LR Baggs Acoustic Reference Amplifier - Manual (Page 7)

class-D poWeR amplifieR
Although digital amplifiers are not new, they have developed by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. one of the major benefits
of digital amps is that they are very efficient. Due to this, they do not need large power supply components that make amplifiers very
heavy (think of an original Fender Twin). This is one of the ways that we have kept the weight of the Acoustic Reference Amplifier to a
mere 28 lbs. But weight isn’t everything. We also tested this digital amplifier against some of the top audiophile amplifiers available such
as VTl (Vacuum Tube logic), Counterpoint, Meyer PA systems and other standard references. In blind AB testing our digital amplifier was
equal or superior to every reference.
all-DiscRete pReamp
When electronics used to be built with vacuum tubes, there were very few parts in the signal path to “muddy” the sound. As transistors
were invented, much of electronics changed as now you could do many things that were not possible with bulky glass tubes. since then
new devices called operational amplifiers (op amps) were invented to make certain tasks even easier and more efficient. However, making
things easier sometimes causes you to sacrifice some of the benefits of the older way.
our engineering practice is to blend the best of the old with the best of the new. That is what we have done with this amp. We use digital
circuitry where it can be most effective - the efficiency of a Class D power amp. We use op-amps for what they do best - control circuits.
And we use discrete transistor stages for what they can do - clean and light audio controls with lots of features that don’t sacrifice the
tone (op amps in the signal path are the audio equivalent of microwave food). Where op-amps tend to add cloudiness and noise, we have
kept our preamp’s signal path 100% discrete so that the sound you get out is the sound you put in, or better.
spRinG ReveRB
During the design of this project, we were originally testing digital effects and planned on having them available on this amplifier. The
more we listened to the digital effects that were available on the market, the less satisfied we became with their quality. so we had the
idea of trying to make an analog spring reverb sound good for acoustic guitar. We eventually came up with a modification to the tried-
and–true Accutronics reverb that allowed us to have a reverb we felt proud of. so, we decided to opt for one great reverb effect with the
option of effects loops rather than a few “okay” sounds that would eventually become obsolete. We hope you enjoy this reverb as much
as we do.
positioninG tHe amplifieR
An acoustic guitar amplifier can be affected sonically by its location in the room. With other amps, it is usually necessary to place the
amplifier on a chair or lean it back to hear it while playing due to the very narrow dispersion pattern of traditional tweeters. However, with
the 140 degree wide dispersion pattern of the Acoustic Reference Amplifier, it will not be necessary to do so.
We have designed the amplifier to be used on the floor. your best results will be with the amplifier on the ground and somewhat centered
in the room.
tHe coveR
As a further protection for your amplifier, we have designed and included a sturdy nylon cover. The cover is fitted with an elastic band to
make sure that it remains on the amplifier during transportation. There is a hard plastic sheet sewn into the top to protect the controls.
As well, there is a closeable pocket along the back to keep any extra cables, picks, strings or whatever else you need to keep in it.
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