The TRAKKER has a Class A audio path which is significantly different than designs that
use integrated circuits. Class A circuits sound musically pleasing because their
distortion components tend to be Second Harmonic. IC Op-Amps do not have class A output
circuits and their distortion components tend to be high order odd harmonics; not musical.
The two important things to remember are that Class A circuits sound musically pleasing
and discrete circuits can be tailored for optimum performance.
Class A discrete technology has 2 disadvantages when compared to IC designs. 1) Due to
the large number of parts in discrete circuits; they are costly. 2) Class A circuits run
hot.
The TRAKKER must have adequate ventilation. Make sure the vent holes are not
blocked. Do not set anything directly on top of the TRAKKER. When mounting the unit in a
rack, provide as much air flow as possible. A 220 volt muffin fan run on 115 volts makes a
quiet fan and can provide good cooling for the rack if needed. Leaving the back of the
rack open is another option. Providing adequate ventilation will reward you with years of
reliable operation.
All precision electronic equipment has an operating temperature that when reached will
result in best performance. The TRAKKER should be allowed a 10 to 15 minute warm up period
before use.