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
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 

It just means that neither are connected to the case ground or each other.

You can’t pad them down to unbalanced (3 wire) headphones. You’d need all four in an unbalanced config.

I have know exp, just interest, please report impressions.

 

 

 

 

wlutke
725 posts
 

My Pass Xa-25 amp is also DC coupled. Pass warns to unplug the amp when attaching speaker cables. Shorting either side to ground (case) could cause unspecified damage.

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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