FAQ:Klimax Solo 500

What is Adaptive Bias Control

Adaptive Bias Control technology is the control of the ideal bias current for all the amplifier output transistors. This is established dynamically and in real-time by measuring, sampling and digitising the current measurement, then using a closed loop to set the output bias voltage through a DAC and novel analogue floating bias circuit.

A digital control loop then implements and persistently adjusts this optimum bias current for the transistors; negating crossover distortion at any temperature – regardless of volume or demanding dynamic changes in music – for the entirety of the amp’s life.

Utopik for Klimax Solo 500

Linn’s all-new, Utopik switch-mode power supply topology for Klimax Solo boasts precision-regulated power rails. It provides the best of both worlds, generating 2kW maximum power output whilst retaining speed, responsiveness and consummate efficiency. It maintains extremely steady output voltage; the rails perform consistently in the face of dramatic loading changes. What’s more, if the mains input varies, the output won’t – remaining stable and ultrapure at all times.

With Utopik, Linn minimise switching noise and improve efficiency by utilising a technique called ‘soft-switching’; a resonant tank circuit ensures that voltage across the switch falls to zero before the switch is thrown. Thanks to soft-switching, Utopik is cleaner, more efficient, and remains whisper-quiet over the full range of operating conditions.

Cool running

Klimax Solo 500 features a brand-new thermal management system—a hybrid cooling matrix—which ensures that the amplifier can adapt in response to the demands placed upon it, remaining cool and whisper-quiet at all times.

Designed and optimised using sophisticated simulation software, machined internal fins form a labyrinthine network of precisely measured channels. These fins naturally radiate heat upwards and out through precision-cut gills in the amplifier’s upper casework. This natural convection and radiation system is ideal for keeping Solo 500 cool during everyday listening sessions.

When the amp is pushed very hard, however, this is where Solo 500’s hybrid cooling matrix gets really clever… The amp switches to active cooling by way of two internal fans positioned deep within the product.

Linn has designed an intelligent fan management system for Solo 500. Monitored and controlled by an FPGA processor in real-time, the required fan speed is determined by a combination of both the measured internal temperature of the amplifier and the input audio signal. This ensures that the fans run inaudibly at the lowest speed possible at any given time, whilst providing ample cooling to avoid overheating and thereby maintain ideal performance, listener experience, and efficiency.

Is the Solo 500 Suitable for Any Speakers?

The Klimax Solo 500, like the Solo 800 is capable of delivering a lot of power on demand. The Solo 500 will deliver up to 500W into a 4 Ohm load. Like any standalone mono-block power amplifier, it can only protect itself from overload. It has no knowledge of the speaker load connected to it, so it is not able to protect the speaker from currents that may damage it.

To prevent damage to the speaker, the volume should be suitably limited unless the loudspeaker itself includes suitable protection circuitry. If there is any doubt then seek advice from the speaker manufacturer.