Professional Fidelity

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Performer s1200. The Performer s1200 is the big brother of the highly acclaimed Performer s800 and delivers 2 x 550 W into 2 ohms, 2 x 520 W into 4 ohms and 2 x 300 W into 8 ohms with ease. VOLTAIR Technology, also known as SPL 120V Technology within the Professional Fidelity series, makes the Performer s1200 an outstanding device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, and headroom, delivering an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparency, and realness.

Front View: Depicts the front panel of the Performer s1200, featuring the SPL logo on an ornamental inlay. Controls and indicators include: Power LED (1), Temperature LED (2), Protection LED (3), and Ornamental Inlay (4).

Rear View: Shows the rear panel with various connections and controls. Key elements include: Mains Voltage (5), Mains Switch (6), Input (7) with Input Select (8) for XLR/RCA, Gain Trim (9), AMP CTL (10), and Speaker Outputs (11). It also details XLR wiring, fuse information, voltage selection, and safety warnings (CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN).

Getting Started

Read thoroughly and follow the instructions as well as the security advices of the Quickstart, which is enclosed in the scope of delivery. You can also download the Quickstart [here](link_to_quickstart_if_available).

Navigation is available via dedicated buttons: Pressing the [I] button accesses the table of contents. Pressing the [F] button displays the front view. Pressing the [R] button shows the rear view. Pressing the [back arrow] button returns to the previous content.

VOLTAIR – 120V Technology

VOLTAIR is the synonym for our 120V Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. The audio signals are processed with an unequalled +/-60V DC, which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and four times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers. VOLTAIR Technology achieves outstanding technical and sonic performances, particularly in dynamic range and headroom, and sonically in reproducing the finest details, delivering a totally relaxed sounding audio experience where music sounds absolutely natural.

Note: SPL's 120V Technology refers to the internal audio processing voltage (+/- 60V DC) and should not be confused with the external mains voltage (e.g., 115V or 230V AC).

Comparisons

These diagrams illustrate how VOLTAIR Technology compares to other circuits. The relationship between operating level and maximum level is crucial for classification; a higher operating level allows a circuit to handle a higher maximum level. This directly impacts acoustic and musical parameters such as dynamic range, distortion limit, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Operating Voltage Comparison: A bar chart shows operating voltages of +/-15 Volt versus +/-60 Volt.

Dynamic Range Comparison: A bar chart compares the dynamic range in dB. OPA 134@30V shows 124.2 dB, while SPL-OP@120V shows 141.4 dB.

Max. Audio Level Comparison: A bar chart displays maximum audio levels in dBu. OPA 134@30V is 21.5 dBu, and SPL-OP@120V is 33.2 dBu.

THD&N Comparison: A bar chart shows Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD&N) in dBu. TL071@30V is -106 dBu, and SPL-OP@120V is -114.2 dBu.

Note on dB Scales: dB scales represent exponential increases. A 3 dB increase doubles acoustic power, +6 dB doubles sound pressure level, and +10 dB doubles perceived loudness. VOLTAIR Technology offers approximately 12 dB higher values for maximum level and dynamic range compared to common components. THD measurements show an improvement of over 8 dB compared to the TL071 at 30V, translating to over 130% improvement in sound pressure level.

Ornamental Inlays

The Performer s1200 is supplied with three ornamental inlays: black, red, and silver. These can be combined with the main front panel color. A neodymium magnet secures the inlay, allowing for easy exchange and customization of the amplifier's appearance.

Inlay Combinations: Visual examples are provided for combinations with basic colors red, silver, and black.

Inputs

The Performer s1200 features XLR inputs (7) for balanced connections and RCA connectors for unbalanced connections to a preamp. Full output power (2 x 550 W RMS into 2 ohms, 2 x 520 W RMS into 4 ohms, or 2 x 300 W RMS into 8 ohms) is achieved at +6 dBu at the input.

Input Connector Diagram: Shows an XLR input socket labeled 'INPUT LEFT'.

Input Select and Gain Trim

Input Select

The Input Select switch (8) allows switching the input source between XLR or RCA. Both cannot be used simultaneously.

Gain Trim

The Gain Trim switch (9) allows adjusting the input level from 0 dB down to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps. This feature is useful for matching speakers with different efficiencies to achieve equal loudness, particularly in multi-speaker setups or bi-wiring configurations.

Input Select and Gain Trim Controls: Depicts the rear panel controls for Input Select (XLR/RCA) and Gain Trim, showing a rotary knob with markings for gain adjustment from 0 to -5.5 dB.

Speaker Outputs

You can connect 2, 4, or 8 ohm loudspeakers to the Speaker outputs (11). These outputs support either the ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) or banana plugs on the gold-plated binding posts.

Important: Ensure correct polarity for speaker connections and always switch off the power amplifier before connecting speaker cables.

Speaker Output Terminals: Illustrates the right and left speaker output terminals, showing positive (+) and negative (-) connections, with a 2 Ohm minimum load specification.

Protection Circuits

The Performer s1200 is equipped with protection circuits to safeguard against DC (direct current) voltage at the output and against overheating.

DC Protection

If DC voltage is detected at an output, the Performer s1200 automatically switches off. DC voltage can indicate a defective power stage. The ProtectLED (3) on the front panel illuminates when this protection circuit is activated and the power stage has been switched off. The unit does not switch on automatically; it requires manual deactivation via the Mains switch (6). Wait at least one minute before switching the Performer s1200 back on. If the unit repeatedly switches off due to DC detection, contact your dealer.

Overheating Protection Circuit

The Performer s1200 utilizes active cooling with six temperature-controlled fans, though 90% of heat is dissipated passively via heat sinks. The fans operate quietly, typically at 19 dB(A). In the event of overheating, the Performer s1200 will switch off at approximately 70° C at the heat sink, indicated by the Temp LED (2) on the front. The amplifier automatically switches back on once the temperature drops below 55° C.

AMP CTL (Standby / Amplifier Control)

If you own an SPL device with AMP CTL output(s), you can trigger standby and operation modes remotely. Connect the AMP CTL output of the SPL device to the AMP CTL (10) of the Performer s1200 using a mono mini jack cable. Other 12V trigger controllers can also be used. The Performer s1200 enters operation mode when a 12 Volt DC switching voltage is applied to the AMP CTL input and returns to standby mode when the voltage is removed.

Cable Connection: Use a mono mini jack cable where the tip is positive (+) and the sleeve is negative (-).

AMP CTL Connection Diagram: Illustrates connecting the AMP CTL output of an SPL Preamplifier/DAC or a 12V Trigger to the Performer s1200 for remote power control.

Power LED

The Power LED indicates the operational status: dimly lit in standby, brightly lit during operation, and off when the mains switch is off.

Specifications

Line Input & Line Output

• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 20 kOhms
• Input trimming: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +12.5 dBu

Speaker Output

• 2 pairs gold-plated binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated

Output Power (Sine at 1kHz)

• 2 x 550 W into 2 Ohm
• 2 x 520 W into 4 Ohm
• 2 x 300 W into 8 Ohm

Output Voltage

• 160 V Peak-to-Peak
• 54.6 V RMS

Output Impedance

• < 0.031 Ohm, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Damping Factor

• > 290 at 1 kHz and 8 ohms

Frequency Response

• 10 Hz to 80 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

• > 118 dB (wide-band, unweighted, referred to full power output)
• > 123 dB (A-weighted)

Gain

• 26 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

• < 0.04% at 1 kHz, at 300 W, 8 ohms
• < 0.09% at 1 kHz, at 520 W, 4 ohms
• < 0.09% at 1 kHz, at 550 W, 2 ohms

Internal Voltage

• +/- 60 V

Power Supply

• Mains voltage: 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 6.3 A; 115 V: T 10 A
• Power consumption: max 1440 VA
• Standby power consumption: 0.3 W

Dimensions (incl. feet)

• (WxHxD) 10.94 x 8.07 x 14.76 in (278 x 205 x 375 mm)

Weight

• 55.3 lbs (25.1 kg), unit only
• 64.2 lbs (29.1 kg), shipping

Important Notes

Version 1.1 – 06/2022

Developer: Bastian Neu

This manual describes the product but offers no guarantee for specific characteristics or successful results. Unless stated otherwise, all information corresponds to the technical status at the time of delivery by SPL electronics GmbH. The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improvement; technical specifications are subject to change.

© 2022 SPL electronics GmbH. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice. SPL and the SPL Logo are registered trademarks of SPL electronics GmbH. All company names and product names in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Declaration of CE Conformity

The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community.