Home / SPL AUDIO Performer s800 Stereo Power Amplifier
Product Overview
Mastering-Grade Dynamics in a Compact Desktop Profile
Many conventional solid-state power amplifiers sacrifice spatial imaging and fine transient response when pushed by complex loudspeaker impedance drops. The SPL Performer s800 completely rewrites this limitation. Despite its sleek, low-profile desktop footprint, this high-performance stereo amplifier packs incredible power and micro-dynamic detail.
By utilizing high-voltage dual-rail operating circuits, it eliminates signal compression and crossover distortion entirely. It gives audiophiles and studio mixing engineers the unique ability to start with an elite stereo core, with the ultimate flexibility to bridge the architecture into a high-powered mono-block pair as their speaker system grows.
Product Description
Pure 120V VOLTAiR Power Framework:
The incredible headroom and spatial separation of the Performer s800 are anchored by SPL's proprietary VOLTAiR technology. Operating on a massive internal plus/minus 60V DC power rail system, both the sensitive input stage and the high-current output stage enjoy four times the electrical ceiling of standard commercial power amplifiers. This structural advantage yields an ultra-silent background noise floor (-123 dBu) and ultra-low distortion parameters. Complex musical arrangements, sharp rimshots, and heavy sub-bass hits are translated effortlessly without taxing the circuit components.
Bridge-Mode Capability for On-Demand Power Upscaling:
The Performer s800 is engineered with highly flexible operational topology. Via a simple rear-panel toggle switch, the amplifier transitions from a high-definition dual-channel stereo driver into a heavy-duty single-channel mono-block configuration. In Bridge Mode, the output voltage capacity skyrockets from 74V to 180V (Peak-to-Peak), focusing its energy to deliver a punishing 450 Watts RMS into an 8 Ohm load. This setup provides an easy upgrade path for driving low-sensitivity speaker cabinets or demanding reference arrays.
Rigid Linear Energy Engine & Protection Protocols:
An amplifier's dynamic speed is defined by its power reservoir. The Performer s800 features a custom-built 875 VA linear toroidal transformer, vacuum-encapsulated and shielded to suppress physical vibrations or electromagnetic interference. This transformer charges a fast 40,800 µF reservoir capacitor array, allowing the amplifier to instantly deliver high current peaks without voltage sagging or timing delay.
To protect your high-end loudspeaker investments, the unit is monitored by non-invasive Intelligent Protection Circuitry:
Overheating Protection: Internal thermal sensors track temperatures and engage low-noise cooling elements if safe parameters are breached.
DC Offset Protection: If destructive Direct Current (DC) is detected at the inputs or outputs, a yellow warning LED illuminates, and an internal micro-controller immediately disconnects the speaker outputs, safeguarding your voice coils without degrading the analog path.
Key Features
120V VOLTAiR TECHNOLOGY CORE: High-voltage DC operation yields immense input headroom, wide dynamic ranges, and a dead-silent background.
FLEXIBLE STEREO / BRIDGE MONO TOPOLOGY: Instantly changes from a refined 285W stereo configuration to a punchy 450W bridged mono block.
875 VA TOROIDAL LINEAR POWER CORE: High-mass, custom-wound shielded transformer supplies clean, uncompressed energy for sudden musical crescendos.
40,800 µF STORAGE CAPACITOR BANK: Delivers fast transient tracking and rock-solid, authoritative low-end definition.
BALANCED XLR INPUTS & PASSIVE THRU PATHS: Heavy-duty Neutrik XLR inputs paired with passive loop-through nodes for bi-amping arrangements.
6-WAY STEPPED GAIN ATTENUATOR: Rear-panel trim switch provides input reduction settings from 0 dB down to -5.5 dB for system balancing.
HEAVY-DUTY LOUDSPEAKER BINDING POSTS: Robust, gold-plated connection terminals accommodate bare wire, spade lugs, or standard 4mm banana plugs.
INTEGRATED AMP CTL (12V TRIGGER LINK): Integrated 12-volt trigger connection lets you switch the amplifier on or off alongside your preamplifier.
NON-INVASIVE PROTECTIVE FAULT MONITORS: Advanced micro-controllers guard internal arrays against thermal hazards and harmful DC voltage anomalies.
DISCRETE HANDCRAFTED GERMAN DESIGN: Built inside a durable, compact, low-profile chassis using premium through-hole parts chosen entirely by ear.
Technical Specifications
Feature
Specification
Analog Input & Thru
XLR (balanced)
Input Impedance (THRU not connected)
20 kΩ
Common Mode Rejection (THRU not connected)
-82 dB
Input Sensitivity
6 dBu
Loudspeaker Outputs
Binding posts with ø4mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug
Output Power (RMS, 4 Ω)
2 x 285 W
Output Power (RMS, 8 Ω)
2 x 185 W
Harmonic Distortion (1 kHz, 8 Ω)
< 0.03 %
Output Power (RMS, 8 Ω, Bridge Mode)
450 W
Harmonic Distortion (1 kHz, 8 Ω, Bridge Mode)
< 0.011 %
Output Voltage (Peak to Peak)
74 V
Output Voltage (Peak to Peak, Bridge Mode)
180 V
Output Voltage (RMS)
35 V
Output Voltage (RMS, Bridge Mode)
86 V
Output Impedance (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
< 0.031 Ω
Output Impedance (20 Hz – 20 kHz, Bridge Mode)
< 0.043 Ω
Amplification Gain
26 dB
Amplification Gain (Bridge Mode)
32 dB
Damping Factor (1 kHz, 8 Ohm)
> 300
Damping Factor (1 kHz, 8 Ohm, Bridge Mode)
> 190
Frequency Range (-3dB)
10 Hz – 80 kHz
Noise (A-weighted)
-123 dBu
Power Supply Infrastructure
Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
Power Supply Capacity
40,800 µF
Toroidal Transformer
875 VA
Operating Voltage (Input Stage)
+/- 60 V
Operating Voltage (Power Stage)
+/- 60 V
Operating Voltage for Relays, LEDs, AMP CTL
+12 V
Mains Power Supply
Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber): 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
Fuse for 230 V
T 4 A
Fuse for 115 V
T 8 A
Power Consumption
Max. 875 VA
Idle Power Consumption
40 W
Stand-by Power Consumption
< 0.3 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
278 x 100 x 342 mm / 11 x 4 x 13.5 inch (width x height incl. feet x depth)
Unit Weight
12.8 kg / 28.2 lbs
Shipping Weight (Incl. Packaging)
14 kg / 30.9 lbs
Reference Parameter Target
0 dBu = 0.775V (All specifications are subject to change without notice)
What’s Included in the Box
1 x SPL AUDIO Performer s800 Reference Stereo Power Amplifier Main Unit
1 x Standard AC Grounded IEC Power Cable
1 x Set of Premium Vibration-Isolating Chassis Feet
1 x Official SPL Professional Fidelity Series Performer s800 Operation and Configuration Manual
