Lab Gruppen E8:2 Ampllfier 2-Channel Power Amplifier with Low Impedance and 70-100V Operation

Product Overview

The Lab Gruppen E 8:2 is an 800-watt, 2-channel installation amplifier supporting both Lo-Z (2–16Ω) and Hi-Z (70 V / 100 V) operation per channel in a 1RU chassis. Designed for AV integrators specifying distributed audio in commercial meeting spaces, offices, and light commercial environments, the E 8:2 delivers 2 x 400 W across independently configurable channels — making it a flexible dual-zone amplifier for mixed-impedance installations without additional transformers. Energy Star certification and IDEEA Class-D technology keep lifetime operating costs low.

Product Description

The E 8:2 delivers 800 W total across two channels, each configurable independently for Lo-Z operation at 2, 4, 8, or 16 ohms, or Hi-Z constant-voltage operation at 70 V or 100 V. This per-channel flexibility is provided by the Rail Sense Limiter (RSL) mode switch on the rear panel, which also handles per-channel output rail monitoring and dynamic limiting. In Hi-Z mode, the RSL limits output to 100 V peak; in Lo-Z mode, to 56.6 V peak — protecting connected loudspeakers and enabling clean asymmetric operation across mixed-impedance loads.

A notable distinction in the E 8:2 compared to smaller E Series 2-channel models is the explicit per-channel Hi-Z mode labelled as a 2-position Lo-Z / Hi-Z switch, where Hi-Z supports both 70 V and 100 V constant-voltage loads. This makes the E 8:2 compatible with 100 V European-standard distributed audio systems as well as 70 V North American systems. The IDEEA Class-D output stage achieves efficiency above 80%, with sub-1 W auto-standby consumption and auto-power-on on signal return to satisfy Energy Star requirements.

The E 8:2 is physically compact — only 276 mm deep (10.9"), the shallowest in the E Series line — making it suitable for shallow wall rack enclosures or locations where rack depth is constrained. Rear-panel per-channel level trimmers and signal-present LEDs facilitate field commissioning. A GPIO contact-closure connector supports integration with Crestron, AMX, or building management systems for remote power state monitoring and control.

Key Features

• 800 W Total Output, 2 Channels — 2 x 400 W at 2Ω, 4Ω Lo-Z; 2 x 400 W at 8Ω, 70 V, or 100 V Hi-Z; 2 x 290 W at 16Ω Hi-Z.
• Per-Channel Lo-Z and Hi-Z (70 V / 100 V) Operation — Each channel independently switchable via rear-panel RSL Lo-Z/Hi-Z switch; supports both 70 V and 100 V constant-voltage systems.
• IDEEA Class-D Output Stage — Operating efficiency >80%; reduced mains current draw and heat generation.
• Energy Star Certified — Sub-1 W auto-standby; auto-power-on on signal return.
• Rail Sense Limiter (RSL) — Per-channel dynamic limiting at 100 V (Hi-Z) or 56.6 V (Lo-Z); minimizes clipping under variable loads.
• Shallow Chassis — 276 mm depth (10.9") — the most compact E Series 2-channel model; suitable for shallow rack enclosures.
• Built-In 50 Hz High-Pass Filter — Per-channel switchable from rear panel for speaker protection in distributed systems.
• GPIO Integration — Contact-closure GPI/GPO for control system power state management.
• 1RU Form Factor — 483 x 44 x 276 mm (19" x 1U x 10.9"), 4.1 kg; lightweight and space-efficient.

Typical Applications

• Conference room and meeting space dual-zone or stereo audio
• Huddle room and small commercial space speaker systems
• House of worship lobby and overflow zone amplification
• Government building paging and background music
• Training room and multi-purpose room audio
• Commercial space 70 V and 100 V ceiling speaker distribution

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the E 8:2 support 100 V constant-voltage systems?

A: Yes. The E 8:2 Hi-Z mode supports both 70 V and 100 V constant-voltage loads. The VPL in Hi-Z mode is 100 V, making it compatible with European 100 V distributed audio standards as well as North American 70 V installations. This distinguishes it from smaller E Series models that are limited to 70 V in Hi-Z mode.

Q: Can the two channels be configured for different impedance modes?

A: Yes. Each channel has its own independent Lo-Z/Hi-Z RSL switch on the rear panel, enabling one channel to operate at 70 V for a ceiling speaker circuit and the other to drive a 4Ω low-impedance loudspeaker simultaneously.

Q: How deep is the E 8:2 chassis?

A: The E 8:2 is 276 mm (10.9") deep — shallower than the larger E Series models. This makes it suitable for compact wall rack enclosures or installations with limited rack depth.

Q: Is the E 8:2 Energy Star certified?

A: Yes. The E 8:2 achieves Energy Star certification through operating efficiency above 80% and auto-standby consumption below 1 W after 20 minutes without input signal.

Q: What is the output power into 8 ohms in Lo-Z mode vs. Hi-Z mode?

A: In Lo-Z mode, 8Ω output is 200 W per channel. In Hi-Z mode, 8Ω output is 400 W per channel. The distinction is due to the RSL's different rail voltage limits for each mode (56.6 V Lo-Z vs. 100 V Hi-Z).

Q: What control system integration is available?

A: The GPIO connector provides contact-closure GPI (power control input) and GPO (power state output) for integration with Crestron, AMX, or building management systems. There is no Ethernet or network control interface on this model.