Planar Speaker Asylum

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Planar Speaker Asylum

Acoustat Model 1 info

174.113.132.163

So I just got a pair with red medallions. I've cleaned the panels, heatgunned the mylar and they seem ok. Problem I've noticed is the LF transformer having audible arcing from inside when at about 12 oclock on my GFP-565 and GFA-565. What's the max input voltage of this thing? They do have to be playing pretty loud for this to happen and I only noticed when I had the box open on the ground. I really don't want to kill these transformers so I'm asking here if anyone knows the 'safe voltage' for Acoustat transformers?

Follow Ups:

They should handle plenty of power - E-Stat 20:07:23 09/03/16 (0)
I used to have 2+2s and they took every bit of the 500 watts my VTL monoblocks could deliver at that impedance. I now have 1+1s which I originally drove with a 200 watt/channel Threshold Stasis and now serve duty in the HT with a 300 watt/channel Emotiva XPA5. No problems here.

Sumptin's wrong.
RE: Acoustat Model 1 info - j beede 16:17:36 09/02/16 (1)
I've only seen this happen when the load on the audio step-up transformer's secondary is (inadvertently) missing. As I recall Model 1s do not run full range, they came equipped with a Mk-131 or Mk-141 interface and a single woofer. Am I remembering this correctly?
Don't let your speakers run this way. The more arcing you "allow" the more enamel damage you will suffer. The arcing will begin at ever lower levels as incremental damage occurs.
I believe that each Model One has a small interface box attached like the 1+1 had. Have you tried swapping L for R to see if the arcing moves with the box?
I am assuming that the Model One features "overlapping" audio transformers like the Mk-121 interface had. I am also assuming that only one of your LF xfmrs is arcing.
NOTE: I know you know this... Once the panels are charged they can stay charged for (quite) a while after being unplugged. . Yes, it is high voltage and near zero current--so not necessarily lethal. But the pain from hitting your head/elbow wen you react will make you wish you were dead. Even worse if another person is close by watching over your shoulder. I've been running ESLs for 40 years and have never experienced any of this myself.
I am lying.

Edits: 09/03/16
- RE: Acoustat Model 1 info - Chaffey 20:53:18 09/02/16 (0)
  Are you saying because the woofer isn't connected I'm more likely to get arcing in the interface? They are MK-141c. I've been monitoring this very closely when playing louder and I haven't been hearing it at all now that I have everything set up with the 2 playing. When overdriven though they will start doing it again. I realize this will get worse the more it happens so i'm being careful. Regarding panel charge, yes I'm experienced with the HV supply biting back hah. I use that fancy cable with a resistor to discharge them quickly.
RE: Acoustat Model 1 info - Satie 07:04:29 09/01/16 (0)
I don't know enough about the Acoustats to tell you one way or the other but the arcing noise from a transformer means that the enamel on the wires has faults. It is not safe to use that transformer - replace it or at least have a pro look at it.

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