10
If the amplifier is placed in a metal equipment rack that blocks the radio signal from the remote control,
the remote may have poor range or not work at all. In that case, an external antenna which can be
placed outside the metal equipment rack is available from Tavish Design.
4.6
T
OROIDAL
T
RANSFORMER
C
HARACTERISTICS
The Minotaur uses a large (500 volt-ampere) toroidal power transformer to allow for sustained power
output into low impedance speakers. The transformer used in the Minotaur was selected (from among
many tested) to provide very low mechanical (and electrical) noise during operation.
It is normal for the transformer to produce a sudden mechanical vibration on startup, as the core
magnetizes. This may or may not happen, depending on which phase of the AC cycle it starts on. The
vibration will subside by the end of the warmup sequence.
4.7
T
ROUBLESHOOTING
G
ROUNDING AND
N
OISE
(H
UM
)
I
SSUES
The Minotaur produces exceptionally low noise, and if hum can be heard from the speaker, there is
probably ground-current-induced noise (sometimes called a “ground loop”). With the volume control
turned down and the amplifier on MUTE, disconnect all other equipment from the inputs. With the
Minotaur operating by itself, there should be no noise even with the volume control turned fully
clockwise. With the volume control turned down and the amplifier on MUTE, try reconnecting
equipment one piece at a time until you’ve found the source of the noise. As you add each piece of
equipment, switch to that input and turn up the volume. Contact Tavish Design for further advice.
