Starke Sound A3 Power Amplifier User Guide

: August 25, 2024
: STARKE SOUND

Table of Contents

Starke Sound A3 Power Amplifier
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Safety instructions
Limited warranty
Set-up instructions
Operation
Technical Speciﬁcations
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Starke Sound A3 Power Amplifier

Product Information

Technical Specifications

Output Power: Class A power DSP Gain
Channel quantity: Multi-channel
Amplifier type: High-power amplifier
Frequency Response: Detailed frequency response range
THD: Ultra-low distortion
Signal-To-Noise Ratio: High SNR for clear audio
Input terminals: RCA, XLR
Input Impedance (RCA): Specific impedance value
Input Impedance (XLR): Specific impedance value
Input Sensitivity: Sensitivity level
Output terminals: Premium binding posts (HL-301)
Output Impedance: Impedance value
Minimum load impedance: Minimum load requirement
Maximum output current per channel: Current capacity
True balance circuit: Ensures balanced audio output
Heat dissipation: Aluminum alloy and copper hybrid system
Fan noise: Fanless operation for silent performance
Power consumption: Energy-efficient operation
Control option: Trigger input/output for automation
Cabinet Color options: Available color choices
Full size: Dimensions of the product
Weight: Product weight
Warranty: 2 years limited warranty from purchase date

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Instructions
Handle the amplifier with care to prevent damage. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid overheating. Do not expose the amplifier to water or moisture.

Set-up Instructions

Connect the power cord to AC INPUT and tighten it clockwise until you hear a click.
Plug the other end into a compatible wall socket (120V or 230V up to 32A).
Set the rocker switch to ON position to power on the amplifier.

Operation

Check that the vertical light on the front panel is green for normal operation.
In case the light turns yellow, power off the amplifier, wait, and then restart.

A3 Features and Functionality
The A3 amplifier from Starke Sound is designed for purists seeking high- power and perfect sound quality. It features an innovative heat dissipation system for silent operation and enhanced audio output.

A3 Center Channel Switch
The A3 amplifier includes a center channel switch that allows users to transform it into a pure 2-channel amplifier with increased power supply reserves when needed.

Automatic Turn-On Feature
You can enable automatic turn-on by connecting a 12-volt trigger wire to TRIGGER IN. Use TRIGGER OUT to link additional components for synchronized operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I contact customer service for the amplifier?
A: If service is required, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the speaker system. If not possible, reach out via email at service@starkesound.com.
Q: What is the warranty period for the amplifier?
A: The amplifier comes with a 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. Retain the original invoice for warranty claims through your dealer.

User Guide
A3

If service seems necessary contact the dealer from whom you purchased the speaker system. If that is not possible, email us at.
service@starkesound.com
Starke Sound Inc. 17810 S.Main St., Suite B, Gardena, CA 90248 ▪ starkesound.com

Safety instructions

Read, follow and keep these instructions
Do not remove the cover as repairs require qualiﬁed technicians
Do not use the product near water
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or ampliﬁers
Clean the product only with a damp cloth
Use care when lifting or moving this heavy product
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time
Ensure that no objects ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the product

Limited warranty

2 years from purchase date
(Save original invoice for service to be arranged through your dealer.)

Set-up instructions

We are using the best components for our Flagship A Series ampliﬁers. Inputs and outputs are among the most advanced available yet compatible with standard connectors for ease of use. New XLR chassis connectors (XL-F01) deliver unequalled performance through quality design: gold-plated, all-metal housings with solid ground contacts for superior RF protection and shielding; Teﬂon isolation and beryllium copper for reliability and robust-ness. An ideal match for Neutrik’s EMC Series XLR cable connector.
Premium binding posts (HL-301) accept banana plugs, spade connectors, or bare wire. Their unique structure prevents loose connections or over-tightening, ensuring the best signal transfer and reliability.

The ampliﬁer can be turned-on automatically by, for example, your preamp/processor by connecting a 12-volt trigger wire to TRIGGER IN. You can use TRIGGER OUT to connect a “downstream” component such as another ampliﬁer to also be turned-on automatically.

Connect the power cord to AC INPUT, turn right (clockwise) to tighten it until you hear a “click”, then plug the other end into a wall socket (120-volt or 230-volt, up to 32A). Set the rocker switch to ON to power-on the ampliﬁer.

Operation

Vertical light on the front panel should be green. If it turns yellow, power- off, wait, then restart.

A product for purists
Over the years, home theater ampliﬁers have achieved strong performance, but often with a focus on power parameters at the expense of sound quality. Starke Sound’s “A Series” are designed with a compre-hensive objective in mind: high- power, multi-channel ampliﬁers with perfect sound quality.
The new, 3-channel, A3 model applies Starke Sound’s unique Class A+AB power ampliﬁer design (3rd generation), with an output of up to 620 watts per channel at 4Ω, a fully balanced topology, and a power supply capacitor array delivering up to 80,000 microfarads. It is an extremely high bias design that maintains Class A operation for music or audio signals in most applications. With very large signals, typically 1% of content, A3 enters Class AB to completely ensure that the dynamics of the system are not compressed. In other words, this is a pure Class A ampliﬁer with high power reserves.
An aluminum alloy and copper hybrid heat dissipation system eliminates the need for fans, ensuring silent operation and higher-quality audio output. The center channel of A3 has an input switch. When you turn off this switch, A3 becomes a pure 2-channel ampliﬁer with proportionally higher power supply reserves.
A3’s ultra-low distortion, abundant energy, and ﬂexibility make it ideal to serve as the core driving force behind private theaters and Hi-Fi systems.

Technical Speciﬁcations

Output Power| 320 W RMS at 8 ohms 1% THD|
---|---|---
| 300 W RMS at 8 ohms 0.1% THD|
| 620 W RMS at 4 ohms 1% THD|
| 580 W RMS at 4 ohms 0.1% THD|
| 800 W RMS at 2 ohms 1% THD|
| (Test Condition: AC 240V 50Hz/ AC120V| 60Hz, 2CH)
Class A power| 50W at 2Ω, 4Ω, 8Ω, per channel|
DSP| None|
Gain| 26dB|
Channel quantity| 3 channels|
Ampliﬁer type| Class A+AB|
Frequency Response                          5Hz to 50 kHz (+0/-1 dB) 10Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-0.1 dB)
THD| 0.04% 10W at 1K Hz|
Signal-To-Noise Ratio（SNR）        >120 dB, “A” weighted (620W RMS at 4 ohm)
Input terminals                                  3 Blanced (via Self-locking XLR connector, 4K gold plated, Teﬂon PTFE Isolation, )
Input Impedance (RCA)| /|
Input Impedance (XLR)| 20K|
Input Sensitivity| 2.5V|
Output terminals                                3 pairs of HL301 (beryllium copper binding posts, 24K gold plated)
Output Impedance| 0.1Ω(5 Hz to 50 kHz)|
Minimum load impedance| 0.1 ohm|
Maximum output current per channel| 14A|
True balance circuit| Yes|
Heat| 1280 BTU / hr|
Fan noise| None|
Power consumption| Standby ＜5w Idle ＜95w