SAE 8300 User manual

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all the safety and operating instructions before connection or using the SAE
8300.
• All warnings on the unit and in this operating manual should be adhered to.
• All operating instructions should be followed.
• Do not place/use the unit near water; for example, near a bathtub, washbowl/sink,
laundry tub, decorative water features (waterfalls/fountains), in a wet basement or
near a swimming pool.
• This unit is not intended for outdoor use.
• This unit should be installed so that its location or position does not interfere with its
proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or
similar surface that may block its ventilation openings. It should also not be placed
in a built-in enclosure, such as bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air
through its ventilation openings.
• The unit should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces,
hot air ducts, heat registers, stoves and/or other devices (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
• The unit should be connected to a power-supply outlet only of the voltage and fre-
quency marked on its rear panel.
• The AC power cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or
pinched, especially near the plug, convenience receptacles or where the cord exits
from the unit.
• Clean unit only as recommended in this instruction manual.
• The unit’s AC power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet when the unit is
to be unused for a long period of time.
• Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled, into the
unit through any openings.
• The unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel only when:
a. The power cord or plug has been damaged; or
b. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled, into the unit; or
c. The unit has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind; or
d. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
e. The device has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
• To prevent electric shock, do not use a ground lift plug/adapter. Also, do not use
the polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet unless all the
blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
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Amplifier Identification Record
This information is for your records and for future identification of the 8300. Please take a moment
to fill out all pertinent data now, and as upgrades and/or options are installed. Whenever up-
grades, inquiries and/or changes are requested, the serial number will be required.
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE PURCHASED
DEALER’S NAME
DEALER’S ADDRESS/PHONE
IMPORTANT
Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazards. Your amplifier is a precision electronic
instrument and should be properly packaged any time shipment is made. In the unlikely event that
you have to return your 8300 to the factory or dealer for service or updating, the original packaging
will best protect the unit from shipping damage.
In order to achieve the fullest flexibility and enjoyment from your SAE 8300, we recommend that
you read this manual in full before connecting the unit to your audio system.
Warning: Each channel of the 8300 is a balanced bridge amplifier, thus the negative speaker ter-
minal is NOT a ground, and cannot be connected to a system ground or a loudspeaker system
with a common ground. Consult your speaker manufacturer to ensure that any speaker in your
system that will be connected to the SAE 8300 does NOT have internal circuitry with a common
ground.
Note: While the 8300 amplifier is fan cooled, Ii is imperative that the amplifier be operated
in a well-ventilated environment and that the immediate external temperature be maintained as
specified.
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PREFACE
CONGRATULATIONS. You have just acquired one of the most advanced audio components
ever developed. Your SAE 8300 8-channel amplifier was designed to set new standards in virtually every perfor-
mance category. Each channel uses a dual-differential balanced design with a 4-quadrant input stage to nudge the
edge of the art in such categories as signal-to-noise ratio, slew rate and low distortion
Other significant advances in the amplifier include:
1. Dual design with separate and independent power transformers, power switches and line cords for each channel
bank;
2. High temperature (Class F rated) toroidal transformers;
3. Dual temperature sensors and low-speed cooling fan to maintain proper operating temperatures.
4. Four layer circuit boards used throughout; each with separate power and ground planes;
5. Current feedback for improved amplifier control and virtually unlimited slew rate;
6. Double transistor input stage;
7. Dual-DC Servos virtually eliminate any DC offset;
8. ThermalTrak output devices optimize bias in real-time;
9. All protection circuitry is optically coupled and outside the circuit path. It is self-resetting;
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SAFETY WARNING ............................................................................................................. i
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................... ii
SAE 8300 Identification Record ....................................................................................... iii
Preface……………………………………………………………………………….…………...iv
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1
Getting to know your amplifier. ......................................................................................... 1
Burn-In/Break-In Time ....................................................................................................... 1
Reference Manual Conventions ........................................................................................ 1
IMPORTANT NOTICE ...................................................................................................... 1
Front Panel Layout ............................................................................................................ 2
Rear Panel Layout ............................................................................................................ 3
OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 4
Connecting the 8300 ......................................................................................................... 4
Setup and Operation ......................................................................................................... 4
Remote Triggers ............................................................................................................... 4
Appendix A Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................. 5
Appendix B Specifications ............................................................................................... 6
Warranty…………………………………………………………………..……………………….7
INTRODUCTION
Getting to know your SAE 8300
This SAE 8300 amplifier has been put through a rigorous and unique testing procedure that ensures that it will last for
many years with minimal service requirements. This procedure includes the following:
• All assembled circuit boards are given a thorough visual inspection and are then tested in a bench-reference ampli-
fier.
• The tested, assembled circuit boards are then installed in a new 8300 and the whole unit is tested for every func-
tion and parameter.
• The unit is put on a burn-in torture rack to test for any possible component failures.
• The amplifier then undergoes a critical listening and functional test.
• The unit has all remaining chassis components installed and then undergoes a complete visual inspection, which
assures that all SAE amplifiers meet visual specifications.
Burn-In/Break-In Time
This unit has a break-in period of about 1 week during which continuous improvement in sound quality will be observed.
It is recommended that music be played continuously through the unit during this time to expedite the break-in period.
Reference Manual Conventions
For clarity purposes, references to buttons and LED’s will be shown in bold capital letters.
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Front Panel Layout
1. ILLUMINATED LOGO. Illuminates when the amplifier exits the STANDBY Mode.
2. STANDBY SWITCH. After the rear panel MAIN POWER switch(es) are turned on, touch the front panel button
to exit the standby mode and enter the operational mode. Press again to return to STANDBY.
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1.
2.

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Rear Panel Layout
1. BALANCED (XLR) Input jack
2. POSITIVE (+) BINDING POST Connect positive speaker wire for one speaker to this post.
3. NEGATIVE (-) BINDING POST Connect negative speaker wire for one speaker to this post.
4. GROUND TERMINAL Use to interconnect component chassis when necessary.
5. MAIN POWER SWITCH AND MAGNETIC CIRCUIT BREAKER. Disconnects AC to one 4-channel bank of the
amplifier. It is recommended that this be left ON at all times during regular use with the exception of whenever ca-
bles are connected/disconnected or when the unit is not going to be used for an extended period of time. In the rare
case where amplifier protection is needed, this switch may turn the unit off. An independent duplicate switch controls
the second 4-channel amplifier bank.
6. AC POWER INLET(S) Use the included power cords to connect each amplifier bank to an appropriate AC
power source.
7. FAN OUTLET. Forced air used for cooling exits the amplifier here.
8. VOLTAGE INDICATORS The 8300 amplifier is equipped with circuitry that automatically detects the AC
voltage and sets the amplifier appropriately. These indicators show the discovered voltage. 120VAC is shown for
line voltage of 100 to 130V; 240VAC is shown for 200 to 260V. Please operate both amplifier banks from the same
voltage.
9. REMOTE TURN-ON ONLY SWITCH Disables the front power switch. When engaged the amplifier will only
turn-on when the main power switch is engaged and a remote turn-on signal is received at the Remote DC Input.
10. REMOTE DC INPUT JACK With the main power switch(es) set to ON, when the rear panel REMOTE DC
INPUT JACK receives a 5-12 VDC signal the amplifier will exit the Standby mode and turn on. When the signal is
removed, the amplifier will return to Standby.
11. SERIAL NUMBER Shows the unit’s serial number.
Rear Panel Layout
1
2
2
3
3
4 5 6 5 9 10 11
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OPERATION
Before turning on the 8300, ensure that all precautions and warnings have been carefully reviewed and adhered to.
Damage to the amplifier caused by improper operation, wiring and/or ventilation will not be covered under warranty and
SAE will not be liable for any consequential damage or loss.
Connecting your 8300 Amplifier
With the amplifier’s rear panel main power switches turned off, connect the signal outputs of the preamp/processor to
the input (XLR) of the amplifier. If your preamplifier has only RCA outputs, you will need to use adapter plugs or adapter
cables to convert RCA to XLR. Please check with your dealer if you have questions concerning appropriate adapters.
Connect the amplifier’s output to the input of the speaker that is intended to be driven. Please refer to figure 5.
Connect a 12V trigger source to the STANDBY trigger input of the 8300 using a cable with a 3.5 mm monophonic plug
to enable remote turn-on and turn-off.
Setup and Operation
Turn the output volume of the preamp/processor, or other source device, down all of the way.
Turn on SAE 8300’s MAIN POWER switches, located on the rear panel.
When the end of the switch with | indicating “ON” is depressed that half of the amplifier is in the STANDBY mode.
When in standby, the amplifier draws less than 1 watt from the wall outlet.
Touch the front-panel power button. Both the switch and the SAE logo illuminate. After a wait of about 45 seconds, the
soft-start turn-on sequence is complete and the amplifier is ready for use.
Slowly bring the output volume of the preamp/processor up to an audible level.
Remote Triggers
When the rear panel STANDBY trigger jack receives a 5-12 VDC signal, the 8300 will change its operating state from
Standby to On. When the signal is removed, the amplifier will return to STANDBY.
In some installations the front panel switch is not available for normal operation. In that case it may be desirable to en-
gage the rear panel REMOTE ONLY switch. In this case, turn-on the rear panel power switch. With the Trigger Cable
attached to the REMOTE DC INPUT JACK, press the front panel power switch to turn on the unit and then engage the
REMOTE ONLY switch. The front panel switch is disabled and the amplifier will only power on or off via the RE-
MOTE TRIGGER.

Symptom Possible Cause(s) Remedy
No power or front
panel lights and no
sound.
The power cable is not inserted 100%
into AC input connector.
Ensure that the AC cord(s) are fully in-
serted into the amplifier and that the wall
outlet is active.
Circuit breaker is open (AC outlet). Check the AC outlet circuit breaker and
reset, if necessary, or contact your deal-
er.
No audio output. Overheating, DC at output, Cata-
strophic failure
The amplifier will turn off with the rear
panel switch indicating O. For any but a
catastrophic failure, the amplifier can be
reset by removing the fault and complet-
ing the turn-on sequence again.
Warm Normal operation
Hot Normal operation
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Appendix A Troubleshooting Guide
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If the 8300 should function abnormally during operation, please review the items in the following checklist. Please be
sure to thoroughly check all other connected components such as speakers and preamplifiers, as well as cables. If the
problem persists, please consult your dealer or distributor.
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Appendix B Specifications
Analog Audio Inputs One Balanced (XLR) jack per channel
Input Impedance 47 kΩ. Balanced for each phase
Input Sensitivity 2.82V RMS input for 300W into 8 ohms
Gain 27.8 dB
Polarity Balanced; Pin-2 = Positive, Pin-3 = Negative for Non-Inverting Output
Speaker Outputs Binding posts 2 per channel
Modes /Process Standby: Amplifier is ready to be turned on via front panel switch or remote trigger.
Overcurrent, D.C., and/or thermal protection: Amplifier will cycle.
Catastrophic D.C. or output stage failure: Amplifier will shut down.
Power Output
Per Channel, All Channels Driven 8 ohms 4 ohms
20 Hz-20 kHz, < 0.01% THD 300 WRMS 450 WRMS
1 kHz, 0.01% THD, (Watts) 350 WRMS 500 WRMS
1 kHz, 1% THD 360 WRMS 490 WRMS
CEA 2006 1 kHz Burst Power 500 WRMS 750 WRMS
Distortion
THD + N, 20 Hz—20 kHz 0.03% 0.03%
THD + N at 1 kHz, 1W 0.005% 0.005%
Intermodulation Distortion
(SMPTE or Twin-tone) Less than 0.03%
Frequency Response +0, -3dB, 5 Hz to 150 kHz, 8 Ω
Damping factor >600 at 100 Hz;
Signal to noise ratio 125 dB referenced to rated output (A-Weighted)
Slew rate >60V per microsecond
Crosstalk > 110 dB
Power Requirements 117V AC; 230V; 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption Less than 1W x 2 at Standby; 1800W maximum x 2
Trigger Input 3-24 VDC; Steady State
Dimensions (W x H x D) 19” x 9 1/16 x 20 1/4” (483 mm x 222mm x 508 mm)
Add 1 inch (25.4mm) for feet and 1 1/2 inches (38mm) for connectors.
Weight 112 lbs; 51 kG
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90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(7-Year Optional Extended Service Contract)
SAE Limited Warranty
Terms and Conditions
All SAE products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase by
the original owner. The date of purchase shall be established by the original owner presenting to the SAE Customer Ser-
vice Facility the original owner’s purchase receipt or sales slip showing from whom the product was purchased, the date
of purchase and the purchase price of the unit.
In the event that proof of purchase cannot be established as stated in the preceding sentence, the warranty period shall
commence on the date of manufacture, provided the serial number on the unit has not been altered in any manner.
During the warranty period, SAE will repair, or at its option, replace at no charge, components that prove to be defective
provided the product is returned in accordance with the shipping instructions that are contained in the unit. The unit is to
be sent PREPAID in the original carton and packing along with a detailed description of the problem to SAE in the event
it needs factory servicing. SAE will return it prepaid to you upon completion of the service.
Optional Extended Warranty Program
The standard 90-Day Limited Warranty will be extended to a 7-Year Limited Warranty (on all Power Amplifiers) if the fol-
lowing conditions are met:
The SAE product is purchased from an authorized SAE reseller. The customer completes the registration card. The cus-
tomer returns the completed registration card AND copy of original bill of sale to SAE within 14 days of purchase.
This extended warranty is transferable to subsequent purchasers as long as all Optional Extended Warranty conditions
are met.
Transferability
The above warranties are transferable to subsequent owners as long as all the conditions are met under the Optional
Extended Warranty Program. The warranty is not transferable if the unit(s) was originally purchased from an unauthor-
ized seller.
The above warranties do not apply if the product has been damaged by accident or misuse or as a result of modification
by other than the SAE factory service facility.
SAE shall not be held liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind arising from the sale or use of its prod-
ucts. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion may not apply to you.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES GIVEN BY SAE THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HERE-
OF. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR PURPOSE SOLD, MERCHANTABILITY, DESCRIPTION, QUALI-
TY PRODUCTIVENESS OR ANY OTHER MATTERS ARE LIMITED TO THE TERM OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES
HEREIN STATED.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty may last, so the above limitation may not apply to
you.
Obligation to Make Changes
Products are sold on the basis of specifications applicable at the time of sale. SAE shall have no obligation to modify or
to update products once sold. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may also have other rights that vary from
state to state. This warranty is applicable only in the United States.
Warranty Outside the United States
SAE has formal distribution agreements in many countries. The SAE importer in those countries has assumed the re-
sponsibility for servicing SAE products. Please contact the dealer or distributor in the country where you purchased your
product for service issues.
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