Performer S800

The SPL Performer S800 is a stereo power amplifier from the Professional Fidelity series, with separate amplification stages for voltage and power amplification. This arrangement supports the operation of its class-AB amplifier circuit. Each stage has its own negative feedback path, preventing feedback from the loudspeakers from interacting with the input stage and allowing the SPL VOLTAiR Technology to operate as intended.

Protection

The Performer S800 monitors both DC voltage and temperature. If direct current is detected, the output stage switches off automatically and the Protect LED illuminates red. A temperature sensor at the heatsinks continuously monitors the amplifier. If it becomes too hot, the TEMP LED illuminates yellow, the output stage switches off and the fans run at high speed until the device has cooled.

Input sensitivity adjustment

Input sensitivity can be adapted in 0.5 dB steps from 0 dB to -5.5 dB. This trim switch provides an alternative to using a panorama potentiometer in a preamplifier, and can also compensate for differences in loudspeaker loudness when the amplifier is used in bi-amping mode.

Loudspeaker connections

The binding posts accept banana plugs and stranded wire up to 4 mm in diameter. This allows common types of speaker cable to be used, including both connection types together in bi-wiring mode. A loudspeaker with an impedance below 4 ohms should not be connected.

Bridge mode

The 2 power amplifier channels can be combined into 1 power amplifier for mono operation. Connect only the 2 positive terminals to the loudspeaker to achieve 450 W into 8 ohms.

AMP CTL

The amplifier's standby mode can be controlled through the AMP CTL connection from an SPL Professional Fidelity preamplifier, such as the Director Mk2. Connect the 3.5 mm phone jacks using a cable with 3.5 mm mono or stereo phone plugs. SPL recommends using the AMP CTL jack only with a Professional Fidelity series preamplifier. Devices from third parties and other equipment should not be connected.

Through-hole construction

As with the other Professional Fidelity series products, SPL develops the Performer S800 according to circuit design and listening evaluation. Many important components are mounted on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology, allowing the use of selected components for their sound.

VOLTAiR Technology

SPL's 120V technology operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts, 4 times the voltage used by IC-based semiconductor op-amps. SPL refers to this technology as VOLTAiR technology and uses it as its reference technology.