Posted by Matt Rogers on October 27, 2003 at 23:32:55:
In Reply to: Re: SoundLabs: Are they prone to problems? posted by marcos augusto on October 26, 2003 at 18:19:51:
Dear Marcos
I wished I had your advice when I first had my SL in 1994. I had one panel blown in similar circumstances. What you posted is spot on.
Perhaps we could get the webmaster to write a one-page info sheet, based on what you have posted for those who are in the process of setting up their SLS for the first time, and also for SLO who is still unsure of how to set the bias correctly / efficiently.
I blew my first panel because I did not reduce the bias - which was set in the summer, when winter came along. In winter, the air got drier and thus the charge increased to a point of overload. Common sense should have told me that the SLS were "too efficient."
Also make sure that there is no direct sunlight on the panels.
With experience, I very seldom use the crackling method anymore. I now know exactly the volume my SLS should be producing (I do not use a volume pot. I play at one volume) - think of it in terms of efficiency. For those who wants to try this method, remember the volume (on your preamp/passive control) that you normally listen at (make sure that you have already optimised your bias setting). If the efficiency of you SLS drops in your next listening session, increase the bias accordingly. Or if the efficiency increases, reduce the bias. A bit of a common sense. This method ensures that the bias setting is always spot-on rather than being compensated by your amps. Less critical if your environment has very little humidity changes.
For me (on the safe-side), I prefer to up the bias at the start of each listening session. Expereince tells me how much I have to reduce the bias each time I finish listening.
Perhaps I am a bit of a fiddler, but it is the joy of owning a finely tuned piece of equipment.
Cheers