Dual-Mono Balanced Operation
Two standard Black Knights may be operated, without
modification, as 500W balanced monoblocks. Each
balanced monoblock (one per channel) must be driven
by a preamplifier with balanced outputs, or by Sonogy's
Duette Balancing Module. If you connect your Black
Knight as a balanced monoblock, be sure to connect the
speaker across the left and right red ("hot") binding
posts. Ground is not used to carry signal in a balanced
configuration. Your authorized Sonogy dealer can
explain fully how to connect a balanced preamplifier to
a pair of Black Knight monoblocks.
Balanced monoblock operation offers many sonic and
technical advantages. Most obviously, this guarantees
the power to reproduce high volume and explosive
dynamics with a greater sense of realism. Many subtle
advantages are offered as well. True dual mono
operation generally enhances the three dimensional
stereo image. Furthermore, balanced operation has
technical advantages, derived from distributing the
speaker's load evenly within the amplifier, which result
in better fidelity, depth of image, smoothness, and
realism, even at lower levels which might not appear to
need the awesome power of two 500 watt monoblock
amplifiers.
Warm-Up
Contrary to popular belief, even solid-state
(transistorized) equipment benefits from a warm-up
period. While your Black Knight will operate properly
and safely as soon as it is turned on, most listeners find
that the sound improves substantially during 20-30
minutes of use, and continues to improve over the next
few hours of continual operation. NOTE: Your Black
Knight will not sound its best until it has been in
standby mode (see below) for at least 24 hours.
Break-in
New amplifiers break-in over a period of 1-2 weeks.
The tonal balance and smoothness will improve.
Standby Mode
Most of this amplifier's low-power circuitry is not
switched on and off. Once your Black Knight is
plugged in, these circuits operate in standby mode. The
Black Knight will not perform optimally until these
circuits have warmed up for at least 24 hours with the
Black Knight plugged into a live AC outlet. Standby
mode is indicated by the front-panel Amber LED.
CAUTION!!! Wait before turning on . . .
When the Black Knight is first plugged in (or
subsequently plugged in after moving), always be sure
that the power switch is off, and wait 2 minutes for the
bias circuits to stabilize. This will avoid an unusual
turn-on surge, blown fuses, and unnecessary strain on
the amplifier.
Ventilation and Heat
Your Black Knight is expected to run warm, but not
hot. Since the Black Knight relies on convection
cooling, it is important to allow space around the
amplifier and particularly important not to obstruct the
cooling fins. Do not stack a preamplifier or any other
equipment directly above the Black Knight. Leave at
least 6 inches of space on all sides, as well as a
dissipation path for warm air. If possible, raise the
amplifier off any rugs by 1-3" to improve airflow and
cooling. Do not enclose in a cabinet. Never operate
the Black Knight in such a way that its heatsinks
become hot to the touch.
On/Off Switch
The On/Off switch controls only the high-current
output stages. The rest of the circuitry is in standby
mode whenever your Black Knight is plugged in. The
amp is "ON" when the switch is flipped up, and OFF
when down. The green LED indicates that the Black
Knight is fully "on".
Grounding Switch
On the bottom of the amplifier (rear panel on some
models) is a toggle switch which options the Black
Knight between two grounding configurations. This
switch can eliminate ground loops and noise in
different systems. Choose the position that provides
the lowest hum and buzz. One position should be
clearly superior to the other.
High Output Current:
The Black Knight is a very high current design, capable
of driving low impedance and reactive loads while
maintaining sonic purity. Each channel's output stage
can deliver peak current of 40 amperes (<100mS) and
the Black Knight can deliver 800 watt peaks (<100mS)
without strain.
A high current option, which increases the constant-
current capability into low-impedance loads is available
at additional cost. This option does not increase peak
current nor does it make the Black Knight more stable.
For the vast majority of applications we do not feel that
this option is necessary.
