LIQUID SPARK HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
P/N 33304
User’s Manual
The Liquid Spark is a compact, desktop solid state headphone amplifier.
It has one TRS (standard ¼” phone plug) single ended output and one
RCA preamp output.
The amp has one set of (RCA) inputs.
The LS (Liquid Spark) has gains of 3X and 6X, front panel selectable, and
an approximate full output power of 1.3W per channel with a 50 ohm
load.
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
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Amplifier Operation
1. The LS has a short startup delay to protect the headphones. Do not
attempt to defeat this startup timing. Do not repeatedly push the
power button on and off because this will always reset the timing.
2. Plug the Monolith/Liquid Spark labeled power supply into the back
of the amplifier.
3. Press the power button to turn on the amplifier.
4. The small LED in the center of the front panel should light red.
5. After approximately 10 seconds the LED will turn white and the
headphones will be connected.
6. If the LED does not turn white within 30 seconds, please contact
Monoprice Tech Support Associates
7. Select gain with the center pushbutton. Pushbutton out is 3X, push
button in is 6X.
8. The preamp output is only active when headphones are not
plugged in.
9. To turn off the power push the power button again (pushbutton
out).
CAUTION: Please remember to turn down the volume (or power
down completely) before plugging or unplugging any sources or
headphones into or from your Liquid Spark.
Setup Instructions
1. Plug source(s) into the RCA or both inputs.
2. Select the gain.
3. Plug in headphones.
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Protective Circuit
There is one protective circuit in the LS which protects the headphones
from DC offset.
The protective circuit is triggered if either or both channels exhibit an
average DC voltage above the set threshold. If this happens the LED
will turn to Red and the amplifier will be in protection mode and will
not operate. In normal operation, when the issue is relieved, the LED
will return to its white condition indicating that the amp is ready for
operation again. If the LED stays red, please contact Monoprice Tech
Support Associates
Sometimes the protection circuit will trip when you insert or remove
the TRS plug with the amp delivering power to the jack. This means that
the amp is responding to the well-known channel shorting that occurs
during the insertion/removal of the plug. To prevent this, always turn
down the volume before removal/insertion of a TRS plug.
Preamp Output
The preamp out has an output impedance of 150 ohms. Remember that
the LS is a small power amplifier. DO NOT short the preamp outputs to
ground as this make cause damage to the amplifier.
General Best Practices
• Plug in headphone cables when the amplifier is turned off.
• Turn the volume all the way down before plugging in headphones.
• Turn the volume all the way down before putting on headphones.
• Plug in sources when the amplifier is turned off and turn the amplifier
off to switch sources.
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Amplifier Break-In
• Most amplifiers need at least 100 hours of continuous music
playback to reach their full sound signature.
• It is not necessary to set up a break-in period. The amp will change
character as you listen normally and you will hear it evolve into its
natural sound signature.
• If you do employ break-in, we recommend about 100 hours playing in
continuous music mode with no headphones and the volume set to
about 10 o’clock.
• We recommend you disconnect your headphones when not listening
during this break-in period.
• After about 100 hours we do not recommend to keep the amplifier
on constantly as this will shorten the life the components.
Power Sources
Your LS Amplifier is supplied with a universal power supply module. It
has a US (Type A) plug, but will work with the adapter suitable for your
location.
Grounding
This amplifier shares the ground of the source it is plugged into. In
unusual circumstances, ground noise may occur, depending on the
exact grounding of the source equipment.
Power and Signal
Cables should never be connected or disconnected with equipment
powered up. Failure to heed this warning may damage or destroy
equipment.
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Servicing
There are no serviceable parts in the amplifier. Do not attempt to
service the amplifier. All servicing must be referred to authorized service
personnel.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION
Ventilation
Your amplifier runs warm and requires free air circulation to the vents
on the product.
Never place the amplifier in an enclosed space with restricted airflow,
especially one with low vertical clearance.
Never place it near another source of heat, especially on top of
something that is generating significant heat. Excessive heat will
shorten the life of the product.
Water and Moisture
• NEVER use the LS amplifier near water.
• NEVER handle the amplifier while in contact with water.
• NEVER let the amplifier come in contact with water.
• NEVER spill water or other liquids into it.
• NEVER operate the LS with wet hands.
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Monoprice is pleased to provide free, live, online technical support to
assist you with any questions you may have about installation, setup,
troubleshooting, or product recommendations. If you ever need
assistance with your new product, please come online to talk to one of
our friendly and knowledgeable Tech Support Associates. Technical
support is available through the online chat button on our website
www.monoprice.com during regular business hours, 7 days a week.
You can also get assistance through email by sending a message to:
tech@monoprice.com
Need Help? We’re here for you!
Contact us: www.monoprice.com/contactus
Product pictures are for reference only.
Specifications descr ibed herein are subject to change without prior notification.
All trademarks are the sole property of their respective companies.
Monolith is a Sub-Brand of Monoprice.
Copyright © 2018 Monoprice, Inc. All rights reserved .
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