ART SLA1

Product overview

The ART SLA1 is a two-channel linear power amplifier designed for passive studio monitors, delivering 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 260 watts bridged into a single 8 ohm load.

It delivers 130 watts per channel at 4 ohms and offers a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz (± 0.5 dB) with ultra-low noise and distortion, to deliver the full fidelity of the source material. Each channel has an independent volume control and status LEDs for signal activity, clipping and protection. The rear panel has balanced XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs and binding post outputs for bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors, and ART's SmartFan system adjusts the fan speed to the internal temperature for cooling with quiet operation. The SLA1 fits a single rack space.

Key features

• 2-channel linear power amplifier with an extremely low noise, discrete linear design
• 100 W per channel at 8 Ω, 130 W per channel at 4 Ω
• 260 W bridged into 8 Ω
• XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs
• Multi-way binding post outputs
• 10 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response (± 0.5 dB)
• Switchable ground lift
• SmartFan adaptive cooling system
• Toroidal transformer and detented level controls
• 1U rackmount, steel and aluminium chassis

Front panel controls and indicators

The power switch sits in the centre of the front panel, with the channel 1 and channel 2 attenuators to its left and right. The attenuators are calibrated in dB: fully clockwise (0) gives no attenuation and full attenuation is at - infinity. For each channel, the Signal LED glows when the output signal is within approximately 30 dB of full scale, the Clip LED lights when the output begins to distort and the Protect LED shows that the channel is in protect mode, with its output muted.

Rear panel connections

All inputs and outputs are on the rear panel. The XLR inputs are balanced (pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold, pin 1 ground); the 1/4 inch TRS inputs take balanced or unbalanced signals (tip hot, ring cold, sleeve ground). ART recommends the balanced XLR connection for cable runs longer than 20 feet, and the two input types can be used together to link the signal to another amplifier. The multi-way binding posts accept bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors. The Amp Mode switch selects stereo or bridged mono mode, and the ground lift switch separates the internal ground from the chassis ground, for example when the SLA1 is mounted in a grounded rack.

Cooling and protection

The heatsinks carry most of the heat away; a rear mounted variable-speed fan, whose speed follows the internal temperature at two levels, provides extra cooling as needed. The output circuitry is fully protected from shorts, opens, over-current and over-voltage: a relay disconnects the outputs under any fault condition and returns to normal operation once the fault is removed. An ultrasonic network decouples RF from the output and keeps the amplifier stable with reactive loads, and if the heatsink reaches 90 °C the amplifier mutes until it cools down.

Loads and bridged operation

In stereo mode ART specifies a loudspeaker load of 4 Ω or more per channel (two loudspeakers per channel rated at 8 Ω or more each); the amplifier is stable to 2 Ω in fixed installations. In bridged mono mode the loudspeaker should be rated at 8 Ω or more (stable to 4 Ω): the input goes to channel 1, the loudspeaker connects across the red binding posts and channel 1's attenuator sets the level.

In the box

• SLA1 power amplifier
• Detachable power cord (supplied with the equipment, per the owner's manual)

ART SLA1: frequently asked questions

How much power does the SLA1 deliver?

100 W RMS per channel at 8 Ω, 130 W RMS per channel at 4 Ω, and 260 W RMS bridged mono into 8 Ω.

What inputs and outputs does it have?

Balanced XLR and 1/4 inch TRS (balanced or unbalanced) inputs, and multi-way binding post outputs for bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors.

Is the fan noisy?

The SLA1 uses ART's SmartFan system: the fan speed follows the internal temperature for cooling with quiet operation.

Does it have a ground lift?

Yes. A rear panel switch separates the internal ground from the chassis ground, which can reduce hum when the unit is mounted in a grounded rack.

Where can I buy the ART SLA1 in India?

The ART SLA1 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Powering passive studio monitors

Project and professional studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn the front attenuators fully counter-clockwise before switching on.
2. Switch the amplifier on, then slowly turn the levels up.
3. Set the listening level with the attenuators and keep the Clip LEDs from lighting.

Tip: An occasional flash of the Clip LED is acceptable; continuous clipping is not.

Workflow 2: Bridged mono for one larger loudspeaker

Studios and installations that need 260 W into one 8 Ω load.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch the amplifier off and set the rear Amp Mode switch to bridge (in).
2. Connect the input to channel 1 and the loudspeaker across the red binding posts.
3. Switch on last and set the level with channel 1's attenuator.

Tip: Change the Amp Mode switch only with the power off.

Workflow 3: Broadcast and control room monitoring

Broadcast studios and control rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Use the balanced XLR inputs for cable runs longer than 20 feet.
2. Set matching attenuator positions on both channels using the dB scale.

Tip: The attenuators are detented and calibrated in dB.

Workflow 4: Linking a second amplifier

Systems that feed one signal to several amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the source to the XLR input of the channel.
2. Use the 1/4 inch jack of the same channel to pass the signal on to the next amplifier.

Tip: ART describes this parallel link in the owner's manual.

Workflow 5: Rack installation with a quiet noise floor

Installers fitting the SLA1 into an equipment rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the fan and ventilation openings clear.
2. If hum appears in a grounded rack, try the rear ground lift switch.

Tip: The ground lift separates the internal ground from the chassis ground to prevent multiple ground paths.

Workflow 6: Installed background music

Installations driving low impedance loudspeakers.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire one loudspeaker of 4 Ω or more, or two of 8 Ω or more, per channel.
2. Set the levels and check that the Protect LEDs stay off.

Tip: Mains: ART lists 120, 100, 220 and 240 V versions (export units configured for the country of destination).