Procella Unveils Ultimate Amplifier for Its Loudspeakers

Procella Audio, manufacturer of high-performance high-output speaker systems for home and professional cinema and music applications, announced today that Procella’s first power amplifier, the DA-2800, will make its Integrated Systems Europe (ISE 2013) debut in booth 7Q170.

Delivering a total of 2,800 Watts into 4 ohm loads, the amplifier is rated at 700 Watts per channel into 4 ohm loads and 360 Watts per channel into 8 ohm loads. Channel pairs can also be bridged, producing 1,400 watts at 8 ohms.

Two versions of the four channel amplifier are available. Each has the identical basic power amplifier, with the DA-2800DSP version adding onboard DSP for each channel.

The preprogrammed DSP is used to create active crossovers or to optimize the frequency response of Procella loudspeakers and subwoofers. The amplifiers are shipping now, with an SRP of €4,500 for the DA-2800DSP and an SRP of €3,500 for the non-DSP DA-2800.

Both versions will be on active display at ISE. “Great speakers need a great amplifier”, said Gerben Van Duyl, founding partner of Procella Audio. “We have spent over two years testing every D-class amplifier module on the market. We have developed our own DSP software and programming. Today, we are very proud to present you the result of this search for the best amplifier possible for our loudspeakers, the DA-2800. It will further increase the audio quality that Procella loudspeakers and subwoofers are famous for, giving our dealers around the world an even greater competitive head start when it comes to building top class home cinemas, studios or Premier class cinemas.”

Elaborating further, Procella’s other founding partner and primary designer Anders Uggelberg stated, “The DA-2800 is the ultimate amplifier for Procella speakers. To achieve the highest level of performance and full dynamic range at reference levels, it is necessary to have as much amplifier power available as possible, and the DA-2800 provides just that – in a compact and highly efficient package. Its enormous power reserves are critical to its utterly transparent sound quality and the impact of its low frequencies. With our custom DSP configurations, the DA-2800 enables active operation with any of Procella’s biamplified full-range speakers or subwoofers for optimal sound quality. Further, the amplifier gives integrators a new option to move amplifiers to the system rack, out of loudspeaker enclosures that sit behind screens.”

The DA-2800 is capable of producing a total of 2,800 Watts from its four channels. At eight ohms, each channel is rated at 360 Watts continuous, increasing to 700 Watts each for 4 ohm loads. For the absolute maximum output, such as with the P18 subwoofer and P815-FP main speaker, the DA-2800 produces 1,400 Watts per channel at 8 ohms in bridged mode (requiring two channels). Multiple power supplies with vast power reserves assure the maximum dynamic range with all Procella loudspeaker models. Two versions of the amplifier are available. The DA-2800 is a basic four channel amplifier without DSP, and to the same amplifier, the DA-2800DSP adds DSP control and Ethernet, creating the ultimate level of functionality with Procella loudspeakers. The DA-2800 hardware is manufactured for Procella Audio in Italy.

The DSP software programming is proprietary to Procella Audio and programming and final QA are performed at Procella Audio’s factory in Sweden.

In channel pairs, users can select from four DSP presets. For the P18, P15, P10 or P10Si subwoofers these presets optimize frequency response. For the P860, P815 and P610 speakers, the presets also create active DSP crossovers. The standard DA-2800DSP has its presets pre-programmed at the factory to accommodate the majority of Procella models. Custom preset programming, per the customer’s request, is also available when the amplifier is special ordered in advance, suitable for use with the Procella P860 or for unique system configurations.

The non-DSP DA-2800 can be used for speakers and system channels where DSP is not required. Multiple speaker models can be driven simultaneously by DA-2800, depending on system requirements. For example, two or three channels of the amplifier’s four channels can be used for main speakers, with a remaining channel used to drive a subwoofer.

The amplifier’s class-D design his highly efficient, enabling its very high output capability in a very compact and lightweight chassis. Occupying only a single rack unit in height, it weighs a mere 7.4 Kg (16.3 lbs.). The amplifier has a four year parts and labor warranty and has earned both CE and CSA safety certifications.

In accordance with professional audio practices, balanced XLR connectors are used for all inputs. Pairs of inputs can be linked when a single input needs to be fed to two output channels. Termination of the speaker cables and connection to the amplifier are through pro Neutrik Speakon connectors, which are provided with each amplifier.

Independent front panel level control are provided for each channel. A series of four front panel LEDs for each channel display operational status and output level. The LEDs indicate the presence of an input signal, levels of -18 dB and -6 dB respectively, and clipping. Another LED indicates overall amplifier ready status and when thermal protection is activated. An internal fan operates as needed to maintain safe operational temperatures under all normal operating conditions.

The DA-2800DSP version also an Ethernet control interface with rotary address switches, which enables remote monitoring, operational control and remote programming. Designed for Procella markets worldwide, the amplifier will operate in either 230V or 115V modes, with selection of the proper mode made through internal switching.

Source: Press Release