Samson 170 User Manual
OWNERS MANUAL
STEREO
AMPLIFIER
SERVO 170/260/550
®
Introduction 3
System Features 4
Guided Tour 5
Servo-550 Front Panel 5
Servo-550 Rear Panel 6
Servo-260 / Servo-170 Front Panel 7
Servo-260 / Servo-170 Rear Panel 8
Setting Up and Using the Servo Amplifier 9
Suggested Applications 10
Appendix A: Compatible Studio Nearfield Monitors 11
Appendix B:
Linearity and THD vs. Frequency Sweep 12
Appendix C: Power Output vs. THD 13
Appendix D:
The Servo Amplifier Protection Circuitry 14
Appendix E: Bridged Mono Mode 15
Specifications 16
3
Congratulations on purchasing the Samson Servo Amplifier! Although designed
for easy operation, we suggest you first take some time to go through these
pages so you can fully understand how we’ve implemented a number of unique
features.
The Servo Amplifier is a stereo power amplifier which is optimized for use in
both professional and project recording studio environments as well as for live
performance. This manual covers three models, which differ primarily in terms
of the power they provide: the Servo-550, which delivers 275 watts of power per
channel (into 4 ohms); the Servo-260, which delivers 130 watts of power per
channel (into 4 ohms); and the Servo-170, which delivers 85 watts of power per
channel (into 4 ohms). In addition, the Servo-550 provides a mono bridging
switch and a binding post (banana jack) output connector. All Servo Amplifier
models can be used in a variety of applications, including powering studio
nearfield or performance stage monitors, providing amplification for small and
medium-sized public address systems, driving small and medium bi-amped and
tri-amped speaker systems, as an extension to a home hi-fi system, and as the
main amplifier in installations such as classrooms and corporate conference
rooms.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the many features of your
Servo Amplifier, as well as a guided tour through its front and rear panels,
step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, reference appendices, and full
specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to
fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive online technical support and so we
can send you updated information about these and other Samson products in
the future.
SPECIAL NOTE: Should your unit ever require servicing, a
Return Authorization
number (RA) is necessary. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted.
Please call Samson at 1-800-372-6766 for a Return Authorization number prior
to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if
possible, return the unit in its original carton and packing materials.
Introduction
4
System Features
The Samson Servo Amplifier utilizes the latest technology in professional power
amplifier design. Here are some of its main features:
• The Servo-550 model delivers 275 watts (into 4 ohms) of power per side.
The Servo-260 model delivers 130 watts (into 4 ohms) of power per side.
The Servo-170 model delivers 85 watts (into 4 ohms) of power per side.
• Optimized for usage in professional and project recording studios as well as
live performance, the Servo Amplifier boasts specifications (such as 0.03%
THD, S/N of 103 dB, crosstalk of 83 dB, and frequency response of 20 Hz to
50 kHz) that ensure ultra-clean sound quality in
any environment.
• Unique bipolar circuit design that continuously keeps DC output during idling
at or near 0 volts (thus keeping idle speakers at their 0 point). This serves to
minimize heat overload problems by effectively preventing the Servo
Amplifier from applying power when unnecessary.
• Protection relay circuitry (linked to the DC offset circuitry) that prevents
“thumps” when powering on or off. This means that you can use the Servo
Amplifier with a single power strip into which a mixer or other audio devices
are connected, without danger of damage to connected speakers.
• The incorporation of high-current output power transistors that provide
power to spare.
• Front-panel Clip, Idle and Protection lights that show you at a glance the
status of the Servo Amplifier. To help you avoid overload
before it occurs,
the Clip light goes on whenever the input signal rises to a distortion level
above .03% THD.
• Independent left and right Channel Input controls, with 41-position detents.
• The Servo-550 provides electronically balanced 1/4" input connector jacks,
while the Servo-260 and Servo-170 provide both balanced 1/4" input
connector jacks and unbalanced RCA input jacks. All three models feature
unbalanced 1/4" output jacks as well as binding post (in the Servo-550) or
push-spring (in the Servo-260 and Servo-170) output connectors.
• Rugged construction (an all-steel chassis with a lightweight anodized
aluminum heat sink) makes the Servo Amplifier eminently roadworthy.
• Flexible design allows the Servo Amplifier to be used free-standing or
mounted in any standard 19" rack (the Servo-260 and Servo-170 models
take only two rack spaces, while the Servo-550 requires just three).
Guided Tour - Servo-550 Front Panel
1: Power switch - Use this to power the Servo Amplifier on or off.
2: Channel input controls (left/right) - These 41-position knobs allow you to
adjust the input level of the signal arriving at the rear-panel input jacks. At the
fully counterclockwise position (labeled “∞”), the signal is infinitely attenuated
(completely off). At the fully clockwise position (labeled “MAX”), the signal is at
unity gain (that is, no attenuation). When 0 dBu of signal arrives at the input
jacks and the Channel Input controls are set to their “MAX” position, the Servo
Amplifier delivers full power output.
3: Protection light - This light goes on for approximately five seconds whenever the Servo Amplifier is powered on and fades slowly when the amp is powered off. When lit, 0 volts DC are provided to all connected speakers, thus muting them and preventing any “thump” from occurring. For a complete description
of the conditions under which this light goes on, see Appendix D (“The Servo
Amplifier Protection Circuitry”) on page 12 of this manual.
4: Clip lights (left/right) - These lights go on whenever the signal being input to
the corresponding channel rises to a distortion level above .03% THD.
5: Idle lights (left/right) - These lights go on whenever signal is present at the
corresponding input. They go off when no signal is present.
5
4
CLIP
SAMSON
STUDIO AMPLIFIER 275 WATT STEREO
IDLE
∞
MAX
SERVO - 550
3
PROTECTION
POWER
52 1
4
CLIP
IDLE
∞
5 2
MAX
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