DD-8 Power Amplifier
User Guide
143120-1 - 5/11
DD-8 Power Amplifiers
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Issued By: Harman International.
FOR FIELD SERVICE
QUESTIONS CALL:
1718 W. Mishawaka Rd.
Elkhart, IN 46517 U.S.A.
1 800 691 4171
European Representative’s Name and Address:
Andy Baker
Cranborne House, Cranborne Rd.
Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 3JN
United Kingdom
Equipment Type: Power amplifier. Family Name: DD Series. Model Names: DD-8
EMC Standards:
EN 55022:2006 + A1:2007 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of ITE: Radiated, Class B Limits;
Conducted, Class B
EN 61000-4-2:2008 Ed 2.0 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Environment E2-Criteria B, 4k V Contact, 8k V Air Discharge)
EN 61000-4-3:2010 Ed 3.2 Radiated, Radio-Frequency, EMC Immunity (Environment E2, Criteria A)
EN 61000-4-4:2007 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-5:2006 Surge Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-6:2006 Immunity to Conducted Disturbances Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields (Criteria A)
EN 61000-4-11:2004 Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variation
EN 61000-3-2:2005 + A1:2008 Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (equipment input current less than or equal to 16A.
EN 61000-3-3:2008 Limitation of Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Low-Voltage Supply systems Rated Current less than or equal to 16A
Safety Standard:
IEC 60065:2001 Ed 7 +A1:2005 Safety Requirements – Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus
I certify that the product identified above conforms to the requirements of the EMC Council Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage
Directive 2006/95/EC.
Signed
______________________
Bob Chadderdon
Title: Director of Engineering
Date of Issue: June 1, 2011
Obtaining Other Language Versions:
To obtain information in another language about the use of this product, please contact your local Lexicon
Distributor. If you need assistance locating your local distributor, please contact Lexicon at 888-691-4171.
This manual does not include all of the details of design, production, or variations of the equipment. Nor does
it cover every possible situation which may arise during installation, operation or maintenance.
The information provided in this manual was deemed accurate as of the publication date. However, updates to
this information may have occurred. To obtain the latest version of this manual, please visit the Lexicon website
Trademark Notice:
Lexicon and the Lexicon logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc.
Later versions of this manual and additional information about this product may be available at the Lexicon
©2011 by Harman International,
1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, Indiana 46517 U.S.A. Telephone: 800-691-4171.
Operation Manual
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DD-8 Power Amplifiers
DocumentatIon conventIonS
This document contains general safety, installation, and operating instructions for the DD-8 Power
Amplifier. It is important to read this user guide before attempting to use this product. Pay particular
attention to safety instructions.
The following symbols are used in this document:
Appears on the component to indicate the presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
Appears on the component to indicate important operating and maintenance
instructions in the accompanying literature.
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death.
CAUTION
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product.
WARNING
Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight.
NOTE:
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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DD-8 Power Amplifiers
GettInG StarteD
Thank you for purchasing your new Lexicon DD-8 Multi-room Amplifier. The DD-8 features patented
DriveCore™ technology, delivering unprecedented levels of power from an amazingly small and
lightweight product. DriveCore takes more than 500 discrete components typically found in a
switching amplifier and fuses them onto a single silicon chip about the size of a dime. Coupled with
a power supply, this chip is capable of generating big output levels into a wide variety of speaker
loads giving you the flexibility to power almost any speaker from small in-ceilings to large in-room
floorstanding models.
In order to receive the maximum peak performance from your Lexicon amplifier, please take a few
minutes and completely read this manual. This important information will help you make certain that
your DD-8 is properly configured for operation with the rest of the equipment in your system.
Highlights
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Multi-patented DriveCore™ amplifier technology
8-channels each with 125W into 8-ohms, all channels driven
Four stereo, Eight mono, or any combination stereo/mono channel configuration
Local/Bus RCA input selection for single or multi-zone configuration
Stereo/Mono selection and independent channel output level controls
12V trigger input/output and signal-sensing channel inputs
Power Save low-power consumption standby mode (less than 0.5W)
Front panel standby power switch with indicator LED
Front panel channel status indicator LED’s
Short-circuit and thermal protection circuitry
High-efficiency, quiet convection-cooled design
Lightweight chassis only one rack space (1U) high
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Installation Considerations
To ensure optimal performance, pay particular attention to the instructions below and to other
precautions that appear throughout this user guide.
DO install the DD-8 on a solid, flat, level surface such as a table or shelf. The DD-8 can also be installed
in a standard 19-inch equipment rack using the rack-mount ears included with the product.
DO select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
DO NOT install the DD-8 on a surface that is unstable or unable to support all four feet.
DO NOT expose the DD-8 to high temperatures, humidity, steam, smoke, dampness or excessive dust.
Avoid installing the amplifier near radiators and other heat-producing appliances.
DO NOT install the DD-8 near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable TV decoders, or other RF-emitting
devices that might cause interference.
DO NOT place the DD-8 on a thick rug or carpet, or cover the ventilation holes in the chassis, as this
might prevent proper cooling.
DO NOT place the DD-8 on a windowsill or any location exposed to direct sunlight.
Installation Options
The DD-8 is shipped without feet or rack ears installed. Both are included in the packaging and you
will need to install one or the other depending upon the type of installation/mounting required. If the
DD-8 is to be placed on a shelf or audio furniture, you will need to attach the four plastic feet to the
bottom of the amplifier using a #2 Philips screwdriver and the included hardware. (See Figure 1) If the
DD-8 is be mounted into an equipment rack, you will need to attach the two metal rack ears to the left
and right sides of the amplifier using the included T-10 Torx key. (See Figure 2)
Figure 1. Feet Installation
Figure 2. Rack Ears Installation
NOTE: If multiple DD-8’s are to be rack mounted together, it is acceptable to “flat stack”
them one atop the other in adjacent rack spaces without additional ventilation spaces
left in between them. However, in some installations or in heavy usage scenarios where
multiple channels are consistently driven at high outputs for long periods of time, it might
be necessary to leave one empty rack space between the amplifiers in order to assist with
heat dissipation and prevent thermal protection due to overheating.
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Front Panel
1
2
1. Standby Button
Activates and deactivates standby mode when the DD-8 amplifier is connected to AC power.
When the DD-8 is connected to AC power, the standby button LED will glow RED indicating that the
unit is in the standby mode. In this state, the power amplifier section is not activated and the unit
consumes minimal AC power. Pressing the standby button from this state will activate the power
amplifier section and the standby button LED will glow BLUE indicating that the DD-8 is powered on.
NOTE: When the status of the DD-8 changes or is powered up from standby mode, there
may be a delay in audio output and relay clicks may be audible. This is normal operation.
NOTE: If the trigger input is used on the DD-8, it will override the standby button operation.
2. Channel Status Indicator LED’s
Indicates the status of each of the eight amplifier channels when the DD-8 is active.
When a channel is active, its LED indicator will glow BLUE. If the channel is in standby, the LED will be
off. If a channel has a fault, the LED will blink BLUE indicating the presence of a short or some other
problem related to that channel. (See the troubleshooting section for more information.)
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Back Panel
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5
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7
8
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1
3
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10
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1. Bus Output
7. Speaker Outputs
8. Signal Sense On/Off
9. Power Save On/Off
10. Trigger In/Out
2. Bus Input
3. Local Inputs
4. Output Level Controls
5. Stereo/Mono Selection
6. Local/Bus Selection
11. AC Main Power Connector
WARNING: Do not connect the outputs
of one channel to the outputs of other
channels or to other amplifiers.
CAUTION: Never make or break connections
to the DD-8 unless the DD-8 and all
associated components are powered off!
1. Bus Output
Provides a line-level RCA connector loop/passthru output for connecting multiple DD-8 amplifiers in a
system utilizing a single bus input signal.
If the DD-8 is used as a single zone amplifier and the input signal is connected via the Bus Input, that
signal can be output via this pair of RCA connectors to additional DD-8 amplifiers connected in the
same manner.
NOTE: The number of DD-8 amplifiers that can be connected in this manner is limited by the
output voltage of the signal source device driving the bus input as it must support the total
impedance of all of the bussed devices.
2. Bus Input
Provides a line-level RCA connector input to simultaneously feed all speaker output channels utilizing
a single bus input signal.
When the DD-8 is used as a single zone amplifier, all channels can be driven using only the bus input
without the need for connection to each channel’s local input individually. If the bus input is used with
the DD-8 configured for stereo operation, the Left input signal will be routed to all four Left speaker
outputs and the Right input signal will be routed to all four Right speaker outputs.
If the bus input is used with the DD-8 configured for all mono operation, either the Left or Right Bus
Input RCA connector can be used to feed all eight speaker outputs. (See the section on “Stereo/Mono
Selection” for more information.) In this case, using only one input connector will attenuate the gain
by 6dB. A “Y-adaptor” RCA cable can be used at the input to maintain full gain if desired.
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3. Local Inputs
Provides a line-level RCA connector input to feed a corresponding speaker-level output channel.
When the DD-8 is used as a multi-zone amplifier, each channel can be provided with a dedicated input
signal. The signals from this input will only be available on the corresponding speaker-level output.
Local inputs are grouped and identified in pairs with the labels A, B, C and D and channel numbers 1-8
on the rear panel of the DD-8. These labels can be utilized to easily identify corresponding controls
and connections for selecting desired output configurations.
4. Output Level Controls
Provides speaker-level attenuation for each output channel.
The output level controls function as attenuators for each channel and can be used to level-match
speakers in an installation. The center detent is the default position that will be appropriate for most
speakers with +13dB or -76dB of adjustment from default available as needed. These controls are
labeled in pairs A, B, C and D and with channel numbers 1-8 to easily identify which speaker-level
output is being adjusted.
5. Stereo/Mono Selection
Selects between Stereo and Mono output configuration for each group of speaker output pairs.
When using the DD-8 in standard stereo operation, select the Stereo position. In this mode, the
Left and Right stereo input signals remain intact and are output at the corresponding left and right
speaker connection. The DD-8 provides connectivity for four stereo pair of loudspeakers (A, B, C and
D) when configured in Stereo mode.
It is possible to combine a stereo bus or local input signal onto two single output channels by
selecting the Mono position for that channel pair. This mode is useful for instances where two
normally stereo speakers are located far apart and it is desirable to send a combined left and right
channel signal to both speakers simultaneously in order to maintain optimal fidelity.
If desired, the DD-8 can be utilized in all mono operation. In this mode, all eight channels can be
used independently with either a single mono bus input signal or eight independent mono local
input signals. As notated in the bus and local input descriptions, using only one input connector will
attenuate the gain by 6dB. A “Y-adaptor” RCA cable can be used at the input to maintain full gain if
desired.
6. Local/Bus Selection
Selects between Local and Bus inputs for each group of speaker output pairs.
The Local/Bus input selection provides the ability to easily configure the DD-8 either as a single-zone
or multi-zone amplifier. The speaker outputs are grouped in pairs A, B, C and D (channels 1-8) with a
switch for each pair. For example, selecting the Bus input for speaker output pair A (channels 1 and
2) will route the input signal from the Bus input to speaker output pair A. Selecting the Local input
for speaker output pair A (channels 1 and 2) will route the input signal from the Local input pair A
(channels 1 and 2) to speaker output pair A.
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7. Speaker Outputs
Provides connection for up to four pair of stereo speakers (eight speakers total) to the DD-8.
Connection to speakers is provided via phoenix-type connectors that accept bare wire terminations.
The connectors are grouped in pairs with one connector each for pair A, B, C and D. Each pair
consists of four wire terminations: positive (+) and negative (–) for the Left channel and positive
(+) and negative (–) for the Right channel. To attach speaker cables to the phoenix connector, strip
approximately ¼” of insulation off of the end of the positive and negative leads of the cable and
insert the bare ends into the corresponding position of the phoenix connector, tightening the screw
terminals on top to secure the termination. Repeat this procedure for each speaker.
NOTE: It is recommended to use 16-gauge or larger speaker wire in order to ensure low-
impedance connections between the amplifier and speakers. Be sure to observe correct
polarity when making connections to speakers: Positive (+) leads to the Positive (+) terminals
and Negative (–) leads to the Negative (–) terminals.
CAUTION: The speaker outputs on the DD-8 are
balanced (differential) and should not be connected to
any equipment that grounds the Negative (–) terminals.
8. Power Save On/Off
Enables the extreme low-power automatic standby mode of the DD-8.
The DD-8 is a highly efficient design with lower-than-average power consumption at standby, idle
and in normal operation mode. The Power Save mode can be enabled to lower standby power
consumption even further by disabling all circuitry except that required for the front panel standby
button. If the Power Save switch is set to the On position, the DD-8 will automatically revert to standby
and enter this extreme low-power state after one hour without signal present at any of the inputs.
If the Power Save switch is in the Off position and the DD-8 is active, it will remain on indefinitely
regardless of the presence of input signals until the amplifier is put into standby mode via the front
panel standby switch.
NOTE: The Power Save function can only be used when operating the DD-8 from the front
panel standby button. If a trigger input is being used, it will override the Power Save function.
9. Signal Sense On/Off
Enables the audio Signal Sense circuitry for the Bus and Local inputs.
The Signal Sense circuitry allows the DD-8 to activate a channel (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) when an audio
signal is detected at the corresponding input and deactivate a channel (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8) when no
audio signal has been present for 30 minutes. When the DD-8 is powered on and the Signal Sense
switch is set to the On position, amplifier channels with signal present will be active. Channels without
signals present will remain switched off until signals are detected. In this mode, power consumption is
lowered by switching off idle channels and audio performance is improved by eliminating crosstalk on
adjacent unused channels. In cases where Signal Sense is On and no audio signals are present on any
channels for more than 30 minutes, all channels will be switched off and only the front panel standby
button will glow blue while the DD-8 continues to monitor all inputs for a signal.
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NOTE: It is possible to have a situation where Signal Sense cannot function if the Power
Save feature is also used and has been activated. For example, Signal Sense will deactivate
channels without signals after 30 minutes. If all channels are deactivated, Power Save will
be enabled after an additional 30 minutes of no signal. During that additional 30 minutes,
Signal Sense will continue to function and will activate any channels that receive an
incoming audio signal. Once the Power Save standby mode has been enabled, Signal Sense
will not be able to function requiring the DD-8 to be turned on again via the front panel
standby button.
NOTE: In some cases, audio signals with very low output may not activate the Signal Sense
circuitry in a timely manner or in some cases, not at all. This could occur with music or audio
that begins with very soft or quiet passages or with abnormally low-voltage source signals. If
the Signal Sense circuitry will not reliably activate channels within the DD-8, it is suggested
to use either the front panel standby button or trigger input control for proper operation.
10. Trigger In/Out
Provides connectivity for remote 5-15VDC trigger signals used to activate and deactivate the standby
mode of the DD-8.
The Trigger In and Out connections can be used to activate and deactivate the standby mode of
the DD-8 from devices such as remote control systems, preamplifiers or other external devices. The
Trigger In and Out connections are duplicated for both 1/8” (3.5mm) mono mini-plug and phoenix-
style connectors. Use the Trigger In for making connections to external control devices that will
activate and deactivate the DD-8 standby mode. The Trigger Out does not provide DC power on its
own, but can be used for making Trigger In daisy-chain connections to additional DD-8 amplifiers or
other components that need to mimic the DD-8 power state.
NOTE: When a remote trigger is connected it will override the front panel standby button
operation.
To install a trigger cable:
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Power the controlling source and DD-8 amplifier off.
Connect the trigger cable to the controlling source and the DD-8 amplifier.
After the connections are made, power on the controlling source and the DD-8 amplifier. After the
source unit is fully powered up, the LED power indicator on the front of the DD-8 should be lit BLUE.
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Verify the trigger is working by putting the source unit into standby mode. The DD-8 amplifier after
a short delay will also go into the standby mode and the power indicator will light up RED.
Once you have verified that the trigger cable is working, only use the source unit to power on and
off your DD-8 amplifier.
WARNING: When installing the trigger cable, never have
the controlling source or DD-8 amplifier powered on.
Doing so will cause the trigger device to work improperly
and could cause damage to both the source and amplifier.
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11. AC Main Power Connector
Provides an AC power connection to the DD-8 using the supplied power cord.
After all audio and system connections have been made, connect the power cord to an AC power
source. Be sure that any device connected to the remote trigger input is powered off when connecting
the DD-8 power cord to an AC outlet.
WARNING: Do not plug the DD-8 directly into the “Switched Accessory” outlet of
another device! These outlets are intended for use with low current draw products
such as tuners, CD players, Blu-ray players and other similar devices. These outlets are
not designed to handle the high current draw of a power amplifier. Using these outlets
for a power amplifier is a significant safety hazard.
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Troubleshooting
The amplifier does not power on.
1. Attempt to power on the amplifier with the front panel Standby/On button.
2. Examine the power cord to ensure a good connection between the rear panel AC input
connector and the wall outlet.
3. Check the wall outlet.
The Trigger Input is connected to an external device, but the amplifier does not power on and
off with the external device.
1. Verify the trigger cable is connected at both ends and verify that the trigger cable is
connected to the right device. Also re-verify the trigger installation instructions as
instructed in the Basic Operation section of this user guide.
2. Verify the trigger level of the output source device. The DD-8 accepts a range of
5-15VDC.
Source signals are present and the system is at a suitable volume level but one or more
channels are not passing audio.
1. Reduce system volume level.
2. Power the DD-8 into standby mode.
3. Check input connections.
4. Check speaker connections.
5. Allow the amplifier to cool before powering it on again.
Audio sounds “thin” and is lacking proper bass response.
Check to ensure proper polarity of the speaker cables and connections.
Audio Levels differ between channels.
1. Check the level settings of the DD-8 Output Level Controls.
2. Check the settings on your preamp, processor or controller.
Audio plays and then cuts off.
Check input and speaker connections for short circuits or loose connections at the amplifier
and speaker.
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A humming sound is present in the audio.
Audible hum, or a discernable low frequency noise is one of the most common problems within
audio/video systems. This problem, even when the volume is at a low level, Is usually caused by a
common problem known as a “ground loop”. A ground loop occurs when there is a difference in
ground voltages between two or more components that are connected electrically.
In most cases, one or more of the following suggestions below will solve the hum problem.
1. If a cable TV connection is present, disconnect the cable for the wall outlet. If this
eliminates the humming sound, a ground loop isolation device is required. Contact your
dealer or cable provider for assistance.
2. Disconnect components one at a time to isolate the problem. Once the problem is
identified, make sure the associated component is properly grounded and connected to
the same electrical ground as the DD-8 amplifier.
3. Turn off all components within your system and then disconnect the input cables on the
DD-8 amplifier. Turn the amplifier back on. If the hum disappears the fault may be with
the input cables that are being used. Make sure the cables are properly shielded or use
a cable that has better shielding. Make sure the cable is not running or laying on top of
any AC power cords.
4. Ground loop problems may also be caused by poor grounding of the electrical system
within your home or may be caused by faulty earth grounds in your home’s electrical
system. To isolate the problem, try unplugging components with three prong grounded
power cords one at a time to see if one or all are causing the problem. In the past, cold
water pipes and other utilities were often used for grounds. These items may not be
still valid because of corrosion of the existing pipes and the installation and use of PVC
piping. Please check with a licensed electrician for further evaluation.
If all else fails…
1. Contact an authorized Lexicon dealer.
2. Contact Lexicon Customer Technical Support at 888-691-4171.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance should be performed on a periodic basis. Clean the exterior surfaces of the
unit with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use alcohol, benzene, acetone-based cleaners, or strong
commercial cleaners. Do not use a cloth made with steel wool or metal polish. If the unit is exposed to
a dusty environment, a low-pressure blower may be used to remove dust from its exterior.
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Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Output Power:
125W RMS per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz – 20kHz
Frequency Response:
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Crosstalk:
20Hz - 20kHz +0dB/–1.5dB
Less than 0.05% at full rated power 20Hz - 20kHz
< –105dB below rated full power A-weighted
< –70dB @ 1kHz
Input Sensitivity:
Gain:
1.12 volts for 125W out into 8 ohms
29dB
Input Impedance:
Trigger Input:
100K ohms typical
5V minimum – 15V maximum DC
Dimensions (H x W x D):
2.1” (w/ feet) / 1.7” (w/out feet) x 17.3” x 14.9”
5.4 cm (w/ feet) / 4.5cm (w/out feet) x 43.8 cm x 37.8 cm
Weight:
9.2 lbs (4.2 kg)
Power Requirements:
100 - 240VAC 50/60Hz 190W
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