Primo preamplifier
INSTALLATION
Issue 1
Page
6
of
12
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of the new Primo Valve
Preamplifier. The Primo is entirely valve based, with
fully balanced
and
single ended signal paths from input
via fully balanced input switches and balanced volume
control right the way through to the balanced and single
ended outputs.
It is recommended that, to obtain the best performance,
the balanced features are used, to keep noise and
interference to an absolute minimum, inherently
allowing 6dB more headroom within the circuitry.
The single-ended side features our finely tuned and
tweaked valve preamplifier circuits, for smooth sound
coupled with low noise and virtually no distortion.
Great attention has been paid to internal layout,
isolating each circuit section to prevent possible
interaction.
The resultant performance achieved by this unit is
among the best in the world. It has excellent signal to
noise ratio, low distortion, wide bandwidth and dynamic
range, with extraordinary resolution and fine detail.
CLEANING
Before cleaning the units, switch off power at the mains
switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinets and remote control unit using a moist
cloth. Using solvents, white spirit or thinners is not
advised, as they could damage the surface finish.
INSTALLATION
Position the Primo Valve Preamplifier on a stable,
horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being
knocked, or subjected to vibration such as from
loudspeakers. This is of particular importance for the
Primo, as all valves can be prone to some “microphony”
and this could result in undesired feedback artefacts in
the signal.
The Primo also features a high input impedance circuit
which is
very
sensitive. Keep all mains and power
supply leads well away from the input leads and sockets,
and keep the input leads as far apart from each other as
possible to avoid any crosstalk. Unconnected inputs may
experience a certain amount of signal bleed through
from adjacent connected inputs. This is normal for high
input impedance, and does not indicate a fault.
POWER CONNECTIONS
The Primo Valve Preamplifier is supplied with a
standard IEC mains cable which plugs into the IEC
socket at the back of the preamplifier.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Inputs:
Connect all sources to relevant input RCA or
XLR sockets (see p.7 For more information).
Use good quality fully connected (signal and ground)
coaxial phono cables for all RCA signal connections.
Fully balanced inputs (XLR) are available for
connecting to suitable components. For these, we
recommend any good quality straight-through connected
balanced cables.
Outputs
: Connect power amplifier(s) to the RCA
sockets on the back panel marked as
LEFT
and
RIGHT
outputs
Fully balanced outputs are available for connecting to
suitable components. For these, we recommend any
good quality straight-through balanced cables
The
TAPE
output allows loop through of selected
source signals for example, to pass on to recorder or
monitor. It is also the ideal output to connect our
headphone amps into.
