User manual HALCRO LOGIC DM8

dm8 TM TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS............................................................. 2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3 ELECTRONIC DESIGN..................................................................................... 4 MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL ..................................................................... 5 INDUSTRIAL DESIGN...................................................................................... 6 MECHANICAL DESIGN ................................................................................... 7 INSTALLATION....................................................................................................... 8 UNPACKING ......................................................................................................... 8 POSITIONING ........................................................................................................ 8 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS ................................................................................. 9 REMOTE CONTROL ............................................................................................ 10 DISPLAY.................................................................................................................. 10 DISPLAY.................................................................................................................. 11 REAR PANEL ......................................................................................................... 12 CONNECTIONS..................................................................................................... 13 CONNECTING TO A POWER AMPLIFIER ............................................................... 13 REMOTE POWER AMPLIFIER CONTROL OUTPUT................................................ 14 BRIDGING........................................................................................................... 14 BREAK-IN PERIOD .............................................................................................. 14 PROGRAMMABLE INPUT SELECTIONS................................................................ 14 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................... 15 CONNECTING SIGNAL SOURCES ......................................................................... 15 HOME THEATRE PROCESSOR CONTROLLING VOLUME ...................................... 15 CONNECTING THE MAINS POWER SUPPLY CABLE ............................................ 15 REMOTE CONTROL BATTERIES.......................................................................... 15 SWITCHING THE UNIT ON ................................................................................... 16 ALLOCATING SIGNAL SOURCES AND THE REMOTE CONTROL ............................ 16 DE-ALLOCATING PROGRAM BUTTONS .............................................................. 16 DISPLAYED INFORMATION ................................................................................. 17 DISPLAY CONTRAST .......................................................................................... 17 BACK LIGHT....................................................................................................... 17 VOLUME............................................................................................................. 17 VOLUME ­ BALANCING FUNCTION.................................................................... 18 SWITCHING BETWEEN SOURCES......................................................................... 18 PHASE CONTROL................................................................................................ 19 ELECTRONIC PROTECTION AND RELIABILITY......................................... 19 SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES ....................................................................... 20 CARE AND MAINTENANCE............................................................................... 22 TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................... 23 SERVICE .................................................................................................................. 24 WARRANTY ........................................................................................................... 25 Page 1 of 26 dm8 TM Important Safety Instructions This product shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. Only suitable approved MAINS cords, as per European individual country requirements in the CE Low Voltage Directive Scheme, shall be used with this unit. Do not use extension cords: To avoid safety hazards, use only the power cord supplied with your unit. We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this unit. Weighs 23 kg (50 lbs.) per unit. Shipping weight 36 kg (79 lbs) Designed for indoor use only. The dm8 preamplifier is not protected against liquids. The unit shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. Designed to operate on any mains supply in the range of 90V to 240 V. 50 to 60 Hz, without any internal or external switches. There are no user serviceable components inside this unit. Do not attempt to open the preamplifier compartment: this may expose you to dangerous voltages and will void the warranty. Compartments are sealed at the factory. If the seals are broken, the warranty will be void and all service costs will be charged to the owner. Requires F 1A L 250v fuse for continued protection against the risk of fire. Never bypass or use any other type of fuse. The fuse is located on the rear panel in the main switch. 90 - 240 V 50 - 60 Hz 10A CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN Page 2 of 26 dm8 TM Introduction Congratulations on purchasing the HALCROTM dm8 preamplifier. It has taken two years and the generous contributions of leading reviewers, distributors and dealers from around the world to design, then create, the HALCROTM preamplifiers. We are confident that this combination of expertise, along with the know-how of the high-end audio industry's leading Research and Development team will ensure the success of the HALCROTM preamplifiers. The brief given to our R&D team, headed by Bruce Candy, was to produce two models of preamplifier to satisfy the needs of every audio connoisseur: Y Lowest distortion specifications of any preamplifier in the world. Y Physical dimensions to suit a standard domestic equipment rack, while retaining the stunning HALCROTM industrial design signature. Y Tractable controls. Y Superior reliability. Y Innovation in design. The HALCROTM dm8 & dm10 preamplifiers will add no colorations to the music. When used in conjunction with HALCROTM power amplifier(s), all you will hear is the original recording reproduced the way the artist intended it to sound. No transistor or valve-added sounds are present, just a level of musical purity that was thought impossible until now. Page 3 of 26 dm8 ELECTRONIC DESIGN By Bruce Candy In keeping with my philosophy of design, my basic aim was to produce a preamplifier with which I, personally, am quite satisfied. I sincerely hope that others will share my satisfaction with these products. As I saw it, the major issues were: Y Zero compromise on Transparency. Y Flexibility. Y Ease of use. Y Progressive design concepts. In order to meet this challenge, the resulting circuits have particular characteristics: Y First, all circuits in the preamp have distortion so low that it is immeasurable, whether THD, IM etc. Y Second, all circuits in the preamp exhibit exceptionally low noise (see specifications). Y Third, there is no compromise whatever with the choice of components (Vishay resistors, FKP1 capacitors etc). Y Fourth, the circuits are highly immune to electromagnetic interference. Some inputs and outputs include both first order filters and common mode chokes. Y Fifth, the power supply and microprocessor circuits are designed for minimal electromagnetic emissions (extensive 2nd to 6th order filters). Y Sixth, the power supply switching frequency was chosen to be much higher than the audio band (>200kHz). Y Seventh, the power supply rails are exceptionally well regulated, double regulation in fact (switch-mode and linear servo loops). Y Eighth, components and design are selected for high reliability. The volume control is implemented so as to include two identical stages in series. This minimizes output noise. The dm8 & dm10 preamplifiers feature balanced, unbalanced, current mode and bridged current mode outputs. The latter consists of a non-inverted and inverted current output. There is also an unbalanced output for tape and headphones. TM Page 4 of 26 dm8 Audible relay noise The dm8 & dm10 use mechanical relays in all switching including the volume control because they exhibit the following ideal characteristics ; · · · · zero ON resistance, infinite OFF impedance, very low OFF capacitance, zero distortion. TM In contrast, the now universally popular solid state relays/switches exhibit none of these ideal properties and detract from performance. Hence, sonically, HALCROTM feels that it is worth the side effect of mechanical clicking sounds when parameters are changed. MICROPROCESSOR CONTROL By Paul Rainbow The excellent audio electronics are complemented and controlled by a number of highly integrated micro-controllers located close to the electronics they serve. Being as near as possible to the controlled electronics allows short control paths and virtually eliminates internal connectors, thereby greatly increasing system reliability. Each amplifier channel has its own micro-controller; the front panel display and user interface has another. A fourth micro-controller, located on the rear connector panel, co-ordinates the activity of the others. The four microcontrollers are linked via only four interconnections each. A unique programming feature of the microprocessor has been developed which allows the user to dedicate a particular pair of input sockets to a specific input device. This feature provides the user with great flexibility for connecting input devices to the preamplifier. The rear panel has provision to accommodate five input devices into seven physical pairs of input sockets. There is one pair of current inputs, three pairs of balanced inputs and three pairs of unbalanced inputs. Phono inputs do not require programming as they are permanently allocated to the phono source (in the dm10). Page 5 of 26 dm8 INDUSTRIAL DESIGN By Max Dickison & Tony Kearney Product Form The aim when designing the dm8 and dm10 was to create a preamplifier that was unmistakably part of the HALCROTM product family, but at the same time a component that would compliment any high end audio system. The preamplifier had to sit comfortably within a contemporary domestic environment, retain the visual signature of the HALCROTM family of products which differentiates them from other high end audio products and have an appearance that reflected the high level of technical innovation. As with other HALCROTM products, softer forms and textures are used, all fasteners are concealed and the heatsinks are integrated into the external form to maintain simple, clean lines. Whilst the unique pillar forms of the power amplifiers have been carried through to the preamp, proportions have been reworked to allow this component to be either freestanding or housed within a standard 19" shelving system. Control Interface Knobs and buttons: The volume and input selector knobs use a unique magnetic incremental indexing mechanism developed to provide a very subtle and reliable indexing action. The knobs and buttons are finished in the same soft textural finish as the pillars. Display: A high-resolution display was chosen in order to provide clean simple graphics without the rough edges associated with displays of lesser quality. The graphic layout of the display has been optimized to give prominence to the functions that are viewed most often. These include volume levels, balance and input selection. Functions that are accessed less often are displayed in smaller type along the bottom of the screen. These include stereo/mono and in-phase/out-of-phase. The volume levels for each channel are displayed side-by-side so that when the levels are not equalized the user will easily notice it. TM Page 6 of 26 dm8 Remote control: When designing the HALCROTM Remote Control, we aimed to reflect the quality and forms of the HALCROTM preamplifiers. Machined from a solid aluminum extrusion, the remote rests comfortably in the hand with its minimalist array of buttons falling within the natural sweep of the thumb. Simple and logical to operate, every effort has been made to keep this product free of unnecessary complexity. MECHANICAL DESIGN By Lance Hewitt The HALCROTM dm8 and dm10 can boast their spectacularly low noise and distortion specifications while their cases contain inherently noisy digital circuitry, including a switch-mode power supply, partly due to the mechanical design of their circuit boards and the boxes that contain them. Supports of folded aluminum serve not only as bases to which the electronics are anchored, but also to shield different sections of the circuitry from one another. Each of the audio, panel and display, and power supply sections is contained within its own internal aluminum enclosure. Cables connecting the separate sections are few and short, minimizing both radiation and reception of unwanted signals. Please enjoy the HALCROTM audio experience. HALCROTM has enjoyed creating perfect audio reproduction for the world's music connoisseurs. If you wish to contact HALCROTM to supply feedback on your purchase or for general enquiries, please feel free to contact us: Email: admin@halcro.com Telephone: +61 8 8238 0807 Facsimile: + 61 8 8238 0852 TM Page 7 of 26 dm8 Installation Ensure you have read the Important Safety Instructions section on page 2 prior to installing your HALCROTM preamplifier. If you require assistance in the unpacking and installation of your HALCROTM preamplifier, please contact your dealer. Unpacking Undo the 4 fasteners at the base of each box. Then remove the upper part of the container by lifting directly upwards, being careful not to rub it against the preamplifier. (To have gained access to this manual you must have completed the above steps). Remove the material wrapping and foam pieces, then lift the preamplifier from the base of the container. (It is recommended that the user take off all jewelry that may scratch the unit and put on the white cotton gloves provided with the unit.) Remove the center piece of foam in base of transit case, to locate the remote control and power cable. Remove the covering from the unit. Please save it for later use. Move the unit to its final location (see Positioning). Important Do not connect any cables as yet. Safely store the packaging for future relocation of the unit and shipping if service is required. Positioning The HALCROTM dm8 preamplifier can be placed anywhere indoors. There is no need to leave room around the unit to allow it to breathe. The dm8 does not generate significant amounts of heat. To ensure ultimate performance and to avoid potential safety hazards, place the unit on a firm and level surface. When placing the unit on a shelf, be certain that the shelf and mounting hardware can support the weight of the product. TM Page 8 of 26 dm8 Front Panel Controls TM Figure 1 1. LCD Information Display 2. Balance Control Left 3. Standby/On button 4. 5. 6. 7. Mute button Balance Control Right Input Select Control Volume Control 8. Phase button 9. Remote Sensor Window 1. LCD Information Display: This display delivers messages and system status to assist you in operating the unit. See page 11 for a complete breakdown on the display. 2. Balance Control Left: Using this button in conjunction with Balance Control Right (Fig 1, 5), the user can change the relative volume for the left and right channels. Pressing the Left button will increase the volume on the left hand channel and decrease the volume on the right. 3. Standby/On button: The HALCROTM dm8 is designed to remain in standby mode when not in use. This button will toggle the unit between Standby and On. To turn the unit off completely, use the rear panel Master Power Switch (Fig 6, 6). 4. Mute button: Depressing this button will Mute the output to the speakers. 5. Balance Control Right: Using this button in conjunction with Balance Control Left (Fig 1, 2), the user can change the relative volume for the left and right channels. Pressing the Right button will increase the volume on the right hand channel and decrease the volume on the left. 6. Input Select control: By turning this knob, the preamplifier will scroll through all the programmed input devices (CD player, Tuner, DVD, etc.) attached to the unit. Page 9 of 26 dm8 7. Volume control: Turn this knob clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. To mute the system, when the speakers are balanced, continue to turn the knob counter-clockwise until the word MUTE appears on the display, or press the Mute button (Fig 1, 4) 8 Phase Button: Depressing this button will toggle the unit between in-phase and out-of-phase mode. 9 Remote sensor window: Behind this window is a sensor that receives infrared signals from the remote control. Aim the remote at this area and do not block or cover this sensor window. TM Remote Control 1. Volume buttons 2. Mute button 3. Standby/On button 1. Volume buttons: For volume control and also used in conjunction with the function button for various function selections. 2. Mute button: Press to Mute the sound, press again to reactivate the sound. 3. Standby/On button: Press to toggle the system between Standby and On. Figure 2 Note: Remote control takes 3 x AAA batteries (supplied) 4. Signal Source buttons 5. Function button 4. Signal source buttons: Press to select any one of 5 signal sources on the dm8. 5. Function button: Press to choose the following functions: speaker balance, in and out of phase and to toggle the system between stereo and mono. See relevant operating instructions for full details. Page 10 of 26 dm8 Display TM Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 1. Main Information Display 2. Signal Source Indicators 3. Signal Source Location Indicator 4. Phase Indicator 1. Main Information Display: The information provided on this display changes depending on what function is currently being processed. In normal use it will display the volume of both the left and right of the system (Fig 4). When a different input signal source is selected it will appear on the main display (Fig 5) for a few seconds. 2. Signal Source Indicator: Displays the signal source which is currently selected. 3. Signal Source Location Indicator: Displays which input the signal source has been connected to. 4. Phase Indicator: Displays whether the unit is in- or out-of-phase. Page 11 of 26 dm8 Rear Panel TM Figure 6 1. 2. 3. 4. Programmable inputs Program buttons Tape Monitor outputs Output sockets 5. Remote sensor window 6. Mains power switch, socket and fuse holder 7. Remote Power Amplifier output 8. Output selector switch 1. Programmable inputs: Provides connection to your signal sources. It does not matter which input each source is connected to, as these inputs are allocated using the remote control. 2. Program buttons: Allows the inputs to be programmed to the remote control. They will remain illuminated once they have been allocated ­ see Connecting signal sources and allocating signal sources and the remote control (page 15/16) 3. Tape Monitor outputs: For recording direct to tape. 4. Output sockets: Provide connect from the Pre Amplifier to Power Amplifier(s). 5 Remote sensor window: Behind this window is a sensor that receives infrared signals from the remote control. Aim the remote at this area. 6. Mains power switch, socket and fuse holder: Once the dm8 has been programmed, the main power switch can be left on and the dm8 left in standby when not in use. If the main power switch is turned off, all programming is stored in memory. 7. Remote Power Amplifier Control output: Connect a cable from this output to the power amplifier(s) and the dm10 will switch the power amplifier(s) between Standby and On. 8. Output selector switch: Allows the user to select the type of output required, Balanced, Unbalanced and Current. see Comments on the different dm8 Outputs (page 14). Page 12 of 26 dm8 Connections Connecting to a power amplifier TM Each dm8 has: 2 pairs of unbalanced current outputs. 1 pair is used in un-bridged mode and both are used for driving bridged amplifiers, 2 pairs of unbalanced voltage outputs and 2 pairs of balanced voltage outputs. Select the method you wish to operate your power amplifiers in, and connect the 2 units using high quality cables. Outputs are color coded: Positive +, Right channel (Red Bezel). Negative -, Left channel (White Bezel). The dm8 will control power amplifiers from balanced and unbalanced voltage sources, as well as an unbalanced current source. The dm8 will also control power amplifiers in bridged pair configuration. Custom made cables are required to run bridged power amplifiers from the balanced Voltage Output. (Fig 7). Figure 7 Comments on the different dm8 Outputs The balanced voltage outputs or current-mode outputs are most desirable for minimising earth loop generated mains hum and ripple, or high frequency interference if they are a problem. Earth loop generated mains hum and ripple, or high frequency interference should not be a problem unless the source equipment is poorly designed. Power Amplifiers with current-mode inputs are rare and are most likely to have an RCA input socket. The advantages of this are: Y Y Earth loop generated mains hum and ripple are minimized. Cable, plug and socket-generated interference is minimized (from poor connections which may be affected by sound vibration for example). The unbalanced output is quite satisfactory so long as earth loop generated mains hum and ripple are not a problem. Page 13 of 26 dm8 Remote Power Amplifier control Output TM The dm10 has a remote power amplifier control output (fig 6,15) which will remotely switch the HALCROTM amplifiers from Standby to On. Cables can be purchased through HALCROTM for details please email us at: service@halcro.com . Bridging The dm8 will control bridged power amplifiers. For details please email us at: service@halcro.com A bridging kit can be purchased through HALCROTM. Break-in period The dm8 does not require a break-in period. The electronic break-in period is completed at the factory. Programmable Input Selections The dm8 has seven available pairs of programmable input connectors, three unbalanced, three balanced voltage inputs and one unbalanced current input. All inputs that have a signal source connected must be programmed by the remote control. Any input can be programmed to connect any source. Each button on the remote control can have only one signal source programmed to it at any time. Input Modes Unbalanced current input Balanced voltage input Unbalanced voltage input Required output source impedance RCA: Infinite source impedance XLR: Low source impedance RCA: Low source impedance Input impedance 50ohm input impedance 10kohm + 10kohm input impedance 10kohm input impedance Page 14 of 26 dm8 Operating Instructions Connecting signal sources TM As a safety precaution please ensure that the unit is not connected to the mains power while connecting signal sources. When you originally receive your preamplifier all the inputs are de-allocated. If you are changing your signal source units, de-allocate the input source first ­ follow Deallocating Program Buttons instructions (Page 16) Connect all signal source units (e.g. CD player) to the terminals (Fig 6, 1) at the rear of the preamplifier, make note of which input each signal source unit is connected to. Home Theatre Processor controlling volume As a safety precaution please ensure that the unit is not connected to the mains power while connecting a Home Theatre Processor. Connect your Home Theatre Processor to any of the programmable inputs at the rear of the preamplifier. Program the preamplifier to the unit using Allocating signal sources and the remote control on page 19. We recommend you use the DVD function. To set the preamplifier to operate with zero gain, adjust both volume channels to 0.0db. The preamplifier will then have no effect on the volume. You will now be able to control the volume of your system by using your Home Theatre Processor volume control. Connecting the Mains Power Supply Cable Plug the main power cable into the dm8's mains power socket on the rear of the unit. (Fig 6, 6). Remote Control Batteries Remove the battery cover from the rear of the unit, insert the three supplied AAA batteries into the unit (ensure that the polarity is correct). Refit the battery cover. If the remote control will not be used for a period longer than 1 month remove the batteries. Page 15 of 26 dm8 Switching the unit on Switch the main power switch to On. TM When the unit is switched on at the main power switch (Fig 6, 6) the pre- amplifier will go into Standby mode. Switch the unit on by pressing the Standby/On button on the unit or the remote control. To return the unit to Standby mode press the Standby/On button again. Note: To continue the set up process, the unit must be On, not in Standby. Allocating signal sources and the remote control All inputs must be allocated using the remote control (Fig 7). permanently allocated to the Phono inputs. Note: The Phono selection is Once the signal source units (e.g. CD player) have been connected to the input connector terminals (Fig 6, 7) at the rear of the preamplifier, ensure that the preamplifier is On, not in Standby mode. Depress the applicable program button (situated above the connectors) and simultaneously point the remote control to a remote sensor window and press the button on the remote control which best describes the signal source unit you have connected. The program button will flash twice and will remain illuminated, indicating that this pair of input connectors are now allocated to the selected signal source unit. Repeat this process for all signal source units (maximum 5 plus Phono). If the device label that is being depressed on the remote control has been previously allocated to another connector pair, this pair will now be de-allocated. De-allocating Program Buttons Note: Ensure the location being de-allocated is not the currently selected input, the currently selected input can not be de-allocated. Press and hold the applicable program button and simultaneously point the remote control to a remote sensor window and press the Mute button. The Program Button will flash twice and then remain off. This input has now been de-allocated and can be used for another signal source unit. Page 16 of 26 dm8 Displayed information TM In normal use the center of the display will display the volume of both the left and right of the system. When a different signal source is selected, it will appear in the center of the display for a few seconds (fig3, fig4). Display Contrast To adjust the display contrast, press and hold any of the Program Buttons on the rear panel (fig 6, 8) and turn the Volume control on the front panel until the desired contrast is achieved. Back Light The backlight can be turned on and off by using the remote control. Press the function button once (fig 7, 5) then the Mute button (fig 7, 2) to toggle the back light on and off. Volume After power up and switching from Standby to ON the preamplifier will enter the mode it was last in when the power was turned off. Front Panel: To change the overall volume of the unit, use the Volume Control Knob (Fig 1, 7). Turn knob clockwise to increase the volume (the maximum volume is +20db) and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume (the minimum volume is -60db). To mute the system, press the Mute button (Fig 1, 4), the output to the power amps is then disabled The display will show the word MUTE. If the Mute button or volume button is pressed the output to the power amplifiers is reactivated. Remote Control: To change the overall volume of the unit, use the volume buttons on the remote control (Fig 2,1) To Mute the loudspeakers, press the Mute button (Fig 2,2). To un-mute the loudspeakers press the Mute button again or press either volume button. Page 17 of 26 dm8 Volume ­ balancing function TM The volume can be evenly distributed though the speakers or one channel can be louder than the other. To equalise the outputs of the speakers to the same volume, depress both the L & R balance buttons (Fig1, 4&7) on the front of the unit at the same time. Front Panel: Using either the Balance Control Right (Fig 1, 5) or the Balance Control Left (Fig 1, 2), the user can change the relative volume for the left and right channels. Depressing the Right button will increase the volume on the right hand channel and decrease the volume on the left. To change the overall volume of the unit, use the Volume Control Knob (Fig 1, 7). Turn knob clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume. To mute the system, when the speakers are balanced, continue to turn the knob counter-clockwise until the word MUTE appears on the display, or press the Mute switch (Fig 1, 4). Remote Control Using the Function key on the remote control the user can change the relative volume for the left and right channels. Depress the function key once (Fig 2, 5). The display on the preamplifier (Fig 3) will display BALANCE, then use the Volume buttons on the remote control. Depressing the - VOL button will increase the volume on the left and decrease the volume on the right. Depressing the + VOL button will increase the volume on the right and decrease the volume on the left. The volume can be evenly distributed through the speakers or one channel can be louder than the other. To balance the outputs of the speakers to the same volume, depress both the L & R (Fig1, 2&5) balance buttons on the front of the unit at the same time. Switching between sources To select a device, press the appropriate button on the remote control or turn the selector knob on the front panel until the device you require appears in the center of the display. After a few seconds, the center of the display will reverts to displaying the volume level, though the selected program source will remain on the lower left hand corner of the display. Only allocated devices are available. Note: The Phono Input is always allocated. If a source is selected (either through the front panel or remote control) and the correct source is not selected, ensure that the program button adjacent to the input connectors for the selected source is illuminated. If it is not, these input connectors will need to be re-allocated, refer to Connecting signal sources and Allocating signal sources and the remote control, page 19 Page 18 of 26 dm8 Phase Control TM To toggle the unit between in-phase and out-of-phase mode depress the phase switch on the front panel (Fig 1,10) or depress the function key (Fig 7, 5) on the remote control twice, the display (Fig 3) will display In or Out, now press either of the volume buttons on the remote control to toggle the unit between in-phase and out-of-phase mode. Electronic Protection and Reliability Components Our components are selected not only for performance, but reliability as well. For Example: All HALCROTM electrolytic capacitors are rated at a minimum of 105 degrees C instead of the usual 85 degrees C rating. The operational life of electrolytic capacitors is severely shortened at temperatures near their maximum temperature rating. This is shown in the table below. All HALCROTM integrated circuits are at least "industrial grade" rather than the usual "commercial grade." Industrial grade components are rated at least from ­40 degrees C to +85 degrees C whereas commercial grade components are only rated between 0 to 70 degrees C. In addition, the electronic specifications of industrial grade components are superior to commercial grade. Electrolytic capacitor temperature rating 85 C (most commonly used) 105 C (used in HALCROTM preamplifiers) Mean lifetime at 40 degrees Centigrade 50,000 Hours Mean lifetime at 85 degrees Centigrade 2,000 Hours Mean lifetime at 105 degrees Centigrade (0) 180,000 Hours 8,000 Hours 2,000 Hours Typical data Mains transient overload protection The mains input is protected against all but the most severe mains input transients. Two independent circuits achieve this. Page 19 of 26 dm8 SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES HALCRO dm8 Dimensions Y Width: 448mm, 17.64 inches Y Depth: 400mm, 15.74 inches Y Height: 240mm, 9.44 inches Y Weight: 22.5kg, 49.6lbs Shipping Dimensions TM Remote Control Preamplifier Inputs § 3 RCA Unbalanced Voltage Mode § 3 XLR Balanced Voltage Mode § 1 RCA Unbalanced Current Mode § Any 5 of the above I/Ps are user programmable to respond to the device names: CD, DVD, Tuner, Tape, Aux. Outputs § 2 Pair RCA Unbalanced Voltage Mode, Bridgeable § 2 Pair XLR Balanced Voltage Mode, Bridgeable § 2 Pair RCA Unbalanced Current Mode, 1 pair for un-bridged connection, the other pair used in bridged mode § 1 Pair RCA Tape output § 6-pin XLR power ON/OFF, pulsed and level output control Power supply Switch-mode, >200kHz CW, 4th order mains filter, 4th order supply rail filter. EMC fully complies with EMC and CE standards. Circuit contains extensive mains transient protection and fault sensing protection. 85-240VAC, 50-60Hz Power consumption. 100W max via IEC input Mains voltage. All voltages from 85VAC through to 240VAC at 50Hz through to 60Hz or 120V through to 340V D.C. (Power supply will operate up to 270VAC but IEC sockets rated up to 240V by regulatory authorities.) Remote Control: 3 x AAA batteries - In Timber case Y Width: 585mm, 23 inches Y Depth: 535mm, 21 inches Y Height: 515mm, 20 inches Y Weight: 36 kg, 79.4 lbs Remote Control dimensions Y Length: 183mm, 7.2 inches Y Width: 50mm, 1.96 inches Y Thickness: 24mm, .94 inches Y Weight: 280gm, .6 lbs Gain Un-balanced and balanced -60dB to +20dB set by volume control Input impedance 10kohm + 10kohm balanced 10kohm unbalanced 50ohms for current mode Output impedance 170 + 170ohms balanced and 170ohms unbalanced. >30kohms current mode 340ohms tape Distortion Unmeasurable- below noise floor. At full specified output, < 250 parts per billion (-132dB) for balanced and unbalanced and current modes PCB 4-layer PCBs for ultra high accuracy reference potentials Volume control -60dB to +20dB in 0.5dB steps. Page 20 of 26