the amplifier unit and active electronics

Input stage

The three new power amplifiers and the extremely high-capacity mains power unit are housed in a compact, fully enclosed metal case which fits into the loudspeaker cabinet from the front. Each output stage can supply 350 Watts continuous and 500 Watts peak - all this from an extremely small unit, generating little waste heat. 

If you run the speakers for a long period at typical "party" levels, and the output stages become too warm, a speed-regulated fan cuts in to provide adequate cooling, varying in speed according to volume! As with all T+A amplifiers, the whole system is monitored by an ingenious protective circuit.

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The active electronic circuit is a complete unit of modular construction, located at the rear of the loudspeaker cabinet where its terminals are exposed. A metal plate carries the input circuit board with the XLR and Cinch inputs, the mains socket, the automatic power-on circuit, the room adjustment controls and the stabilised voltage supply. The second level of circuit boards houses the active crossover unit and all the signal processing circuitry. The three output modules for the bass, mid-range and high-frequency ranges constitute the final level.

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The TCI 1 Active loudspeaker incorporates yet another amplifier: a push-pull Class A valve-based output stage. This is a fairly unusual inclusion, but the design provides really excellent results and is a proven unit, as our original active loudspeaker - the OEC 2000 - already featured a valve amplifier which drove the electrostatic unit, and the TCI 1RE is fitted with the same module

The enormous speed and high performance of this valve amplifier constitute the ideal source for the high-frequency electrostatic unit. Valves can effortlessly deliver high voltages at high frequencies, and have no problem with the capacitive load of an electrostatic unit; their sound character also harmonises very well with that of the digital output stages.

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