Perreaux Stereo Amplifier Silhouette SXP2 User Manual

Silhouette SXP2  
Passive Preamplifier  
Owners Manual  
 
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other  
than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company  
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document,  
reserves the right to change products or specifications detailed herein at any time  
without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information  
contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Perreaux  
are granted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products,  
expressly or by implication.  
mboob^ru® is a registered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.  
Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.  
1
 
i
Introducing the  
Perreaux Silhouette Series  
Designed as a range of high quality, yet affordable modules; the  
‘Silhouette’ series will compliment and enhance your existing  
system.  
Drawing on our extensive knowledge gained from more than a  
quarter of a century of developing highest quality audio products,  
the ‘Silhouette’ concentrates our legendary design and build  
quality into a compact package without sacrificing performance.  
The Perreaux ‘Silhouette’ series provides performance levels  
never before seen in its class.  
Key Features  
Reference quality ALPS potentiometer  
Optimal PCB and ground plane layout for increased  
channel separation and crosstalk performance  
Highest quality fibreglass PCB with minimal internal  
wiring  
Dual preamplifier outputs  
Line-out connections  
Compact  
Stylish  
The Perreaux “Silhouette” series takes you even closer to the  
elusive goal of “The Perfect Re-Creation of a Musical  
Event”.  
From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for  
choosing the Perreaux Silhouette Series SXP2 Passive  
Preamplifier.  
2
 
ii  
Important Safety Instructions  
Note:  
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to  
operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SXP2 Passive  
Preamplifier.  
ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attempting to  
connect or disconnect cables.  
ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before  
attempting to clean your unit.  
ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.  
ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during  
electrical storms.  
NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.  
NEVER operate the SXP2 with the cover removed.  
NEVER use any liquid inside the SXP2.  
NEVER attempt to repair the SXP2. In the event of a problem,  
please contact your Perreaux dealer.  
NEVER expose the SXP2 to extremely high or low temperatures.  
3
 
iii  
Table of Contents  
i
Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series .................................... 2  
Important Safety Instructions............................................................. 3  
Table of Contents .................................................................................. 4  
Unpacking and Placement .................................................................. 5  
Instant Install.......................................................................................... 6  
Front Panel Functions .......................................................................... 8  
Rear Panel Functions ............................................................................ 9  
Special Design Philosophies..............................................................10  
Special Design Features .....................................................................12  
Care and Maintenance .......................................................................14  
Warranty Information ........................................................................15  
Extended Warranty Registration Form..........................................16  
Troubleshooting Guide......................................................................17  
Specifications........................................................................................18  
Physical Dimensions............................................................................20  
Contact Details.....................................................................................21  
ii  
iii  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
4
 
1
Unpacking and Placement  
Unpacking The SXP2 is packaged for maximum protection. To open, sit the  
Procedure box upright and cut the reinforced tape at the top of the box. The  
product can now be removed.  
Pull the foam protecting end-caps off either side of the unit and  
remove the black material covering.  
The SXP2 Passive Preamplifier is now unpacked and ready for  
further installation.  
Note:  
Please retain all packaging material for future transport.  
Box 1 x SXP2 Passive Preamplifier  
Contents 1 x Product manual  
3 x Performance analysis charts  
Placing Your The SXP2 should generally be placed close to your source  
SXP2 equipment, thus keeping interconnect cabling between the SXP2  
and associated components as short as practical. This will reduce  
the systems susceptibility to radio frequency interference and the  
negative effects associated with long cables.  
Ventilation The SXP2 is  
a
passive electronic device.  
Ventilation  
Requirements requirements are not considered an important factor in product  
placement.  
In the event that the SXP2 is to be incorporated into custom  
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in  
the Physical Dimensions section of the manual (Chapter 12).  
5
 
2
Instant Install  
If you are like us, the first thing you will want to do is to play  
your favourite piece of music through your new SXP2 Passive  
Preamplifier. The following instructions are written to enable  
you to achieve this as quickly as possible. These are not  
comprehensive instructions, but are designed to enable you to  
play music now!  
Note:  
Please take the time to read the SXP2 manual thoroughly  
as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its  
operation.  
Placement  
The SXP2 is a sensitive passive electronic device and best results  
will be achieved when placed away from potential interference  
from other components and electrical devices, for example AC  
mains cords/outlets, transformers, high power amplifiers,  
computers, etc.  
Place the SXP2 close or near the source or input component in  
order to make as short a connection as possible.  
Turn off associated components  
This minimises the potential to damage any other components  
when connecting your SXP2 into the system.  
Connect source to SXP2  
Connect the audio output from the source component to the input  
of your SXP2 Passive Preamplifier. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear  
Panel information.  
Connect SXP2 to power amplifier  
Connect the audio output from your SXP2 Passive Preamplifier  
to the input of the power amplifier. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear  
Panel information.  
Switch on power amplifier  
Turn on your power amplifier.  
6
 
Switch on source component  
Power up your source component and start your favourite  
recording.  
Turn it up  
Slowly increase the SXP2 volume to achieve a comfortable  
listening level.  
CONGRATULATIONS!  
Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax  
and please read the rest of the manual at your own pace in your  
favourite armchair whilst sipping a glass of wine. You’ll find the  
whole experience much more pleasurable whilst listening to  
music.  
7
 
3
Front Panel Functions  
Volume Control  
The high-quality, machined aluminium knob reminds the user at  
every touch of the superior build quality designed into the SXP2.  
Volume control motion is smooth and accurate, providing  
absolute control with near infinite gain resolution.  
Input Selector  
Select one of the three source inputs via the input selector switch.  
8
 
4
Rear Panel Functions  
Source Inputs  
Accepts a standard single-ended input (RCA) from source  
components with single-ended analogue outputs. These high  
quality gold plated sockets are highly conductive, corrosion  
resistant, and provide less potential for corrosion induced  
distortion.  
Refer to Chapter 13 “Specifications”, for detail on input  
impedance.  
Line Level Outputs  
This single-ended (RCA) output will provide a line level audio  
signal, suitable for recording, from the selected source input.  
Also useful for bypassing the preamplifier, for example to a  
headphone amplifier.  
Preamplifier Outputs  
These single-ended (RCA) outputs are commonly referred to as  
“Preouts”. They provide the audio signal required to drive the  
connected power amplifier(s).  
9
 
5
Special Design Philosophies  
Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest  
quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century.  
Technology has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and  
our knowledge and application of design, materials and  
manufacturing techniques has advanced in tandem with this.  
Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to fulfilling our shared  
vision than at any other time in the past.  
The SXP2 has been developed to meet customer demands for  
compact higher quality products. Careful attention has been  
taken throughout the development phase, not to make  
compromises that would degrade the high quality of reproduction  
that the unit is capable of delivering.  
To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux design  
philosophies that have been incorporated into the entire range.  
Minimalist Leading British architect, John Pawson, writes:  
Design  
The Minimum can be defined as the perfection  
that an object achieves when it is no longer  
possible to improve it by subtraction. This is the  
quality that an object has when every component,  
every detail, and every junction has been reduced  
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of  
the omission of the inessentials”.  
Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an  
audio design perspective only. The concept of “less equating to  
more” has been at the heart of all Perreaux audio designs for  
more than a quarter of a century. Our current product offering  
takes the minimalist ethic to new levels by totally embracing the  
concept.  
Minimalist Electronics  
We wish to maximise the quality of your listening pleasure by  
keeping the componentry and signal path as uncluttered, short  
and clean possible. All components in the signal path, even those  
of the highest quality have an effect on the signal, thereby  
altering the quality of the reproduction in some way. Our aim is  
to recreate in its entirety, the original performance by not adding  
or subtracting anything, irrespective of the source.  
10  
 
Minimalist Aesthetics  
Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio  
exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.  
“Form and function” are both tough masters. We make no  
excuses for producing some of the most distinctive high-end  
audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend  
together in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true  
minimalist utilisation.  
Minimalism in a Wider Context  
John Pawson writes:  
Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go  
beyond the purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the  
reflection of some innate, inner quality, or the  
pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the  
nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.  
11  
 
6
Special Design Features  
Construction The SXP2 is stylish and unobtrusive. The front panel is made  
from high quality solid 6.0mm (0.2”) thick aluminium extrusion  
featuring our trademark machined Perreaux logo and large  
volume control knob. These are finished in durable and stylish  
satin chrome finish electroplate. The chassis and cover are both  
manufactured from heavy gauge steel. No cover fixing screws  
are visible. These minimalist styling cues combine seamlessly to  
allow form and function to blend in harmony and are typical  
hallmarks of the Perreaux brand.  
Circuit  
Topology  
Compact At 216mm (8.5”) wide x 58mm (2.3”) high x 172mm (6.8”) deep  
the SXP2 is extremely compact.  
Signal Special attention has been paid to ground planes to maintain  
Ground  
sonic purity. All signal grounding is optimised to provide a  
platform for a black background and increased dynamic range.  
Simple Front panel features high-quality machined aluminium volume  
control control and input selector knobs. The rear panel comprises gold-  
functionality plated unbalanced (RCA) line inputs, line outputs and  
preamplifier outputs.  
12  
 
Single  
Channel  
Block  
Diagram  
Ultra Short Careful attention has been paid to the signal path within the  
Signal path preamplifier. It is ultra short, guarded by ground planes where  
necessary and carefully routed to avoid contamination from  
external noise sources.  
13  
 
7
Care and Maintenance  
Note:  
Never apply liquid directly to the SXP2.  
Never use abrasives.  
Never rub in a circular motion.  
Cover  
The cover features a durable high quality powder coat finish. To  
remove finger marks and dirt, lightly rub the surface with a soft  
cloth.  
If the dirt is not removed, dip your cloth in a mild solution of  
soap and water, squeeze excess moisture from it and then gently  
reapply to the surface.  
Stubborn dirt may be removed by the application of a small  
quantity of isopropyl alcohol, applied directly to the cleaning  
cloth only, and reworking the effected area.  
Front Panel The SXP2 front panel features a high quality electroplate finish.  
Over time the surface may retain finger marks and may need to  
be cleaned to restore it to original condition.  
Regular Cleaning  
Gently wipe the front panel with a very clean cotton cloth. Wipe  
across the surface and never in a circular motion.  
Removing Stubborn Marks  
Only attempt this infrequently, as too regular or vigorous  
application may damage the surface.  
Apply a small quantity of any car polish containing carnauba  
wax to a very clean cotton cloth.  
Note:  
The car polish must state “Safe for Clear Coats” as the polish  
will therefore contain the absolute minimum amount of  
abrasive compound.  
Gently wipe over the front panel in lateral motion, allow to dry  
then gently wipe off with a very clean cotton cloth.  
14  
 
8
Warranty Information  
1 Year The Perreaux SXP2 is warranted free from defects in material  
Limited and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1-year (365  
Warranty days) from the date of purchase.  
To extend the warranty of the Perreaux SXP2 to three (3) years  
from date of purchase, please return a fully completed warranty  
registration form along with a copy of the original receipt of  
purchase to:  
Perreaux Industries Ltd  
PO Box 305  
Mosgiel  
Dunedin 9053  
New Zealand  
For the Extended Warranty Registration Form, please refer to  
Chapter 9.  
3 Year The extended warranty for the Perreaux SXP2 is three (3) years  
Extended from the date of purchase. If during the warranty period the  
Warranty SXP2 exhibits defects in materials and/or workmanship, it will  
be repaired or replaced, at our option, without charge for either  
parts or labour, at our factory in New Zealand. The warranty  
does not apply to any unit that has been misused, abused or  
altered.  
Any unit that is not performing satisfactorily may be returned to  
the factory in New Zealand for evaluation. Return authorisation  
must first be obtained by either calling or writing to Perreaux  
prior to shipping the unit. Perreaux Industries Ltd and it’s  
authorised distributors and dealers shall not be held liable for any  
freight or insurance charges. Freight and insurance charges to  
and from the Perreaux factory will be the sole responsibility of  
the owner of the unit.  
There is no other express warranty on the SXP2. Neither this  
warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied, including  
any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness, shall extend  
beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for  
any incidental or consequential damages.  
Obtaining In the event that you are experiencing difficulty with your SXP2,  
Service please as a first step consult the troubleshooting guide in Chapter  
10. For further assistance, please contact your Perreaux dealer.  
15  
 
9
Extended Warranty  
Registration Form  
Please complete this form and either fax, mail or e-mail it, along  
with a copy of the original receipt, to Perreaux Industries Ltd.  
Fax:  
+64 3 489 2976  
Mail:  
Perreaux Industries Ltd  
PO Box 305  
Mosgiel  
Dunedin 9053  
New Zealand  
Alternatively, complete the online Warranty Registration Form  
3 Year Extended  
Warranty Form  
Name:  
Address:  
Suburb:  
City:  
Country:  
Telephone:  
E-mail:  
Website:  
Product:  
S I L H O U E T T E   S X P 2                    
Serial No:  
Dealer:  
Purchase Date:  
/
/
d
d
m m  
y
y
y
y
16  
 
10  
Troubleshooting Guide  
Please use this guide if you are experiencing any problems with  
the SXP2 in your system. It will provide possible solutions for  
some given symptoms.  
There is no Interconnect cables not connected  
output from  
my system  
Make sure that the input and output interconnect cables are  
plugged in and are connected to the respective RCA sockets on  
the rear of the SXP2.  
Source not turned on  
Check that your source component is plugged in to the mains and  
the power is turned on.  
Source not set to play  
Ensure that your source component is playing the recording you  
would like to listen to, and that pause is not pressed.  
No volume setting  
Make sure that the volume on your SXP2 is set to a suitable  
level.  
SXP2 set to incorrect input  
Confirm that the input on your SXP2 is connected to the  
appropriate source output.  
Loud speakers not connected  
Check that your loud speakers are firmly connected via cables  
into the binding posts on the rear of the SXP2.  
I can hear a Input sockets and/or output binding posts corroded  
hum coming  
through my  
Check that the input and output RCA sockets and binding posts  
on the rear of the SXP2 are free from corrosion.  
loud  
speakers  
Interconnect cables damaged  
Make sure that the integrity of your interconnect cables is sound  
and they are firmly connected to your source and the SXP2.  
SXP2 is close to external interference  
Check the proximity of your SXP2 to any possible source of EMI  
and/or RF interference, for example computers, televisions,  
amplifiers, speakers, etc. Ideally the SXP2 should be placed as  
close as possible to your source.  
17  
 
11  
Specifications  
The correlation between published specifications and sonic  
quality can be unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually  
nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to  
qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements  
of the SXP2 reveal excellent results by any standards.  
Specifications Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N):  
in Brief  
Typically...........................................................0.001%, @ 1kHz  
20Hz to 20kHz.............................................................. <0.002%  
Frequency Response:  
20Hz–20kHz........................................................ +0dB, -0.05dB  
5Hz–60kHz.......................................................... +0dB, -0.50dB  
Signal to Noise Ratio (unweighted):........................................ 118dB  
Crosstalk:  
Channel to Channel............................................-120dB @ 1kHz  
.........................................................................-98dB @ 20kHz  
Input to Input .....................................................-120dB @ 1kHz  
.........................................................................-97dB @ 20kHz  
Channel Tracking:.............................................................. 0.50dB  
Gain Range: ............................................................. -93dB to 0dB  
Input Impedance:  
Typically.............................................................................10kΩ  
Potentiometer Type:......................................................Audio Log  
Audio Connections  
Inputs.........................................................3 pairs line level (RCA)  
Outputs....................................................... 2 pairs pre-outs (RCA)  
................................................................. 1 pair line level (RCA)  
Overall Dimensions  
Width........................................................................216mm (8.5”)  
Depth........................................................................172mm (6.8”)  
Height........................................................................ 58mm (2.3”)  
Weight  
Gross ..........................................................................1.7kg (3.7lb)  
Net............................................................................. 1.1kg (2.4lb)  
18  
 
Specifications THD+N.................................................................... 0.001%, @ 1kHZ  
Explained  
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise is the percentage of output  
signal which is made up of frequencies added due to harmonics  
of the fundamental frequency and noise.  
Frequency Response..................20Hz to 20kHz, +0dB -0.05dB  
Shows that the amplitude or strength of the output signal deviates  
by no more than 0.05dB over the entire audio band.  
Signal to Noise Ratio (unweighted)........................................118dB  
The ratio of desired signal to noise signals in the output.  
Perreaux engineers have designed the SXP2 to maintain a low  
noise floor.  
Crosstalk.................................................................... -120dB @ 1kHz  
Crosstalk is caused by stray inductances and capacitances  
between components and lines, which results in unintentional  
mixing of stereo signals. Meticulous wire routing ensures  
excellent high-frequency separation.  
Channel Tracking...................................................................0.50dB  
Channel tracking is the difference in level between the left and  
right channels. It is worst at the extremities of the potentiometers  
rotation.  
Gain Range...................................................................-93dB to 0dB  
The range in which the SXP2 can alter the volume level. At the  
minimum setting the volume level is -93dB, at the maximum  
setting the level is 0dB.  
Input Impedance....................................................................... 10kΩ  
The resistance “load” that is presented to the source component  
that is driving the SXP2.  
Potentiometer Type.........................................................Audio Log  
Potentiometers are available in a range of configurations and fall  
into two major categories, linear and logarithmic. Audio taper  
potentiometers are logarithmic and are widely used in audio  
because the human ear responds on a logarithmic scale.  
19  
 
12  
Physical Dimensions  
20  
 
13  
Contact Details  
For more information please contact your Perreaux dealer, or  
contact:  
Perreaux Industries Ltd  
PO Box 305  
Mosgiel  
Dunedin 9053  
New Zealand  
Ph:  
Fax:  
+64 3 489 2975  
+64 3 489 2976  
21  
 
Installation Notes  
22  
 

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