Soundstream Technologies PICASSO User Manual

REFERENCE Class A

PICASSOPICASSO

4/3/2 Channel

Power Amplifier

OWNERS MANUAL AND

INSTALLATION GUIDE

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CONGRATULATIONS!

You now own the REFERENCE Class A PICASSOPICASSO Amplifier, the most musical amplifier ever
created for the 12 volt environment. Your Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO
amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.

To maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you thoroughly acquaint
yourself with its capabilities and features. Please retain this manual and your sales and
installation receipts for future reference.

Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American craftsmanship and the highest quality
control standards, and when properly installed, will provide you with many years of listening
pleasure. Should your amplifier ever need service or replacement due to theft, please record
the following information, which will help protect your investment.

Serial # _____________________________________________
Dealer’s Name _______________________________________
Date of Purchase _____________________________________
Installation Shop ______________________________________
Installation Date ______________________________________

CAUTION!

Prolonged listening at high levels may result in hearing loss. Even
though your new Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier

sounds better than anything you’ve ever heard, exercise caution to

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Design Features ........................................................................................................4 - 5

REFERENCE Class A PICASSO Diagram .....................................................................6 - 7

Selecting Input Modes ...................................................................................................8

Balanced / Unbalanced Input .........................................................................................9

Wiring (with Diagram) ..................................................................................................10

Installation and Mounting .............................................................................................11

Level Setting ................................................................................................................12

System Installation Diagrams .................................................................................13 -17

Protection Circuitry .......................................................................................................18

Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................18

Service .........................................................................................................................19

Specifications ...............................................................................................................19

ATTENTION!

Your new Soundstream REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier is a purist, high-fidelity
amplifier designed to maximize the performance of 4 or 2 ohm component loudspeakers.

Do not waste its musicality trying to drive subwoofers. For high-current, low impedance

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DESIGN FEATURES

• Audiophile Circuit Topology - The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO is designed with the

shortest signal path possible, resulting in the most sonically transparent amplifier
Soundstream has ever built!

• 2 ohm Satellite Drive Ability - The REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier is designed to

drive satellite speaker loads down to 2 ohm stereo (4 ohm mono).

• Esoteric Quality Components including polypropelene capacitors in the signal path, and

high performance monolithic dual ultra-low noise precision operational amplifiers to ensure
the fullest, clearest musical reproduction possible.

• Pure Class A® Output Topology for the utmost in musicality and definitive power output.

Soundstream's unique design allows the REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier to deliver
incomparable sonics.

• Uncompromising Design and Construction including mil-spec glass epoxy circuit boards

and high current custom gold-plated solid brass connections that will accept up to 4 gauge
power/ground wire.

• Coherent Stereo

for simultaneous stereo and mono.

• Chassisink

TM

incorporates multiple output transistors instead of a few for faster, stronger power delivery.
The transistors are sandwiched between the circuit board and the heatsink in a design called
ChassisinkTM to ensure cool, efficient amplifier operation.

TM

/Mixed Mono selection for either “pure” stereo operation or mixed mono

Darlington Power Array - Soundstream’s “overbuilding” of the output section

• PowerGrid Power Supply Design - All power supply components are located near one

another, connected by thick, wide PCB traces, which ensures rapid, high current delivery.
The entire power supply is isolated on one side of the circuit board while the audio stage is
located opposite it, guaranteeing minimal noise.

• Ultra-Low ESR Capacitance Bank - Multiple small input power capacitors are used to

provide a lower ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), which means more power in and out

faster.

• Smart Thermal Rollback - Most amplifiers shut off when they get too hot. In the unlikely

event the REFERENCE Class A PICASSO amplifier reaches 85° C, it will gradually roll back its
average power (without affecting the dynamics). Once the amplifier has cooled off, it returns

to full power output. If overheating should continue, a second thermal sensing protection
circuit will shut off the amplifier if the heatsink reaches 95° C.

• Unregulated Power Supply - 4 ohm power ratings are measured at 12 volts, meaning

substantially greater output in the real world when the vehicle is running, where voltages

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range from 13.2 to 14.4 volts.

• Fault Monitor LED on the top panel notifies you of blown power supply fuses.

• Dual Discrete Class A Drive Stages - Over six times the drive current of most amps, which

maintains performance into low impedance loads.

• Drive Delay

TM

Muted Turn-on/off Circuit - A unique circuit which completely eliminates any

amplifier-related turn-on/off noises.

• Flexible Dual Input Level Sensitivity accepts 2 voltage ranges; from 200 mV to 2.0 V and

from 500 mV to 5.0 V, permitting maximum output from the amplifier with virtually any source
unit.

• Differential Balanced Input Design for added immunity to noise caused by component and

vehicle electrical system interaction.

• Discrete Matched Pair True Balanced Input for professional-quality performance and noise

cancellation. The 6-pin din plug carries (+) and (-) Signal information for Left and Right
channels, audio ground, and ±15 Vdc to operate the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line
Transmitter.

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PICASSOPICASSO

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