Soundstream Technologies PICASSO Stereo Amplifier - Manual (Page 4)

4
DESIGN FEATURES
• Audiophile Circuit Topology - The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO is designed with the
shortest signal path possible, resulting in the most sonically transparent amplifier
Soundstream has ever built!
• 2 ohm Satellite Drive Ability - The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier is designed to
drive satellite speaker loads down to 2 ohm stereo (4 ohm mono).
• Esoteric Quality Components including polypropelene capacitors in the signal path, and
high performance monolithic dual ultra-low noise precision operational amplifiers to ensure
the fullest, clearest musical reproduction possible.
• Pure Class A® Output Topology for the utmost in musicality and definitive power output.
Soundstream's unique design allows the REFERENCE Class A
PICASSO amplifier to deliver
incomparable sonics.
• Uncompromising Design and Construction including mil-spec glass epoxy circuit boards
and high current custom gold-plated solid brass connections that will accept up to 4 gauge
power/ground wire.
• Coherent Stereo TM /Mixed Mono selection for either “pure” stereo operation or mixed mono
for simultaneous stereo and mono.
• Chassisink
TM
Darlington Power Array - Soundstream’s “overbuilding” of the output section
incorporates multiple output transistors instead of a few for faster, stronger power delivery.
The transistors are sandwiched between the circuit board and the heatsink in a design called
Chassisink
TM
to ensure cool, efficient amplifier operation.
• PowerGrid Power Supply Design - All power supply components are located near one
another, connected by thick, wide PCB traces, which ensures rapid, high current delivery.
The entire power supply is isolated on one side of the circuit board while the audio stage is
located opposite it, guaranteeing minimal noise.
• Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank - Multiple small input power capacitors are used to
provide a lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), which means more power in and out
faster.
• Smart Thermal Rollback - Most amplifiers shut off when they get too hot. In the unlikely
event the REFERENCE Class A
PICASSO amplifier reaches 85° C, it will gradually roll back its
average power (without affecting the dynamics). Once the amplifier has cooled off, it returns
to full power output. If overheating should continue, a second thermal sensing protection
circuit will shut off the amplifier if the heatsink reaches 95° C.
• Unregulated Power Supply - 4 ohm power ratings are measured at 12 volts, meaning
substantially greater output in the real world when the vehicle is running, where voltages