Plinius Audio SA-REFERENCE Instruction Manual

on your decision to become the proud owner of this

Plinius SA-Reference Power Amplifier.

This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of your amplifier, and to provide
information about its design and the variety of ways it may be used.

We have designed and manufactured this amplifier to reproduce faithfully and accurately, your favourite
music. With a little care and a full understanding of the operating recommendations in this manual, your
Plinius SA-Reference Power Amplifier will provide years of high-quality, trouble-free performance.

Serial Number: ................................................................................

Final Test Certified By: ................................................................................

2

From a distance you can see that the design of the Plinius products is more than an applied styling

exercise to the front panel. We have started from the ground up to produce a casing for our electronics

that is unrivalled in its physical strength and visual simplicity. Wherever possible we have reduced the

number of parts needed and then invested massively in refining and producing the remaining parts to the

highest quality achievable with state of the art computer controlled machines allied with expert craftsman.

Examples of this approach include the hydraulically formed corners on the amplifiers giving much greater

strength and the one piece housing for the remote control unit that eliminates large joints and potential

creaks.

The very process of holding the remote tells you that you are controlling both a powerful and precise

product. It is designed specifically for the act of listening to music, not channel surfing on a television or

changing the room temperature. The distinction is important because we believe that listening to music is

a highly selective and emotional experience that requires a much greater level of concentration and

precision to fully appreciate and enjoy.

As with music that you are not familiar with, truly innovative new designs can take time to understand and

enjoy. How often have you heard music that you were first unsure of, that over repeated listening, has

become a firm favourite. Our designs are fundamentally different to many other companies, and we hope

that you will take the time to explore their unique character and qualities because we have not made them

different simply to be different. We genuinely believe that their visual and tactile qualities do improve the

experience of listening to music and that is our design goal!

Ross Stevens

Design Director.

3

C

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... Page 3

Precautions ..................................................................................................................................... Page 5

Amplifier Features - FRONT PANEL .................................................................................................. Page 6

Amplifier Features - REAR PANEL .................................................................................................... Page 8

Amplifier Configuration Selector (ACS) ............................................................................................ Page 9

Balanced/Unbalanced Signals ........................................................................................................ Page 10

Installation and Operation .............................................................................................................. Page 12

Input/Output Connection ................................................................................................................ Page 13

RCA Connection ............................................................................................................................ Page 14

XLR Connection ............................................................................................................................ Page 15

SA-Reference Features .................................................................................................................. Page 17

Loudspeaker Selection .................................................................................................................. Page 19

Why Class A is better .................................................................................................................... Page 20

Specifications ............................................................................................................................... Page 21

Index ............................................................................................................................................ Page 22

Contact Details .............................................................................................................................. Page 23

4

P

Please take special note of the following precautions before operating your new amplifier:

• The Plinius SA-Reference Power Amplifier can be operated in mono mode delivering up to 1000 watts
into 8 ohms. This amplifier is also capable of a very large peak current delivery.

• The Plinius SA-Reference Power Amplifier operates in Class A. It is capable of generating
temperatures that could have an adverse effect on other equipment, furniture etc. DO NOT leave
flammable material on the amplifier whilst running, as this could pose a serious fire risk.

• The Plinius SA-Reference Power Amplifier is of direct-coupled design, and offers no protection from
preamplifiers that have a high DC component at their outputs.

• This amplifier operates at hazardous voltage levels. Any work requiring removal of the lid or base of
this amplifier must be referred to a suitably qualified and experienced service technician.

• DO NOT attempt to connect any input of this amplifier to it’s own outputs.

• DO NOT earth any output terminal or connect any of these terminals together without following the

instructions in this manual or seeking qualified assistance.

• DO NOT place this amplifier in any position where liquids or any foreign material may accidentally
enter it.

• DO NOT connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance (other than suitable high
fidelity loudspeakers) to the amplifier output terminals.

• Some preamplifiers, processors, CD players’ etc. produce large switching pulses when switched on
causing a loud click through the loudspeakers. For this reason, turn on all other equipment in your
system before turning on your Plinius SA-Reference, or ensure that the amplifier is in MUTE. You will
not experience this phenomenon with Plinius Preamplifiers.

5

A

MUTE CLASS A

F

It is not recommended practice to interfere with the input cables while the amplifier is switched on and
connected to the loudspeakers, so a Mute button is fitted to interrupt the input signal. This allows you to
connect and disconnect the input cables without the necessity of turning the amplifier off.

When the amplifier powers up from start, the Mute automatically closes and has to be switched for normal
listening. Press the button once to open the mute, and again to close it. The mute also disconnects the
speakers while the LED is on.

F P

P L S M A B S

This switch on the right of the panel alters the operating bias of the amplifier. Press once to activate Class
A, and again for Class AB. In Class A the LED is ON. Either mode may be used for listening, with Class A
preferred.

This position reduces the bias on the output stage to operate the amplifier in Class AB. This
is a bias configuration used by the majority of high fidelity amplifiers. In Class AB your Plinius SA­Reference produces very high quality sound, suitable for all occasions where ‘super critical’ listening is
not a priority. The quality of performance in this mode may exceed that of many other amplifiers so a dual
benefit exists in that this facility provides the user with a much cooler operating temperature, and a much
reduced demand on electricity particularly at idle (while the amplifier is not reproducing music). This
unique feature allows you to leave the Plinius SA-Reference switched ON at all times, rendering the
amplifier ready for use and requiring only a few minutes of warm-up in Class A before the very best of the
amplifier's sonic qualities may be experienced.

6

This position provides Class A bias to the output stage therefore ensuring the optimum
performance of the amplifier during all listening events. Class A amplifiers run hotter than Class AB
amplifiers, hence our specially designed and distinctive heat sinks. Operating the amplifier in Class A
necessitates two precautions that should be observed.

On switching to Class A, the temperature of the amplifier will quickly increase and the amplifier will
become quite hot. Once again we remind you to ensure that you have left adequate space around
the amplifier for ventilation. Ensure that no objects are resting on the amplifier and check that the
heat sink (cooling fins) are not obstructed in any way.

The power required from the mains supply in Class A is approximately 1,000 watts, similar to a
small electric heater. The amplifier should not be connected to a wall outlet that is shared with
other heavy current appliances such as heaters or electric motors. If in doubt, check with your
Plinius dealer for advice.

7