User manual TAG MCLAREN AUDIO PPA20

power LED input selector button filter selector button status indicators power button input riaa/iec in 1 mc x 30 in 2 mc x 10 filter riaa mm mono riaa /iec mc/mm mode direct mute contents 0 2 welcome 0 8 key features 1 0 getting started 1 2 inputs 1 4 selecting the cartridge type 1 7 muting 1 8 filter and mono settings 2 1 grounding 2 3 outputs 2 5 special input loading 2 8 running in and warming up 2 9 interference 3 0 care and maintenance 3 2 technical data 3 6 international standards ac supply socket made in United Kingdom serial number cartridge selector button mode selector button fuse carrier output sockets XLR output (optional) output level button phono input sockets 220-240V ~ 50-60Hz Fuse: T1A L 250V OUTPUT 1 2 right 3 left right 4 left level 0 dB left left signal 2 load PHONO signal 1 load left right -20 dB transformer balanced (option) transformer balanced (option) transformer balanced (option) transformer balanced (option) right right PPA 1234567 ground ground terminals Specification shown may var y for different countries welcome to a new partnership . . i n h i - p e r fo r m a n c e , h i - f i d e l i t y All TAG companies perpetually strive for, and achieve, excellence and highperformance in every area of their business. These qualities are demonstrated in the fastidious standards that make TAG Heuer Derek Scotland (on the left) ­ Technical Director Peter Stevens ­ Chief Industrial Designer Dr. Zucker ­ Chief Executive celebrating a TAG McLaren victor y TAG McLaren Audio has been created with one aim in mind: to produce the best highfidelity audio and audio-visual systems available. Now the first fruits of that Now, this blend of talent and expertise has been combined with the award-winning experience of Audiolab to create a company with a technical advantage and access to resources second-to-none in the high end audio industry TAG McLaren Audio. alliance are ready ­ a unique new range of audio products. watches some of the world's most admired; in the teamwork that makes TAG McLaren's motor racing team one of the most successful in Formula One; and in the advanced electronics technology that makes TAG Electronic Systems the first choice for many Formula One constructors and high-performance car makers. Throughout the F3 Series development process, quality, performance and reliability have been paramount, resulting in unparalleled performance, operational excellence and sheer listening pleasure. 03 welcome welcome RIAA / IEC frequency response Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio phono preamplifier PPA20. The frequency response of the PPA20 meets the RIAA specification, and a switchable lowfrequency (`rumble') filter is included which meets the IEC specification. An additional switchable bandpass filter allows you to remove noise at both low and high frequencies and a facility is also provided to select mono reproduction. low intermodulation distortion an effect that audio engineers call `intermodulation distortion'.This type of distortion moves imperfections that originate outside the hearing range back into the audible frequencies.To minimise this effect,TAG McLaren Audio preamplifiers have a frequency response which extends both above and below the range of normal human hearing. straight line technology We are convinced it will give you many hours of listening pleasure. The PPA20 is dedicated to those who want to get the very best out of their vinyl records. It can accept the output of two turntables and includes the capability to fine tune the signals of both independently.The PPA20 also has switchable filters to enhance your enjoyment of older records which may be damaged or were recorded using non-standard equalisation. 04 The theoretically-ideal preamplifier reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite range of frequencies ­ starting from well below the audible range and extending far above the capabilities of human hearing. Although sound outside the human hearing range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz cannot be heard, it can significantly affect the quality of music reproduction through To prevent intermodulation distortion, a preamplifier must respond to very low frequencies but block any Direct Current (DC).This is traditionally achieved using capacitors, which also block some of the low-frequency signal. In the PPA20, a feedback circuit eliminates DC offset voltage and allows the signal path to be direct coupled without any capacitors. 05 welcome welcome This arrangement, which we at TAG McLaren Audio call `Straight Line Technology', is easy to describe but not easy to realise.The design has taken our expert engineers years to perfect. time constant switching Audio called `Time Constant Switching'. This changes the characteristics of the preamplifier during input switching to reduce the settling time so that the mute period can be as short as possible. versatile input loading high-quality circuitry The circuits in the PPA20 are `nocompromise' designs using high-quality, high-stability components to send a smooth, clean signal to your amplifier for excellent sound quality. The PPA20 unveils, without any compromise, all of the music information in your record collection. The PPA20 has a sophisticated muting system which protects your hi-fi and prevents annoying, loud switching noises from reaching the output. A preamplifier that responds to low frequencies will `ring' for a long time in response to the sudden voltage changes that happen, for example, when you select a different input. A muting system that simply waited for the switching transients to die down naturally would take far too long to settle.To overcome this problem the PPA20 incorporates a technique developed by TAG McLaren 06 The inputs of the PPA20 have the correct loading for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Each input includes special load terminals which allow you to tailor the input to match any cartridge which may need special, non-standard, loading characteristics. Gain control is also provided so that you can select the right amount of amplification for your cartridge. Loading and gain settings for each input are retained in the memory of the PPA20. 07 key features key features · `Straight Line Technology' down to 0.1 Hz to give low-frequency response · An additional transformer-coupled and balanced output, via the fitted XLR connectors, can be supplied as an option Precision metal-film resistors Sorbothane® sonic isolation feet, specially designed by TAG McLaren Audio(1) · · · Dual mono design with independent left and right grounds Precision RIAA equalisation Independent inputs for two turntables with independent ground connections Settings for two different types of cartridge Three gain settings Input, gain and cartridge-type settings retained in memory Automatic muting with `Time Constant Switching' Controls for: input selection, cartridge type, low-frequency (IEC) filter, bandpass filter and mono Dedicated sockets for special cartridge loading Two low-impedance analogue stereo outputs to allow long cable runs Switchable 20 dB output attenuator · · · · · · · · · · 08 1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another 09 getting started getting started We know you are keen to get your PPA20 working. This section will have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible. If you fold out the front cover of this manual, you will locate diagrams which will help you find your way around your PPA20(1). power connection Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you plug in(4). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your PPA20 to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors. before you start Make sure that all the components of your audio system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections. switch on Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on. Start playing a record on your turntable. Turn up the volume, sit back and enjoy the music(5). turntable connection Use the cable supplied with your turntable and tone arm to connect your turntable to the phono sockets marked PHONO signal 1 left and right on the back of your PPA20(2). PHONO signal 2 load signal 1 load left left right right ground amplifier connection Use a good-quality, screened phono-phono audio cable to connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT 1 left and right on the back of your PPA20 to the corresponding AUX inputs of your amplifier or preamplifier(3). Make sure the AUX input is selected and the amplifier's volume is turned down. 1. 2. 3. Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your PPA20 If your turntable has a ground lead, you should connect it to your PPA20, please see page 21 You should not use the phono input of your amplifier or preamplifier unless you are sure it is suitable for line level inputs. If your amplifier does not have an input labelled AUX, you can usually connect to an input labelled LINE or any other line level input The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will release it While the above procedure should work with most cartridges, you may find that with your cartridge there is no sound or it is distorted. If this happens, please read the rest of this instruction manual to find out how to set up your PPA20 to work with your cartridge 4. 5. 10 11 inputs inputs Your PPA20 has independent inputs for two turntables. selecting input turntable inputs On the back panel of your PPA20 you will find two sets of inputs labelled PHONO 1 and 2. Each input consists of a pair of phono sockets for left and right signal, a pair of phono sockets for left and right load and a ground terminal. Connect your turntable to the left and right signal sockets. The load sockets are used to apply special input loading as described on page 25. The use of the ground terminal is described on page 21. The PHONO 1 and 2 inputs, including the ground terminals and the signal grounds, are electrically isolated from each other. This means that two turntables may be connected to the PPA20 without interfering with each other. The input loading and equalisation meet the RIAA(1) standard. PHONO signal 2 load signal 1 load The input button allows you to select the PHONO 1 or 2 input. The input you have selected is shown by an LED on the front panel marked in 1 or in 2. Pressing the input button switches the input from PHONO 1 to 2 and back(2). input c in 1 in 2 left left right right ground 1. 2. Record Industry Association of America The PPA20 remembers the last input setting even when power is disconnected 12 13 selecting the cartridge type selecting the cartridge type In order to work properly, the input and gain characteristics of your PPA20 have to be matched to your cartridge. The PPA20 has a choice of three predefined settings tailored to the most common types of cartridge (special cases are discussed on page 25). selecting the cartridge type The cartridge selector button mc/mm allows you to select the cartridge type and gain. The cartridge type and gain setting you have selected is shown by an LED on the front panel marked mc x 30, mc x 10 or mm. Pressing the mc/mm button steps through the following sequence, mc x 30, mc x 10, mm, mc x 10 and back to mc x 30(1). mc x 30 mc x 10 mm mc/mm types of cartridge The three cartridge settings on the PPA20 are mm, mc x 10 and mc x 30. The mm setting has the lowest gain and is suitable for high-output cartridges. The mm setting also selects the correct input characteristics for a typical moving magnet cartridge. The mc x 10 and mc x 30 settings select the correct input characteristics for a typical moving coil cartridge. The mc x 10 setting gives a gain of 10 times the gain on mm and is most suitable for medium-output cartridges. The mc x 30 setting has a gain of 30 times the gain on mm and is most suitable for lowoutput cartridges. You can have a different cartridge type and gain on each input. Changing the input will return you to your chosen cartridge type for that input(2). 1. 2. Because of the large difference in gain, the PPA20 passes through mc x 10 when switching from mm to mc x 30 and back The PPA20 remembers the cartridge type and gain for each input even when power is disconnected 14 15 selecting the cartridge type muting choosing the ideal cartridge setting The information supplied with your cartridge should include its output level. If this is less than 100 µV (or 0.1 mV)(1), use the mc x 30 setting; If it is between 100 µV and 400 µV (0.1 to 0.4 mV), use mc x 10; If it is more than 400 µV (0.4 mV), use mm. If your cartridge is of the moving magnet type, you should always use the mm setting. If you don't have the information, you can find the best setting by experiment. With the volume on your amplifier set low, play a recording of roughly average dynamics. Try the different cartridge settings until you find the one which has the best transparency and least distortion. You may have to adjust the volume on your amplifier as you change cartridge settings(2) automatic muting Your PPA20 has a microprocessor -controlled muting system to prevent switching noises being sent to your amplifier and loudspeakers. The PPA20 turns off the output for a short time whenever you change any settings. The LED on the front panel labelled mute will light when the output is muted. If all the filters are off (see page 18 and 20), the automatic muting may be triggered by the low-frequency pulse generated when you lift the tone arm. The output will switch itself back on after a short period(1). mute 1. 2. 1 µV (microvolt) is one millionth of a volt and 1 mV (millivolt) is one thousandth of a volt. The output levels are relative to a cartridge excitation of 5 cm/sec at 1 kHz If the volume is too high, even with the volume control on your amplifier turned down low, you can use the OUTPUT level control (rear panel) to reduce the output from your PPA20 (see page 23) 1. About 2.5 seconds when the cartridge type is set to mm, and 10 seconds when it is set to mc x 10 or mc x 30 16 17 filter and mono settings filter and mono settings The frequency response of the PPA20 has been tailored to fit precisely the requirements of the RIAA specification.The PPA20 also includes a filter which meets the requirements of the IEC(1) extension to the RIAA specification, cutting out low (bass) frequencies to prevent `rumble'. To further enhance your enjoyment of older recordings, which may be damaged or were recorded using non-standard methods, the PPA20 also has a bandpass filter and the capability to be switched to mono. bandpass filter The bandpass filter(2) cuts down both high- and low-frequency noise and is useful for listening to older records. In particular, the bandpass filter can be used to remove the high-frequency carrier signal from old quadraphonic recordings. You can use the bandpass filter and the low-frequency (IEC) filter at the same time to enhance the rejection of low frequencies. mono low-frequency (IEC) filter Use the IEC filter if you hear low-frequency `rumbling' noises that you might get, for example, from a warped record. Press the filter selector button marked riaa/iec on the front panel to switch from riaa to riaa/iec and back. The status of the filter is shown by an LED on the front panel labelled riaa or riaa/iec. The riaa LED indicates that the PPA20 is meeting the RIAA specification while the riaa/iec LED indicates that the IEC low-frequency filter is switched on as well. riaa riaa/iec When you listen to mono recordings you should select the mono setting. This setting will also enable you to listen to certain types of non-standard stereo recordings, albeit in mono(3). The mono setting only works when the bandpass filter is on. riaa/iec 1. 2. International Electrotechnical Commission A bandpass filter passes a band of frequencies and cuts out frequencies above and below the band. The bandpass filter in the PPA20 allows through frequencies between 40 Hz and 20 kHz You can use the mono setting to check the wiring of your cartridge. Play a stereo record. If the sound drops to a very low level when you switch to mono, then it is most likely that the phasing of your stereo channel connections is wrong 3. 18 19 filter and mono settings grounding selecting bandpass filter and mono The mode button allows you to select the bandpass filter and mono output. The setting you have selected is shown by one (or two) of three LEDs on the front panel marked direct, filter and mono (1). Pressing the mode button steps through direct, filter, filter and mono, and back to direct. The direct setting means that the bandpass filter and mono are off. The direct setting takes full advantage of the extremely wide bandwidth of the PPA20 achieved by the use of `Straight Line Technology'. When filter is selected the bandpass filter is switched on. Selecting filter and mono connects the stereo channels together to give the same signal on both channels. The mono setting can only be selected when the bandpass filter is on. direct mode The AC mains supply normally operates at either 50 or 60 Hz (depending on which country you are in). Under some circumstances, this can cause an audible hum in your loudspeakers. Should you have any problems with hum in your system, please contact your retailer. filter mono avoiding hum To minimise the possibility of mains hum in your system: do not link the ground terminals of separate audio units together. use screened cable for your signal connections and keep the left and right channel cables close together. grounding turntables on your . Consult the instructions for your turntable, tone arm and cartridge for the manufacturer's recommendations on grounding. If your tone arm has a separate flying lead, you should connect it to your PPA20 as follows: use the ground terminal below the PHONO 1 input for the turntable connected to PHONO 1 and the ground terminal below the PHONO 2 input for the turntable connected to PHONO 2. PHONO signal 2 load signal 1 load left left right right ground 1. When mono is on, both the filter and mono LEDs are lit 20 21 grounding outputs grounding your system All the units in the TAG McLaren Audio F3 Series are double insulated and do not require safety ground connections. Your system does not need to be connected to ground (audio engineers call this `floating'). However, if you want to ground your system, please contact your retailer who will be able to assist you. Use the outputs to connect your PPA20 to an amplifier or for tape recording. The low-impedance (50 ) outputs are buffered and will drive long cables or several inputs in parallel if required. audio output sockets For your convenience, two phono outputs are provided on the back panel of your PPA20. OUTPUT 1 and 2 each use two phono sockets, one for left and one for right. OUTPUT 1 and 2 are connected in parallel. Always use high-quality, screened cables for your connections. 1 2 left right output level control Some cartridges have such a high output that the resulting amplified output from the PPA20 is higher than the usual line level. This will result in a higher volume when playing records compared with other inputs. The PPA20 has a button, labelled OUTPUT level, on the back panel to reduce the output level. Press the button in to reduce the output by 20 dB. Press the button again to return to the full output level. Always turn down the volume on your amplifier before increasing the output level. level 0 dB -20 dB 22 23 outputs special input loading transformercoupled, balanced audio output (option) As an option, the PPA20 can be fitted with transformers to provide a balanced output via XLR connectors. This gives greatly enhanced immunity to electromagnetic interference, resulting in less noise, especially if long cables are used. This type of connection is often used in professional applications. Please contact your retailer if you require this option. If you do not have the transformer-coupled, balanced output option, the XLR sockets labelled OUTPUT 3 and 4 are not connected and cannot be used(1). When the transformer-coupled, balanced output option is installed, you can use the XLR sockets labelled OUTPUT 3 and 4 on the back panel of your PPA20. Each output uses two XLR sockets, one for left and one for right. The XLR connectors are latched so you will hear a click when they are fully inserted. You have to press the button on the plug to allow you to remove it. right 4 left In order to get the best reproduction of music, the input impedance(1) of the PPA20 should match the recommended load impedance of your turntable cartridge. The input impedance of the PPA20 is matched to the two types of cartridge in common use ­ moving magnet or moving coil. However, some cartridges (older moving magnet types, for example) may need different input characteristics. You can modify the input impedance by connecting suitable resistors and capacitors across the load sockets. transformer balanced (option) transformer balanced (option) fitting load components Use the instructions on the following two pages to calculate the value of the resistor and capacitor that you need. You should then solder the components to a phono plug, connecting one lead of each component to the signal pin and the other lead to the metal body of the plug. Make two identical plugs and insert one into each of the left and right load sockets for your chosen input. We strongly recommend that, unless you know exactly what you are doing, you contact your retailer, who will be happy to assist. PHONO signal 2 load signal 1 load left left right right ground 1. TAG McLaren Audio has pre-installed the XLR connectors to make the upgrade quick and easy 1. Impedance is the combination of resistance, capacitance and inductance that defines the electrical characteristics of a device 24 25 special input loading special input loading calculating load resistance To calculate the value of the resistor to connect to the load plug, you need to know the input (or load) resistance that your cartridge requires for optimum sound quality. You should find this in the instructions for your cartridge. You can calculate the load resistance by using the following formula: RPPA20 x RTERM RPPA20 - RTERM calculating load capacitance To calculate the value of the capacitor to connect to the load plug, you need to know the input (or load) capacitance that your cartridge requires for optimum sound quality. You should find this in the instructions for your cartridge. You can calculate the load capacitance by using the following formula: CLOAD = CTERM - CLEAD - CPPA20 RLOAD = RLOAD RTERM CLOAD is the load resistor in that you need to put in the plug. is the load resistance in that the cartridge needs. CTERM CLEAD is the load capacitor (in pF(1)) that you need to put in the plug. is the capacitance (in pF) that the cartridge needs. is the capacitance of the leads between the cartridge and the PPA20 (tonearm lead capacitance in pF). RPPA20 is the factory-fitted input resistance of the PPA20 which is 47 k when set to mm and 470 when set to mc. CPPA20 is the factory-fitted input capacitance of the PPA20 which is 100 pF when set to mm and 3300 pF when set to mc. 1. 1 pF (pico farad) =10 -12 farad; 1000 pF = 1 nF (nano farad) 26 27 running in and warming up interference TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum performance for many years. interference Your PPA20 is designed to amplify very small signals, which can make it sensitive to interference from other nearby equipment. You may need to move your PPA20, your turntable or the interfering equipment to remove the problem. If the mute light on the front panel of your PPA20 stays on, it may be an indication of such strong interference that the PPA20 is protecting itself and any amplifier/loudspeakers connected to it. This could be caused by a fault in the tonearm or turntable or in the interconnecting cables. running in Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your PPA20 will improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic components will then have reached and settled down to nearperfect specification. warming up Every time you switch on your PPA20, the performance will improve until the components reach their optimum operating temperature. 28 29 care and maintenance care and maintenance fuses There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your PPA20. To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse carrier drawer(1). The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you see when you open the carrier. There are no other user - serviceable parts inside the PPA20. service The only service you should do to your PPA20 is described on the left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of our authorised service agents. If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG McLaren Audio retailer. If your PPA20 is still under guarantee, please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on how to claim against the guarantee. Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your PPA20 is transported. cleaning In order to maintain the appearance of your PPA20, you can clean it as follows: before cleaning, always disconnect your PPA20 from the AC supply. any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft, lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives. take great care not to get any liquid inside the case. If this happens, you should have your PPA20 serviced. 1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket 30 31 technical data technical data This section is for those of you who really want to know the `insides' of your PPA20. You will not miss out on any of the functions or performance of your PPA20 if you choose not to read any further. audio output connector OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT 1 2 3 4 phono socket phono socket XLR (optional connection) XLR (optional connection) input level (at 1 kHz) mm mc x 10 mc x 30 2.2 mV (relative to 175 mV rms output) 220 µV (relative to 175 mV rms output) 75 µV (relative to 175 mV rms output) standard XLR connector wiring transformercoupled (option) not connected pin 1 ­ ground pin 2 ­ non-inverting signal pin 3 ­ inverting signal input impedance (at 1 kHz) mm mc x 10 mc x 30 47 k, 100 pF nominal 470 , 3.3 nF nominal 470 , 3.3 nF nominal audio output impedance 50 nominal gain (at 1 kHz) mm mc x 10 mc x 30 38 dB 58 dB 67 dB maximum audio output level 11 V rms at 1 kHz maximum input level (at 1 kHz) mm mc x 10 mc x 30 140 mV (+29 dB relative to 5.0 mV) 14 mV (+29 dB relative to 0.5 mV) 4.7 mV (+33 dB relative to 0.1 mV) signal to noise greater than 75 dB (relative to 0.5 V rms output) frequency response (-3 dB) mm mc x 10 mc x 30 0.1 Hz ­ 60 kHz 0.3 Hz ­ 60 kHz 1 Hz ­ 60 kHz 33 32 technical data technical data frequency response (10 Hz ­ 20 kHz) ± 0.2 dB ac supply frequency 50 ­ 60 Hz total harmonic and intermodulation distortion + noise mm mc Less than 0.003% Less than 0.006% ac supply voltage 110 ­ 120 V or 220 ­ 240 V The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit power consumption channel separation mm All other modes (except mono) greater than 98 dB at 1 kHz greater than 100 dB at 1 kHz dimensions (including feet, terminals and controls) less than 25 W 445 mm wide 75 mm high 325 mm deep channel balance ± 1 dB (1.5 dB with bandpass filter) The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either 230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units low-frequency IEC filter ­3 dB at 20 Hz, 6 dB / octave slope We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice Specification may vary for different countries bandpass filter ­3 dB at 40 Hz and 20 kHz,12 dB / octave slope operating temperature range 34 10 ­ 35 °C 35 international standards Your PPA20 meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below: directives 89/336/EEC 73/23/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC) Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC) safety IEC65: IEC65 A2: IEC65 A3: EN60065: 1985 1989 1992 1993 emc emissions EN50081 -1: EN55022 Class B: EN60555 -2: EN61000 -3-2: EN61000 -3-3: FCC Part 15 Class B: 1992 1994 1987 1995 1995 1997 emc immunity EN50082 -1: IEC801 -2: IEC801 -3: IEC801 -4: EN61000 -4-2: EN61000 -4-4: EN61000 -4-5: EN61000 -4-11: 1992 1991 1984 1988 1995 1995 1995 1994 ± 3 ± ± ± ± 8 kV V/m 1 kV 8 kV 1 kV 2 kV air discharge AC power, ± 500 V other ports air, ± 4 kV contact discharge AC power, ± 500 V other ports common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode 36