Perreaux Radiance R200i User manual

2
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those
expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company assumes no responsibility
for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change products or
specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment
to update the information contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual
property of Perreaux are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux
products, expressly or by implication.
Perreaux is a registered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.
Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

3
i
iiiThe Decision Making Process
In this section, our objective is to help you extract the most out of your
investment in your audio system. May we take a moment of your time
with the following suggestions.
The aim of high fidelity audio is to attempt to recreate the original
performance in its entirety via the recorded medium. To help you get to
know what various instruments really do sound like, listen to live concerts
of musical performances that you prefer. Select a few recordings of similar
performances for comparison. Your Perreaux equipment will (and the rest
of your system should) provide a precise duplication in your listening area
of the total musical performance, including the ambience of the venue in
which the recording was made.
Read
Magazines
Read hi-fi and audiovisual magazines, particularly the equipment reviews
and letters to the editor sections. Use these as a general guide only, and try
to read "between the lines". Remember no one specifically sets out to
downgrade a particular piece of equipment, so what is not included in the
review is often as important as the actual printed content.
Choose Your
Hi-Fi Dealer
Carefully
Choose your hi-fi dealer carefully; they are your professional guide.
Preferably, they should be knowledgeable about music and recording
techniques as well as the equipment itself. They should be able to provide
a total service, including installation, system "tuning" advice, problem
solving and after sales service. Frequent your dealer and listen to a variety
of equipment using recordings, which are familiar to you. Ask questions
and listen to advice, but remember to trust your own ears to tell you what
sounds right for you. If possible, listen to your equipment choice in your
own listening area before you finally make your purchase.
When deciding on your system you will need to differentiate between sales
gimmicks and cosmetic wizardry, as against practical features and
facilities. Recognise the "Christmas Tree Syndrome"- namely, the more
flashing lights and switches the better it must be. Bear in mind that you are
paying for these, and because of the necessity of careful pricing,
compromises may have been made in the internal component quality vital
for accurate sound reproduction. Each component through which the audio
signal must pass will add its own character to the music you hear, hence
the expression, "colouration". Perreaux products are carefully designed to
minimise componentry within the audio signal path. All componentry used
is of highest quality and only included when absolute necessity is
established; no component is there for a free ride or to correct for
deficiencies elsewhere in the circuitry. With Perreaux, emphasis is placed
on maximum sound quality, component and unit reliability and long life.

4
ii
iiii
ii Introducing the
Perreaux Radiance Series
The Perreaux “Radiance” series is our finest quality offering. This series
incorporates some of the highest levels of audio engineering available
today.
Key Features à Compact
à Stylish
à High-powered design
à Dual mono, linear power supply construction
à Enhanced audio design – featuring, non-invasive protection system,
full DC coupling, minimal internal wiring, non-magnetic
componentry and advanced MOSFET output stage
à Fully microprocessor controlled – featuring, high-level control,
protection and display options
à Remote controller, custom designed and built
à Phono and USB options
à Fully software upgradeable
The Perreaux “Radiance” series takes you even closer to the elusive
goal of “The Perfect Re-creation of a Musical Event”.
From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for choosing the
Perreaux Radiance Series R200i integrated amplifier.
Martin van Rooyen
Managing Director
Perreaux Industries Ltd

5
iii
iiiiii
iii Important Safety Instructions
Note: Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to operate
your Perreaux R200i integrated amplifier.
à Please disconnect your system from the mains before attempting to
connect or disconnect cables.
à Please disconnect your system from the mains before attempting to
clean your unit.
à Please keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
à Please unplug sensitive electronic equipment during electrical
storms.
à Please replace any fuse with the value and type specified.
à DO NOT disconnect the mains earth from the system.
à Avoid operating the R200i with the cover removed.
à Avoid using any liquid inside the R200i.
à Avoid restricting or blocking ventilation access for the R200i.
à DO NOT bypass any fuse.
à DO NOT attempt to repair the R200i. In the event of a problem,
please contact your Perreaux dealer.
à Avoid exposing the R200i to extremely high or low temperatures.
à DO NOT operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

6
iv
iviv
iv Table of Contents
i
ii
iThe Decision Making Process........................................................................... 3
Read Magazines .................................................................................................................3
Choose Your Hi-Fi Dealer Carefully ..............................................................................3
ii
iiii
ii Introducing the Perreaux Radiance Series.................................................... 4
Key Features........................................................................................................................4
iii
iiiiii
iii Important Safety Instructions.......................................................................... 5
iv
iviv
iv Table of Contents............................................................................................... 6
1
11
1Features at a Glance.......................................................................................... 9
Remote Controller .............................................................................................................9
Integrated Amplifier..........................................................................................................9
Optional Modules........................................................................................................... 12
2
22
2Special Design Features..................................................................................13
An Integrated Amplifier?.............................................................................................. 13
Emphasis on Size............................................................................................................. 13
Construction..................................................................................................................... 13
The User Interface .......................................................................................................... 14
Minimalist Design ........................................................................................................... 14
The Power Supplies........................................................................................................ 15
The Preamplifier Section ............................................................................................... 16
The Volume Control....................................................................................................... 17
The Output Stage ........................................................................................................... 17
Protection Functions...................................................................................................... 17
Input Configuration ....................................................................................................... 17
The Role of the Micro-Processor................................................................................. 17
3
33
3Protection Functions .......................................................................................18
External AC Supply Protection.................................................................................... 18
Maximum Volume Protection ..................................................................................... 19
Internal AC Supply Protection..................................................................................... 19
Clipping Protection ........................................................................................................ 19
Over Current Protection ............................................................................................... 20
Over Temperature Protection ..................................................................................... 20
DC Offset Protection...................................................................................................... 21
Internal Fuse Failure Protection.................................................................................. 21
Multiple Faults ................................................................................................................. 21
4
44
4Unpacking and Placement .............................................................................22
Unpacking Procedure ................................................................................................... 22
Box Contents.................................................................................................................... 23
Placing Your R200i ......................................................................................................... 23
Ventilation Requirements............................................................................................. 23

7
5
55
5Rear Panel Functions.......................................................................................24
6
66
6Front Panel Interaction...................................................................................30
Buttons .............................................................................................................................. 30
Vacuum Fluorescent Display....................................................................................... 31
7
77
7Instant Install ....................................................................................................32
8
88
8Using the Remote Controller .........................................................................34
Installation of Batteries.................................................................................................. 34
Operating the Remote Controller .............................................................................. 35
9
99
9Interacting with Your R200i...........................................................................37
Default Screen ................................................................................................................. 37
Menu Screen .................................................................................................................... 37
Menu Overview............................................................................................................... 38
Input Select....................................................................................................................... 39
Preamp Setup................................................................................................................... 40
Balance Control................................................................................................................................40
Maximum Volume ..........................................................................................................................40
Initial Volume.....................................................................................................................................41
Bypass Preamp..................................................................................................................................41
Display Setup ................................................................................................................... 42
Brightness ............................................................................................................................................42
Display Timeout................................................................................................................................43
System Setup.................................................................................................................... 43
Speaker B .............................................................................................................................................43
Energy Saver ......................................................................................................................................44
Input Labels ........................................................................................................................................45
Factory Reset......................................................................................................................................46
Factory Reset Settings....................................................................................................................47
Diagnostics ....................................................................................................................... 47
Unit Info................................................................................................................................................47
Heat Sink Temp.................................................................................................................................48
10
1010
10 Upgrading Your R200i ....................................................................................49
Optional Modules........................................................................................................... 49
11
1111
11 Maximising System Potential .........................................................................50
Interconnects and Speaker Cables ............................................................................ 50
Bi-amping.......................................................................................................................... 50
Balanced Interconnects ................................................................................................ 51
Positioning Ancillary Equipment................................................................................ 51
Loudspeaker Placement................................................................................................ 51
Matching Amplifier and Speaker Ratings................................................................. 52
Final Thoughts................................................................................................................. 52
12
1212
12 The Power MOSFET .........................................................................................53
The MOSFET..................................................................................................................... 53
Other Field Effect Devices............................................................................................ 53
Audio Applications......................................................................................................... 54
Secondary Breakdown.................................................................................................. 54

8
High Frequency Response ........................................................................................... 55
Other Advantages.......................................................................................................... 55
13
1313
13 Frequently Asked Questions .........................................................................56
14
1414
14 Care and Maintenance....................................................................................59
Cover .................................................................................................................................. 59
Front Panel and Remote Controller........................................................................... 59
15
1515
15 Faultfinding Your R200i..................................................................................60
Cause and Elimination of Hum................................................................................... 60
Identifying and Isolating Problems............................................................................ 61
Faultfinding Flowchart.................................................................................................. 64
Description of Amplifier Faults.................................................................................... 65
16
1616
16 Warranty Information and Obtaining Service............................................66
1 Year Limited Warranty............................................................................................... 66
5 Year Extended Warranty........................................................................................... 66
Warranty Transfer........................................................................................................... 66
Information on the Perreaux R200i Warranty........................................................ 66
17
1717
17 Extended Warranty Registration Form........................................................68
18
1818
18 Specifications ....................................................................................................69
Specifications in Brief..................................................................................................... 69
Preamplifier Specifications Explained........................................................................ 71
Power Amplifier Specifications Explained................................................................ 63
19
1919
19 Physical Dimensions ........................................................................................76
20
2020
20 Contact Details .................................................................................................77

9
1
11
1Features at a Glance
Remote
Controller
Fully Featured
Full control of the amplifier, and connected Perreaux Radiance series
peripherals is possible with the custom designed 36-button remote
controller.
LED Indication
Each time a key is depressed, a LED representing the selected source is
illuminated briefly. This greatly avoids confusion.
Compact and Ergonomic
Designed to sit snugly in the palm of your hand, the remote is compact,
comfortable to hold and practical to use.
Quality
The remote is constructed from high quality cast zinc and acrylic materials.
Custom Designed and Built
The remote has been custom designed and built by the Perreaux engineers
and befits the Radiance series perfectly.
Integrated
Amplifier
Integrated
By eliminating the interface between separate pre and power amplifiers and
removing concerns about impedance matching, the R200i provides a
shorter, purer signal path without costly exposed interconnect cables and
separate power cords.
Stylish
The front panel is carved from 10mm (0.39 inch) thick aluminium, and
then heavily electroplated in either a Satin or Black Chrome finish.
Particular attention has been paid to every aspect of the product styling.
All control functions and display settings are accessed from within the
central ellipse on the front panel. The cover is made from high gloss black
acrylic.
Compact
At 430mm wide x 105mm high x 340mm deep (16.9” x 4.1” x 13.4”) The
R200i is extremely compact.
Highly Powered
Capable of continuously delivering 200W into 8Ω(360W into 4Ω), the
R200i is highly powered. Utilising 6 very high current Toshiba MOSFETs
per channel, the R200i handles even the most difficult loads with ease.

10
Dual Mono Construction
Featuring dual mono construction. There are two separate toroidally
wound power supplies, rectification and smoothing sections. This
topology maintains maximum channel separation independent of load.
Dual Capacitive Smoothing
Four filter capacitors (40,000uF per channel, 80,000uF total) per channel
are coupled in parallel to reduce power supply resistance. The power
supply is extremely rigid, capable of delivering huge amounts of power
instantaneously. The result is significantly improved dynamic capabilities.
Separate Control Toroidal Power Supply
All control circuitry is supplied from a separate toroidally wound multi tap
transformer. This eliminates any risk of noise contamination through the
supply.
Large High Quality Binding Posts/Speaker B Selector
The output of the amplifier features two pairs of high quality binding posts
per channel that enables two separate zones to be controlled. Alternately at
the touch of a button they can be internally coupled, and used for bi wiring
a single pair of speakers.
Sophisticated Protection Package
The R200i features a sophisticated protection package for the amplifier and
connected load. Protection covering: supply (soft charge), clipping, over
current, over temperature, DC offset, internal AC supply, DC fuse
protection.
Non-Invasive Protection
The protection is non-invasive and therefore will not alter or degrade the
signal path
Full DC Coupling
The amplifier is fully DC coupled from the preamplifier input terminals to
the speaker binding posts.
Totally Microprocessor Controlled
All functions are managed by a powerful onboard microprocessor.
Full Information
In the event that the amplifier protects itself, the user is fully informed of
any activity via the display.
Highest-Grade Double-Sided Printed Circuit Boards
All printed circuit boards utilised within the R200i are constructed from the
highest-grade fiberglass base stock. Tracks are etched from 2oz copper.
This provides added stability under variable thermal or electrical loads and
assures maximum signal integrity, separation and product life.

11
Minimal Internal Wiring
Meticulous attention to the overall design and placement of each
component has resulted in an internal environment that is virtually devoid
of all internal wiring.
Ultra Short Signal Path
Careful attention has been paid to the signal path within the amplifier. It is
ultra short and very carefully routed to avoid power components and digital
lines.
Thermal Management System
Comprehensive thermal monitoring. Left and right heat sink temperature
(Cº) is displayed in real time on the display. These variables are utilised by
the microprocessor for individual channel over temperature monitoring and
protection.
Non-Magnetic Components Used for the Chassis and Cover
The chassis and all associated metalwork have been manufactured from
high quality grade aluminum and acrylic. These high quality non-magnetic
components negate the possibility of harmful circulating eddy currents
building up within the amplifier.
Directly Soldered Preamplifier Inputs and Outputs
Preamplifier Inputs and Outputs are directly soldered to the printed circuit
board. There are no connecting cables to increase parasitic inductance,
capacitance and resistance.
Highly Customisable
The R200i is highly user configurable. Options to assign input labels,
balance, initial volume, maximum volume, brightness, display timeout,
energy saver, speaker B and last input used, provide maximum flexibility
to the user. All user settings are retained in non-volatile EEPROM.
Home Theatre Integration
The preamplifier bypass function enables effortless integration into a home
theatre system.
Two-Volume Level Instruction Set
The R200i can be programmed with two volume level instruction sets. The
first set applies a default to the switch on volume level. The second applies
a limit to the maximum setting of the volume control.
Dual Ramp Speed Volume Control
The volume control ramps upward from 0 to 59 in approximately 10
seconds and downward from 59 to 0 in approximately 5 seconds.

12
Smart Mute
The muting function integrates seamlessly with the volume control. Under
normal conditions, depressing mute will completely attenuate the volume
control. While in mute mode the user can reduce the volume level
(volume –), so that when volume is restored it will recommence at the
reduced setting. This action will not alter the mute function. Conversely if
the volume level is increased (volume +), this instantaneously overrides
any mute action and increases the volume setting from it’s pre-mute state.
Large Format Alphanumeric Vacuum Fluorescent Display
The R200i display is a sharp and bright alphanumeric vacuum fluorescent
display (VFD) featuring a 2-line/16-character display. The software has
been utilised to provide double-height digits, a bar graph of volume, the
input currently selected and other settings and options.
Adjustable Display Lighting
The display of the R200i can be adjusted to suit ambient room conditions,
4 adjustable settings are available. Alternately the display lighting can be
switched off.
Remote On/Off
The R200i and connected peripherals can be remotely switched on and off.
Energy Saver Feature
There are 8 internal timers available that enable the amplifier to run for a
period of time then power down into standby mode. These range from 1
hour through to 2 days.
Future-Proof
Your distributor is capable of upgrading the software contained on both
amplifier and remote handset via a connected PC. This protects and future-
proofs your investment in the Perreaux R200i.
Optional
Modules
Moving Coil/Magnet Phono Stage
The R200i features a very high quality phono stage option.
USB Connection
This option facilitates the streaming of music directly from your
computer’s hard disc drive. Incorporating a very high-resolution digital to
analog converter (DAC) module, this option is designed to further enhance
your flexibility and enjoyment with the R200i.

13
2
22
2Special Design Features
An
Integrated
Amplifier?
Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest quality
audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century. Technology has
continued to evolve rapidly over that time and our knowledge and
application of design, materials and manufacturing techniques has
advanced in tandem with this. Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to
fulfilling our company’s shared vision than at any other time in the past.
The R200i has been developed to meet customer demands for compact
higher quality products. Careful attention has been taken throughout the
development phase, not to make compromises that would degrade the high
quality of reproduction that the unit is capable of delivering.
To follow is a discussion on some of the technological design features that
have been incorporated into the R200i.
Emphasis on
Size
At 430mm wide x 105mm high x 340mm deep (16.9” x 4.1” x 13.4”) it’s
low profile and small footprint ensure that the R200i can be used in almost
any environment.
Construction The milled aluminium front panel, thick black acrylic cover, functional
heat sinks and solid remote controller are all hallmarks of the Perreaux
brand.
The beautifully styled front panel is milled from solid 10mm (0.39 inch)
thick aluminium and offered in either Satin or Black Chrome electroplate
finishes. Inset within the elongated ellipse is a blue alphanumeric vacuum
fluorescent display, all functions are accessed via 5 individually backlit
push buttons.
The cover is manufactured from thick black acrylic. No cover fixing
screws are visible. A series of slots run down each side of the cover to
facilitate air ventilation.
By placing the heat sinks on the outside of the product, the R200i, they are
able to breathe freely and operate at highest efficiency.
The multifunction remote controller is small, stylish and ergonomically
designed for comfort. It is manufactured from cast zinc alloy and offered
in either Satin or Black Chrome electroplate finishes, matching the R200i
front panel.

14
The User
Interface
The user interface is a blend of minimalism, functionality and aesthetics.
Front Panel Interface.
All user interaction takes place within the ellipse. The highest level of user
interaction is assured via the 2-line/16-character alphanumeric vacuum
fluorescent display (VFD). In combination with the VFD, the five large
format buttons with backlit labels situated either side of the display,
provide the user with full interaction.
Handheld Remote Controller
The 36 button remote controller has been designed to provide complete
interaction with the R200i and other nominated Perreaux peripherals.
On account of the compactness of design, all functions are accessible with
your thumb.
Minimalist
Design
Leading British architect, John Pawson, writes:
“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection that an object
achieves when it is no longer possible to improve it by
subtraction. This is the quality that an object has when every
component, every detail, and every junction has been reduced
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of the omission
of the inessentials”.
Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an audio
design perspective only. The concept of “less equating to more” has been
at the heart of all Perreaux audio designs for more than a quarter of a
century.
Minimalist Electronics
We wish to maximise the quality of your listening pleasure by keeping the
componentry and signal path as uncluttered, short and clean possible. All
components in the signal path, even those of the highest quality have an
effect on the signal, thereby altering the quality of the reproduction in some
way. Our aim is to recreate in its entirety, the original performance by not
adding or subtracting anything, irrespective of the source.
Minimalist User Interface
We carefully study the user interface and par down the number of buttons
and associated clutter leaving just the essential and no more. How tempting
it has been over the years to loose sight of our core values as technology or
trends have made it possible. That is one of the reasons why our older
products still have such a high resale value today. The user interface has and
always will remain simple, free from adornments, clean and uncluttered.

15
Soft Start
AC
Toroid
Transformer
Rectification
Stage
Smoothing
Section To Left PA
To Right PA
Pre
Amplification
Digital
Display
Rectification
Stage
Smoothing
Section Regulation
Toroid
Transformer
Choke
Rectification
Stage
Smoothing
Section Regulation
Toroid
Transformer
Regulation
Toroid
Transformer
Rectification
Stage
Smoothing
Section
AC Sense
AC Sense
Control Toroid
Minimalist Aesthetics
Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio exclusivity,
namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.
“Form and function” are both tough masters. That is why our amplifier
heat sinks are not hidden, but instead feature prominently in all our
designs. We make no excuses for producing some of the most distinctive
high-end audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend
together in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true minimalist
utilisation.
Minimalism in a Wider Context
John Pawson writes:
“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go beyond the
purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the reflection of some innate,
inner quality, or the pursuit of philosophical or literary insight
into the nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.
The Power
Supplies
The Perreaux R200i features four separate power supplies, whose task it is
to provide clean, stable DC power to the various circuit elements within the
amplifier.

16
Control Voltage Supply
All user interface digital and control circuits, source their power from an
isolated DC supply. The supply features a custom wound, multi tap
toroidal transformer directly soldered to the PCB. By incorporating a
separate control supply, it minimises the possibility of noise entering the
audio circuitry.
Preamplifier Voltage Supply
The preamplifier section is also powered from it’s own separate low
voltage supply, thereby further reducing the possibility of noise entering
the audio circuitry.
Separate Left and Right Channel Power Supplies (Dual-Mono)
The concept behind dual-mono topology is to incorporate two amplifiers
within a single enclosure. By incorporating 2 x high quality power
supplies into the design, the R200i maintains maximum channel separation.
Huge Smoothing Section
Four filter capacitors (40,000uF per channel, 80,000uF total) per channel
are coupled in parallel for greatly reduced power supply resistance and,
consequently, significantly improved dynamic capabilities.
The sonic benefits of a power supply as high a quality as the R200i has are
significant, resulting in effortless reproduction of dynamic contrast as well
as stable and detailed stereo imaging.
The
Preamplifier
Section
The preamplifier features five analogue input pairs. Four pairs of single
ended RCA inputs and a single pair of balanced XLR inputs.
A high quality, class A phono stage can be installed within the R200i.
Alternately, provision is allowed for to fit a Perreaux designed and built
digital USB interface module, featuring a very highly specified digital to
analog converter (DAC).
Two single ended output pairs are also provided: A pair of single ended
“direct” and “preamplifier” outputs.
Perreaux engineers have carefully eliminated any signal borne noise at the
input, before the possibility of propagation occurs. In addition to this, only
highest quality components such as “Burr Brown” and “Crystal’ are used
throughout the preamplifier stage. The result is a low noise, highly
dynamic and detailed resolution of the connected source.

17
The Volume
Control
The R200i features precision dual electronically controlled resistor ladder
network volume controls, with special consideration given to the layout.
Local supply regulation and passive bypass components are used to assure
optimal results.
An active output stage is incorporated to ensure signal integrity to the dual
power amplification stages and single ended preamplifier output stage. It
is capable of driving a 470Ωload with a dynamic range of 116dB.
The Output
Stage
Each output stage incorporates 6 Toshiba high current MOSFETs. With a
theoretical maximum current capability of 36 amps, there is a massive
amount of headroom inbuilt into this unit. Being larger devices, they have
a lower on-state resistance, this feature is significant as less heat is required
to be dissipated by the heat sinks.
For optimal heat dissipation, each device is evenly spaced across the
current gain board.
Special emphasis has been given to the circuit layout, thereby ensuring
sonic integrity.
Protection
Functions
The R200i features a sophisticated protection package for the mains
supply, amplifier and connected load. Protection covering: External AC
supply, Maximum volume, Internal AC supply, Clipping, Over current,
Over temperature, DC Offset, Internal fuse failure protection. For a
complete discussion on the onboard protection functions, please refer to
Chapter 3 “Protection Functions”.
Input
Configuration
Input labels are user assignable. At switch on, the unit always resorts back
to the last input used.
The Role of
the Micro-
Processor
The onboard microprocessor handles all interfacing, monitoring, and
switching functions.
The design also provides for maximum separation between digital and
analogue circuitry.
User configured settings are stored in non-volatile EEPROM. The R200i is
fully software upgradeable.

18
3
33
3Protection Functions
The R200i has been carefully designed for continuous delivery of highest
quality audio at full rated output. Protection from internal, external
component failure and user error is an integral part of our design
philosophy. This “system wide approach” provides some of the highest
levels of security that an integrated amplifier can add to any system. This
in turn works to better safeguard your investment in high quality audio
componentry.
An explanation of the R200i protection functions is listed below.
External
AC Supply
Protection
The R200i incorporates 80,000uF of smoothing capacitance within its
onboard power supply. The unit features a soft charging circuit, whose
role at switch on, is to slowly charge the internal smoothing capacitors to
full operating level. This design ensures that potentially harmful inrush
current effects never occur at switch on. This in turn acts to protect the
mains supply and any sensitive equipment that may be sharing it. Charge
time at switch on is approximately four seconds.
Mains Current vs. Time
Mains Current
Draw
With Soft Start
Time
Without Soft Start
Soft Start Bypass
Switch On
Without Mains
Supply Protection
With Mains
Supply Protection
Capacitor Voltage vs. Time
Voltage Across
Capacitors
Time Soft Start Bypass
Switch On
Line Voltage

19
Maximum
Volume
Protection
The maximum volume of the R200i can be software configured. This
function works to protect the connected speaker load from possible
damage due to application of excess power.
This feature can prove useful during special events or in instances where
the audio system is being enjoyed by those who are unfamiliar with the
capability of the R200i in relation to the connected speaker load.
Note: All fault conditions described below are left or right channel specific
and will be displayed individually.
When a fault occurs, the ONLY user actions allowable are:
Preamp volume can be lowered
Standby button can be operated
The electronic over current protection function is the ONLY
exception to this rule, as a reset can be attempted by depressing the
“MENU/ENTR” button.
Internal AC
Supply
Protection
The R200i monitors it’s dual AC toroidal transformer voltages, that in turn
supply the rectification stages. In the event that either toroidal transformer
AC output should fail, the amplifier will shut down and display the words
“AC FAULT”
Note: In the event of an AC fault, please allow time for the internal
toroidal transformers to cool down (several hours). These units
have an internal (automatically resetting) 120°C thermal switch on
board, which will reset when cool.
If the fault does not clear after the recommended time, please
consult your Perreaux dealer.
For more information, please refer to Chapter 15 ”Faultfinding Your
R200i” and consult the “Description of Amplifier Faults” section.
Clipping
Protection
An automatic electronic clipping protection circuit has been designed into
the unit. In the event that volume load demand is unsustainable, an
internal clipping protection algorithm is automatically activated. Under
these conditions, the volume setting is instantly reduced and then gradually
restored to the original volume set point. The clipping cycle time is
typically three seconds. The amplifier will display the word “CLIPPING”
during this time.
If during the restoration period, clipping is detected again, the process is
repeated. In this way, maximum volume demand is maintained without
sustaining any of the negative effects that a connected load can potentially
suffer from typical amplifier clipping conditions.
Please refer to the following diagram.

20
Full Volume Restored
Clipping Detected
Clipping Protection
Volume
Time
Cycle Time 3 Seconds
Over
Current
Protection
The R200i features an electronic over current protection function. In the
event that demand exceeds the amplifier’s full rated continuous output
current, the unit will protect itself and the connected speaker load from
possible damage.
Over current protection will operate under the following conditions:
à Accidental shorting of the speaker output terminals
à Speaker driver/crossover faults
àExcessive current demand exceeding the R200i continuous output
rating
In the event of an over current fault, the words “OVER CURRENT” will
be displayed on the amplifier’s front panel. The amplifier will shut down.
An over-current fault is user resetable by depressing the “MENU/ENTR”
button on the display.
For more information, please refer to Chapter 15 ”Faultfinding Your
R200i” and consult the “Description of Amplifier Faults” section.
Over
Temperature
Protection
A comprehensive thermal management system is employed. The surface
temperature of each heat sink is continually being monitored and
contrasted against predetermined values. Under high load demands, the
external heat sink temperature may rise above a predetermined trigger
point. In the event of an over temperature fault occurring, the system has
been designed to protect itself by disconnecting the over heated channel.
In this manner, the channel can be allowed to cool down rapidly.
Individual heat sink temperatures can be read out in °C in real time on the
amplifier’s display.

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At 85°C (185°F) the amplifier will automatically disengage the connected
speaker load from the left or right hand channel and the words “OVER
TEMP” will be displayed. To prevent the protection function from cycling
around the trigger point, a hysteresis band has been included. This feature
ensures that once initiated, the heat sink temperature must be reduced by
5°C (41°F), to 80°C (176°F) before the channel once again becomes
active.
For more information on over temperature protection, please refer to
Chapter 9 ”Interacting with Your R200i”.
Note: The user can connect any load from 1Ωto infinity. In the event that
the connected load and volume demand is excessive, the R200i will
protect itself.
DC Offset
Protection
DC servos are used to correct for potentially damaging DC offset from
source components. The correction range is ±15V, at the output of the
amplifier. If the DC offset is in excess of ±600mV, the amplifier will
disconnect the output and display the words “DC OFFSET”.
For more information, please refer to Chapter 15 ”Faultfinding Your
R200i” and consult the “Description of Amplifier Faults” section.
Internal
Fuse
Failure
Protection
There are four fuses mounted in series with the amplifier’s two internal
DC buses. In the event that any one of the fuses should fail, the amplifier
will automatically detect the fault, disconnect the output and display the
words “+ FUSE FAIL” or “– FUSE FAIL”
Note: If a positive fuse only fails, under certain circumstances, other fault
conditions may appear on the display. Please check with your
Perreaux dealer.
For more information, please refer to Chapter 15 ”Faultfinding Your
R200i” and consult the “Description of Amplifier Faults” section.
Note: Every fault condition described above is left or right channel
specific.
Multiple
Faults
For more information on multiple faults, please refer to Chapter 15
“Faultfinding Your R200i” and consult the “Description of Amplifier
Faults” section.