Quicksilver GLA Operating Instructions

Quicksilver Audio GLA (Great Little Amp) Amplifier

Operating Instructions

Thank you for purchasing a Quicksilver Audio GLA. This unit was designed to be simple and reliable and
to give wonderful sound quality at a reasonable price. We at Quicksilver are confident you will enjoy it!
This device has very high internal voltages. Never operate with the bottom removed!
Never operate your amplifers with the speakers disconnected.
To prolong the life of your amplifiers, never turn them on and off within a short period of time
(45 seconds.)
ALLOW ADEQUATE VENTILATION
The amplifier should be placed where it will have plenty of air circulation.
SPEAKER CONNECTION
Screw terminals are used for speaker connections because of their superior sonic performance.
The output transformer wires are silver soldered directly to the screw strips eliminating any
output wiring. The connection to the 4 or 8 ohm tap will be determined by the rating on the back
of your speaker system. The 1 ohm tap is for special applications only.
INITIAL TURN-ON
Insert the tubes in their proper sockets. Connect the amp into the system and turn it on. The
amplifier is self-biasing so no adjustments are necessary. You should, however, be sure to
purchase D.C. matched output tubes.
FUSE BLOWING
If the 4 amp (slo-blo) fuse blows, replace it with no larger than a 4 amp fuse. A 3 amp fuse can also
be used. If the fuse continues to blow an output tube could be damaged; or there may be other
problems, such as poor system grounding, an unstable preamp, a shorted speaker, etc. Inter-
changing the cables between channels can help determine if the problem is in the system or in the
amp.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Important - Never operate the amp with less than 3 output tubes.
If the sound from one channel is distorted and you suspect the amp, switch output tubes between
channels to determine if an output tube is bad.
TUBE REPLACEMENT
The GLA is sold with matched EL34 output tubes; but 6550s or KT88s can also be used; however
all 4 tubes must be the same type. Output tubes must be replaced as a matched pair and should
be purchased through Quicksilver Audio or a Quicksilver dealer. Quicksilver output tubes are
"burned-in" for 10 hours prior to matching, and their performance is guaranteed.
Other tubes in the GLA should be replaced only with the same type and brand originally in the
amplifier.