Linn Twin Klimax - Manual (Page 21)

Mains supply
The Klimax Twin has an automatic internal mains voltage switch. This allows it to operate from 90 Vac to 260
Vac. With a mains supply below 140 Vac two seconds after switching on the amplifier the power supply
switches to low range, with a just audible click, and remains there as long as power is applied.
For all normal music or AV system operation the actual 'average' output power of the Klimax Twin is much
less than its maximum rated power. For example, a reasonable listening level needs an average output of
about 1 Watt. A very enthusiastic listening level would average about 40 Watts output, per channel. With
most loudspeakers this would give an SPL of between 100dBA and 110dBA, which is quite loud. Very few
loudspeaker drive units (or crossovers) can stand the maximum continuous output of the Klimax for more
than a few seconds. A tweeter can take it for a fraction of a second, then vapourises. All this means that
even though the 'on the laboratory bench' measurements could show an input power of almost 1000 Watts
with a constant tone input and full rated power, in operation the input power is never anywhere near this
level. The Klimax Twin is a high fidelity music playing amplifier, not an industrial servo motor drive amplifier
or an arc welder. Given adequate ventilation it will operate continuously in any music or AV system at any
realistic power level. But with a low mains supply, maximum load and a signal generator on its input, the
mains fuse will blow because 100 V and 115 V mains supplies cannot provide enough power to sustain
continuous maximum output power.
If it really bothers you that you may not simultaneously be able to melt every drive unit in your loudspeaker
system, not to mention your ears, then lay in a 230 V mains supply just to provide power to your Klimax
system. You may want to consider this for the quality of mains supply rather than only for maximum
theoretical power. If you are going to this effort, consider making the new wiring operate at 200 V (Japan) or
230 V (USA). Obviously all mains wiring must be professionally installed to satisfy the appropriate local
standards. One of the benefits of the Klimax switch mode power supply is its tolerance to mains supply
quality, and the much lower damage it does to the incoming mains supply. Contrary to popular belief, a big
audio amplifier does a lot more damage to the mains supply than anything else in your house, and the
mains distortion from the power amplifier can cause other audio components grief.
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