SPL Performer s800 red

The SPL Performer s800 represents the entry-level model of the prestigious German brand Sound Performance Lab, but make no mistake: this ultra-compact stereo power amplifier delivers exceptional performance that defies its modest size. Equipped with exclusive VOLTAiR technology and a pure analog design, it provides impressive power while maintaining impeccable sound quality, even under the most demanding listening conditions.

Power and Performance

The Performer s800 delivers an impressive power output of 2 x 285 W at 4 Ω and 2 x 185 W at 8 Ω in stereo mode. For setups requiring more power, it can operate in mono bridge mode, delivering 450 W at 8 Ω. This substantial power reserve allows it to easily drive any speaker, even the most demanding models.

The VOLTAiR-120V technology is at the heart of this amplifier. Unlike conventional amplifiers that typically operate at lower voltages, the Performer s800 runs at a DC voltage of +/- 60 V, four times higher than standard operational amplifiers. This high voltage enables exceptional dynamics, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and an extended dynamic range.

Reference Audio Design

The Performer s800 stands out with its meticulous audio design. Its amplification stages are separated for voltage and power, ensuring optimal operation of the class AB amplifier circuit. This architecture guarantees precise and dynamic sound reproduction by eliminating interaction between the speakers and the input stage.

The amplifier boasts impressive technical specifications with an extended frequency response from 9 Hz to 100 kHz (+0, -0.03 dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 123 dB (A-weighted). Total harmonic distortion remains remarkably low, below 0.03% at 1 kHz under 8 Ω.

Connectivity and Flexibility

The Performer s800 offers comprehensive connectivity with Neutrik balanced XLR inputs and speaker outputs via gold-plated binding posts. These terminals accommodate both banana plugs and bare wires up to 4 mm in diameter, even allowing for bi-wiring setups.

The input sensitivity is adjustable in 0.5 dB steps from 0 dB to -5.5 dB, enabling fine-tuning of the audio input level. This feature is particularly useful for compensating level differences between speakers in bi-amplification mode.

Protection and Reliability

To ensure absolute reliability, the Performer s800 incorporates several sophisticated protection circuits. A DC protection system automatically shuts down the output stage if direct current is detected, with a red Protect indicator light.

A temperature sensor on the heat sinks continuously monitors the device’s temperature. In case of overheating, the TEMP indicator turns yellow, the output stage disconnects, and the fans run at high speed until the unit cools down completely.

VOLTAiR Technology: The Heart of Excellence

VOLTAiR technology is what truly sets the Performer s800 apart from its competitors. SPL has developed special patented operational amplifiers, the SPL 120V SUPRA, capable of operating at a DC voltage of +/- 60 V. This high voltage would destroy conventional components.

Thanks to this exclusive technology, the Performer s800 can handle input levels up to +32.5 dBu, offering 12 dB of additional headroom compared to standard amplifiers. All components thus operate continuously within their optimal range, resulting in a natural, detailed, and relaxing sound experience.

Design and Manufacturing

The Performer s800 features an elegant and minimalist design available in several finishes: black, red, and silver. Its robust chassis and refined finish reflect SPL’s attention to detail.

Many critical components are mounted on the circuit boards using through-hole technology, ensuring superior sound quality. This traditional manufacturing approach, more expensive but sonically superior, demonstrates SPL’s commitment to audio excellence.

Technical Specifications

Power and Performance

• Output Power:
  • 2 x 285 W at 4 Ω
  • 2 x 185 W at 8 Ω
  • 1 x 450 W at 8 Ω (bridge mode)
• Sound Performance:
  • Separate amplification stages for voltage and power ensuring optimal operation of the class AB amplifier circuit
  • Precise and dynamic sound reproduction thanks to the absence of interaction between the speakers and the input stage

Technology and Design

• VOLTAiR Technology:
  • 120 V reference technology offering exceptional dynamics, high signal-to-noise ratio, and wide dynamic range
  • Operates at a DC voltage of +/- 60 V, providing greater power reserve and more relaxed listening
  • SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifier technology with components specially designed to handle +/- 60 V voltages
  • Ensures better handling of high input levels (+32.5 dBu)
  • Prevents feedback interaction between the speakers and the input stage
• Design and Manufacturing:
  • Robust chassis with a refined finish
  • Available in multiple colors: black, red, silver
  • Components mounted using through-hole technology to ensure superior sound quality

Connectivity and Inputs/Outputs

• Line Inputs and Outputs:
  • Neutrik XLR connectors, balanced, pin 2 = (+)
  • Input impedance: 10 kΩ
  • Input adjustment: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
  • Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
  • Output impedance (Slave Thru) defined by the connected device
  • Crosstalk: -110 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Speaker Outputs:
  • 2 pairs of gold-plated binding posts with 4 mm cable pass-through (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated
• Connectivity and Cabling:
  • Binding posts for speaker cables compatible with banana plugs or bare wires (up to 4 mm diameter)
  • Possibility to combine connection types (banana plugs and bare wires) in bi-wiring mode
  • Recommendation: use speakers with an impedance of at least 4 Ω

Audio Characteristics

• Output Measurements:
  • Output voltage: 74 V peak-to-peak (stereo), 180 V peak-to-peak (bridge mode), 35 V RMS (stereo), 86 V RMS (bridge mode)
  • Output impedance: < 0.031 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz (stereo), < 0.043 Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz (bridge mode)
  • Damping factor: > 300, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referenced to 8 Ω (stereo), > 190, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referenced to 8 Ω (bridge mode)
• Frequency Response:
  • 9 Hz to 100 kHz +0, -0.03 dB
  • < 9 Hz to 200 kHz +0, -3 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

  • 118 dB (broadband, unweighted, referenced to maximum power)

  • 123 dB (A-weighted)

• Gain:
  • 26 dB (stereo)
  • 32 dB (bridge mode)
• Total Harmonic Distortion:
  • < 0.03% at 1 kHz, at 185 W, 8 Ω
  • < 0.19% at 20 kHz, at 185 W, 8 Ω
  • < 0.011% at 1 kHz, at 450 W, 8 Ω
  • < 0.12% at 20 kHz at 450 W, 8 Ω

Protection Circuits

• DC Protection:
  • Automatic shutdown of the output stage if DC current is detected
  • Protect indicator lights up red upon detection
• Overheat Protection:
  • Temperature sensor on the heat sinks continuously monitoring temperature
  • TEMP indicator turns yellow in case of overheating
  • Fans run at high speed until fully cooled

Operating Modes

• Bridge Mode:
  • Converts the amplifier’s two channels into a single channel to deliver 450 W in mono at 8 Ω
• Remote Control (Trigger):
  • Ability to put the amplifier into standby mode via the AMP CTL connection
  • Compatible with SPL Professional Fidelity preamplifiers (e.g., Director Mk2)
• Adaptability and Control:
  • Adjustable sensitivity in 0.5 dB steps from 0 dB to -5.5 dB to fine-tune audio input
  • Elegant compensation for level differences between speakers in bi-amplification mode

Power Supply

• Internal Voltage: +/- 60 V
• Power Supply:
  • Mains voltage: 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuses: 230 V: T 4 A; 115 V: T 8 A
  • Power consumption: max 900 VA
  • Power consumption at idle: 40 W
  • Power consumption in standby: 0.3 W

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (with feet): (W x H x D) 278 x 100 x 330 mm
• Weight:
  • 12.8 kg (device only)
  • 14.0 kg (packaged)