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Guidelines for safe operation regarding liquids, power sources, grounding, and power cords.
Warning against using damaged or cut mains plugs in UK sockets.
Information on the soldered mains fuse and its replacement by qualified personnel.
Connect unit to specified power source; internal supply settable for 230 or 115 V AC.
User should not service beyond manual; refer other work to qualified personnel.
Wiring details for balanced and unbalanced signals using XLR male plugs.
Wiring for unbalanced inputs/outputs using Cinch/BNC plugs.
Wiring for balanced output signals using XLR female plugs.
Details on unbalanced (TRS) and balanced (XLR) headphone output connectors.
Information on mains power connection, voltage settings, and transformers.
Guides on setting the pre-gain switches for optimal level matching with headphones.
Details on using the volume knob and remote for simultaneous left/right channel control.
Discusses how Pre-Gain adapts signal levels to match diverse headphones and sources.
Instructions on setting PRE-GAIN switches for optimal listening volume and noise reduction.
Provides examples of setting PRE-GAIN for loud or soft input signals.
Advises on conditions for altering settings: min volume, deactivated outputs, same settings.
Describes protective circuits for DC voltage, overload, and output muting.
Instructions to reset the unit to default settings by holding the 'ANALOGUE INPUTS' button.
Explains the function of Pre-Gain with examples for optimizing volume control range and SNR.
Details the 5-year warranty and post-warranty care for the product.
Instructions for submitting a warranty claim, including proof of purchase and fault description.
The Violectric HPA V550 / V550 PRO is a high-end headphone amplifier and preamplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio quality for discerning users. It is engineered to drive a wide range of headphones, from low to high impedance (16-600 ohms), including dynamic and orthodynamic models, ensuring optimal performance across various listening setups.
The core function of the HPA V550 is to amplify audio signals for headphones and to act as a preamplifier for other audio components. It features a true balanced amplifier design, incorporating four discrete-design power amplifiers with 16 transistors per channel, resulting in a total of 32 transistors dedicated to analog signal processing. This architecture ensures extremely low output impedance, minimal self-generated noise, and excellent crosstalk rejection, as channels are physically separated.
The device offers three analog stereo inputs: one balanced via Neutrik XLR and two unbalanced via RCA sockets. These inputs are switchable from the front panel or via the remote control, with LEDs indicating the active input. A crucial feature is the PRE-GAIN function, which provides seven steps of gain/attenuation from -18 dBr to +18 dBr. This allows for precise matching of the amplifier's input sensitivity to various source output levels and headphone sensitivities, optimizing the volume control's travel and minimizing self-generated noise.
For output, the HPA V550 provides both headphone and line outputs. Headphone outputs include a 4-pin XLR connector for balanced headphones and two 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS phone jacks for unbalanced headphones. The line outputs are available via balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors, offering flexibility for connecting to active speakers or power amplifiers. The line outputs can be switched between "PRE-FADER" (fixed output level, independent of volume control) and "POST-FADER" (variable output level, controlled by the volume knob), making it suitable for various system configurations. The line output gain can also be adjusted in seven steps, similar to the headphone PRE-GAIN.
The HPA V550 incorporates a sophisticated volume control system. The standard HPA V550 uses an Alps RK 27 motorized volume control, allowing for both manual adjustment and remote control operation. The HPA V550 PRO model features a reed relay attenuator with 256 steps of 0.4 dB each, providing extremely precise volume adjustment and superior channel matching. This is achieved through special "reed relays" where switching contacts are enclosed in a gas-filled glass tube and actuated by a magnetic field. A balance control is also included to compensate for minor level differences between the left and right channels, which can arise from recorded material, headphone systems, or individual hearing. This control affects only the right channel to maintain optimal crosstalk specifications.
The device is equipped with comprehensive protective circuits to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to connected headphones. These include a five-second delay during power-on to suppress transient noises, instant cut-off during power-off, and detection for DC voltages and overload conditions at the outputs. In case of an error (DC voltage, overload), the headphone sockets are disconnected, and the "PROTECT" LED illuminates red. The amplifier automatically returns to normal operation once the fault condition is cleared.
The HPA V550 is designed for user-friendly operation with both front panel controls and a dedicated infrared remote control.
The HPA V550 is designed for durability and ease of maintenance, with a focus on internal component quality and user safety.
General| Type | Headphone Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | > 120 dB |
| Inputs | 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR |
| Outputs | 1 x 6.3 mm, 1 x XLR |
| Input Impedance | 10 kOhm |
| Gain | 0 dB |
| Output Impedance | 0.1Ω |
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