Soundstream Technologies Class A 5.0 - Manual (Page 6)

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Class A 5.0
15
INSTALLATION STEP 5
LEVEL SETTING
The input levels are adjusted by means of the individual channel input level
controls located on the front of the amplifier. This is a unique dual-stage
circuit that adjusts both level and gain. This topology maintains better Signal
to Noise ratios even when using sources with minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. The reason is because an amplifier will
only make what comes into it bigger. So, if you send it a distorted signal from
the head unit, the amplifier is going to amplify distorted information. The
same thing holds true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort
before you have maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all
components to reach clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output
of your system. For the REFERENCE Class A amplifiers, follow the following
steps for the quickest, easiest means of setting the levels.
1. Turn the amp’s input levels to minimum position (fully counter-
clockwise).
2. Begin with the input level switch in the 0.5 - 5.0 Volt position.
3. Set source unit volume to approximately 3/4 of full volume.
4. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifier’s
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the
system.
If your preamplifier / source unit has an extremely high output level, be sure to
pay attention to the clipping indicators located on the top of the amplifier.
These indicators will notify you if you are clipping the PREAMPLIFIER stage of
the amplifier. If the amplifier's output is distorted and the clipping lights are
not blinking, you are most likely clipping the OUTPUTS of the amplifier, or
driving the speaker to distortion.