APART Champ - 4 User manual

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MANUAL
Champ - 4
MANUAL
Professional quad power amplier

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• Caution: hot and sharp surfaces ! This professional device needs to be installed by
qualied personnel only.
Please check the carton box for any kind of damage on reception of the goods. In case of a• damaged carton, please contact your dealer before opening the carton.
!!!! Danger !!!! Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing• loss. Individuals vary considerably to noise induced hearing loss but nearly everyone will lose
somehearingifexposedtosufcientlyintensenoiseforasufcientamountoftime.Therefore
it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound
pressurelevels,suchasthisamplier,beprotectedbyhearingprotectionwhileinstallingor
operating this unit.
• Read all documentation before operating your equipment.
Keep all documentation for future reference.• Save the carton and packing material even if the equipment has arrived in good condition.• Should you ever need to ship the unit, use only the original factory packing.• Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit.• Make sure power outlets conform to the power requirements listed on the back of the unit.• Do not use the unit if the electrical power cord is frayed or broken.• Always operate the unit with the AC ground wire connected to the electrical system ground.•
Havegaincontrolsonampliersturneddownduringpower-uptopreventspeakerdamageif• there are high signal levels at the inputs.
Donotconnecttheinputs/outputsofampliersorconsolestoanyothervoltagesource,such•
asabattery,mainssource,orpowersupply,regardlessofwhethertheamplierorconsoleis
turned on or off.
Power down & disconnect units from mains voltage before making connections.• Do not use the unit near stoves, heat registers, radiators, or other heat producing devices.•
Donotoperateequipmentonasurfaceorinanenvironmentwhichmaydistortthenormalow• of air around the unit. If the unit is used in an extremely dusty or smoky environment, the unit
should be periodically “blown free” of dust.
Do not remove the cover. Removing the cover will expose you to potentially dangerous volt-• ages.
Do not drive the inputs with a signal level higher than that required to drive equipment to full• output.
Donotruntheoutputofanyamplierbackintoanotherinput.• Do not ground the red output terminal, never connect a red output terminal to another red• output terminal.
Incaseofmal-functionthisdeviceshouldbeservicedbyqualiedservicepersonnelonly.•
Safety First!

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Customdesignedsidemountheatsinks,fourdiscreteclassABampliersinaoneunit19”• enclosure.
Switchablehighandlowpassltersforeasyandtroublefreesubwoofer/satelliteapplications.•
IntegratedAPClimitercircuitryandclipindication.Thisintelligentcircuitwillpreventharsh• distortion caused by clipping, provided that the input signal itself is not distorted of course…
what goes in, comes out.
Bridgeablepowerampliers:doubletheoutputpowerbyunitingthepowerof2ampliers.• Minimum load impedance in bridge mode is 8 ohms.
Self-supportinglowresonanceframe.Torsionfreefrontandsidepanelconstructionwith• integrated heatsink assembly.
Solidaluminumbrushedfrontpanelwithremovable19”bracketsandhandlesforuseina•
rack,noadditionalsupportneeded.Withoutthe19”bracketsitwillbeastandaloneunitin
high quality audio systems.
High power toroidal transformer.• Low impedance power supply for improved dynamic response.• Solid speaker binding posts.• 4 sets of banana screw plugs included.•
Manual contents
1. Features
2. Inputs and outputs
3. Rack mounting and wiring
4. standalone use
5. Technical specications
1. Features

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2. Inputs and outputs
1)Volumepotmeterchannel1:usethispotmetertopresetthevolume.Incasetheamplierhasbeenswitched
to bridge mode, this potmeter sets the level for bridge operation.
2)Signalledchannel1:thisledlightsupgreenwhenasufcientlystrongsignalispresentontherstchannel,
after passing the input level control. At startup, the led will light up red during a few seconds, this is perfectly
normal.Whenitlightsupredduringuse,thepowertransformerorpoweramplierisoverheatedorinprotect
modeandisshutdown.Turnoffthepower.The amplier will not turn on automatically after most error
conditions. In some cases, the user MUST turn off power, remove the overload or let it cool down and
then power on again !
3)APCactivityledchannel1:thisledlightsupwhentheAPCcircuitryisactive.TheAPCcircuitryreducesthe
gainattheinputstoguaranteethefulldynamicrangeofthepowerampliercircuits,withoutallowingany
harsh distortion.
4)Clipledchannel1:thisledlightsupwhenevertheamplierclips.Thisisawarningsign:youarepushing
things a little too far or you are overloading the amp. Reduce the input level by a few dB so that this led never
lights up anymore !
5)Bridgeled:thisledlightsuptoindicatethattheamplierisinbridgemode.
6)Signalledchannel2:thisledlightsupgreenwhenasufcientlystrongsignalispresentontheleftchannel,
after passing the input level control. At startup, the led will light up red during a few seconds, this is perfectly
normal.Whenitlightsupredduringuse,thepowertransformerorpoweramplierisoverheatedorinprotect
modeandisshutdown.Turnoffthepower.The amplier will not turn on automatically after most error
conditions. In some cases, the user MUST turn off power, remove the overload or let it cool down and
then power on again!
7)APCactivityledchannel2:thisledlightsupwhentheAPCcircuitryisactive.TheAPCcircuitryreducesthe
gainattheinputstoguaranteethefulldynamicrangeofthepowerampliercircuits.
8)Clipledchannel2:thisledlightsupwhenevertheamplierclips.Thisisawarningsign:youarepushing
things a little too far or you are overloading the amp. Reduce the input level by a few dB so that this led never
lights up anymore ! Don’t ignore this !
9)Volumepotmeterchannel2:usethispotmetertopresetthevolume.Inbridgemode,thispotmeterhasno
function.
Frontpanellayout:
1 6 7 8 9 11 16 17 18 1910
2 3 4 5 12 13 14 15

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10)Powerswitchandpowerled:iptheswitchtopowerontheamplier.Theblueledwilllightuptoindicate
that mains power is present.
11)Volumepotmeterchannel3:usethispotmetertopresetthevolume.Incasetheamplierhasbeenswitched
to bridge mode, this potmeter sets the level for bridge operation.
12)Signalledchannel3:thisledlightsupgreenwhenasufcientlystrongsignalispresentontherstchannel,
after passing the input level control. At startup, the led will light up red during a few seconds, this is perfectly
normal.Whenitlightsupredduringuse,thepowertransformerorpoweramplierisoverheatedorin
protectmodeandisshutdown.Turnoffthepower.The amplier will not turn on automatically after
most error conditions. In some cases, the user MUST turn off power and remove the overload and
then power on again !
13)APCactivityledchannel3:thisledlightsupwhentheAPCcircuitryisactive.TheAPCcircuitryreducesthe
gainattheinputstoguaranteethefulldynamicrangeofthepowerampliercircuits.
14)Clipledchannel3:thisledlightsupwhenevertheamplierclips.Thisisawarningsign:youarepushing
things a little too far or you are overloading the amp. Reduce the input level by a few dB so that this led
never lights up anymore ! Don’t ignore this !
15)Bridgeled:thisledlightsuptoindicatethattheamplierisinbridgemode.
16)Signalledchannel4:thisledlightsupgreenwhenasufcientlystrongsignalispresentontheleftchannel,
after passing the input level control. At startup, the led will light up red during a few seconds, this is perfectly
normal.Whenitlightsupredduringuse,thepowertransformerorpoweramplierisoverheatedorin
protectmodeandisshutdown.Turnoffthepower.The amplier will not turn on automatically after
most error conditions. In some cases, the user MUST turn off power and remove the overload and
then power on again !
17)APCactivityledchannel4:thisledlightsupwhentheAPCcircuitryisactive.TheAPCcircuitryreducesthe
gainattheinputstoguaranteethefulldynamicrangeofthepowerampliercircuits.
18)Clipledchannel4:thisledlightsupwhenevertheamplierclips.Thisisawarningsign:youarepushing
things a little too far or you are overloading the amp. Reduce the input level by a few dB so that this led
never lights up anymore ! Don’t ignore this !
19)Volumepotmeterchannel4:usethispotmetertopresetthevolume.Inbridgemode,thispotmeterhasno
function.
Note : signal leds 2, 6 , 12 and 16 have multiple functions: during the rst few seconds of startup they
light up red, this is perfectly normal. When a strong audio signal is present on the amplier circuit,
the leds light up green. When an error occurs during operation, they will turn red to indicate an error
condition and the speaker relays will switch off automatically. Possible causes can be : amplier error
or DC on the output, amplier overheat or transformer* overheat. In such cases, remove the error
condition or overload and wait until the unit has cooled down before powering on again.
*Incasethetransformerisoverheated,itmaytakealongtimebeforetheamplierhascooleddownsufciently.
Insuchcases,youmayhaveoverloadedtheampliertoomuch.Powerofftheamplierimmediately,correctthe
errorandwaituntiltheamplierhascooleddown.

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1)Channel4unbalancedinputoncinchconnectors:usethetoporbottomcinchconnectortoapplyan
unbalancedsignalonchannel4.Theseconnectorsarewiredinparallel,thismeansyoucanusethesecond
connector as a signal link connector.
2)Channel3unbalancedinputoncinchconnectors:usethetoporbottomcinchconnectortoapplyan
unbalancedsignalonchannel3.Theseconnectorsarewiredinparallel,thismeansyoucanusethesecond
connector as a signal link connector. In case of bridge operation of channel 3 and 4, use this connector and
leave channel 4 input unused.
3)Modeswitch:enablestoswitchtonormal2channelstereooperation,2channelsmixedandeachplaying
this mono mix, or single channel bridge mode. In case of bridge mode, only the channel 3 volume control is
used.Thisisindicatedbythebridgeledonthefrontpanel.
4)Groundliftswitch:usethisswitchtoliftorconnectaudiogroundtosafetyground.Thiscanbeusefullincase
of hum.
5)To pswitch:whenpushedin,anactivehighpasslterat100Hz,12dB/octaveisappliedtochannels3and4,
when not pushed in, channels 3 and 4 operate as full range channels.
6)Channel4speakerbindingpost:thisconnectoracceptsspeakercableaswellas4mmbananaplugs.
Remove the protective cover from the middle of the red/black binding post in case you want to use banana
plugs. For bridge mode applications, you MUST use the red binding posts only: channel 4 red plug is
bridge mode negative speaker connector.
7)Channel3speakerbindingpost:thisconnectoracceptsspeakercableaswellas4mmbananaplugs.
Remove the protective cover from the middle of the red/black binding post in case you want to use banana
plugs. For bridge mode applications, you MUST use the red binding posts only: channel 3 red plug is
bridge mode positive speaker connector.
8)Mainscableconnector:plugthemainscableconnectorhere,thissocketalsocontainsamainsfuseholder.
Replace this fuse only with the type as indicated on the rear panel.
9)Channel2speakerbindingpost:thisconnectoracceptsspeakercableaswellas4mmbananaplugs.
Remove the protective cover from the middle of the red/black binding post in case you want to use banana
plugs. For bridge mode applications, you MUST use the red binding posts only: channel 2 red plug is
bridge mode negative speaker connector.
Rearpanellayout:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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10. Channel1speakerbindingpost:thisconnectoracceptsspeakercableaswellas4mmbananaplugs.
Remove the protective cover from the middle of the red/black binding post in case you want to use banana
plugs. For bridge mode applications, you MUST use the red binding posts only: channel 1 red plug is
bridge mode positive speaker connector.
11. Withthisswitch,youcanacivate/deactivatetheintegratedsubwooferltercircuitry.Standardcrossover
frequencyislowpassat100Hz.Thepositionmarked‘AP’hasbeenoptimizedforusewithoptionallyavailable
APart-audiopassivesubwoofers.
12. Modeswitch:enablestoswitchtonormal2channelstereooperation,2channelmixed(mono)operationor
singlechannelbridgemode.Incaseofbridgemode,onlythechannel1volumecontrolisused.Thisisindicated
by the bridge led on the front panel.
13. Channel2unbalancedinputoncinchconnectors:usethetoporbottomcinchconnectortoapplyan
unbalancedsignalonchannel2.Theseconnectorsarewiredinparallel,thismeansyoucanusethesecond
connector as a signal link connector.
14. Channel1unbalancedinputoncinchconnectors:usethetoporbottomcinchconnectortoapplyan
unbalancedsignalonchannel1.Theseconnectorsarewiredinparallel,thismeansyoucanusethesecond
connectorasasignallinkconnector.Incaseofbridgeoperationofchannel1and2,usethisconnectorand
leavechannel2inputunused.
What is bridge mode ?
In bridge mode, you can unite the power of 2 small ampliers into 1 giant amp.
The resulting power usually is more than double the power of both ampliers used
individually with the same load. There is a simple reason for this power boost:
because the speaker load is wired to the channel’s positive (hot) connectors, the
ampliers ‘feel’ half of the actual speaker’s impedance. This means that, despite
the fact that you connect for example an 8 ohm speaker, the amp thinks there is a 4
ohm load, resulting in higher power output per amplier, and since both ampliers
work in bridge mode, this increased power is doubled. As a result, the minimum load
impedance in bridge mode is limited to 8 ohms, because every amplier only ‘feels’
half of this impedance. Set the speaker impedance selector of channel 1 to the 4-8
ohms position for 8 ohms(or higher) loads in bridge mode.

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Champ-4canbemountedina19”rack,takinguponly1rackspace.Alwaysallowagoodairow
aroundtheamplier’sfront,rear,side,topandbottom.Wheninstallinginarackwithmultiple
audio devices, it is compulsory to leave one rack space between units. Fill the empty rack
spaceswithmeshedblindpanelsforimprovedventilation.Nevermounttheamplierinasealed
cabinet,unlessadequateforcedventilationisprovided.Theampliermaynotbeabletomeetthe
specicationswheninstalledinapoorlyventilatedenvironment.Supporttheunitattherearwhen
installing in a rack!
Always remember: excessive heat is one of your amplier’s biggest enemies!
3. Rack mounting and wiring
When wiring an audio rack, it is a good installation practice to route all AC wiring
along one side of the rack and all audio wiring along the other side to avoid coupling
mains cable interference into the audio path. Please use only high quality signal
and speaker cables and connectors. Pay special attention to avoiding ground loops
when installing audio devices in metal racks, use special insulating rack mounting
hardware, such as the so called ‘humfrees’. This mounting hardware will make sure
that several devices mounted in a rack will be electrically isolated from the rack, and
thus are a great help in avoiding ground loops. Any damage caused by user induced
ground loops are not covered by warranty! Ground loops can cause hum or other
strange side effects that will affect stable and safe operation of audio hardware and
peripheral devices. Ground loops are often created by connecting tuners to cable
distribution sockets. Always use a RF isolating transformer whenever there is a cable
signal tuner or digital TV tuner in the audio path!
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It is possible to integrate Champ-4 in a high quality audio chain. In order to adapt the front panel
dimensionstothedimensionsofotherequipment,itispossibletoremovethe19”bracketsand
handlesforanevenmoresleekandrenedlook.
Remove the two screws marked in red circles and slide off the handles.
4. Stand alone use
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5. Technical specifications
Bridge-mono operation 8 ohm 130 W
4 channel mode 8 ohm 60 W / ch
4 channel mode 4 ohm 80 W / ch
Sine wave power, both channels driven (not recommended, for reference only)
This amplier is designed for an audiophile music experience, not for lab testing!
RATEDOUTPUTPOWER,BOTHCHANNELSDRIVEN:
GENERALTECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS:
Input impedance / sensitivity unbalanced (RCA) / 4
ohm 10 KOhm / 1 V 0dBV
Frequency response (0, -0.5 dB) 20 Hz – 40 KHz
THD < 0.1 %
IMD < 0.15 %
Noise >100 dBA
Gain 26 dB (32 dB in bridged mode)
Damping factor >100
Dynamics and level control APC limiter
Protection circuits DC, clip, overcurrent, short-circuit
Active lter channel 1 and 2 ‘100’ position lowpass at 100Hz/12 dB/oct
Active lter channel 1 and 2 ‘AP’ position APart-audio specic lter characteristic optimized for
APart-audio passive subs
Active lter channels 3 and 4 highpass at 100Hz/12 dB/oct
Temperature protection 90°C/ch + transformer 105°C
Cooling convectional, no fan
Power consumption 26 VA idle, 400VA full program
Mains power requirements 230VAC, 50-60Hz
dynamics program power, all channels driven
bridge-mono operation 8 ohm 230 W
8 ohm / ch 75 W
4 channel mode 4 ohm 125 W
dynamics capacity at 2* ohm / single ch 180 W
* this value represents the dynamics at impedance dips at certain frequencies of some speakers,
* this amplier is NOT designed to drive full 2 ohm loads (example 2 or 3 speakers of 8 ohm in parallel)

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PHYSICALSPECIFICATIONS:
Net dimensions (cm) (W x H x D) 48.3 x 4.4 x 36
Gross dimensions (cm) (W x H x D) 56 x 10 x 55
Net weight 7.5 kg
Gross weight 9.0 kg
APart-Audio warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period
of one* year for parts and for a period of one* year for labor from the date of original end-user
purchase. This warranty is valid only for the original end-user and cannot be transferred.
During the warranty period APart-Audio orone of its authorized service partners shall either repair
or replace any product, free of charge, that proves to be defective on inspection by APart-Audio or
its authorized service representative.
All warranty claims must be accompanied by a detailed description of the problem. All returns
must be sent to APart-Audio or an authorized APart-Audio repair centre, postage prepaid, insured
and properly packaged. Proof of purchase must be presented in the form of a valid invoice or
some other positive proof that the product is within the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover any defects caused by faulty installation, damage due to abuse,
neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel, system mismatch, insufcient
maintenance or any damage caused by excessive mechanical stress and is strictly limited to
failures arising during normal use that are due to defects in material or workmanship in the
product.
Under no circumstance, APart-Audio or one of its service centres can be held responsible for the
loss of data caused by a repair or exchange operation.
APart-Audio reserves the right to change or improve the design and/or specication of the product
at any time without prior notice.
*warranty period may be different for your country. Please consult your local dealer.
APart-Audio general warranty conditions:

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ANY SUGGESTION?
They are well appreciated and eventually rewarded!
Send your ideas or suggestions to
[email protected]
CHAMP-4 is developed by
Audioprof nv
Lanteernhofstraat 90
BE-2100 Deurne
BELGIUM
Company names, product names, and names of formats etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
© 2009 APart-Audio specifications subject to change without notice.