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6. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
6.3. Ecomode
The Ecomode serves to reduce heat and unnecessary power consumption when the unit is switched
on but not in use. After approx. 10 minutes without receiving signal, the V 40 SE Ecomode is
activated, turning down the power. In this “sleep” mode, the V 40 SE draws less than 20 W Idle
current. Therefore, nearly no heat is produced by the running unit, and the heater voltage and the
high voltage for the power amplifier section are switched off. When the music signal is once again
sensed by the V 40 SE, the Ecomode circuit will turn the unit back on, with a warm-up/start-up delay
of approximately 60 seconds before the unit will operate.
The Ecomode also serves to increase the lifetime of the tubes, while having an added benefit of
improved safety
allowing the V 40 SE owner a level of security against any problems when leaving
the unit powered on.
The Ecomode is a safety and energy-saving feature that automatically switches off the amplifier's
tube circuitry during breaks of more than approximately 10 minutes.
Ecomode reduces the overall power consumption of the amplifier to under 20 W, compared with 140
W in normal operation. When it detects a signal, the V 40 SE reactivates automatically and is ready
for use again within approximately 60 seconds.
Rear panel switch settings
Eco off:
The Ecomode automatic is off, the amplifier is on
Eco on:
The Ecomode automatic is activated. Ecomode is signal-actuated; after an
approximately 10-minute silence, Ecomode switches in automatically. The soft-start
LED [6] illuminates to show that the Ecomode was turning down the unit. As soon as
the Ecomode circuit detects the presence of an input signal (from the CD player, for
example) it will automatically power the V 40 SE up. The process takes
approximately 60 seconds, after which time the soft-start LED will extinguish to show
that the V 40 SE is ready for use.
Note:
If you switch on the V 40 SE with Ecomode active, it will go through the restart
procedure. If it fails to detect a music signal, it will shut down after approximately
10 minutes.
As well as saving electricity, Ecomode has a number of other advantages.
- extended tube life
- reduced heating of the whole unit
- increased passive safety if the unit is left on by mistake
Ecomode is not the same as standby, however, because certain sections of the
amplifier remain on.
Important!
You cannot adjust the BIAS in Ecomode once the amplifier has powered
down! Powered down during Ecomode is indicated by the soft-start-LED.
Amp off:
The power stage of the amplifier is off.
This setting is recommended if only the input section is in use. For example this
would make sense by using the V 40 SE as a distributor for a signal maybe for an
external headphone amplifier. Record out and regulated Pre-Out is active. The signal
is not activating the Ecomode to turn on the power section.
