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Quicksilver Audio Silver 88 Amplifier
Operating Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the Quicksilver Audio Silver 88 Amplifiers. These amplifiers have been
engineered to have a very wide bandwidth, extremely low distortion and superior dynamic range.
The output transformer used in this amplifier is based on the best designs of the past but uses superior new
materials to achieve a very high level of performance. The high frequency characteristics of this transformer
are so stable that any type of loudspeaker may be used.
This is an all tube design and uses no circuit boards or transistors.
PLACEMENT
The Silver 88 Mono Amplifiers should have at least 6 inches of ventilation space on either side
and at least 6 inches above them. If this is not possible, then use a fan for cooling.
SPEAKER CONNECTION
Gold plated 5 way binding posts are used for speaker connection because of their sonic
performance. Placing the amp directly behind the speaker with a very short speaker wire will
further improve the performance. The connection to the 4 or 8 ohm tap will be determined by the
rating on the back of your speaker system. The C terminal should be connected to the common,
ground, or negative terminal of your speaker.
IEC connector
4 C 8
Input
100K
Fuse
4 amp
115 watts idle
290 watts max
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Your Mono Amplifiers come with three pronged grounded AC plugs. In some systems, where the
preamp is also grounded, a ground loop may appear as a low level hum. Plugging the amplifiers
and the preamp into the same AC outlet will usually take care of this problem.
4 AMP SLO-BLO FUSE
Standard fuse value must not be exceeded. If a fuse blows, replace and turn amp back on. Check
the bias on each output tube. If the bias on one tube has changed by a large margin or there is no
bias, then that tube is probably bad and should be replaced. If the output tubes appear to be okay,
then the cause of the fuse blowing may be due to poor system grounding, unstable preamp,
shorted speaker, etc. Interchanging the amps between channels will help localize the problem to
either the system or the amplifier.
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TUBES
The 12AX7 and 12BH7 input tubes are chosen for their specific performance characteristics and
should last several years or many thousands of hours. We can only guarantee the performance of
this unit when used with input tubes supplied by Quicksilver.
Each Silver 88 Amplifier is shipped with 2 matched KT88 output tubes. Best performance will
result when both tubes are matched by Quicksilver Audio.
Output tubes will need to be replaced periodically. When a degradation in sound occurs or the
fuse blows repeatedly, it is time for new output tubes. We recommend purchasing tubes from
Quicksilver Audio or your dealer, and we recommend keeping an extra output tube on hand in
the event that one fails.
OUTPUT TUBE BIAS SETTING
Output tube bias should be set immediately when new tubes are put in; then again in 15 minutes;
and periodically the first few times of using the amplifiers. After that the bias should be checked
monthly.
Recommended bias is 40 ma and should be set the same for both outut tubes. Do not adjust the
bias while music is playing as meter damage could result.
Bias controls are behind each tube. To check the bias push the button in front of the tube you want
to check and note the reading on the meter. Each tube corresponds to the black button nearest it.
The amp may sound a little better with higher than 40 ma bias on some speakers and lower than
40 ma bias on others, however the bias should always be the same on each output tube.
To adjust the bias you will need a slot-head screwdriver. Adjust by turning clockwise to increase
bias; counterclockwise to decrease bias. Do this for each of the two output tubes. The two controls
interact so each control will need to be adjusted several times. Actual bias is shown on the bias
meter. Tube biases should be checked individually.
IEC
Bias Meter
4 AMP
CONNECTOR
Bias Adjustment
INPUT
SPEAKER
TERMINALS
12AX7
Push to read meter
OUTPUT TUBES: MATCHED PAIRS OF KT90 or KT88
BLUE
INDICATOR
POWER SWITCH
shown in
12BH7
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Quicksilver Audio Silver 88 AmplifierQuicksilver Audio Silver 88 Amplifier
Quicksilver Audio Silver 88 Amplifier
Quicksilver Audio Silver 88 AmplifierQuicksilver Audio Silver 88 Amplifier
SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS
Power Output 80 watts into 4 or 8 ohms
from 20 Hz to 20 KHZ
Power Bandwidth 13 Hz to 80 KHz
Input Sensitivity 1.0 volt
Input Impedance 100 K ohms
Damping Factor 15
IM Distortion 1% or less at 80 watts
Power Consumption 115 watts at idle
290 watts at full power
Dimensions 15“ wide x 9 3/4” deep
x 6 1/2' high
Finish Chrome chassis
Carbide black transformer cover
Weight 38 lbs., 42 lbs. shipping
Tube Complement 1 - 12AX7, 1 - 12BH7
2 - KT88 or KT90
Warranty 3 years parts and labor
Tubes 90 days
WARNING: This device has very high internal voltages. Never operate with the bottom
removed! Never operate your amplifers with the speakers disconnected. To prolong the life
of your amplifiers, never turn them on and off within a short period of time (45 seconds.)
WARRANTY
Quicksilver Audio warranties your amplifiers for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase
(90 days on tubes.) Parts and labor are provided free of charge as long as the failure was not
caused by misuse, accident or negligence. Shipping to the factory is not included.
Retain at least one packing carton in case a unit needs to be returned for service.
Quicksilver Audio
4119 Coronado Ave. #8
Stockton, CA 95204
(209)957-6640 / Fax 957-6641
email: [email protected]
www.quicksilveraudio.com
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