SPL S900
Class AB stereo power amplifier from SPL, featuring VOLTAiR technology, designed to drive high-resolution speakers with a comfortable power reserve.
Description
The SPL Performer S900 is a class AB stereo power amplifier, positioned in the middle of the Performer range and partly derived from the design of the S1200 model. It is intended to power passive speakers directly, downstream of a preamplifier, without incorporating any preamplification function or digital processing.
The unit delivers 2 × 370 W RMS into 4 Ω, 2 × 420 W into 2 Ω and 2 × 200 W into 8 Ω, with harmonic distortion measured at 1 kHz below 0.06 %, 0.07 % and 0.04 % depending on the load. The damping factor exceeds 280 at 1 kHz into 8 Ω, an indicator of the control exerted over speaker movement, while the -3 dB bandwidth extends from 10 Hz to 80 kHz. The power supply relies on a shielded 866 VA toroidal transformer, paired with separate voltage and power amplification stages, each with its own negative feedback loop to limit interaction between the input stage and the speaker.
The analogue inputs comprise a balanced XLR pair and an unbalanced RCA pair, selectable via a switch on the rear panel, with an input impedance of 20 kΩ and a level adjustment from 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps. The speaker outputs are via terminals accepting a screw-in 4 mm cable or a banana plug.
This type of amplifier suits a hi-fi system built around an external preamplifier and demanding passive speakers, where a comfortable power reserve is sought without aiming for extreme sound levels. The compact format (278 x 114 x 345 mm, 14.6 kg) allows it to be fitted into a cabinet or rack without excessive bulk.
Technical specifications
| Analogue inputs | XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) |
| Input impedance | 20 kΩ |
| Input adjustment | 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps |
| Input sensitivity | 8 dBu |
| Speaker outputs | Terminals with 4 mm diameter cable hole (screw-in) and banana plug |
| RMS output power (2 Ω) | 2 × 420 W |
| Harmonic distortion 1 kHz (2 Ω) | < 0.07 % |
| RMS output power (4 Ω) | 2 × 370 W |
| Harmonic distortion 1 kHz (4 Ω) | < 0.06 % |
| RMS output power (8 Ω) | 2 × 200 W |
| Harmonic distortion 1 kHz (8 Ω) | < 0.04 % |
| Output voltage (peak to peak) | 112 V |
| Output voltage (RMS) | 40.2 V |
| Output impedance (20 Hz – 20 kHz) | < 0.035 Ω |
| Frequency response ( 3 dB) | 10 Hz – 80 kHz |
| Amplification gain | 26 dB |
| Damping factor (1 kHz, 8 Ω) | > 280 |
| Noise (A weighted) | -123 dB |
| Toroidal transformer | 866 VA |
| Operating voltage (input stage) | +/- 60 V |
| Operating voltage (power stage) | +/- 64 V |
| Operating voltage (relay, LED, AMP CTL) | + 12 V |
| Mains power supply | 230 V AC / 50 Hz ; 115 V AC / 60 Hz (selectable) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 114 x 278 x 345 mm |
| Unit weight | 14.6 kg |
| Shipping weight | 15.8 kg |
What to check before buying used
Check that the XLR/RCA switch on the rear panel works properly, along with the input adjustment in 0.5 dB steps, which can sometimes be stiff or noisy after several years of use. The speaker terminals with 4 mm hole and banana plugs should be examined for any play or signs of overheating caused by insufficient tightening. The 866 VA toroidal transformer, the heaviest and most heavily used component in the unit, deserves careful listening on start-up to detect any abnormal hum.
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