Octave Super Black Box User manual

Super Black Box

Description
OCTAVE, with the Black Box technology, offers an instrument to
optimizing the OCTAVE amplifier in respect to the speaker. This
flexibility is a unique feature of the OCTAVE brand.
The dynamic and tonal stability of an amplifier is strongly dependent
upon the stability and capacity of the power supply, therefore the
Black Box and Super Black Box were developed as external up-
grades to the OCTAVE amplifiers’ power supply storage capacitors
by increasing their capacitance by a factor of 4 (Black Box) or 10
(Super Black Box), respectively. This is a tremendous benefit if the
speaker is difficult to drive. Loudspeaker efficiency is made less criti-
cal, while the amplifier is enabled to handle speakers with minimum
impedances as low as 2 Ohms.
The power supply capacitance increase realized via use of the Black
Box or Super Black Box stabilizes current delivery and reduces the
impedance interaction of the load. This improves dynamic range,
separation, depth, soundstage size and articulation, rendering the
musical reproduction clearer throughout the entire frequency range.
The amplifier remains unaffected by mains variations and interfer-
ences due to the noise filtering characteristics of the capacitors.
Operation

Blue power LED
The blue "power" LED illuminates when the power amplifier (or
integrated amplifier) is switched on via the amplifier's power
on/off switch.
Yellow unload LED
The yellow "unload" LED (discharge control circuit) illuminates
for approximately two seconds after switch-off, and also when
the electronic protection is activated and when the V 40 SE is
powered down with Ecomode on. The Super Black Box is
equipped with a rapid discharge circuit, which discharges the
unit's electrolytics. The yellow LED indicates that that this
procedure is taking place. The discharge circuit also activates
if the SBB connecting cable is accidentally removed. This is to
prevent the SBB maintaining its charge when it has not been
properly disconnected.
Connecting to the amplifier
Warning! Before connecting the Super Black Box, make sure
that the power amplifier is switched off via its on/off switch or
disconnect the plug from the wall outlet.
When inserting the connector, guide the anti-rotation lug
carefully into the mating recess in the socket.
N.B. The LED on the Super Black Box extinguishes when the
amplifier's electronic protection circuitry is activated, as the
protection circuitry shuts off the power to the amplifier.
Safety instructions and partnering amplifiers
Do not open the case
Because of the dangerously high voltages inside this unit, only
qualified personnel should open the case.
Location
OCTAVE equipment is designed strictly for use in a dry
domestic environment. Do not use it in the open air or in damp
environments! Never place plants or liquid-filled containers on
the equipment. Care should be taken to avoid objects falling
into or liquids being spilled into the case. Should this happen,
remove the mains plug immediately and have your amplifier
checked by a qualified service technician.

Partnering amplifiers
1. Use with OCTAVE equipment built before 1998:
Because the discharge feature is not compatible with older OCTAVE
products, the Unload LED will not illuminate. Furthermore, you may
hear a "pop" through the loudspeakers 30 or 40 seconds after
switching off. Both of these occurrences are normal and present no
danger to persons, amplifiers or speakers. Should you accidentally
disconnect the SBB while the amplifier is on, do not touch the pins on
the SBB connecting plus, as these will remain live for approximately
30 minutes!
2. Using the Super Black Box with the V 70:
Older V70 must be upgraded before it can be used with the SBB. V
70 models from September 2005 on already incorporate the
upgrade. The presence of the upgrade is denoted by the code "ESB"
below the serial number.
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions: (Width x height x depth)
= 203 x 159 x 320 mm
Weight: 7.5 kg
Connection cable: 80 cm
Longer lengths available upon request
This instructions you can also find in the
owner's manual of your amplifier.
OCTAVE Audio, Germany
www.octave.de