Sonogy Cantata User manual

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Sonogy
TM
"The delicacy of tubes.
The authority of transistors."
Cantata ™Power Amplifier Owner's Manual
Operation, installation, and safety information
serial nos. 92101-92299
117VAC - 50/60 Hz models
Thank you!
Thank you for purchasing your Cantata power
amplifier. This manual will help you enjoy your
amplifier for many years to come. If you have any
questions about operation or maintenance of your
Cantata, please contact your dealer.
Product Description
Sonogy audio designs is committed to designing
electronics that offer the harmonic richness that
distinguishes live music from reproduced music.
Often associated with the best in tube amplifiers, the
Cantata combines natural, rich harmonics with the
traditional virtues of solid-state circuitry. In particular,
the Cantata can deliver high current, deep bass,
exceptional reliability, and still run relatively cool.
Like other truly fine amplifiers, your Cantata is
designed with real world performance in mind rather
than incomplete and artificial specifications. As a
result, the Cantata is very powerful (despite its modest
100 watt/ch rating), and drives even difficult
loudspeaker loads with ease. Output is 28 volts r.m.s.
per channel, and the generous power supplies provide
sufficient drive current to deliver this full rating into
most speaker loads. Into 4 ohm loads, for example,
your Cantata delivers 200 watts per channel. Caution
should be exercised driving unusual loads which fall
below 2 ohms.
The Cantata can be used either as a stereo amplifier or
in pairs as 300W balanced monoblocks. No
modifications are necessary to use a Cantata as a
balanced monoblock; you need only have two Cantatas
and a balanced preamp output to drive each. If your
preamplifier does not offer balanced outputs, Sonogy
offers the Duette balancing module which creates
balanced outputs from unbalanced ones.
Sonogy and Cantata are trademarks of Sonogy, Ltd.
Set-Up and Electrical Connections
Your Cantata should be located on a solid platform, or
on the floor, where it receives good ventilation and is
away from flammable items, such as curtains or paper.
Connections are required for speakers, preamp input(s),
and for 117VAC power. These are clearly marked on
the rear panel of your Cantata, and further information
is provided in figures 1, 2 & 3 in this manual. All signal
connections should be made with the amplifier off, to
prevent possible speaker damage. If the amplifier is
left on while preamp connections are made, it could
amplify the resulting transient and damage or destroy
your speakers.
5-way binding posts are provided for speaker
connections. These will accept bare wires, standard
banana plugs, or spade lugs. A good clean connection
is important for consistently good sound. Clean any
connectors used, and insure that all connections are
tight. Do not allow the "hot" and ground connections
to short together. If spade lugs are used, you may wish
to lightly tighten the binding posts with a socket or nut
driver; be sure not to crack the plastic binding post. If
you are interested in maintaining absolute phase, your
Cantata does not invert phase. Please note that
connections are made differently for stereo and mono
operation.
Left and right unbalanced inputs are provided via RCA
type jacks. In addition, a single XLR jack is provided
for a mono balanced input signal. Balanced operation
requires two amplifiers for stereo.
Finally, a single EIA modular power jack and line cord
are provided. You may choose to experiment with
specialty power cords supplied by cable manufacturers.
The power cord provided is suitable for all
applications.

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Dual-Mono Balanced Operation
Two standard Cantatas may be operated, without
modification, as balanced monoblocks to obtain two
monophonic amplifiers of 300 watts/8 ohms each.
Each monophonic balanced Cantata (one per channel)
must be driven by a preamplifier with balanced outputs,
or by our Duette™ Balancing Module. If you connect
your Cantata as a balanced monoblock, be sure to
connect the speaker across the two red ("hot") binding
posts. Ground is not used to carry signal in a balanced
configuration. Your authorized Sonogy dealer can
explain fully how to connect a balanced preamplifier to
a pair of Cantata monoblocks.
Balanced operation offers many sonic and technical
advantages. Most obviously, this guarantees the power
to reproduce high volume and explosive dynamics with
a greater sense of realism. Many subtle advantages are
offered as well. True dual mono operation enhances
the three dimensional stereo image. Furthermore,
balanced operation has technical advantages, derived
from distributing the speaker's load evenly within the
amplifier, which result in better fidelity, depth of
image, smoothness, and realism, even at lower levels
which might not appear to need the awesome power of
two 300 watt monoblock amplifiers.
Warm-Up
Contrary to popular belief, even solid-state
(transistorized) equipment benefits from a warm-up
period. While your Cantata will operate properly and
safely as soon as it is turned on, most listeners find that
the sound improves substantially during 20-30 minutes
of use, and continues to improve over the next hours of
continual operation.
Standby Mode
The class-A circuit cards are not switched on and off.
Once your Cantata is plugged in, these circuits
continuously operate in standby mode. The Cantata
will not perform optimally until these circuits have
warmed up for at least 24 hours with the Cantata
plugged into a live AC outlet.
First Turn-On
When the Canttata is first plugged in (or subsequently
plugged in after moving), always be sure that the power
switch is off, and wait 2 minutes for the bias circuits to
stabilize. This will avoid an unusual turn-on surge.
Ventilation and Heat
Your Cantata is expected to run warm, but not hot.
Since the Cantata relies on convection cooling, it is
important to allow space around the amplifier and
particularly important not to obstruct the cooling fins.
Do not stack a preamplifier or any other equipment
directly above the Cantata. Leave at least 2 inches of
space on all sides, as well as a dissipation path for
warm air. If possible, raise the amplifier off any rugs
by 1-3" to improve airflow and cooling. Never operate
the Cantata in such a way that its heat-sinks become
hot to the touch.
On/Off Switch & Soft Start Circuitry
The On/Off switch controls only the high-current
output stages. The circuit cards are in standby mode
whenever your Cantata is plugged in.
Soft start circuitry turns on the high current output
stage slowly, in order to minimize the inrush to charge
nearly 100,000 uF of energy storage. After 1 second,
this soft start circuitry is completely by-passed by a
high quality relay. None of this circuitry is in the audio
path.
Output Current Capability:
The Cantata is a very high current design, capable of
driving low impedance and reactive loads while
maintaining sonic purity. Each channel's output stage
can deliver peak current of 30 amperes (<100mS), and
the power supply is capable of delivering a total of
600W continuously. This translates to over 10A per
channel at rated voltage output.
D.C. Offset Compensation Circuitry
Your Cantata is equipped with circuitry which monitors
the presence of DC voltage at the output, and through a
servo arrangement constantly adjusts amplifier
operation for zero DC at the speaker terminals. If you
notice any unusual operation, or measure more than
100mV of DC at the outputs, turn your Cantata off
immediately and contact your dealer for service.
Power Requirements
The Cantata must be plugged into a 110/120 volt (AC)
outlet. While on, the amplifier may be expected to draw
100 watts at all times, and up to 700 watts
momentarily. The amplifier should be plugged directly
into a wall outlet rated for at least 10A, or into a heavy-
duty extension cord. If you have an unusual
requirement, contact your dealer or a qualified
electrician.

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Fuses
The high power output stage power supplies and lower
power circuit card power supplies are fused
independently. The output stage is fused with a 3A slo-
blo type fuse (located on the back panel). The circuit
cards are fused with a 1/4 A slo-blo type fuse inside the
amplifier. Always unplug the amplifier before
attempting to replace a fuse! Never replace a fuse with
one of higher value as serious damage could occur in
the case of failure!! No fuses are in the direct audio
path.
Maintenance
Your Cantata requires no regular electrical
maintenance, and in any event service should be
performed by Sonogy, Ltd. The finish of your Cantata
is brushed and anodized aluminum. The surface may be
cleaned with a damp cloth or non-abrasive general
purpose cleaner and a soft cloth. Never clean the
amplifier while it is operating, or even when it is
plugged in. Water could seriously damage circuits
inside! Electrical shock could also result!
Limited Warranty
For warranty information, please see your dealer or
refer to the enclosed warranty form.
Repairs
All repairs must be performed by Sonogy, Ltd or an
authorized service provider. Service or modifications
performed by any other person or establishment will
void your warranty.
Thank You!
Thank you again for your confidence in Sonogy, Ltd.
If you have any suggestions that might improve our
products or our service, or if we may assist you in any
way, please do not hesitate to call or write us at the
address below. Happy listening from the entire staff!
Technical Specifications:
Voltage Output: 28.0 Volts
56.0 Volts mono
Current Capability: 30A peak (<100mSec)
10A continuous
Stereo Power 100 W/ch (8Ω)
200 W/ch (4Ω)
Monoblock Power 300 watts (8Ω)
>500 watts (4Ω)
Active Devices: Bipolar Transistors
S/N Ratio: >90 dB "A"
Input impedance: 100k-Ωunbalanced
200k-Ωbalanced
Output Z: < .5Ω
Sensitivity: 1.5 V (100 W / 28V)
60 mV (1 watt)
Gain: 26dB
Phase Inversion: no
Shipping Weight: 39 lbs./ 17 Kg
Dimensions: 7.25" x 11.3" x19"
Feedback: 0 dB (no feedback loops)
Power Consump.: 100W typ. 600W max.
SMPTE I.M.: <.05%
DC Offset: <10mV
Freq Response: 10Hz-30kHz +/- <1dB
Class of Operation:
Gain stage Pure class "A"
Output stage high bias class "A/B"
AC Coupled: Yes
Internal Fuse: 1/4A slow-blow/250VAC
External Fuse: 3A slow-blow/250VAC

53 Briarwood Road • Florham Park, New Jersey • 07932 • [e-mail]1
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Figure #1: Cantata Back Panel Connections:
Stereo Configuration:
Channel "A"
Channel "B"
From
preamp
From
preamp
used for
balanced only
AC Power
117V/60 Hz
3A Fuse
slow-blow
to
speaker
to
speaker
Figure #2: Cantata Back Panel Connections:
Balanced Mono Configuration via XLR Jack:
Channel "A"
Channel "B"
AC Power
117V/60 Hz
3A Fuse
slow-blow
Balanced Input
not
used
not
used
Use 2 RED Terminals for Balanced
(+ BAL)
(- BAL)
Figure #3: Cantata Back Panel Connections:
Balanced Mono Configuration via Inverting and Non-Inverting RCA Jacks
(Duette):
Channel "A"
Channel "B"
AC Power
117V/60 Hz
3A Fuse
slow-blow
Balanced Input
not
used
not
used
Use 2 RED Terminals for Balanced
(+ BAL)
(- BAL)
Non-Inverting IN
Non-Inverting IN

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