Talk Electronics
Tornado 3.1B Power Amp
User Manual
TALK ELECTRONICS LTD. UNIT 3 IMAGE HOUSE 326 MOLESEY ROAD HERSHAM SURREY KT12 3PD ENGLAND
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SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
connection periodically to make sure that the wire is
still tightly gripped. Better still, use high quality cables
factory fitted with appropriate plugs!
The Tornado Series was developed using high
quality interconnects and speaker cables from Merlin
Cables, these allow the amplifiers to operate as
intended and deliver their optimum performance. We
strongly recommend that you use these cables for all
connections. You can obtain these from your dealer
or distributor..
Tornado mono amplifiers are suitable for use with
most current loudspeaker systems with an
impedance rating between 2 and 16 Ohms. Contact
your dealer if you have a particularly unusual
loudspeaker system and are uncertain about how
your amplifier might react to it. Under all normal
circumstances the amplifier is well protected against
encounters with demanding speakers: it has thermal
protection, voltage and current limiting and DC offset
protection.
Please note that we particularly advise you not to
use solid core interconnect or speaker cables, or any
type of high capacitance speaker cables. We further
suggest that you use short cable runs. Try to keep
interconnects to 2 metres/6 feet or less and speaker
cable runs below 10 metres/30 feet. Even though a
Tornado amplifier will drive longer speaker cables
you will find its performance improves with shorter
cables. The use of “litz” or “goertz” type cables may
cause your amplifier to overheat under certain
circumstances. These are best avoided.
MUTE LINK INPUT
This is to allow simultaneous mute control over the
power amplifier when used with a Hurricane pre-
amplifier, just connect using the 3.5mm jack lead
provided with your Hurricane pre-amplifier.
REAR PANEL
A diagram can be found on page 6 of this manual.
BI-WIRING
Although two sets of speaker terminales are
provided, if you intend to bi-wire - or tri-wire - your
loudspeakers, we recommend that you use cables
fitted with a single pair of plugs at the amplifier end
for four reasons. 1) To bi/tri wire properly you should
have a common ground point. 2) Trying to squeeze
two or three individual cables into a binding post will
give a poor connection that will degrade sound
quality. 3) It increases the likelihood of wiring one or
more of the speaker drive units out of phase by
reversing its connections. 4) It invites accidents
through wires breaking free and shorting the
amplifier’s output.
MAINS CONNECTIONS
The Tornado’s mains switch is fitted in the centre of
the rear panel. Use this to switch off the amplifier
completely. Below it is an IEC socket into which the
supplied mains lead fits. If an internal fuse should
blow i.e. the blue LED will not illuminate when the
amplifier is not hot but plugged in and switched on,
then the amplifier should be returned to your dealer
for examination. Any replacement should only be of
an identical type.
The amplifier, whilst powered ON, will be warm to
the touch even as idle, due to the class A quiescent
current flowing in the output stage. This is perfectly
normal.
FRONT PANEL
Although there are no front panel controls
Connecting the mute link cable between your
Hurricane pre-amplifier (if you have one) will operate
internal relays that connect the audio signal to the
loudspeakers when the mute button on the
Hurricane’s front panel is pressed once. To un-mute
press it a second time. It does not connect the
mains supply to the amplifier: the actual mains
power switch is on the rear panel.
INPUT CONNECTIONS
The input sockets for the Tornado are either RCA
phono or XLR balanced. Connect your pre-
amplifier’s main audio outputs to these. Us the rear
mounted switch to select the input type that you
have connected to. The switch points towards the
input selected.
If you do not have a Hurricane pre-amplifier then the
Tornado will un-mute itself automatically after a few
seconds.
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
Gold plated 5-way binding posts are provided for
your speakers’ connections as well as BFA safety
type terminals. The red terminal is the positive
connection and the black terminal is negative. If you
use bare cables or spade terminals that require
clamping in the binding posts, be sure to arrange the
leads so that they do not short-circuit the amplifier.
Clamp the connections tightly but do not over-
tighten them: do not, for instance, tighten the
binding posts with pliers. Check this sort of
Leaving the mains supply permanently connected
and silencing the amplifier with the Hurricane’s mute
switch means the Tornado will deliver optimum
performance immediately it is brought out of its
“stand-by” state.
When the amplifier’s output is muted the red
indicator light on the front panel extinguishes.
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PROTECTION MODE
When using a Tornado with our Hurricane pre-
amplifier we recommend that you place the units
side by side or arrange them on separate shelves of
a system rack, separated by about 15cm. Keep your
turntable, if you are using one, as far away as
possible from the power amplifier.
INTERNAL FUSES
If for any reason these are found to have blown or
the red LED on the front panel will not illuminate
within 20 seconds of power up, then the protection
circuits have identified a possible fault condition. The
amplifier should immediately be switched off and
returned to your dealer or distributor for examination.
There are no user serviceable parts in your power
amplifier. Units contain lethal voltages, so only
qualified personnel should service your amplifier.
Don’t be tempted to take a little look inside the
amplifier: there’s nothing very exciting to see and
there are some dangerous voltages floating about
inside its case. Similarly, do not try to modify or
“improve” the design with the latest audiophile fad
components. We know what we are doing and we
chose the most appropriate components for this
design. We certainly will not repair the amplifier
under guarantee if you’ve been fiddling with it!
HINTS AND TIPS
Although you can stack a Tornado power amplifier
with a pre-amplifier and other components, your
system will not perform at its best if you do. The
power supply in the amplifier can induce hum into
sensitive components.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORNADO 3.1B
Mono
200W
Type
Nominal power output 20-20k 8 ohms
Input impedance
Input sensitivity
Distortion 1KHz 8Ohms
Mains Voltage
Dimensions
width
22k ohms
1V for full output
<0.005%
230V or 115V AC ± 10%
440mm
89mm
height
depth
325mm (allow at least 400mm for connections)
Weight per unit
unpacked
packed
16.2kg
18.0kg
Talk Electronics’ policy of continued research and development means that the above specification may change without
notice.
The Thunder has been manufactured to conform with the protection requirements of the EC Council directive 89/336/EEC
relating to EMC by application of the following standards:
EN50081-1 1997 Emissions Standard
EN50082-1 1997 Immunity Standard
and also the requirements of the EC low voltage directive relating to electrical safety by application of the following standard
BSEN60065: 2002 Safety standard
For the purposes of testing the Thunder was used with the mains cables and high quality interconnects supplied by Merlin
Cables. Compliance with the above standards can only be made if the unit is installed as per this manual and using the
correct cables.
*Guarantee: 3 Years return to dealer.
To help us provide you with the most efficient service please return your guarantee card promptly. Your CD player is
guaranteed against manufacturing and component defects for a period of 3 years. The guarantee does not cover and
damage caused by accident, misuse, neglect or through incorrect installation, adjustment or repair by unauthorised
personnel or the cost of collecting the Thunder from you and returning it to the dealer. The above does not effect your
statutory rights as a consumer.
E & OE. Due to our policy of continued development we reserve the right to change the specifications at any time.
*Upon return of Guarantee Card
Talk Electronics
TALK ELECTRONICS LTD. UNIT 3 IMAGE HOUSE 326 MOLESEY ROAD HERSHAM SURREY KT12 3PD ENGLAND
4
GUARANTEE
To extend your guarantee from 1 year to 3 years FREE of charge please complete and return this form
TALK ELECTRONICS LTD.
UNIT 3 IMAGE HOUSE
326 MOLESEY ROAD
HERSHAM
SURREY KT12 3PD
ENGLAND
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