P3100™ Power Amplifier
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Hafler
Passion for Perfection
FAQ
Do I need to allow the P3100 to warm up before using?
The P3100 will work immediately when turned on, however it will sound best after it has reached thermal stability. This may take up
to one hour.
Will disconnecting the speakers when the amplifier is powered up damage the amp?
Although you may not damage the amplifier, you can damage other components such as loudspeakers when connecting and
disconnecting the speaker terminals. Thus, it is always best practice to turn the amp off when making connections.
Is the Hafler P3100 specified in RMS or peak power?
All Hafler amps are specified in RMS power which describes the average output of the amplifier when run for a period of time. Peak
power is an instantaneous measurement that describes the maximum rail to rail voltage the amp can produce with a minimum level
of distortion.
What is the difference between a MOSFET and bipolar transistor?
The main advantage of the MOSFET over a typical bipolar transistor is that it is much more efficient at managing and producing
gain, thus requiring gain stages to produce the same output. Lateral MOSFETs were developed specifically for audio. Although more
expensive, these are employed in the Hafler P3100.
What is the difference between a class AB and class D amplifier?
Class AB amplifiers employ a traditional approach to the amplification with transistors and large power transformers to produce the
output. Class D amplifiers employ digital switching to amplify the signal. Class D amplifiers are preferred in live concert touring and
for commercial installations due to the light weight and high efficiency. Class A and AB amplifiers are preferred by recording engineers
and audiophiles for their sonic quality.
What is damping factor and what can I do to maximize it?
The damping factor is best described as the amplifier’s ability to control the speaker excursion. A higher damping factor will result in
a tighter sounding bass. To maximize the damping, it is best to use thick, heavy gauge speaker cables, particularly when driving long
cables.
What speaker cable gauge should I use with my speakers?
As a rule, the thicker the better. For speakers that are within 2 meters (6’) of the amplifier, no less than 14 gauge cables should be
used. 12 gauge or even 10 gauge wires made from stranded copper are preferred as these will transfer power more efficiently without
loss.
Will using the balanced inputs sound better than using the unbalanced inputs?
No. The balanced inputs are there for convenience. Internally, the amplifier signal path is unbalanced.
Does the P3100 get hot to the touch?
No. It will get warm, but not hot.
Can I stack multiple amplifiers on top of each other without fear of overheating?
You can, but allow at least one rack space between amps to prevent overheating.
Can I still mount the P3100 in a rack if there’s no room for free space above or below the amplifier?
Yes, The P3100 can be mounted in tight quarters, but care must be taken to ensure adequate ventilation is provided. Circulating fans
should be considered if there is no room to leave free space next to the P3100.
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Summary of Contents for P3100
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