2. amps-preamps
  3. 175107-3418

what does this mean?

Hi all-

I'm setting up a new compact system with a Schiit Freya Plus preamp and the Orchard Audio Class D Monoblocks that have recently gotten so much nice attention.  (Speakers will be the Harbeth P3esr).  One thing confuses me, however.  In his Absolute Sound review, Dick Olsher writes:

"The proprietary circuit topology features a DC coupled, balanced modulator stage, and a full-bridge differential power stage (both speaker terminals are 'hot' when the amplifier is on.)"

What does it mean that the speaker terminals are "hot" when the amplifier is on?  And does it imply any extra safety precautions on my part?

If anyone has any experience with the Orchard mono blocks, I'd love to know that as well!

Thanks!

Margot

mcanaday

Showing 1 response by blackdoghifi

blackdoghifi's avatar
blackdoghifi
45 posts
 

DC coupling has nothing to do with an output stage being bridged. You should always shut down fully when attaching cables. Shorting cables is the worst thing you can do to a live solid state amp. Although I wasn't aware the XA25 was a bridged design.

When an amp is bridged both binding posts carry signal (hot), neither is grounded. Shorting to ground will blow the amp. This may be a problem with some subwoofers if one speaker level is grounded.

 

 

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