PL3800 - Receiver Citronic - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Power Amplifier (Receiver)
Brand	Citronic
Model	PL3800
Power Output (RMS @ 4Ω)	2 x 1900W
Power Output (RMS @ 8Ω)	2 x 1100W
Bridge Power (RMS @ 8Ω)	3800W
Input Impedance	20kΩ
Frequency Response	5Hz – 50kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>112dB
THD	0.05%
Circuit Protection	Short-circuit, DC, overload, soft-start
Cooling	Dual fan cooling
Dimensions (H x W x D)	88 x 483 x 389 mm
Weight	10.5 kg
Power Supply	230Vac 50/60Hz (IEC, 15A max.)
Amplifier Class	Class H, 2-step
Operating Modes	Stereo, Parallel, Bridge Mono
Input Connectors	Combo XLR/Jack line inputs, XLR line outputs
Output Connectors	Speaker outputs (binding posts)
Clip Limiter	Switchable per channel
High Pass Filter	Switchable (30Hz/50Hz)
Ground Lift	Switchable
Soft Start	Yes
Front Panel Indicators	Power, Signal, Clip, Protect (PM), Bridge Mono (BM)

Frequently Asked Questions - PL3800 Citronic

How do I connect speakers to the PL3800?

Use good quality speaker leads and connect to the CH1 and CH2 outputs on the rear panel. Ensure the combined load impedance per channel is at least 4Ω (e.g., two 8Ω speakers in parallel). For bridge mono mode, connect the speaker to the Bridge Mono output and ensure the load is at least 8Ω.

What do the front panel indicators mean?

The POWER LED shows the unit is on. SIGNAL LEDs indicate input signal presence. CLIP LEDs warn of output clipping (reduce volume if lit). PM (Protect Mode) indicates a fault. BM lights when Bridge Mono mode is active.

How do I enable Bridge Mono mode?

Set the rear panel MODE switch to BRIDGE. The BM LED will illuminate on the front panel. Connect your speaker to the BRIDGE OUT1 (or OUT3) output. Minimum load impedance is 8Ω.

What is the Clip Limiter and when should I use it?

The CLIP LIMITER switch helps prevent overload by reducing gain when clipping is detected. Use it for extra speaker protection. In extreme cases, it may affect sound quality; disable it and use an external compressor if needed.

What are the High Pass Filters for?

The HPF (High Pass Filter) removes very low frequencies that speakers cannot reproduce, reducing heat and improving efficiency. Switch to 30Hz or 50Hz if not using subwoofers or when driving full-range speakers.

What should I do if the Protect Mode (PM) LED is lit?

Turn off the amplifier and disconnect from mains. Check speakers and cables for shorts or damage. After checking, power on again. If PM remains lit, refer to qualified service personnel.

Why is there no output despite power being on?

Check that input signal is present and cables are connected. Ensure CH1 and CH2 level controls are not turned fully down. Verify speaker cabinets and leads are functional. If Signal LEDs are lit but no output, the issue may be in the speaker chain.

How can I reduce distortion and clipping?

Reduce the input level from the audio source. Lower the amplifier's GAIN switch on the rear panel. Turn down CH1 and CH2 level controls. Check speaker impedance is not below the rated minimum.

How do I clean the PL3800?

Use a soft cloth with a neutral detergent to clean the casing. For ventilation grilles, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust. Do not use strong solvents.

What safety precautions should I take?

Do not expose the amplifier to rain or moisture. Ensure correct mains voltage and use a good condition IEC lead. Avoid blocking cooling vents. Only qualified personnel should open the case. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

USER MANUAL PL3800 Citronic

Front view of two black Citronic audio equipment units (PL3200 and PL3800) with labeled buttons and ventilation grilles (no readable text beyond labels)

Features:

• Class H, 2-step architecture
- Compact and light weight
• High efficiency, high output
- Independent dual-level clip limiters
- Independent dual-level high-pass filters
- Stereo, Parallel or Bridge Mono modes
• Fully balanced signal path
- Dual fan cooling
- Soft-start on power up
- Multi-level system protection

Introduction:

Thank you for choosing this Citronic Powerlite amplifier. This product has been designed to exacting standards to provide accurate, immediate high power on demand whilst remaining very lightweight and compact for easy portability. The class H architecture and innate protection circuitry are designed to provide reliable service for many years. Please, however, read and follow these instructions to attain the best performance from this amplifier and avoid mis-use through incorrect operation.

Warning:

To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose any of the components to rain or moisture. If liquids are spilled on the casing, stop using immediately, allow unit to dry out and have checked by qualified personnel before further use.

Avoid impact, extreme pressure or heavy vibration to the case

No user serviceable parts inside – Do not open the case – refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Safety

• Check for correct mains voltage and condition of IEC lead before connecting to power outlet.
• Ensure speaker leads are good condition with no short connections or damaged plugs
• Check impedance of speaker loads do not exceed the minimum stated load for the amplifier
• Do not allow any foreign objects to enter the case or through the ventilation grilles.

Placement

• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Keep away from damp or dusty environments.
• When rack-mounting, ensure adequate support for the base of the amplifier and firm fixings for the front.
• Ensure adequate air-flow and do not cover cooling vents at the front and rear of the amplifier
• Ensure adequate access to controls and connections

Cleaning

• Use a soft cloth with a neutral detergent to clean the casing as required
• Use a vacuum cleaner to clear ventilation grilles of any dust or debris build-ups
• Do not use strong solvents for cleaning the unit.

Front Panel

1. PM Protect Mode indicator 5. SIGNAL indicators
2. BM Bridge Mono mode indicator
3. CLIP indicators 7. Cooling vent

4. OUTPUT indicators 8. POWER switch

5. CH1 and CH2 level controls

Rear Panel

1. Mains inlet - IEC 15. CLIP LIMITER switch
2. CH2 output
3. Bridge mono output
4. CH1 output
5. Cooling vent

6. Combo signal inputs (XLR or jack)

7. GAIN input level selector

8. MODE switch (Parallel/Stereo/Bridge)
9. CH1 and CH2 High Pass Filters (HPF)
10. GROUND LIFT switch
11. Signal line outputs (XLR)

Operation

Connect speaker cabinets to channel outputs using good quality leads and ensuring that the combined load on each channel is no lower than 4 (for speaker loads connected from one to another, 8 + 8 = 4 ).

Connect the left and right signal input from mixer or other line level source via the combo connectors on the rear panel using good quality 6.3mm jack or XLR leads.

If the signal is to be cascaded onto other amplifiers, connect these via the XLR line level outputs.

Connect the amplifier to the mains outlet, making sure that the IEC lead is in good condition and connected securely.

For extra protection of speakers and amplifier, the CLIP LIMITER may be switched in to help prevent overload. In some extreme cases, the operation of the clip limiter can be obtrusive. In these cases, disable the clip limiter and use a dedicated compressor/limiter to control the high dynamics.

If the amplifier is not driving sub cabinets or is driving cabinets which cannot produce very low frequencies, the High Pass Filters (HPF) may be switched in to avoid excessively low frequencies, which will not be able to be reproduced and thus dissipate as heat, reducing efficiency. Settings for 30Hz and 50Hz are available.

Select the GAIN level of the input signals (standard is 26dB – may also be used to curtail the input level)

Select the mode in which the amplifier is to be used...

PARALLEL sums both left and right input signals together and feeds the mono signal to both amplifier outputs. This is useful when driving sub cabinets (which, in arrays, benefit from working together in mono) and when each channel is powering speakers in different areas (avoiding one area hearing only left output and the other only right)

STEREO is the normal mode of operation where each input is delivered to each output independently

BRIDGE mode couples both amplifier sections together to deliver the full rated power to a single output. The minimum impedance is 8 in this mode. An LED (“BM”) shows when this mode is engaged

The GROUND LIFT switch disconnects signal ground (or “earth”) from mains ground. In certain cases, it may help to alleviate mains hum – otherwise, leave ground connected to mains ground.

With CH1 and CH2 level controls turned fully down, switch on the power to the amplifier. This product has a “soft-start” function which makes some checks before engaging power to the amplifiers, which may take a few seconds.

With mixer (or other signal source) levels turned down, gradually increase the amplifier's CH1 and CH2 level controls to the required level (normally full) and then gradually increase the signal level from the mixer until sound can be heard through the speakers and then up to the required level.

During use, the LED indicators will show if a signal is present, if half output is being produced and if the output is reaching clip level. If the red CLIP LEDs illuminate more than very briefly, reduce the volume until they hardly light up at all.

If the internal protection circuitry detects a fault in the speakers or amp, the amplifier will enter Protect Mode and a "PM" LED will illuminate on the front panel to show this. Switch the amplifier off and check the entire system (including leads) before powering up again. If still in Protect Mode, seek advice from qualified service personnel.

Before powering down, turn CH1 and CH2 level controls fully down to avoid loud noises when switching off.

SPECIFICATIONS
	PL3200	PL3800
Power supply	230Vac 50/60Hz (IEC, 15A max.)
Output: RMS @ 4Ω	2 x 1600W	2 x 1900W
Output: RMS @ 8Ω	2 x 915W	2 x 1100W
Bridge power: RMS @ 8Ω	3200W	3800W
Input impedance	20kΩ
Output circuit architecture	Class H, 2-step
Frequency response	5Hz – 50kHz
S/N ratio	>111dB	>112dB
THD	0.05%
Circuit protection	Short-circuit, DC, overload, soft-start
Dimensions	88 x 483 x 389mm
Weight	10.5kg

Troubleshooting

No power light on front panel switch	Ensure IEC is connected to mains and mains lead is in good condition
	Ensure mains outlet is switched on
Power light is on but no other LEDs and not output	Check input signal and connection leads
	Ensure CH1 and CH2 level controls are not turned fully down
Power light and Signal LEDs are lit but no output	Check speaker cabinets are not blown and are in good working order
	Check speaker leads are in good condition and connected properly
“PM” (Protect Mode) LED is lit and there is no output	Switch off and disconnect from mains
	Check speakers are in good working order and not shorted out (using a multi-tester)
	After checking all connected items, power up again
	If still in Protect Mode, switch off again and refer to qualified service personnel
Output is very distorted and “CLIP” LEDs are lighting	Check speaker impedance is not below rated Ohms
	Turn down Input level from audio source
	Switch GAIN at rear to a lower level
	Turn down CH1 and CH2 level controls
Output is working but at very low level	Ensure input source is at line level
	Increase input level from audio source
	Turn up CH1 and CH2 level controls
	Switch GAIN at rear to a higher level

Note: for further troubleshooting, refer equipment to qualified service personnel for testing