SPL Performer m1000 EN

Professional Fidelity
Mastering Grade Listening

PROTECT PWR TEMP

Performer m1000 VOLTAiR Mono Power Amplifier

120V DC Audio Rail

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Welcome

and thank you for choosing the Performer m1000.

The Performer s1000 is the big brother of the highly acclaimed Performer s800 and delivers 1000W into 2 ohms,
750W into 4 ohms and 420 W into 8 ohms with ease.

VOLTAiR technology is what we also call the SPL 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This
makes the Performer m1000 an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom
delivering an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparency and realness.

XLR WIRING: SPEAKER OUTPUTTRIM
Pin 1 = GND
Pin 2 = Hot (+) -3.5 -3 -2.5-0.5 0 -5.5
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
-2 -1.5 -1 INPUT-5 -4.5 -4

THRU INPUT

INPUT

+ Minimum Load: –
2Ω
SPEAKER OUTPUT

~ 115V AC / ~230V AC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz, P max. 1375VA Serial Performer m1000
Number
CAUTION
FUSE VOLTAGE SELECTION AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
PROTECT PWR TEMP 230V AC: 1. Remove Fuse Holder Connect to
DO NOT OPEN 2. Exchange Fuses AMP CTL output of
Performer m1000 VOLTAiR Mono Power Amplifier T 6.3 A 3. Flip Over SPL Preamplifier/DAC spl.audio
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE • NE PAS OUVRIR 4. Reinstall for remote power on/off
120V DC Audio Rail L 250 V OR
Made in Germany VOLTAGE SELECTION Use 12 V Trigger
115V AC:
AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER
T 12.5 A

L 250 V
FUSE

2 I FR

Content Specifications 

Getting started Line Input & Line Output 17
Front view 17
Rear view 4 Speaker output 17
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology Output power (Sine at 1kHz) 17
5 Output voltage 18
Comparisons 18
6 Output impedance 18
Ornamental inlays 18
Input 7 Damping factor 19
19
Slave Thru 8 Frequency response 19
Gain Trim 20
10 Signal-to-noise ratio 20
Speaker output Gain 20
Protection circuits 11 Total harmonic distortion 20
12 Internal Voltage
DC Protection 12 Power supply 21
Overheating protection circuit 21
13 Dimensions (incl. feet)
AMP CTL (Standby / Amplifier Control)
14 Weight
Power LED
14 Important Notes

15 Declaration of CE Conformity

16

16

I FR



Getting started

Read thoroughly and follow the instructions as well as the security advices of the Quickstart
which is enclosed in the scope of delivery! You can also download the Quickstart here.

By pressing the I  -Button you get to the table of contents.
By pressing the F  -Button you get to the front view of the unit.
By pressing the R  -Button you get to the rear view of the unit.

By pressing the  -Button you get to the previous content.

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Front view

Ornamental Inlay 4 PROTECT PWR TEMP

5 Performer m1000 VOLTAiR Mono Power Amplifier

120V DC Audio Rail

Protection LED 3 2 Temperature LED

Power LED 1

I FR



Rear view 8 Slave Thru
7 Input
Gain Trim 9

Mains Voltage 5 XLR WIRING: SPEAKER OUTPUTTRIM
Mains Switch 6 Pin 1 = GND
Pin 2 = Hot (+) -3.5 -3 -2.5-0.5 0 -5.5
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
-2 -1.5 -1 INPUT-5 -4.5 -4

THRU INPUT

INPUT

+ Minimum Load: –
2Ω
SPEAKER OUTPUT

~ 115V AC / ~230V AC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz, P max. 1375VA Serial Performer m1000
Number
CAUTION
FUSE VOLTAGE SELECTION AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
230V AC: 1. Remove Fuse Holder Connect to spl.audio
DO NOT OPEN 2. Exchange Fuses AMP CTL output of
T 6.3 A 3. Flip Over SPL Preamplifier/DAC
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE • NE PAS OUVRIR 4. Reinstall for remote power on/off
L 250 V OR
Made in Germany VOLTAGE SELECTION Use 12 V Trigger
115V AC:
AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER
T 12.5 A

L 250 V
FUSE

Speaker Output 11 10 AMP CTL

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VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology

VOLTAiR is the synonym for our 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. The audio signals are
processed with an unequalled +/-60V DC, which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and
four-times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers.

VOLTAiR Technology reaches outstanding technical and sonic performances. Technically especially in terms of
dynamic range and headroom and sonically especially in reproducing the finest details and delivering a totally
relaxed sounding audio experience. Music sounds absolutely natural.

SPL’s 120V Rail Technology is the internal audio processing voltage (+/- 60V DC).
It is not to be confused with the external mains voltage (e.g. 115V or 230V AC).

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Comparisons

These diagrams show how our VOLTAiR Technology compares to other circuits.

The direct relation between operating level and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher
the operating level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential acoustic
and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also has a positive impact on the
dynamic range, distortion limit and signal-to-noise ratio.

Operating Voltage Dynamic Range

Volt dB
120 145

120 V 140 141,4
100

80 135

60

130

40 125 124,2
20 30 V 120
OPA 134@30 V
0 + / - 60 Volt SPL-OP@120 V

+ / - 15 Volt

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Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A 3 dB increase corresponds
to doubling the acoustic power, +6 dB correspond to twice the sound pressure level, and +10 dB correspond to twice
the perceived loudness.

When it comes to volume, the VOLTAiR Technology exhibits a performance, in regard to maximum level and dynamic
range, that is twice that of common components and circuits given that its values are approximately 10 dB higher.

THD measurements show a difference of more than 8 dB compared to the TL071 at 30 V — in terms of sound pres-

sure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than 130%. The operating level most commonly used for

audio equipment is +/- 15 volts.

Max. Audio Level dBu THD&N
-105
dBu -107 -106
35
33,2
30

25

20 21,5 -109

15 -111

10
-113

5 -114,2

0 -115

OPA 134@30 V SPL-OP@120 V TL 071@30 V SPL-OP@120 V

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Ornamental inlays

The Performer m1000 comes with three ornamental inlays: in black, red and silver. They can be combined with
the chosen color of the main front panel. A neodymium magnet holds the ornamental inlay in place. This allows
easy exchange and gives you the unique opportunity to style your power amplifier.

Possible inlay combinations with the basic color red

Possible inlay combinations with the basic color silver

Possible inlay combinations with the basic color black

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Input TRIM AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER 

The Performer m1000 is equipped with an XLR input (7) for balanced conn-0.5ec0ti-5o.5 n to a preamp.SPEAKER OUTPUT INPUT
Full output power (1000W RMS into 2 ohms, 750WXRLRMWSIRIiNnGt:o 4 ohms or 420W into 8 ohms) is
Pin 1 = GND -2 -1.5 -1 -3.5 -3 -2.5-5 -4.5 -4 –
performed at +6 dBu at the input. Pin 2 = Hot (+)
Pin 3 = Cold (–) INPUT

For unbalanced connection with e.g. RCA output connect Pin 3 to Ground in the external THRU

connector. INPUT

unbalanced balanced

1 +GND 1 Minimum LoadG:ND
3 3
hot + 2 Ω cold –
2 2 hot +

SPEAKER OUTPUT

Connect to
AMP CTL output of
SPL Preamplifier/DAC
for remote power on/off
OR

I F R11 Use 12 V Trigger

AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER

INPUT 

Slave Thru TRIM
XLR WIRING:
-0.5 0 -5.5
The input is passively fed to the Slave Thru (8) output for bi-wirinPign 1a=pGpNDlications.
Pin 2 = Hot (+) -2 -1.5 -1 -5 -4.5 -4
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
-3.5 -3 -2.5

THRU INPUT

INPUT

Gain Trim INPUT

SPEAKER OUTPUT TRIM

The input can be lowered with the Gain TRIM switch (9) from 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 XdLBR WsIRteINpG:s. -0.5 0 -5.5

+This is 2 ΩapplicPPaiinnti21o==nMGH.oNitInDt(i+m) um Load: -2 -1.5 -1 -5 -4.5 -4 –
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
allows
helpful if you want to use multi speaker sets or speakers in a bi-wiring -3.5 -3 -2.5
to level speakers with different efficiency to equal loudness.

SPEAKER OUTPUT

INPUT

+ MP CTL/12V TRIGGER
SPEAKER OUTPUT
Minimum Load:

2 ΩConnect to

AMP CTL output of
SPL Preamplifier/DAC

for remSotPeEpAoKwEeRr oOnU/oTfPfUT

OR
Use 12 V Trigger

AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER

I F R12

XLR WIRING: -2 -1.5 -1 AMP CTL/12V TRIGGERTRIM-5 -4.5 -4
Pin 1 = GND
Speaker output Pin 2 = Hot (+) SPEAKER OUTPUT-0.5 0 -5.5THRU INPUT
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
You can connect a 2, 4 or 8 ohms loudspeaker to the speaker out- -3.5 -3 -2.5INPUT
put (11). +
You can either use the ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) or the banana Minimum Load:INPUT –
plugs of the gold-plated loudspeaker binding posts.
2Ω
Make sure not to mix up the polarity of the loudspeaker output.
SPEAKER OUTPUT

Connect to
AMP CTL output of
SPL Preamplifier/DAC
for remote power on/off
OR
Use 12 V Trigger

AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER

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Protection circuits

The Performer m1000 has protection circuits against DC (direct current) voltage at the output and against
overheating.

DC Protection

If DC is detected at the output, the Performer m1000 automatically switches off. DC voltage can be an indication
for a defective power stage. The ProtectLED (3) on the front indicates that the protection circuit is activated and
the power stage has been switched off.

The Performer m1000 does not automatically switch on again. It needs to be switched off manually with the
mains switch (6). Wait at least one minute before switching the Performer m1000 on again.

If the Performer m1000 repetitively switches off due to a DC detection please contact your dealer.

14 I F R



Overheating protection circuit

The Performer m1000 is actively cooled with six temperature controlled fans. The noise of the fans does not
exceed 19 dB – therefore the fans are inaudable.

In the unlikely event of overheating the Performer m1000 will switch off at about 70° C at the heat sink and the
Temp LED (2) on the front indicates the overheating.

After the temperature has fallen below 55° C, the amplifier automatically switches on again.

15 I F R

+ Minimum Load: –

AMP CTL (Standby / Amplifier Control) 2Ω 

SPEAKER OUTPUT

If you own an SPL device supporting AMP CTL output(s) you can trigger standby and AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER
operation. Therefore connect the AMP CTL output of the SPL device with a mono mini
jack cable to the AMP CTL (10) of the Performer m1000. Connect to
AMP CTL output of
You may also use other 12V trigger controller. The Performer m1000 is in operation SPL Preamplifier/DAC
mode when a switching voltage of 12 Volt DC is applied to the AMP CTL input. for remote power on/off
As soon as the 12 Volt DC is removed, the Performer m1000 switches back to OR
standby mode. Use 12 V Trigger
Use a mono mini jack cable where the tip is plus and the sleeve is minus.
AMP CTL/12V TRIGGER

Tip
Sleeve

Power LED R

In standby the Power LED is dimly lit.
If the Performer m1000 is in operation, the Power LED lights up brightly.
If the Performer m1000 is off, e.g. the mains switch is off, the Power LED is off.

16 I F



Specifications

Line Input & Line Output

• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin 2 = (+)
• Input impedance: 10 kohms
• Input trimming: 0 dB to -5.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: +6 dBu
• Output impedance (Slave Thru) is defined by the connected device

Speaker output

• 1 pair gold-plated binding posts with ø4 mm cable hole (screwable) and banana plug; fully encapsulated

Output power (Sine at 1kHz)

• 1000W into 2 Ohm
• 750W into 4 Ohm
• 420W into 8 Ohm

17 I F R

Output voltage 

• 180 V Peak-to-Peak I FR
• 64,6 V RMS

Output impedance

• < 0.031, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Damping factor

• > 280 at 1 kHz and 8 ohms

Frequency response

• 10 Hz to 80 kHz

18



Signal-to-noise ratio

• > 118 dB (wide-band, unweighted, referred to full power output)
• > 123 dB (A-weighted)

Gain

• 26 dB

Total harmonic distortion

• < 0,03% at 1 kHz, at 420 W, 8 ohms
• < 0,05% at 1 kHz, at 750 W, 4 ohms
• < 0,08% at 1 kHz at 1000 W, 2 ohms

19 I F R

Internal Voltage 

• +/- 60 V XLR WIRING:
Pin 1 = GND
Power supply Pin 2 = Hot (+)
Pin 3 = Cold (–)
• Mains voltage: 230 V AC / 50 Hz; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 6.3 A; 115 V: T 12 A +
• Power consumption: max 1370 VA
• Idle power consumption: 50W
• Standby power consumption: 0.3 W

Dimensions (incl. feet)

• (WxHxD) 10.94 x 8.07 x 14.76 in (278 x 205 x 375 mm)

Weight

• 54.67 lbs (24.8 kg), unit only
• 64,60 lbs (29,3 kg), shipping

20 I F R



Important Notes

Version 1.0 – 10 /2018

Developer: Bastian Neu

This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for specific characteristics or successful
results. Unless stated otherwise, everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the time of delivery of
the product by SPL electronics GmbH. The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improve-
ment. Technical specifications are subject to change.

© 2018 SPL electronics GmbH. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any
manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to
improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without
prior notice. SPL and the SPL Logo are registered trademarks of SPL electronics GmbH. All company names and
product names in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Declaration of CE Conformity

The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European
Community.

21 I F R