Linn Klimax 500 Solo Single Speaker Power Amplifier
Each Klimax power amplifier is unique in its manufacture. With its machined and hard-anodised solid alloy casing, the Klimax is a referenced component which is as individual in its finish as it is in its phenomenal pitch-accurate performance. Due to the highest quality of machined finish, it is possible to see that the Klimax’s natural alloy grain structure gives each unit an individual signature that makes ownership a uniquely rewarding experience.
Year 2000 Compliance Linn has used all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the software in the products manufactured by it is capable of normal operation before, during and after 1 January 2000 and in respect of past, present and future dates without replacement, alteration or upgrade (“Year 2000 Compliant”).
Important safety information Explanation of symbols used in this manual and on the product. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the enclosure of sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important maintenance and servicing information in the instruction and service manuals. CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
GENERALSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS 1. Read instructions.Read the safety and operating instructions before operating the appliance. 2. Retain instructions. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference. 3. Heed warnings. Observe all warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions. 4. Follow instructions. Follow all operating and use instructions. 5. Water and moisture.
20. Servicing.Don’t attempt to service the product beyond that described in the operating instructions.All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. UKUSERSPLEASEREADTHISIMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION Fuse replacement This appliance is fitted with a non-rewireable 13 Amp mains plug.The plug contains a 5 Amp fuse. If the fuse has blown it can be replaced as follows: a) Pull out the red fuse cover/carrier. b) Remove and dispose of the blown fuse.
CE Declaration of Conformity Linn Products Ltd. declare that this product is in conformance with the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and Electromagnetic Compatibility 89/336/ EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC. The conformity of the designated product with the provisions of Directive number 73/23/EEC (LVD) is proved by full compliance with the following standards. 3.
Copyright and acknowledgements Copyright © Linn Products Limited. Linn Products Limited, Floors Road, Waterfoot, Glasgow, G76 OEP, Scotland, United Kingdom. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United Kingdom. Klimax is a registered trademark of Linn Products Limited.
Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................................... 2 2. What is it? .............................................................................................. 3 3. How does the Klimax work? ................................................................. 4 What is switch mode? ........................................................................ 5 So what’s the problem? ................................................................
1. Introduction Thank you for buying the best power amplifier we have ever made. The result of years of experience, the Klimax uses the latest technology and exemplifies our constant endeavour to make ever better sounding products. We are confident that the compact, elegant design and the exceptional, accurate performance of the Klimax amplifier will give you many years of pleasure. If you wish to know more about this special product, read on. If you just want to use it now, go to the ‘operation’ section.
2. What is it? The Klimax is a single speaker power amplifier designed for use in multi amplifier and multi channel audio and audio/video systems. The case is precision machined from two solid sections of aluminium alloy. The machining is done on a computer controlled multi-axis machining centre, with the final cut on the top face made by a Swiss SIP vertical jig borer, the stability and accuracy of which is unequalled.
3. How does the Klimax work? In most power amplifiers the power supply comprises a large transformer, a rectifier and reservoir capacitors, often as large as the transformer. The highest performance amplifiers also have voltage regulators which maintain the power supplied to the amplifier circuitry constant, regardless of the input voltage or the output load.
What is switch mode? In a switch mode power supply the incoming mains is filtered then rectified to generate a very high voltage dc (direct current) supply. This is usually about 300 to 350 Volts dc, which is far too high to operate audio circuitry directly, and is still connected directly to the incoming mains supply. Such a high voltage is very dangerous and is one reason why the Klimax case should never be opened by a customer or a non Linn Products employee.
So what’s the problem? The first problem is that this is a lot more complicated than a mains transformer (a few kilos of copper and iron), a rectifier and some large capacitors. A switch mode design optimised for minimum part count will still have many tens of parts, most of which are quite delicate but still have to operate reliably in a very electrically hostile environment.
Some assorted facts The transformer in the Klimax is less than 40mm (1.5 inches) cube. At 50/ 60 Hz it could deliver about 5 Watts. In the Klimax it can deliver 1000 Watts. The reservoir capacitors in the Klimax are about the size of a thimble but give better filtering than ones the size of a beer can used in other very powerful amplifiers. The semiconductor switches turn on and off in about 20nS (20 one thousandth millionths of a second).
Inside the Klimax 8
The audio circuitry At Linn because we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do we use appropriate technologies to achieve our goals. There have been many fine amplifier designs over the history of audio. Some use valves (tubes), some use bipolar transistors, some MOSFETs. Some manufacturers swear by Class A, others by Class AB, one or two by Class D, and many others are somewhere in between. Two designs can use the same components, but achieve completely different results.
The arguments about the relative merits of tubes, MOSFETS and bipolar devices have filled many technical journals, and needless to say, most are over stated and over simplified to try to win the argument! It’s possible to design a good amplifier using any of the available technologies. Turning it into a great amplifier takes more than just a good argument.
Output current and protection A commonly asked question about a power amplifier concerns its maximum output current. There is some good reason behind this question. There is always some trade off between output power, ‘specmanship’, protection and cost in a power amplifier. Output power specification (into 8 Ohms) can be increased simply by increasing the amplifier power supply rails slightly.
If an amplifier can provide this amount of current into the specified load while keeping safe and stable and not suddenly dropping its output voltage, it is enough. The load cannot draw any more. The current draw is the result of the voltage applied. If an amplifier protects itself by ‘current limiting’ it will drop its output voltage if too much current is demanded. This is a bad thing for an audio amplifier, but not uncommon.
4. Installation The compactness of the Klimax makes it very easy to install and makes possible high power multi-amplifier systems which would be impractical with conventionally designed amplifiers of similar power, because of their size and weight. The unique wall mount system can be used to minimise the intrusion of the audio system into the living space while providing good ventilation, concealing the cabling and showing off the subtle beauty of the Klimax. Heat The Klimax is a very powerful amplifier.
Restricting the air flow by stacking the amplifiers or putting them in an enclosure may increase the operating temperature until the internal fan is switched on. This should only operate when the amplifier is being worked enthusiastically, or has restricted ventilation. If the ventilation is very restricted the amplifier will shut down until its touchable surface has dropped to a safe value.
Mains supply The Klimax has an automatic internal mains voltage switch. This allows it to operate from 90 Vac to 260 Vac. With a mains supply below 140 Vac two seconds after switching on the amplifier the power supply switches to low range, with a just audible click, and remains there as long as power is applied. For all normal music or AV system operation the actual ‘average’ output power of the Klimax is much less than its maximum rated power.
If it really bothers you that you may not simultaneously be able to melt every drive unit in your loudspeaker system, not to mention your ears, then lay in a 230 V mains supply just to provide power to your Klimax system. You may want to consider this for the quality of mains supply rather than only for maximum theoretical power. If you are going to this effort, consider making the new wiring operate at 200 V (Japan) or 230 V (USA).
Signal sensing The Klimax contains two power supplies. The small, auxiliary one runs as long as the mains switch is on and power is present. It powers circuitry which detects the presence of an audio input signal, and the blue front panel LED. The signal detector is very sensitive but waits about one second before powering up the amplifier to be certain the signal was real, not just noise. When powered up the Klimax will stay on for twenty minutes after the last signal was detected, then revert to standby.
Inputs and Outputs The Klimax has both single ended and balanced inputs, selected by a switch on the back panel. Use the appropriate one to suit your choice of preamplifier and cabling. LEDs indicate which input is selected. Both signals are echoed out the single ended ‘line out’ socket to enable daisy chaining of amplifiers. This switch does not directly pass the audio signal but instead sends a control signal to distortionless solid state switches.
5. Operation This is the easiest bit. The blue light will flash for a few seconds when power is first applied, then remain dimmed with the Klimax in standby mode. When a signal is detected the light brightens up as the main power supply and amplifier are enabled. If the amplifier needs to protect itself it will shut down entirely for a few seconds and flash the light. There is no half way current limiting; the amplifier can either do what is required of it or it will shut down entirely.
6. Specifications General Dimensions ................................................................. V350mm W x 355mm L x 60mm H. Weight .......................................................................... 9 Kg Protection: Fuse rating .................................................................. T6.3A Mains input range ..................................................... 90Vac - 126Vac 200Vac - 253Vac @50/60Hz Maximum input power 900W Typical operating input power ............................
Input impedance: Single ended ................................................................ 7k6 Ohms Balanced ...................................................................... 7k6 Ohms Input level for clipping: Balanced ...................................................................... 3.34 Vrms Single ended ................................................................ 1.67 Vrms Signal sensing threshold ........................................ >150uV Output connectors: Standard ..............
7. Guarantee and service This product is guaranteed under the conditions which apply in the Country of purchase. In addition to any statutory rights the customer may have, we undertake to replace any parts which have failed due to faulty manufacture. To help us, please ask your Linn retailer about the Linn warranty scheme in operation in your country. In the UK and other markets, extended warranty is offered to customers who register their purchase with Linn.
For technical support and product queries/information: Our address is: LINN Products Limited Floors Road Waterfoot Eaglesham Glasgow G76 OEP Scotland Telephone: 44-(0)-141 307 7777 UK Helpline: 0500-888909 E-mail: helpline@linn.co.uk Facsimile: 44-(0)-141-644-4262 Website: http://www.linn.co.uk/linn America: LINN Inc. 4540 Southside Blvd.
8. Index A M Acknowledgements ................................................... v Assorted facts ......................................................... 7 Audio circuitry ...........................................................9 Mains plug replacement ......................................... iii Mains plugs ................................................................. i Mains supply ............................................................ 15 C O Copyright .............................
Linn Klimax 500 Solo
