Modular Series
L2X Stereo Line Preamplifier/Buffer
PSX Power Supply
User’s Manual
Revised Feb. 23/14
Mapletree Audio Design
Lloyd Peppard
R. R. 1, Seeley's Bay, Ontario, Canada, K0H 2N0
(613) 387-3830
www.mapletreeaudio.com
info@mapletreeaudio.com
© Copyright Lloyd Peppard 2002-2014
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Introduction _
The Mapletree Audio Design L2X Stereo Line Preamplifier/Buffer is a streamlined
version of the Line 2B SE line preamp without the dual heater voltage switch and balance
control. Nichicon polypropylene film capacitors and Alpha carbon volume control are
also employed. The L2X is matched to the compact PSX power supply that can be located
remotely from the preamp itself. The power supply features an all-solid-state full-wave
rectifier using high-speed diodes, and an unregulated dc heater supply. Other features
include:
? ? Compact chassis layout and separate power supply for low noise. Noise is less than
200 ?V.
? ? Exclusive use of NOS 12SN7GT octal tubes, known for low distortion and
musicality.
? ? Two switched inputs with user-specified gains of 0 or 10 dB. Unity gain (0 dB) is
available for buffer use, with the L2X inserted between the source and an integrated
or power amp where additional gain is not required.
Power Supply Connections______
The Mapletree L2X consists of a preamplifier chassis with provision for connection to the
separate PSX power supply. This allows separation between the two units and eliminates
induced hum originating from power supply circuitry and components. The Mapletree
PSX power supply provides 12 VDC at 0.6 A for the heater supply and +250 VDC at full
load (12 mA) for the B+ plate supply. The power connections to the preamplifier chassis
are made through a special 3-conductor power cord that plugs into jacks located on the
rear panels of the power supply and preamplifier chassis.
CAUTION: Do not operate the power supply when it is not connected to the
preamp. Damage of components may result. Do not use the PSX power supply for
any other preamp. The current ratings are for the L2X preamp only.
Once the interconnecting power cord is securely attached between the two chassis and the
line cord is plugged in, the switch on the front panel of the PSX is used to activate the
power supply. The pilot lamp indicates that the unit is on. It takes about 30 seconds for
the tubes to reach operating temperature ready for use. During operation, is it normal for
the power supply chassis to become warm to the touch.
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The power supply is protected by a 1 A, 250 V fast-acting fuse located inside the power
supply chassis. Under normal conditions, it should not be necessary to replace the fuse. If
power fails to come on, you can check the fuse and replace if necessary. Wait 60 sec with
the unit unplugged before removing the bottom cover. If the fuse blows a second time,
you should not try to operate the unit. Contact Mapletree Audio Design for information
regarding service.
Input/Output Connections______
The signal input/output jacks are located on the rear panel of the preamplifier chassis.
RCA jacks are provided for two stereo line inputs, and one stereo line output. The line
input source selector switch is located between the input jacks. Each input gain is custom
specified to be either 10 dB or 0 dB (unity gain) at full volume. The corresponding input
resistance is 100 k??or 470 k??respectively, which provides minimal loading for any line
source such as CD/DVD player, tape deck, tuner, or PC sound card. The line output
impedance is less than 500 ? , which is suitable for connection to a power amplifier
through cables up to 10 ft in length.
Preamp Controls____
The front panel volume control acts on both channels.
Tubes____
The vacuum tubes supplied are new-old stock (NOS) and have been pre-tested. A burn-in
period of several hours may be needed to achieve the best sonic performance. Tube life
should be thousands of hours. Aging tubes may result in a reduced gain in one or both
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channels or an increase in noise levels. Infrequently, a heater may burn out which is
indicated by total loss of sound. Replacement tubes can be obtained from several
suppliers in the U. S. and Canada. Mapletree Audio Design will attempt to provide
replacement tubes to customers at cost plus shipping. Some listeners enjoy trying
different brands and variants of tubes. The highly regarded 12SX7GT is equivalent to the
12SN7GT.
Specifications______
Frequency response (100 k??50 pF load, 1 V output): 12 Hz–20 kHz –0.5 dB
Maximum input voltage: 5 V (rms)
Voltage Gain (100 k? load, 1 kHz): 10 dB or 0 dB (for use as a buffer)
Output impedance (1 kHz): 450?
Input impedance (1 kHz): 100 k??(10 dB gain) or 470 k??(0 dB gain)
Hum and noise at output (max volume): less than 200 ?V rms
Phase: Inverting
Power consumption: 20 W
Warranty___
Assembled MAD components are warranted for 2 years to the original purchaser for
failure of parts (excluding tubes) and workmanship. Tubes are warranted for 90 days
exclusive of shipping cost. Service, including parts and labor (but excluding shipping), is
free within the warrantee period.
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Mapletree Audio Design
L2X Stereo Line Preamplifier
© Copyright Lloyd Peppard 2002-2014
Rev. Feb. 18/14
L. Line inputs
Gain = 10 dB
Gain = 0 dB
R. Line inputs
Gain = 0 dB
Gain = 10 dB
Input resistors shown for
gains of 0 dB (475K) and
10 dB (100K)
100K 1%
2
1
475K 1%
chassis
100K 1%
2
1
475K 1%
chassis
Source
Source
511K 1%
511K 1%
B
+250 V
47.5K 1%
2
1
3
1.9 V
1u/400V
Volume
100K
Ground bus
B
+250 V
V1a
12SN7GT
47.5K
1%
0.1u/400V
511K
1%
A
5
4
1u/400V
6
L. output
1K 1%
1M
1%
10K 1%
A
V1b
47.5K 1%
2
1
1u/400V
Volume
3
100K
12SN7GT
47.5K
1%
0.1u/400V
511K
1%
+49 V
5
4
6
1u/400V
+54 V
1K 1%
10K 1%
1M
1%
R. output
100u/400V
Ground bus
+250 V
B
+
5.1K 2W
A
878
12SN7s
_
12 VDC
+
Power In
(rear view)
7
6
Mapletree Audio Design Preamplifier Power Supply PSX
© Copyright Lloyd Peppard 2012-14
Rev. Feb 23/14
0.5A/250V
L
G
N
Chassis
Power
120AC 60 Hz
115
VAC
115
VAC
115
VAC
115
VAC
1
2
4
3
1
2
4
3
5
115 VAC
25 mA
6
8
115
VAC
7
5
6
8
7
10 VAC
1.2 A
MUR180
6A
6.8K 5W
+
100u/400V
+
100u/400V
330K/1W
LED
R3
1.5K
GND
1
B+
2
Power Out
Rear View
4
3
+
+
10000u/25V
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