6
X2.5 Owner’s Manual
The rear mounted pair of five way binding posts are intended to
control the on/off function of our own X series power amplifiers
from the X2.5 front panel, or via the four button remote. When
the preamp mode “Amp” is selected it allows the user to switch a
nominal 12 volts DC at maximum draw of 50 milliamps to these
binding posts. In some instances this voltage may have the ability
to control products from other manufactures, but we by no means
have comprehensive listing of their compatible features. If you have
questions about compatibility your service technician and dealer are
an excellent resource of information.
The X2.5 to our knowledge is unique in that its gain may be
attenuated to match the requirements of a wide variety of
electronics and speakers. The gain control toggles between two
settings, offset from one another by 10 dB. The up pointing arrow
s14 dB and the down pointing arrow s4 dB. When
used with our own X series power amplifiers, which are quite high
gain (30 dB), we find the +4 dB setting to be most satisfying. With
other product we suggest that you let your ears determine which
setting conveys the most sonic benefit.
The remote control uses the same four-button system. The far left
button is mode < left the far right button is mode > right. The
top button is select ^ up and the bottom is select v down. The
display shows the active function. The display has two brightness
levels and off. If any control is used the display reverts to the last
level. The off mode shows the display for about 7 seconds and
then turns off.
The electronic volume control allows greater than 60 dB range
and is driven by a micro-controller that reads the optical encoder
serving as a front panel volume control. In this manner tracking of
the volume of the two balanced channels is possible with accuracy
unavailable on any ordinary volume control, assuring precise level
steps and high common mode rejection in balanced circuits. Wayne
Colburn’s exceptional volume control in conjunction with the
fluorescent display give the user ability to replicate volume levels
with absolute accuracy in steps of roughly 3dB.
1) Circuit simplicity and a minimum number of components is
a key element. The fewer parts in series with the signal path, the
better. Adding more parts and gain stages may improve measured
specs, but will seldom improve the perceived sonic quality or
reliability of a product.
Product Philosophy