Ecler DPA600 User Manual

Also see for DPA1000: User manual

Contents

41. IMPORTANT NOTECongratulations! You are the owner of a carefully designed and manufactured equipment. We thank you fortrusting on us and choosing our amplifier DPA SPM (All purpose) (Switching Power Mosfet).In order to obtain maximum operativity and perfect functioning order, it is most important to carefully readall 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 thatoptimum operation shall be achieved.DPA series amplifiers come with a 3-year warranty.1.1. PrecautionsThe DPA600/1000/1400/2000 consumes a maximum power of 830VA / 1250VA / 1720VA / 3115VA, wetherefore recommend a mains wire not inferior to 2,5mm2 and a (circuit breaker) superior to 10A/220VAC(15A/220VAC DPA2000) (data for one amplifier).The amplifier should have an earth connection in good conditions (earth resistance, Rg=30 or less).The environment must be dry and dustless. Do not expose the unit to rain or water splashes, and do notplace liquid containers or incandescent objects like candles on top of the unit. Do not obstruct theventilation grilles with any kind of material.In case there is some type of intervention and/or connection-disconnection of the amplifier, it is mostimportant to previously disconnect the mains power supply.Do not manipulate the output terminals to the loudspeakers when the amplifier is switched on, there arevoltages up to 400Vpp. The output cabling should be connected by a qualified technician. Otherwise only use pre-made flexible cables. There are no user serviceable parts inside the amplifier.2. INTRODUCTIONWith 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 firmand spectacular enhancement comparing to conventional amplifiers. These advantages can be outlined as follows:a) Lower internal resistance than bipolar transistors, which leads to less heating of the amplifier and morepowerful and controlled bass.Conventional Mosfets have a 4 to 7 times higher internal resistance than switching Mosfets.b) The extremely high speed of these devices gives a transparency to the upper frequencies till now onlyachieved 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 Laboratoriode Electro-Acústica, S.A.The DPA power amplifier line is yet another step forward in the evolution of the SPM technology.DPA amplifiers introduce innovations which probably make them one of the most reliable amplification linesof its class.SOA Contour following protectionThe SOA is the safe operating area of transistors. A good protection system should respect this area andits shiftings, as the SOA changes as a function of the operating temperature. So, at 80°C it is considerablynarrower than a 25°C, the start-up temperature. Some manufacturers decide to use protection systems whichcompromise on the performance of the components. You get a fair protection, but the performance remainsmediocre. 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 DPA amplifiers guarantees total protectionof the amplifier at any output power, load or operating temperature, as the intelligent electronic circuitrypermanently watches for changes in the safety area, adapting itself to any situation.The best Damping in an amplifier of its class. In the DPA series, the typical output relays have beensubstituted with an electronic CROW BAR system. This device shunts to ground any signal in case of high voltageswhich could damage the connected speakers. Any kind of relay introduces a mechanical contact in the path of theaudio signal to the loudspeakers. This contact implies a certain degree of wearing and an important reduction of theamplifier's damping factor.