While doing the first bench test on a new Synergy 450 amplifier this morning, it dawned on me that these amps (and all other recent AVA solid state amps too) are essentially brown-out proof.
The audio output comes out absolutely normal and happy as soon as the AC line voltage reaches about 15V AC. We use this fact as a helpful tool in initial setup as if the clean signal is not there at really low line voltage we STOP and look for the reason why before needing to apply higher initial voltage. This saves lots of parts from damage if there was an initial wiring error (rare).
What I just happened to think about this morning is that this means you should have no issue at all running AVA solid state amps under significant AC line brown out conditions. For example if your power has dropped to 80V AC instead of the normal 120V, the only issue with an AVA amplifier would be lower output power and probably a very dim on indicator lamp. No muddy sound or circuit damaging issues under these conditions.
Enjoy!
Frank Van Alstine
