The Complementary Sziklai Output

Named after a prolific inventor by

the name of George C. Sziklai, this
version sports a Sziklai output
section, or what is sometimes called
the "Complementary Feedback
Pair".

THD of c200.2 complementary Sziklai output

What is a Sziklai?
In essence, a high gain super transistor, somewhat
similar to a Darlington. But there are major differences.
Unlike Darlingtons, there is some voltage gain with
Sziklais. Another unique feature is local feedback.

Why is it not as popular as EF?

Basically, more difficult to design then EF. When local
feedback is nested in a global feedback, an amplifier is
more prone to instability. In other words, it is easier to
break out into high frequency oscillations. But a well
designed Sziklai Output can often be outstanding.

Performance Factor
This is where it probably makes a real difference. With
listening tests, the Sziklai Outputs are the most
enjoyable of the three designs. It sounds faster and the
highs are smoother. This is probably due to a wider
bandwidth and faster rise time. All these are achieved
without compromising bass slam and definition. Clip
characteristics are similar to c200 (EF version), with no
signs of distortion and instability when driving 8 and 4
ohms test loads up to rated power.
Mr. George Clifford Sziklai is credited for inventing
the full complementary symmetrical output that we take
so much for granted today.

Biasing of output transistors

All THD readings were done with outputs biased to
12mV across 0.22 ohms emitter resistor. This works out
to approximately 55mA per output transistor in idling
state.

THD Testing
Before we proceed with power testing, substitute
the dummy load with a 200 watts, 8 ohms
resistor. With the probes of the THD analyzer
connected across the load, spot frequencies of
200Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz and 20KHz are used to test
the amplifier's THD at 1Watt, 60Watts and it's
rated output of 125Watts. You should be able to
record similar readings as in Fig 5. It is
recommended that the power heatsink and
dummy load be suitably cooled to avoid
overheating. For 4 ohms testing, replace load
with a 400 watts resistor.

Fig 6 - 1KHz Sine / 8 ohms

@ 1 % THD

Fig 7 - 10KHz Sine / 8 ohms

@ 1 % THD

Fig 5 - THD + N

Fig 8 - 20KHz Sine / 8ohms

@ 1% THD

Note that as you gradually increase the output to

maximum level, the output waveform should not
exhibit any signs of distortion until clip.

Fig 9 - Power Supply Unit

Testing the amplifier at Clip

In Fig 6, 7 and 8, the c200 is driven to 1% THD
into 8 ohms to determine the waveform at clip.
Note the symmetrical clipping at the three spot
frequencies. With a 4 ohms resistive load, similar
results were observed.

For monoblock, C2, C3 = 10,000uF x2/63V

minimum. Transformer secondary should be rated for
250VA. For stereo, C2, C3 = 22,000uF x2/63V
minimum. Transformer should be upgraded to
500VA.
Supply rails (Vs) are 53Vdc.

The Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The PSU (Fig 9) is a conventional, unregulated
supply. Input fuse F1 is for safety. Mains switch
SW1, has its contacts straddled by a 4700pF X2
capacitor to suppress "popping" during switch-on.
T1 is the power transformer with a secondary
output of 40-0-40Vac. BR1 is the bridge rectifier
and C2, C3 are the filter capacitors for DC
smoothing.

60 Downes Street | Calais | ME 04619 | USA