When is it necessary to buy dummy loads?
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Do I Need a Dummy Load for Solid State Amps?
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Not specifically, no. Valve amps need to have a load connected, solid state amps don't. In fact a lot of tests are done with the amp powered up with no input or output connected (DC offset and bias current checks). If you think the amp is O.K. just connect a signal and a speaker to it (maybe not a valuable one). Nice to have a load bank though.
Some test procedures in service manuals reference an 8 ohm load when applying a signal off the top of my head, there's Yamaha M-2 and Adcom GFA-545II. Does that mean that dummy loads are specifically necessary there?
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Lavane
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There are some tests with some SS equipment that need a load connected. I haven't run across that very often though. Some biases are even set by the wattage reading coming off the mains. I had a Marantz power amp like that.
Recently, a tube guitar amp I worked on had the bias set by wattage at an idle from the mains voltage. Being a tube amp,.I did have to have a load connected.
Recently, a tube guitar amp I worked on had the bias set by wattage at an idle from the mains voltage. Being a tube amp,.I did have to have a load connected.
