Overview of the ARX ZR Amplifiers design concepts

A U S T R A L I A N ||| W E B S I T E

ARX ZR Series Power Amplifiers

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PowerDrive

MicroDrive

AmbiDrive

ZR550
ZR850

ZR 550/850HD

ZA 800
ZA 600
ZA 400
ZA 5.1

ZR C series

ZR 550 and ZR 850
A New Generation
For the ZR series we asked amplifier users, installers and distributors around the world for their input. Their responses have resulted in a range of amplifiers designed from the ground up for the intensive duty cycle that today’s standards of production demand:

More power

More protection

Less heat

Less weight

..and most of all - better sound!

The ZR550 and 850 have specifications designed to satisfy the most demanding professional applications. They are a distillation of our experience gained through years of making compact, powerful amplifiers.

New Technology Inside
ARX design engineers have chosen the new generation Lateral Mosfet devices for the all-important amplifier output stage.
Even faster than the original Hitachi replacements, these switch many amperes of high frequency current in nanoseconds, which is up to 100 times faster than amplifiers using conventional Bipolar transistors.

Plug-in Modules

A feature of the ZR series is an internal insert point for ARX Plug-in crossover modules.

The EC PlugIn is an Electronic crossover ‘on-a-card. Using the seamless 24dB Linkwitz-Riley filter circuitry incorporated in our EC-2 Active crossovers, EC PlugIns are available in a variety of Preset or user-configurable versions.

Safety First
In keeping with current safety practices, the outputs are all fully isolated Speakon connectors.
For added convenience, there is a separate connector for bridged mono mode.
Excellent Power-to-weight ratio
Advanced computer modelling of the ZR series chassis design has put strength where it’s needed, and reduced excess weight where possible. Coupling this with the use of compact toroidal transformers has resulted in an excellent power-to-weight ratio for the ZR series.

Comprehensive Protection circuitry onboard
Over the years ARX engineers have done intensive research into amplifier protection systems. Our new ‘Headroom Enhance’ circuitry is based on the core ISC error correction technology developed by ARX for our new range of ISC Loudspeaker Processors. This provides Maximum power output levels under all AC mains supply voltages and rated load conditions, eliminating Output Stage clipping.
The ZR series amplifiers have new re-settable High Current relay switched protection circuits that instantly disconnect the speakers when a potentially damaging signal or amplifier error is detected.
New 'SilentStart/SilentStop' input delay muting circuitry eliminates switch on/switch off noise.

The super-efficient heatsink area is complemented by the use of two variable speed DC fans. In all models, the speed of these fans is temperature controlled, so that when the amp is idling, so are the fans. When the internal temperature rises, so does the fan speed.

<<<ZR series Amplifier Air Path

Built to Last
Over 24 years ago, ARX was one of the first companies in the world to bring out a high powered amplifier, the legendary SS700 in only 2 rack spaces! A concept that has been embraced by virtually every amp manufacturer since then. Today, thousands of amplifiers later, we’ve probably had greater experience in getting more from less than just about anyone else!
As a company, ARX is dedicated to producing pro audio products that consistently deliver the power and the quality that audio professionals expect.
The ZR series is proof of our commitment - a line of amplifiers that work as hard as you do, day after day, night after night.

T E C H N I C A L || S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

ZR550	ZR850
Compact Medium Power amplifier	Compact High Power amplifier
200W RMS into 8 ohms 270W RMS into 4 ohms 540W Bridged into 8 Ohms	300W RMS into 8 ohms 400W RMS into 4 ohms 800W Bridged into 8 Ohms

	Rear Panel Detail
The ARX ZR series of amplifiers are designed around Toroidal power transformers for low induced noise and efficient power to weight ratio. Heavy duty diode bridges and our ‘UltraFin’ heatsink are used throughout the range. All models can be switched to run in bridged mono mode.

Input Connectors	Balanced Jack, Female XLR with input link switch.Wired Pin 3 -, Pin 2 +, Pin 1 Electronic Ground
Output Connectors	Neutrik Speakon
Input Impedance	40 Kohms Balanced
Input Sensitivity	ZR550 .775 Vrms (0 dB) ZR850 1.15 Vrms (0 dB)
Input CMRR @ 1KHz	>70dB
Channel Separation:@ 1KHz	-88dB
Frequency response: @ rated output:	20Hz - 20KHz ±0.4dB
Metering:	LED status indicators for Clip, Bridge, and Protection shut down
Protection Features	Unique ‘Headroom Enhance’ circuit provides maximum output levels without clipping Relay switched DC sensing ‘SilentStart/SilentStop’ Input/Output muting at turn on/off
Cooling	Ultra Fin heatsink and variable speed DC cooling fans: 2 fans, in front to back mode
AC Power	Supplied 'zone-specific' 100/120/220/240V AC. Removable power lead
Weight	ZR550: 11 Kg (24 lbs) ZR850: 12 Kg (26 lbs)
Size: Depth:	All are standard 2 rack units high and 19" (482mm) wide 16" (405mm) Add at least >3" (80mm) to depth behind front panel to allow for rear rack mount ears, cabling and connectors. Add >1" (32mm) to depth before front panel to allow for handles and controls. Go to Amp Racking Requirements page for exact space specs
Slew Rate	35VuS
Damping Factor	200:1
Construction	All steel chassis and front panel, with Lexan front print. Front panel power switch and level controls. Rear rack mount ears for four point racking in high stress mobile installations
Contractor Versions:	ZR 'C' series Dual Channel Contractor versions of these amplifiers are also available. These are internally fitted with 100V line transformers. *Click Here* for details

To ZR - EC crossover Plug-In page
Open ZR series as Adobe Acrobat PDF file

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	*ARX ZR* *Series Power Amplifiers*
Click on image to see larger picture (100K) Click Here for *HD 'Long Duty Cycle'* version