Hovland Company HP-200 Brochure

H O V L A N D H P - 2 O O

H O V L A N D H P - 2 O O

Hovland Company’s widely acclaimed HP-100 preamplifier enchants music lovers worldwide, yet many
listeners have asked us for the convenience of remote control. In response to these requests we introduce the HP-200
stereo line preamplifier. The challenging goal of offering remote operation without compromising clarity or nuance
has been greatly surpassed with this new design. While the HP-200 and HP-100 share Hovland’s highly refined
three-tube active line-stage and solid-state power supply, in a top-flight music system the HP-200 delivers dramatic
advancements, deepening the listeners’ involvement in the musical event.

Our drive for perfection has always favored using discrete resistors for volume level control, rather than
potentiometers. Research into popular remote level adjustment technologies led us to conclude that “off-the-shelf”
chipsets are sonically inadequate for a reference music system component. Consequently, for the HP-200 we
designed a large array attenuator circuit using specially selected metal-film resistors and reed relays. We also
shortened internal signal paths and eliminated in-line switches to preserve transparency. Inclusion of nonessential
audio tailoring and programming features was avoided, as these generally add more electronic parts to the signal
path and distance the listener from the music.

The audible and visual result of the HP-200 design project is a modern and uncompromising expression
of our audio engineering experience. This ultimate line p reamp lifie r sets a new standa rd for pure and
natural musical performance.

(The world-class P-200 internal phono stage is available as a factory option)

FEATURES

Full featured, remote-controllable, vacuum tube stereo line preamplifier.

Power supply incorporates proprietary transformers and filter capacitors.

Ultra selected, premium quality passive components used in critical applications, including Hovland Company’s acclaimed MusiCap

film-and-foil capacitors.

Each unit completely hand assembled and extensively tested to insure the highest level of craftsmanship, performance, and reliability.

Use of Hovland Generation 3 shielded, silver-plated interconnect for critical signal path wiring.

Volume level selection is accomplished without compromising signal fidelity via a Hovland designed, precision attenuator array circuit

using ultra linear metal-film resistors and dual, hermetically sealed-in-glass, rhodium-contact reed relays. Levels are selected sequentially
by a custom logic circuit in 2 dB steps with a total of 70 dB of attenuation.

Custom programmed logic board controls source selection among five line level inputs, as well as muting, monitor, and bypass
functions—all via the same type of high purity relays as used in the level circuit.

Elegant and functional backlit front panel displays indicate playback level attenuation, source selection, muting, monitor, and processor
bypass status, giving the user all necessary information in an easily seen format.

All front panel functions are controlled by high-quality, momentary push-button switches or by latching detent push-button switches.

Comfortable, infrared remote control is a custom-machined blend of aluminum and acrylic, providing control of volume level, mute, and

source selection.

Noise-free, timed muting circuit protects other system components when the preamplifier is turned on or off.

A main chassis comprised of a five sided, fully braced alloy inner chassis enclosed in high strength alloy outer plates results in an

extremely rigid monococque chassis, isolating the circuit boards and preventing interaction between attenuation, line, and power supply
circuits. The remainder of the chassis is of high quality, machined and polished aluminum alloy and cast acrylic with integral backlighting

High-coherence balanced XLR output circuit provides optimal mating to true balanced power amplifiers. (The HP-200 is equipped with one
pair of RCA outputs and one pair of XLR outputs)

Integration with multichannel audio/video controllers made possible via a Processor Direct switching circuit which allows for bypass of the
source and monitor circuits to connect an external audio source through the line stage at 0 dB (unity) preset gain.

RS-232 serial port allows for programmed control of preamp functions when integrated into audiophile/home theater automation systems.

Remote turn-on trigger output jack which supplies a low current 12VDC turn-on signal for triggering amplifiers or other equipment having

remote turn-on capability.

®

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Line Stage

Input impedance: 100 kΩ, unbalanced
Gain: 14 dB; non-inverting
Frequency response: +0
THD: < .1% at rated output of 3 volts
S/N ratio: 80 dB below 3 volts out, A-weighted (at full level)

Output impedance: approx. 2000 ohms unbalanced / 2500 balanced
Tube complement:
Power requirements: 0.5 A, 100-240V, 50-60 Hz
Casework dimensions: 18.25” W x 15.52” D x 4.88” H (with feet)
Net weight: 27 pounds (12.2 kg)
Warranty:

Options: P-200 Phono Stage (refer to P-200 product sheet)

Specifications are subject to revision without notice.

HOVLAND COMPANY 1545-A PONTIUS AVENUE LOS ANGELES CA 90025
PH 2 09-9 6 6-4 3 77 FAX 209 - 96 6-46 3 2 w ww. h ovl a ndc o mp any. c om

Line (2)-12AX7, (1)-12 AT7

Three years parts and labor (tubes - 90 days)

/ -.25 dB, 10 Hz - 25 kHz

H P 2 O O s t e r e o p r e a m p l i f i e r

12 2005