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TECHNOLOGY: SHOWCASE Amplifiers


With installations often necessitating fully networked sound systems, the connectivity options and interoperability of amplifiers are important, as are their ability to drive both high- and low-impedance speakers, writes James McGrath


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Audac’s one-size- fits-all DPA Series


Audac’s DPA series are Class D power amplifiers designed to meet the requirements for various applications – ranging from standard stereo home applications to multi- zone distributed speaker systems. The devices comprise six models


and are divided in three different architectures. These range from the DPA152 two-channel (stereo) amplifier capable of delivering a power of 2 x 150W in stereo mode (or 300W in bridged mono mode), to the DPA74 multichannel power amplifier. This has four individually controllable channels containing various specific features and advanced protection circuitry which protects against DC malfunctioning, short circuit, overheating and overload. All the amplifiers in the series


operate with convectional cooling rather than forced cooling – which can sometimes pick up a lot of dust in a room – meaning the amplifiers require little in the way of cleaning.


{} Bose in control with PowerMatch


The PowerMatch 8500 configurable power amplifier from Bose Professional Systems Division is designed to work with the company’s RoomMatch array modules as well as other professional loudspeakers. Most sound system applications


require several output power levels, involving different amplifier types. To accommodate these systems, the 8500 uses Bose’s new QuadBridge technology, which enables outputs to be configured (via software) as single, dual or quad channel modes. This allows the allocation of the amp’s 4,000W rated power between two and eight channels, with configurable options that include 8 x 500W, 4 x 1,000W, 2 x 2,000W, or mixed combinations. Bridge or QuadBridge modes can drive both low-impedance and 70V/100V loads. To prevent circuits


from being overdrawn, the amp’s new proprietary


design combines 48 January 2013


Class D efficiency with a dual feedback circuit that continuously monitors and controls the current and voltage of output devices. The amplifier also incorporates Bose


PeakBank power supply technology comprising a four-quadrant design with fast-tracking power factor correction. This is said to offer higher power and higher efficiency over standard PFC, as well as improved peak bursts for better transient responses and low-frequency performance. Bass transient response is said to be enhanced with Bose switching technology, which delivers high levels of continuous output for longer durations. All models have a USB slot for Bose


ControlSpace Designer programming, with the PM8500N also coming with Ethernet network control and monitoring. A digital expansion card slot accommodates optional PowerMatch digital expansion cards such as the ESPLink and CobraNet cards. www.bose.co.uk


The units also feature signal input connections with integrated balanced XLR connectors; signal link- through is possible using the XLR output connectors. Meanwhile, the amplifier’s operation mode can be selected between Stereo, Bridge and Parallel mode.


Output connections are accommodated with both Speakon connectors and Euro-Terminal connection blocks. What’s more, each model is 19in wide and one rack unit high, making it a compact addition to any rack. www.audac.eu


The ‘multi-zoning’ MA247 Mixing Amplifier from Apart


The MA247 is the flagship paging amplifier from Apart Audio’s MA 100V mixing amplifier series. Working at 240W and outputting


to six zones, this 100V amplifier model offers 24V dedicated priority output per zone for enhanced listening and operating comfort. Because the MA247 offers independent source selection for zone one, and then for zones two to six, it can be used as a multi-source zoning system. Zone one can be a fully independent preamplified zone, making it possible for installers to use an external power amplifier to amplify it. This is useful for large areas that require many speakers. What’s more, the installer can use the external


amplifier to suit the power needs for that particular zone. When linked to an


external amplifier, the system offers


Crestron’s Sonnox amplifier offering forms part of the SWAMP-24x8 multi- room audio system, which provides 48 channels of uncompressed 24-bit HD audio. The range has been designed for home automation and yachts as well as commercial business and retail applications. Incorporated into the system is


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Crestron’s Audio Transport Technology, which enables all signals from the main unit along with audio signals from up to 24 sources (satellite decoders/CD/Blu-ray players, etc) to be distributed over a single Cat5 cable to up to eight extenders installed around a building.


Multi-room audio transportation with Crestron’s Sonnex


This allows the full number of sources to be sent to a further four or eight zones. The device incorporates a number


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of features that simplify installations; for instance, it is equipped with a built-in eight-zone amplifier, meaning each zone doesn’t have to be served by its own separate amplifier. This amounts to fewer cable runs,


and fewer connection points – saving on both installation time and expense, thanks to the easy-to-pull Cat5 cabling system. Installation complexities can be further reduced when the system is fitted into an


www.installation-international.com


selective paging to different zones. With this option, if paging is sent to one particular zone, only music in that zone will be muted and all other zones will not be affected by the incoming message – this, says the company, is a feature that is not offered by comparable products in the market. Individual volume levels for zones


two to six can be managed via the integrated speaker volume controls. Meanwhile, zones number five and six provide 70V outputs, and are compatible with 100V speakers; but, by nature, these outputs will have a slightly reduced output level, meaning they are more suited to the 'quiet' zones in a multi-zone system. www.apart-audio.com


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