Playback Designs SPA-8, User Manual

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SPA-8 User Manual
8
STATUS MESSAGES DURING NORMAL OPERATION
The amplifier has a complex safety and self checking system and can display various status information on
the front panel during normal operation:
Trafo switch-on / off Big power transformers are switched on or off
Charging Large reservoir of capacitors are being charged
Discharging Large reservoir of capacitors are being discharged
Checking input Audio inputs are being checked for signal presence and volume level
Checking DC Outputs are being checked for any DC offset
Checking Speaker The amplifier checks the impedance of your speakers and theirs cabling to
prevent the amplifier from turning on when there is a short in your speaker setup.
...muted... Both speaker outputs are muted
Turn input down! The level at the audio input is too high and the amplifier is waiting for you to turn it
down. This is for safety reasons and it is always best to turn on power with a
muted pre-amp.
Goodbye! The amplifier is entering standby mode and is being polite about it.
ERROR MESSAGES
The amplifier performs an extensive self check at power up and also continuously monitors various
parameters during operation. If it finds any fault in the system whether inside the amplifier or outside in your
speaker and cabling system it will display various messages that will help you in identifying the issue:
High temperature One of the supervised temperatures is too high. Shut down the amplifier and let it
cool down. Make sure all air vents are not obstructed.
Input signal hi The input signal is too high to start safely without being too loud. Turn down the
volume on your pre-amp or stop your playback device.
Rail voltage low The internal power rails are too low. Check for correct voltage setting and make
sure your AC outlet provides adequate power.
High output current The output current at the speaker terminals is too high. Check your speaker
cables for any short or your speakers for any damage.
x.xR !RES! y.yR The connected cable speaker combination is shorted. Check your speaker cables
for any short and your speakers for any damage. The x.x and y.y values are the
measured impedances in Ohm for left and right channels. The amplifier does not
start when it measures values below 0.5R.
Too many clips The amplifier detected too many clips at the output and is muting to protect your
speakers. Turn down the volume.