User Manual

VORTEX
SILVER SERIES
USER MANUAL
VORTEX SILVER SERIES V8
P.20
4.5.4 DC Protection
Each output of the power amp is constantly monitored for persistent DC
voltage levels. If the 10 V threshold voltage is exceeded at any of the out-
puts, the corresponding channel will be automatically switched off. A DC
issue can be located in the output stage, the driver stage, or at the input
of the amplifier.
Output Stage
When a persistent DC voltage is located at an output stage, the main
SMPS will be permanently switched off. This will be indicated on
the display.
Driver Stage / Amplifier Input
When a DC voltage is located at the driver stage or the input stage,
only this channel’s output stage is muted and the volume set to zero.
The other channel continues to operate normally. After a short time
the channel is unmuted again and the volume increased
again. This will be shortly indicated in the Signal Monitor section.
of the display
4.5.5 DC Servo
To prevent DC Offset at the speaker output, the V8 amplifiers are fitted with
two DC Servos (hence there are no capacitors in the signal path!).
4.5.6 Overcurrent Protection
The output stage is permanently monitored for possible current surges.
There are two limiting levels of overcurrent depending on output voltage.
These limits will be set automatically. This improves reliability without de-
grading sound quality when driving complex loads.
4.6 Mains Protections
4.6.1 Inrush Current Limitation
Within 2 seconds of the V8 amplifiers being connected to the mains, the
inrush current limiter will charge the primary capacitances in a controlled
way, limiting the maximum mains current during startup.
4.6.2 Mains Overvoltage Detection
The mains overvoltage detection is always operative. When the mains volt-
age exceeds approx. 267 V (230 V operation), or 134 V (120 V operation)
the amplifier will switch off. When the mains voltage returns to nominal
value, a soft start occurs.
4.6.3 Mains Surge Overvoltage Protection
The V8 is fitted with a varistor unit, protecting the SMPS from sporadic
surge overvoltages coming from the mains distribution.
If active, this protection is indicated by a orange LED behind the dust cover
(on the right side). If this LED is not lit, this means that the amplifier has
already suffered significant overvoltages surges and that the varistor pro-
tection needs to be exchanged.
4.6.4 Mains Failure Detection
Mains Failure Detection is always operative. When the mains supply is
interrupted for approx. more than 4 mains cycles, the amplifier will detect
and display a mains voltage loss. When the mains voltage returns to a
normal value, a soft start occurs and the amplifier returns to normal / previ-
ous operation.
4 OPERATION