Operating Manual for the Sonic Frontiers Power 3 Amplifiers
Operating Manual for the Sonic Frontiers Power 3 Amplifiers We at Sonic Frontiers hope you will derive many years of listening pleasure with your new Power 3 Amplifiers. This Operating Manual contains important information regarding the operation and care of these Amplifiers. Be sure to read this manual carefully and follow these instructions in order to keep them performing and sounding their best.
Unpacking At this point we can assume that you have successfully opened the box flaps and found this manual. These boxes were designed to ensure the safe transport of the amplifiers, Sonic Frontiers strongly recommends the storage of these boxes in a safe, dry place. In the event that the amplifiers may have to be shipped in the future, the original boxes are the best means for the protection and safety of the Power 3s during transportation.
Quick Setup At this point we urge you to read and understand this manual in its entirety. But if you desire immediate action and have skill and/or past experience with tube hardware, follow these steps. 1. Place the amp on a hard flat surface that will not impede airflow under the amplifier’s chassis (carpeting or area rugs are NOT acceptable as hard surfaces). 2. Ensure the Power 3s are in Mute mode (this selector switch is on the rear of the chassis).
Reference Diagrams This drawing is referred to as the “Tube Top” within the instructional text. Tube locations V1 to V4 indicate placement for the four 6922 tubes. Tube locations V5 and V6 indicate placement for the two 5687 tubes. Locations V7 to V14 indicate placement for the 6550C/KT88 power tubes. A Holes on the Tube Top labeled “A” are LED indicators for the bias of the power tubes situated nearest. B Holes labeled “B” are the location of the bias controls.
This drawing is referred to as the “Front Panel” within the instructional text. This drawing is referred to as the “Rear Panel” within the instructional text.
Installing the Tubes Be sure the amplifier is OFF (Power Switch Out) before installing any tubes or when any of the tube sockets are empty. Wearing the cotton gloves provided with the amplifier when handling tubes will prevent skin oils from depositing on the glass surface of the tubes. The oils could cause the tubes to become “gassy” and fail prematurely.
When installing the 6550C/KT88 power tubes, match the numbers designated on the metal base of the tube or the tube boxes to the corresponding markings printed on the tube top (V7 through V14) and be sure the center pin key locator is in alignment with the slot in the center of the socket. Again push down the tube, rocking gently until it is firmly seated. Note the locating center key and notch for proper alignment of tube and socket.
Biasing of the Power Tubes Bias voltage applied to the grids of the power tubes in the output stage should be checked from time to time (once a month) to keep these tubes operating at the optimum operating point. A properly biased power tube will have a longer, happier life. To check the bias of the 6550C/KT88 tubes, place the amplifier in mute with the power on and the amplifier in operate mode (STANDBY LED Green; Power LED Red-for MUTE).
Controls, Functions and Connections Front Panel Refer to Reference Diagrams. C Power Switch This switch provides control over the AC power from your wall outlet. When OFF (out position) nothing on the amplifier is functional. When ON (depressed) the amplifier will operate normally (green power LED indicates ON; Red Power LED indicates ON but in MUTE mode).
Damage due to bypassing the fuse or due to replacement of a fuse of higher ratings will not be covered under the warranty. To access the fuse, insert the slotted screwdriver, pushing to compress the internal spring and turn counterclockwise to unlock the housing. The spring will then eject the fuse and the housing. I Balanced XLR Input These inputs accept an XLR balanced connection from the preamp’s balanced outputs.
Adjustment for Load Impedance Note: Adjustment for load impedance should only be done by an authorized Sonic Frontiers dealer, distributor or service technician. Any damage to the amplifier as a result of a person(s) not authorized by Sonic Frontiers will not be covered under warranty. Warning: Lethal voltages exist within these amplifiers. The speaker load handling capabilities of your amplifier was factory set to the impedance designated on the Voltage/Impedance sticker on the back of the chassis.
4.Using the slot screwdriver provided with the amp, deal with one connection at a time, loosening off the tap screws of the first spade lug connection and tightening to the desired tap. The final connections should resemble these renderings: 8 Ohm Impedance Connections FRONT OF THE AMPLIFIER 4 Ohm Impedance Connections FRONT OF THE AMPLIFIER 2 Ohm Impedance Connection FRONT OF THE AMPLIFIER 5. Repeat for each channel. 6.
Care and Maintenance Placement The amplifiers must be placed on a hard flat surface with plenty of unobstructed space around the Power 3 to allow for free movement of air for proper cooling. If the amplifier is to be placed on a carpeted floor, a Wood, Ceramic, Concrete, Marble... tile or slab 18” x 22” (or larger) must be place under each Power 3 Amplifier. If the amplifiers are left unattended or are exposed near small children or pets, it is recommended that the tube cover be used.
Troubleshooting If at any time the amplifiers should fail to work, follow these steps: 1. Check that all tubes are fully seated in their proper sockets. 2. Check all connections at the rear panel. 3. Check that the amplifier is not in MUTE mode. 4. Check that the proper input is selected via the Selector Switch. 5. Check that the amplifiers are in POWER ON mode and NOT in STANDBY mode. 6. Check other equipment and connections to that equipment in your system, from speakers to source. 7.
Warranty Disclaimer of Liability Under no circumstances does Sonic Frontiers, Inc. assume liability or responsibility for injury or damages sustained in the use or operation of this equipment or for damages to any other equipment connected to it. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without the obligation to revise prior versions. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Limited Five Year Warranty Sonic Frontiers, Inc.
Specifications Note: Power ratings based on a 117 VAC power line input. All specifications are made on the 8 ohm taps, utilizing an 8 ohm load unless otherwise specified. Power Output: SMPTE Intermodulation Distortion: 220 watts continuous at 8, 4 and 2 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than 1% total harmonic distortion terminated with rated load (typically <0.
