Octave V 70 SE [15/33] Advanced functions

6. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

6.1. Protection

The V 70 SE features a comprehensive electronic monitoring and protection system. This system

will automatically switch off the V 70 SE if case of a fault occurring in the power section.

The protection system has been designed to keep the unit safe from the consequences of

overloads of any kind and to protect the output tubes from current surges.

The red “Protection” LED lights up in [No. 6, chapter 4] to indicate that the protection system has

tripped.

The amplifier will not play music once the protection system has tripped and you will

not be able to check or adjust the BIAS setting.

The BIAS LEDs will show "yellow" for each of the four output tubes.

If a Black Box or a Super Black Box is connected to the V 70 SE, the front panel (operate) LED of

the Black Box / Super Black Box will go out. If the Super Black Box is connected, tripping the

protection system will automatically activate the discharge circuit of the (Super) Black Box (see

chapter 10).

The following conditions can cause the protection system to trip:

- Overdriving the V 70 SE to excessive levels or with excessive levels of low frequency.

- A speaker cable short circuit while the speakers are being driven at high listening levels.

- A fault in one or more of the output tubes.

- A fault in one of the preamp tubes which overloads the affected channel.

Once the protection system has cut in, the only way you can turn the V 70 SE back on is to turn the

on/off switch off and then on again. Allow the unit two minutes to cool down before switching it back

on. If possible, identify and eliminate the cause of the problem (see chapter 11 "Troubleshooting").

If it is not clear what has caused the protection system to trip, we recommend that you check the

BIAS before attempting to use the amplifier again. Tube faults can often result in widely varying

BIAS settings. When these settings exceed a particular value they can cause the protection system

to trip.

6.2. Soft-Start

The V 70 SE input and output tube heaters as well as its high-voltage rails are logic controlled to

ensure that the conduction of the output tubes as well as input stage voltages are constantly

monitored and controlled by the Power Management system to protect the vital internal parts

(tubes, rectifier, electrolytic caps, switches, etc.) against excessive turn-on current. This increases

the lifetime not only of the tubes, but also the caps, while all power related components derive

benefit through this system.

The Soft-Start is always activated within the first 60 seconds after the unit is switched on. During

this time you cannot listen. The Soft-Start delay is indicated with the Soft-Start-LED.

During the Soft-Start-phase, adjusting the BIAS is not possible.