NuForce HAP-100 User Manual

NuForce

HAP-100

1

FCC Notice - Declaration of Conformity Information

This equipm ent has been tested and found to com pl y w it h t he lim it s for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipm ent us es and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encou rag ed to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or reloc ate the receiving anten na.

• Inc rease the s eparation b etween th e equipm ent and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different fro m that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radi o/TV technician for help .

WARNING: Only peripherals complying with the FCC class B limits may be attached to
this equipment.

Changes or modifications made to this equipment, not exp ressly approved by us or
parties authorized by us could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This
device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

There are two categories of Safety Instructions included in this manual:

• Product Warnings, (i.e., wh at m ust never be done to assure avoiding those
hazards that could cause bodily injury or property damage); and

• User Directions (i.e., what must alw ays be done to assure the safe use of your
device).

The Safety Instructions contained in this manual have been categorized in accordance
with the seriousness of the potential hazards through the use of Signal Words. Those
Signal Words, and their intend ed meani ng s, are as follows:
DANGER: Ind ic ates that a failure to observe th e Safety Ins tructions could result in
death or catastrophic bodily injury.
WARNING: Indicates th at a failure to obser ve the Safet y Instruc ti ons coul d result i n
serious bodily injury.
CAUTION: Indic ates that a failure to ob serve th e Safety Ins tr uctions could res ult in
minor bodily injury or property damage.
NOTE: Designates important information that relates to activities and/or cond itions
that might result in loss of data and/or damage to your device.

Safe Use and Operation of Your Device

This equipm ent emi ts stray RF energy and will interfere with the reception of signals
by airborne electronic navigational devices or medical devices. Do not operate this
equipmen t near any sensitive medical devices.

WARNING: Use only grounded AC power cords.
Always immediately disconnect the power to the equipment in the event the device
emits an unu su al odor or sound or generates smoke.

2

WARNING: Never attempt to dis assemb le, repair or make any mo dification to your
device. Disassembly, modification or any attempt at repair could cause bodily injury or
property damage, as well as damage to the device itself.

WARNING: Your device is not a toy. Never all ow ch ildren to play with you r device.
Misuse, rough or improper handling of your device by chil dren could result in serious
bodily injury for any of the enumerated safety warnings in this manu al. In addition,
always keep all access ories and components out of the reach of small childr en as
small parts might present a choking hazard. Seek immediate medical attention if
choking occurs or if any small part has been swallowed.

CAUTION: Never raise the sound volume level too high when using your device wi th
earphones . An exc essive sound volume level could c aus e damage to your hearing.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to
moisture or water.

Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is expo sed to mo isture,
or a foreign object gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord
from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary
repairs.

Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component.
Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions.
Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions and o n the product itself.
Follow all operating instructions.
Do not use this uni t near water.
You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the
unit. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the
ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in a bookcase or cabinet, there must be
ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the component away from
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.

The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage specified
on the rear panel.

Connect the component to th e power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable
or an exact equivalent. Do not modify the supplied cable.

Do not route the pow er cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent, exposed to heat,
or damaged in any way. Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and
where the cord exits the back of the unit.

The power cord shoul d b e unpl ug ged fr om the wall outlet du ri ng a lightnin g s to rm or if
the unit is to be left unused for a long period of time.

Imm ediately stop using the com ponent and have it i nspected and/or ser viced by a
qualified service agency if:

• The power supply cor d o r plug has been damag ed.

• Objects have fallen or liq ui d has been spilled into the unit.

• The unit has been exposed to rain.

• The unit shows signs of imp ro per op erat io n.

• The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way.

3

Introduction

The HAP-100 preamp and headphone amplifier has been designed for the audio enthusiast
for whom quality headphone listening is a top priority. The HAP-100’s innovative engineering
combines features never before available at this price point. Most significantly, the HAP-100
provides headphone listeners with single-ended Clas s-A performance – considered by
many to be the ultimate in high-fidelity design.

Similarly, the HAP-100 incorporates the same volume control technology we first developed
for our flagship P-20 preamp. At the unit’s core is a switched-resistor ladder network of low­noise, thin-film resistors, one per volume setting, permitting discrete, high-resolution
increments of 1dB for each of the HAP-100's one hundred volume steps. In welcome addition
to the volume control’s fine-adjustment precision, the signal’s passage through a single, high­quality resistor at all settings ensures minimal sound degradation.

Following this, a pristine, zero-negative-feedback preamplifier stage delivers vanishingly low
levels of distortion, crystalline accuracy and genuine musicality. A true minimalist design, the
preamp incorporates an extremely low-noise FET input stage and single high-quality
capacitor in the entire signal path.

The HAP-100 is built on a platform that provides the unit’s audio circuits with the purest of DC
power. With its toroidal transformer for minimizing magnetic-field interference and capacitor
bank’s massive energy reserve, the HAP-100’s linear power supply delivers explosive
dynamics and lightning-fast transients.

The HAP-100’s specs are nothing short of stellar: THD+N of less than 0.001% and a dynamic
range in excess of 110 dB for the subtlest of musical details against the blackest of
backgrounds – without a hint of coloration. The HAP-100’s performance, features, style and
price are bound to delight.

Features:

! A preamplifier stage providing 5dB of gain with zero negative feedback for

fatigue-free listening

! A single-ended Class A headph one amplifier stage (a design topology long held

by audiophiles to be the last word in headphone reproduction)

! Top-grade relays for input selection

! A linear power supply employing a toroidal transformer, large capacitor reserves

and high-speed regulation for fast, clean power to all circuits

! A signal-to-noise ratio in excess of 100dB

! THD+N = 0.002%, assuring the ultimate in accurate reproduction

! Four low-noise, stereo RCA inputs

! One RCA stereo output offering a full 7.8Vrm s to effortlessly drive any amplifier

! A front-panel 6.3mm jack for large, over-ear headphones

! A stylish three-digit display (setting 1 for input selection / settings 2 and 3 for

output levels from 00-99)

! A full-featured remote control

4

Quick Start Guide:

" Turn on the AC switch on the back of the unit
" Power On: Push the knob once and release.
" Input Select: Wh en the HAP-100 is On, pushin g the knob cycles between Input

1, 2, 3, 4

" Volume: Rotating the knob clockwise raises th e vo lu me.
" Power Off: Push and hold down the knob fo r 3 seconds.

Note: There is no mem or y. Once the power cable is removed and turned back on,
it reverts to the factory default volume and input 1

Using the Remote Control:

" Power On turns on the HAP-100
" Power Off turns off the HAP-100
" Inp ut cycles through th e HAP-100’s 4 inputs
" Vol + raises the volume
" Vol - lowers the volume
" Power On then Input - turns off HAP-100 Analog Output.

The 6.3mm front panel Output jack remains enabled..

" Repeat the abov e sequence a second time. This will

cancel the previous command and restore the Output to
normal operation.

To Enable Dim Mode

Dim Mode:
In the Dim Mod e, when th e unit idles f or three seconds o r more, the
front LED turns off.
Note: When the LED is off, the unit is still operating . The LED will
turn back on when the remote or knob are being employed

To Enable Dim Mode:
" Press and hold Power On button while pressing the Input button,
repeat the step again to disable the Dim Mode.

5

HAP-100 Hardware Specifications:

• Inp uts: 4 RCA

• Outputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x 6.3mm Front Headphone Output

• THD+N at 1kHz = 0.002% at 20-20kHz (3Vrms RCA, 2Vrms

• S/N = 100dB at 20-20kHz

• Frequency Respon se at 20-20kHz = +/- 0.1dB, 10 to 185kHz +0.2dB/-3dB

• Maximum output: RCA 7.8Vrms,

• Headphone 5.2Vrms Hi-Z,

• 5.1Vrms 300 ohm ,

• 1.8Vrms 30 ohm ,

• 0.9Vrms 16 ohm

• Inp ut impedan ce = 20K o hm

• Output impedance = 100 ohm

6

NuForce’s Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liabilities

ADDITIONAL RIGHTS

FOR CONSUMERS, WHO ARE COVERED BY CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS OR REGULATIONS IN THEIR
COUNTRY OF PURCHASE OR, IF DIFFERENT, THEIR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE, THE BENEFITS
CONFERRED BY THIS WARRANTY ARE IN ADDITION TO ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CONVEYED BY SUCH
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT EXCLUDE, LIMIT OR
SUSPEND ANY RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS ARISING OUT OF NONCONFORMITY WITH A SALES CONTRACT.
SOME COUNTRIES, STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR CONDITION MAY LAST, SO THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS DESCRIBED BELOW MAY
NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY BY COUNTRY, STATE OR PROVINCE. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS GOVERNED
BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PRODUCT PURCHASE TOOK
PLACE.

LIMITED WARRANTY
For a period of TWO (2) YEARS from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser (“Warranty
Period”), NuForce warrants (i) this product against defects in materials and workmanship, and (ii) that each Product,
unmodified and under normal use and conditions, will substantially comply with NuForce’ applicable written technical
documentation for the Product. NuForce reserves the right to make substitutions and modifications from time to time
in the specifications of Products sold by NuForce, provided that such substitutions or modifications do not materially
affect overall Product performance.

If a hardware defect exists and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, at its option and to the extent
permitted by law, NuForce will (1) repair the hardware defect at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement
parts, (2) exchange the product with a product that is new or which has been manufactured from new or serviceable
used parts and is at least functionally equivalent to the original product, or (3) refund the purchase price of the
product. NuForce may request that you replace defective parts with user-installable new or refurbished parts that
NuForce provides in fulfillment of its warranty obligation. A replacement product/part assumes the remaining warranty
of the original product or ninety (90) days from the date of replacement or repair, whichever provides longer coverage
for you. When a product or part is exchanged, any replacement item becomes your property and the replaced item
becomes NuForce's property. When a refund is given, your product becomes NuForce's property.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

If you purchased the product in the U.S., deliver the product, at your expense, to any NuForce Service Center located
in the U.S. If you purchased the product outside of the U.S., deliver the product to any NuForce Authorized Importer
in the country where you purchased the product. Be aware, however, that not all countries have NuForce Authorized
Service Providers (‘NASP’) and not all Authorized Service Providers outside the country of purchase have all parts or
replacement units for the product. If the product cannot be repaired or replaced in the country it is in, it may need to
be sent to a different country or returned to the country of purchase at your expense for repair or replacement. If you
seek service in a country that is not the country of original purchase, you will comply with all applicable import and
export laws and regulations and be responsible for all custom duties, V.A.T. and other associated taxes and charges.
Where international service is available, NuForce may repair or exchange defective products and parts with
comparable products and parts that comply with local standards.
You can always deliver the product to NuForce’s U.S. main service center for obtaining warranty service, however,
you may have to pay for return shipping cost.

NuForce may send you user-installable new or refurbished replacement product or parts to enable you to service or
exchange your own product (“DIY Service”). Upon receipt of the replacement product or part, the original product or
part becomes the property of NuForce and you agree to follow instructions, including, if required, arranging the return
of original product or part to NuForce in a timely manner.
When providing DIY Service requiring the return of the original product or part, NuForce may require a credit card
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follow instructions, NuForce will cancel the credit card authorization, so you will not be charged for the product or part
and shipping costs. If you fail to return the replaced product or part as instructed or the replaced product or part is not
eligible for warranty service, NuForce will charge the credit card for the authorized amount.

EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS

This Limited Warranty applies only to hardware products manufactured by or for NuForce that can be identified by the
"NuForce" trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them. The Limited Warranty does not apply to any non-NuForce
hardware products or any accessories, even if packaged or sold with NuForce hardware. Non-NuForce
manufacturers, suppliers, may provide their own warranties. Other accessories distributed by NuForce under the
NuForce brand name are not covered under this Limited Warranty. This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage
caused by accident, abuse, misuse, misapplication, liquid contact, fire, earthquake, non-NuForce products, or other
external causes; (b) to damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a NASP; (c) to a product or a part
that has been modified without the written permission of NuForce; (d) to consumable parts, such as batteries, or
protective coatings designed to diminish over time unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or
workmanship; (e) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken plastic on ports; (f) to
defects caused by normal wear and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the product; or (g) if any NuForce
serial number has been removed or defaced.

7

Important: Do not open the hardware product. Opening the hardware product may cause damage that is not covered
by this warranty. Only NuForce or a NASP should perform service on this hardware product.

THIS WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, REMEDIES AND CONDITIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
NUFORCE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF
NUFORCE CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, ALL
SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. No NuForce reseller, agent, or
employee is authorized to make any modification, extension, or addition to this warranty.
NUFORCE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE TO OR REPLACEMENT
OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY, ANY COSTS OF RECOVERING, REPROGRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING
ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH NUFORCE PRODUCTS, AND ANY FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA STORED ON THE PRODUCT. NUFORCE SPECIFICALLY DOES
NOT REPRESENT THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO REPAIR ANY PRODUCT UNDER THIS WARRANTY OR MAKE A
PRODUCT EXCHANGE WITHOUT RISK TO OR LOSS OF PROGRAMS OR DATA.

Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or
exclusions or limitations on the duration of implied warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by
state or province.

Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the
Warranty period must be presented to obtain warranty service.

REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER.
NUFORCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.