Signal Connections

The Tornado Series was developed using high quality interconnects and speaker cables from Merlin Cables, these allow the amplifiers to operate as intended and deliver their optimum performance. We strongly recommend that you use these cables for all connections. You can obtain these from your dealer or distributor..

Please note that we particularly advise you not to use solid core interconnect or speaker cables, or any type of high capacitance speaker cables. We further suggest that you use short cable runs. Try to keep interconnects to 2 metres/6 feet or less and speaker cable runs below 10 metres/30 feet. Even though a Tornado amplifier will drive longer speaker cables you will find its performance improves with shorter cables. The use of “litz” or “goertz” type cables may cause your amplifier to overheat under certain circumstances. These are best avoided.

REAR PANEL

A diagram can be found on page 6 of this manual.

MAINS CONNECTIONS

The Tornado’s mains switch is fitted in the centre of the rear panel. Use this to switch off the amplifier completely. Below it is an IEC socket into which the supplied mains lead fits. If an internal fuse should blow i.e. the blue LED will not illuminate when the amplifier is not hot but plugged in and switched on, then the amplifier should be returned to your dealer for examination. Any replacement should only be of an identical type.

The amplifier, whilst powered ON, will be warm to the touch even as idle, due to the class A quiescent current flowing in the output stage. This is perfectly normal.

INPUT CONNECTIONS

The input sockets for the Tornado are either RCA phono or XLR balanced. Connect your pre- amplifier’s main audio outputs to these. Us the rear mounted switch to select the input type that you have connected to. The switch points towards the input selected.

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

Gold plated 5-way binding posts are provided for your speakers’ connections as well as BFA safety type terminals. The red terminal is the positive connection and the black terminal is negative. If you use bare cables or spade terminals that require clamping in the binding posts, be sure to arrange the leads so that they do not short-circuit the amplifier. Clamp the connections tightly but do not over- tighten them: do not, for instance, tighten the binding posts with pliers. Check this sort of

connection periodically to make sure that the wire is still tightly gripped. Better still, use high quality cables factory fitted with appropriate plugs!

Tornado mono amplifiers are suitable for use with most current loudspeaker systems with an impedance rating between 2 and 16 Ohms. Contact your dealer if you have a particularly unusual loudspeaker system and are uncertain about how your amplifier might react to it. Under all normal circumstances the amplifier is well protected against encounters with demanding speakers: it has thermal protection, voltage and current limiting and DC offset protection.

MUTE LINK INPUT

This is to allow simultaneous mute control over the power amplifier when used with a Hurricane pre- amplifier, just connect using the 3.5mm jack lead provided with your Hurricane pre-amplifier.

BI-WIRING

Although two sets of speaker terminales are provided, if you intend to bi-wire - or tri-wire - your loudspeakers, we recommend that you use cables fitted with a single pair of plugs at the amplifier end for four reasons. 1) To bi/tri wire properly you should have a common ground point. 2) Trying to squeeze two or three individual cables into a binding post will give a poor connection that will degrade sound quality. 3) It increases the likelihood of wiring one or more of the speaker drive units out of phase by reversing its connections. 4) It invites accidents through wires breaking free and shorting the amplifier’s output.

FRONT PANEL

Although there are no front panel controls Connecting the mute link cable between your Hurricane pre-amplifier (if you have one) will operate internal relays that connect the audio signal to the loudspeakers when the mute button on the Hurricane’s front panel is pressed once. To un-mute press it a second time. It does not connect the mains supply to the amplifier: the actual mains power switch is on the rear panel.

If you do not have a Hurricane pre-amplifier then the Tornado will un-mute itself automatically after a few seconds.

Leaving the mains supply permanently connected and silencing the amplifier with the Hurricane’s mute switch means the Tornado will deliver optimum performance immediately it is brought out of its “stand-by” state.

When the amplifier’s output is muted the red indicator light on the front panel extinguishes.

Tornado 3.1B Power Amplifier specifications

The Talk Electronic Tornado 3.1B Power Amplifier stands out as a powerful yet versatile piece of audio equipment tailored for both professional and home audio applications. Known for its impressive output capabilities, the Tornado 3.1B is designed to deliver high-quality sound with clarity and fidelity, making it a preferred choice among audiophiles and sound engineers alike.

One of the primary features of the Tornado 3.1B is its robust power output. With a maximum power rating of up to 300 watts per channel, this amplifier can easily drive demanding speakers and fill larger spaces with rich, immersive sound. The amplifier operates efficiently, providing a dynamic range that enhances both vocal and instrumental performances.

The Tornado 3.1B is built using advanced amplification technologies, including a Class D design that minimizes energy loss while maximizing performance. This class of amplifier provides high efficiency, meaning less heat production and longer operational life. The use of Class D technology also contributes to a compact form factor, making the Tornado 3.1B an excellent choice for cramped installations.

Another key characteristic of the Tornado 3.1B is its versatile connectivity options. It features balanced XLR inputs, RCA inputs, and a speakON output, allowing seamless integration with various audio sources and speaker systems. The incorporation of protection circuitry ensures safe operation, safeguarding both the amplifier and connected devices from overload or short-circuit issues.

The amplifier also includes a built-in LED indicator that provides real-time status updates, simplifying monitoring during operation. The rugged construction and durable components of the Tornado 3.1B ensure that it can withstand the rigors of tour life and demanding installations, providing reliability when it is needed most.

In addition to its performance features, the Tornado 3.1B boasts an aesthetic design that appeals to modern sensibilities, making it an elegant addition to any audio setup. Overall, the Talk Electronic Tornado 3.1B Power Amplifier combines power, efficiency, and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience, whether in a home theater, studio, or live performance environment. With its impressive specifications and features, the Tornado 3.1B reaffirms Talk Electronic’s commitment to delivering top-tier audio solutions.