parts for audio applications represents a firm and spectacular enhancement comparing to conventional amplifiers. These advantages can be outlined as follows:

3. Lower internal resistance than bipolar transistors, which leads to less heating of the amplifier and more powerful and controllable bass.  Conventional Mosfets have a 4 to 7 times higher internal resistance than switching  Mosfets.

4. The extremely high speed of these devices gives a transparency to the upper frequencies till now only achieved by tube amplifiers. This fact also reduces TIM (transitory intermodulation) to very low levels. The SPM-Technology (Switching Power Mosfet) has been developed and patented by ECLER Laboratorio de Electro-Acustica, S.A.  The APA power amplifier line is yet another step forward in the evolution of the SPM technology.  APA amplifiers introduce innovations which probably make them one of the most reliable amplification lines of its class.

5. SOA Contour following protection
   The SOA is the safe operating area of transistors. A good protection system should respect this area and its shiftings, as the SOA changes as a function of the operating temperature. So, at 80°C it is considerably narrower than a 25°C, the start-up temperature. Some manufacturers decide to use protection systems which compromise on the performance of the components. You get a fair protection, but the performance remains mediocre. Others prefer to leave “dark” areas between the safe operating area and the activation of protection, which is very risky indeed.
   The new SOA contour following protection systems built into the APA amplifiers guarantees total protection of the amplifier at any output power, load or operating temperature, as the intelligent electronic circuitry permanently watches for changes in the safety area, adapting itself to any situation.
   The best Damping in an amplifier of its class. In the APA series, the typical output relays have been substituted with an electronic CROW BAR system. This device shunts to ground any signal in case of high voltages which could damage the connected speakers. Any kind of relay introduces a mechanical contact in the path of the audio signal to the loudspeakers. This contact implies a certain degree of wearing and an important reduction of the amplifiers damping factor. To minimize this implicit loss, the use of premium quality relays is obligatory, as in the professional PAM amplifier series.

INSTALLATION

1. Location, assembly, ventilation
2. The APA600/1000/1400 amplifiers are 2 RU high 19” rack modules.  It is important that the amplifier, as a heat source, is not placed next to other equipment nor exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the ventilation path should be kept free to allow fresh air entering the forced ventilation tunnel.
3. This system takes air from the unit’s backside, bringing it directly to the power amp modules and distributing it to the transformer and capacitors and then obliging it to pass trough the MOSFET cooling tunnel to finally blow out of the front panel.
4. In case of rack mounting, this system avoids heat accumulation inside the unit and thus increases lifetime of electrolytic capacitors. It is recommended to place power amplifiers on top of other equipment and not underneath.  All APA amplifiers are supplied with plastic washers in order not to damage the rack ears when tightening the screws.
5. Mains connection

The APA amplifiers are fed with alternate currents, depending on the country, of 110-120, 220-240V 50/60Hz. (see characteristics in the back of the unit) consuming:

  *  **MODEL** APA600 APA1000 APA1400
  *  **CONSUMPTION** 830VA 1250VA 1720VA
  * The mains cables must not be near the shielded cables carrying the audio signal, as this could cause humming.
  * To protect the amplifier from eventual over charges of consumption, there are five time lag fuses incorporated (see chart), two situated in each power module and the fifth in the primary transformer supply. Should a fuse blow, it must be replaced immediately by one of identical characteristics. Should it blow again please consult our Technical Service Department. NEVER REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ANOTHER ONE WITH A HIGHER VALUE.
  *  **CAUTION** : Fuse substitutions have to be performed by a qualified technician.  

FUSES

3. Signal input connections
   The signal input connectors are of XLR-3 type (19, 21), electronically balanced. The pin assignment is as follows:

   • HOT or direct signal > Pin 2

   • COLD or inverted signal > Pin 3

   • GROUND > Pin 1
     For unbalanced connection short-circuit pin 3 to pin 1.

   • The “STK OUTPUT” (18, 20) are in parallel with the inputs and are used to supply the same input signal to other amplifiers or sound systems. This signal output connectors are of jack 1/4″ type. The pin assignment is as follows:

   • HOT or direct signal > Tip

   • COLD or inverted signal > Ring

   • GROUND > Body
     The input impedance is 22KW (balanced) with a nominal input sensitivity of 0dBV(1V). This impedance makes possible to parallel several amplifiers without loosing audio quality.

4. Subsonic filter
   This filter cuts off inaudible frequency components which when amplified suppose a risk of damage to the low frequency speakers as they generate excessive excursions of the woofer’s diaphragm. The APAs feature a switchable, Butterworth shaped Subsonic Filter located inside the unit (see figure 1) with a 25Hz cut-off frequency and 18dB/oct slope.
   Subsonic filters are very important when playing back vinyl records because the phono cartridges are specially sensitive to feedback and acoustic coupling at very low frequencies.
   APA amplifiers are delivered with switched ON Subsonic Filter.
   CAUTION : Changes on the Subsonic Filter have to be performed by a qualified technician.

5. Limiter circuit

   • This system is an always active protection inside the APA series of amplifiers. The ANTICLIP circuitry constantly analyses harmonic distortion caused by excessive signal excursion at the power amplifier’s output and automatically reduces the input level in order never to exceed 1% total harmonic distortion. The APA range of amplifiers are delivered with the antilipo system adjusted at a threshold of 1% THD (hard limiting). However, this value can be switched to a softer limiting (5% THD) via an internal jumper (see figure 2).
   • The great convenience of such a circuit in any kind of installation has to be remarked: The clear advantage of a limiting system in front of conventional compressors is that the former does practically not alter the dynamic range, acting only when the distortion threshold is reached.
     CAUTION : Changes on the ANTICLIP configuration have to be performed by a qualified technician.

6. Output connections
   The OUTPUT section on the rear panel features Speak-on connectors (12). Whenever you need to operate the amplifier in BRIDGED mode (mono or bridged), you must set the “STEREO BRIDGED” Switch (16) to BRIDGED. The input signal is taken from the INPUT connector on channel I (20) and the signal output to the loudspeaker is on pins 2+ and 2- of the Speak-on connector “CH1”. The same contacts (2+ and 2-) of the Speak-On connector of CH2 also carry the bridged signal in order to facilitate the parallel connection of loudspeakers.
   ATTENTION: Terminals 1+, 1- must only be used in STEREO operation and terminals 2+, 2- in BRIDGED operation. Other combinations would lead to poor output quality.
   When operating in BRIDGED mode, always make sure that the resulting load impedance of the installation is never below 4 Ohm.
   The connection cable that joins the amplifiers outputs and the loudspeakers must be of good quality, sufficient section and as short as possible. This is most important when the distances to cover are long ones i.e. up to 10 meters it is recommended to use a section not inferior to 2.5mm2 and for superior distances 4mm2.

OPERATION AND USAGE

1. Start up

2. Pushing the POWER (10) button lights up the integrated pilot light and both red CLIP PROT (2, 8) LEDs during the approximately 10 seconds needed to stabilize all voltages. The CLIP PROT LEDs will then turn off meaning that the amplifier is now operative.

3. In a complete audio installation, it is important to start up the equipment in the following sequence: sound sources, mixer, equalizers, active filters and finally power amplifiers. To turn them off the sequence should follow an inverse pattern.

4. Input attenuators

5. This consists of rotative potentiometers, situated on the front panel (4,6).

6. These attenuators enable the connection of different types of mixing tables, independent regulation level and loudspeaker connections that allow an inferior power level that the level already supplied by the power amplifier at its maximum power, with no danger of damaging, by careless handling, the volume of the pre-amplified mixer.

7. Inside the device’s packaging you will find a little plastic bag containing 2 transparent caps which protect the input attenuation settings from unwanted manipulation. These caps are transparent in order to let you visualize the current settings.

8. Once inserted, they cannot be removed with bare fingers, for this purpose, a small screwdriver is needed.

9. Indicators
   The APA amplifiers are equipped with a simple but efficient combined indicators system. Indicator CLIP/PROT (2, 8) function as PROTECTION indicator.  They point to the lack of signal at the speaker outputs. These indicators may light up due to following reasons:

10. From the moment the machine is switched on, until stand by period finalize that is necessary for the stability of the internal tensions of the power amplifier.

11. Because the amplifier output has short circuited.

12. If the amplifier is giving a continuous voltage or is of very low frequency, this could damage the loudspeakers.
    In any case, should these indicators permanently light up, it is a sign of malfunctioning and its cause should be investigated.

CLIP/PROT indicators functioning as CLIP indicator.

1. 1. These illuminate when the signal given to the loudspeakers is 1.5dB before the real clip. This CLIP system takes into account the possible variations in the mains voltage always giving a real indication even if the electric mains varies. It is normal that working at high power levels, the CLIP indicators illuminate at the rhythm of the low frequencies which are the ones that passes major energetic contents. Make sure these indicators are not permanently illuminated.

THERMAL protection indicator (1, 5, 9)

• Alerts of the tunnel cooling temperature when it has risen above 90 centigrade degrees. The amplifier will then start up automatically when the temperature descends to 75 centigrade degrees.
• The APA600 amplifier features one TH indicator while the APA1000 and 1400 models use one for each channel, denoting that both channels operate independently. The protection on one channel could be active while the other channel keeps working correctly.
• SP Signal Presence indicator (3, 7)
  • It points to the existence of signal at the amplifier input. These indicators light up when the input signal surpasses -40dB.

CLEANING

• The control panel must not be cleaned with any dissolvent, abrasive or petroleum derivate substance else paint and silk-printing could be damaged.
• Whenever cleaning should be necessary use a soft cloth slightly wet with water and neutral liquid soap or with a solution of water and alcohol at 50%. Be careful that no liquid gets  into the amplifier. Never use sharp or erosive objects to scratch the control panel.
• Should any liquid get into the amplifier, do not use any cleaning sprays; send the unit to the nearest ECLER Technical Service.

Figures

Fig.1

Function list

1. Thermal protection indicator, TH
2. Combined clip and protection indicator, CLIP/PROT
3. Signal present indicator, SP
4. Input attenuator
5. Thermal protection indicator, TH
6. Input attenuator
7. Signal present indicator, SP
8. Combined clip and protection indicator, CLIP/PROT
9. Thermal protection indicator, TH
10. Illuminated mains switch
11. Mains socket
12. Speak-on connectors to the loudspeakers
13. Fan
14. Earth terminal, GND
15. Switch to disconnect chassis earth/electrical Ground, GND LINK
16. Bridge/mono selector switch
17. Jack output connector to other amplifiers, STK OUTPUT
18. Input XLR connector, INPUT
19. Jack output connector to other amplifiers, STK OUTPUT
20. Input XLR connector, INPUT

Function diagram

Block diagram

• ECLER Laboratorio de S.A.
• Motors 166­168, 08038 Barcelona, Spain INTERNET
• http://www.ecler.es
• E­mail: info@ecler.es 

References

• Soluciones de Audio y Vídeo profesionales - Ecler
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